Archive for the ‘Microsoft’ Category
Thursday, April 11th, 2013
The German European School Singapore (GESS) has deployed Office 365 across its two campuses for 280 staff and 1,500 students.
German European School Singapore (GESS) deploys Microsoft Office 365 for seamless collaboration.
With its combination of email, calendaring systems and office suite, Office 365 has enabled GESS to improve communication and collaboration amongst staff and students.
It has also reduced user IT support and back-end administration by up to 20%.
German European School Singapore (GESS)
The Singapore-based international school comprises a German section and a European section.
“The school spends a lot of effort to ensure that communications are kept private, student data is protected, and curriculum and assessment data are secure,” said Dr Harris, Head of Learning Resources, GESS.
The German arm of the school was established in 1971 to ensure that students coming from, and returning to, Germany benefit from continuity in education and reintegrate easily into the German system.
In the European section, students representing up to 35 different nationalities are educated in English, following the curricula of the International Baccalaureate Organization.
There is also a pre-school section which caters to children as young as 18 months old.
The school has campuses in Bukit Tinggi Road and Jalan Jurong Kechil and its IT department supports different groups of users across these two locations – from the students and teaching faculty to management and administrative staff as well as parents.
Extracts of the press release is appended below.
(more…)
Tags:GESS, Microsoft, Office, Office 365, Singapore
Posted in Announce, Microsoft, Office, Software | No Comments »
Friday, April 5th, 2013
Singapore is the first South East Asia market to launch the Microsoft Surface RT tablet computer. Both the 32GB (S$668) and 64GB (S$798) versions are now available in Singapore at 20 Challenger stores. Price list within.
Microsoft Surface RT tablet has just been launched in Singapore.
Microsoft describes the Surface RT as “a tablet with some laptop capabilities”.
One big selling point is that the tablet ships with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT – which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Hands-on
Physically, the Surface RT feels light at 680g and is only 9.4mm thin (275 x 172 mm in size).
Integrated kick-stand to prop the tablet up in landscape mode.
There is an integrated kickstand that folds out behind the tablet – allowing it to stand in landscape orientation.
Unfortunately, the stand doesn’t work in portrait orientation so you’ll have to hold it with your hands instead.
The keyboard doubles up as a cover to protect the 16:9 widescreen high-definition display (10.6-inch ClearType HD touchscreen display with 1366 x 768 pixels).
Two types of keyboard covers are available – a 3mm-thick Touch Cover for gesture-based touch typing or a 5mm-thick Type cover with traditional moving keys.
It was easy to attach and separate the keyboard/cover from the tablet.
Simply pull the magnetic connectors apart or put the edges close to each other for the connectors to snap in place.
There is a full-sized USB port and microSDXC card slot for additional storage.
The Surface RT runs on a Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU with 2GB RAM.
The Touch Cover is really thin at 3mm.
It runs Windows RT and works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.
What this means is that don’t expect any software written for the full Windows OS (Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP etc) to run on the tablet.
Challenger is the sole launch retailer for the Surface RT in Singapore.
Prices are listed below.
(more…)
Tags:Challenger, launch, Microsoft, Office, prices, RT, Singapore, Surface, tablets, Windows
Posted in Events, Gadgets, Launch, Microsoft, Opinion, Prices, Specifications, Surface, Tablets | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
Microsoft has released prices for Windows 8 after 31 January 2013 – when the current promotional prices expire.
The new prices are much higher, so if you’re planning on upgrading to Windows 8 – get it before the end of this month.
An auspicious 88 days for Windows 8. Click to enlarge.
88 days have passed since the global launch of Windows 8, with 60 million licenses sold, (as of 8 January).
Top eight Windows 8 apps developed locally. All of them are free apps.
- Advanced English Dictionary
- DBS
- MerlionWords
- Parts of a Computer
- SG Deal
- SingAdventure
- The Straits Times
- WeGo Travel
Since the opening of the Windows Store the number of apps has quadrupled and globally Microsoft recently passed the 100 million app download mark – just two months after general availability.
In Asia-Pacific, the number of locally-developed apps is currently being added to at a rate of 50 per day and the developer community itself has swelled by 82% since the October launch.
In Singapore, more than 4,000 developers have been trained to develop apps for Windows 8 since launch.
Below are the prices for the various upgrade editions for Windows 8 from 1 February 2013.
(more…)
Tags:Apps, Microsoft, Singapore, upgrade, Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Posted in Announce, App, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Prices, Software, Specifications, Windows 8 | 1 Comment »
Thursday, January 3rd, 2013
The new ASUS convertible Ultrabook – featuring a display on either side of its cover – is available in Singapore from today for S$2,698.
The ASUS TAICHI tablet-cum-Ultrabook convertible has two screens – one on either side of the cover. Available from today in Singapore for S$2,698.
The 11.6-inch Ultrabook runs on Windows 8 and features a 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processor and two back-to-back Full High Definition (FHD) IPS screens.
(more…)
Tags:Asus, convertibles, notebooks, tablets, TAICHI, ultrabooks, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in Asus, Availability, Gadgets, Microsoft, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | No Comments »
Monday, November 12th, 2012
Fujitsu has introduced the new Windows 8 LIFEBOOK CH702 for the Asia Pacific region. The Ultrabook will be available in early December for S$2,388 (incl GST), in white, pink and brown.
The Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylish design and accessories.
The new Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylishly designed accessories which include a matching wireless mouse, a set of PC case and pouch, and an elegant, slim adapter.
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 runs Windows 8
The Ultrabook comes with the 3rd Generation Intel Corei5 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and the latest Windows 8 operating system to provide an efficient and powerful performance machine.
The 13.3-inch Ultrabook weighs approximately 1.45kg and is 17.5mm thick.
Boasting more than 7 hours of battery lifespan, the laptop is powered to provide full day usage for users on-the-go.
The CH702 is pre-installed with Fujitsu’s new proprietary software, Diary and Scrapbook.
Matching mouse colours with white, brown and pink.
These are convenient, fun and original applications that let users organise tasks, announce important updates, enhance photos, collate interesting information, and share on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
“Customers are looking for design elegance without neglecting PC performance. This demographic is a big market for us,” said Mr. Lim Teck Sin, Vice President, Product Marketing and Engineering, Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
Scrapbook stores and organises pictures and Web pages that users come across when they are browsing the internet.
The application allows users to create theme-based collages for saved content such as web captures.
Content can easily be managed and shared with friends as a digital scrapbook.
With Diary, users can create their very own journal by storing and organising Facebook and Twitter posts and downloaded photos.
PC case and pouch included. Images not to scale.
Incorporating stylish touches, the CH702 features a pearl-design power button, elegant keycap finish and a delicate, cubic zirconia embellishment.
Elegant, slim adapter
The top casing has been constructed with an elegant gradation with gold trim, featuring a cubic zirconia embellished flip latch that allows users to easily open the display panel.
The power button is adorned with a pearl-like accent, and the power status LED and Caps Lock keys are decorated with a LED light with diamond-cut surface.
An exquisite gold ring frames each key on the keyboard, highlighting its elegant style.
In addition, the outtake and intake vents all feature a floral motif design.
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 Ultrabook
Each CH702 comes with a matching wireless mouse that is shaped like a pretty compact powder case; a PC case and adapter pouch with pearl charm; and a slim, bejeweled AC adaptor.
Other accessories which users can purchase include the light and compact external Optical Disc Drive and USB/LAN adaptor for enhanced connectivity.
Tags:Fujitsu, laptop, Lifebook, Microsoft, notebook, Singapore, ultrabook, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in Announce, Fujitsu, Gadgets, Microsoft, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
Lenovo has announced four new convertible tablet/notebook hybrids designed for Windows 8 and Windows RT: the IdeaPad Yoga 13 Ultrabook (S$1,899, mid-Nov), Yoga 11 (S$1,199, early-Dec), ThinkPad Twist S230u (S$1,699, available today), and Tablet 2 (S$899, mid-Dec).
Both IdeaPads can be pre-ordered now.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 (left) and ThinkPad Twist S230u (right) in “Tent” mode, with the Twist and its swivel screen in the centre.
The theme of the launch event at the National Library Building in Singapore was “Flip, Flex, Bend, Twist”, which describes the various ways in which you can manipulate the new convertible tablets.
Bend it like … Beckham Yoga.
I played with the devices on display and found them responsive to the touch of the fingers.
I like the hinge design of the Yoga which allows the screen to be flipped 360 degrees onto itself to convert the Ultrabook into a flat tablet (and as a free-standing display enroute).
The 16.9mm thin Yoga 13 also felt light at only 1.54kg.
When the screen is flipped more than 180 degrees, the keyboard and trackpad is disabled to prevent accidental activation of these while holding the Yoga.
Below is a summary of the four new devices. All are Wi-Fi capable but only the Tablet 2 has an option for 3G.
| Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 – S$1,899 |
| This convertible Ultrabook can be flipped 360 degree to become a flat tablet.
 Boasting more than eight hours of battery life, its Motion Control technology enables users to use gestures to flip through photos, or use fingers on the ten-point multi-touch screen.
Specs: Windows 8, Intel Core i7 CPU, 13.3″ HD+ (1600×900) IPS display, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 1.54kg, 16.9mm thick.
Lenovo is partnering with SingTel to offer an special edition of the IdeaPad Yoga 13 (priced at $1,799 with Intel Core i5 CPU ) with every sign up of SingTel 150Mbps Fibre BroadBand at $98 per month or 15Mbps Home BroadBand at $79.90 per month.
Available in mid-November. Can pre-order now. |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 – S$1,199 |
| The Yoga 11 claims to be the world’s slimmest multi-mode PC, measuring just 15.6 mm thin.
 Its slim design, 11.6-in screen and long 13 hour battery life make it a great convertible for mobility.
Specs: Windows RT, NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU, 11.6″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, 1.27kg, 15.6mm thick.
Available in early December. Can pre-order now. |
| ThinkPad Twist S230u – S$1,699 |
| Another Ultrabook convertible with a twist.
 This 12.5-inch powerhouse features up to Intel Core i7 CPU and is suitable for both business and personal use.
Specs: Windows 8 Pro, Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, 12.5″ HD IPS display, up to 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1.58kg, 20mm thick, 7 hours battery life.
The ThinkPad Twist S230u is available now. |
| ThinkPad Tablet 2 – S$899 |
 This tablet is designed for Windows 8 and powered by an Intel Atom processor.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 supports 5-finger multi-finger touch, pen input or connection to the ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock for a PC-like computing experience.
Both the Pen/Digitizer and keyboard are optional.
 The ThinkPad Tablet 2 includes a host of IT manageability, security and corporate-level service and support to help IT managers easily deploy in their business environments.
Specs: Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, Intel Atom CPU, 10.1″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, up to 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, up to 600g, 9.8mm thick.
Available in mid-December. |
Tags:convertibles, hybrids, launch, Lenovo, notebooks, Singapore, tablets, Twist, Windows, Windows 8, Yoga
Posted in Events, Gadgets, Hybrid, Launch, Lenovo, Microsoft, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 1 Comment »
Sunday, October 28th, 2012
Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (28 October – 3 November 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.
What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?
Lenovo is showing off its exciting lineup of convertible notebook/tablet hybrids for Windows 8 this week. I played with some of the models during the Windows 8 launch in Singapore last week, and they are amazing. Watch this space for the hands-on.
Event listing on tech4tea.com
You can see this selection of events in the right sidebar on every page.
Event organisers can submit your events for listing to johntan@tech4tea.com – but there are no promises that your event will be featured.
This week sees Microsoft move its focus from the launch of Windows 8 to the formal launch of Windows Phone 8, which shares a common core with its bigger sibling.
Will the Metro-based new smartphone operating system increase its market share from a meagre 3.5% (for the second quarter according to IDC).
Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate with 17% and 68% respectively. Windows Phone 8 smartphones announced thus far include Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, HTC 8S and 8X, and Samsung ATIV S. We might actually see the HTC models showcased in Singapore this Friday!
Midweek, Brother is launching a new printer while A*STAR Data Storage Institute will show off the world’s thinnest 2.5-inch 5mm hybrid drive for consumer and business devices.
For those interested in the latest trends in Cloud, Mobile, Social and Big Data, be sure to register for Oracle Day 2012 at Marina Bay Sands. Get the hottest updates on critical business drivers, meet Oracle experts and experience their latest technologies at the Demo booths.
And for photography buffs, the Singapore leg of Canon’s annual PhotoMarathon Asia 2012 takes place at the Marina Bay Sands this Saturday. To be guaranteed a participation slot do register online prior to the event.
Below is the events listing for the week.
(more…)
Tags:Apple, Brother, Canon, convertibles, HTC, laptops, Lenovo, Lumia, Marina Bay Sands, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows 8, Nokia, notebooks, printers, Samsung, Singapore, SingTel, tablets, Windows, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Windows Phone 8
Posted in Apple, Brother, Canon, Event forecast, Events, Gadgets, Google, HTC, Inkjet, Lumia, Microsoft, Nokia, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Phones, Photography, Printers, Samsung, SingTel, Software, Tablets, Tech news, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 | No Comments »
Friday, October 26th, 2012
Microsoft Windows 8 has become available to consumers and businesses in 140 countries and 37 languages today. Here are the Singapore prices (valid until 31 January 2013) for upgrading or purchasing the new operating system. Promotional offers within.
Update (23 January, 2013):
These promotional prices are valid until 31 Jaunuary 2013. Microsoft has released the increased prices starting from 1 February 2013.
Windows 8 is now available to consumers and businesses around the world.
You can get Windows 8 bundled with new computers that you purchase; upgrade from existing Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP; or new installation.
| Upgrade path |
Price |
Notes |
| Buy Windows 8 with device |
Varies |
Depends on device purchased. |
| Upgrade from Windows 7 (after 1 June 2012) |
S$17.99 |
Customers who bought a Windows 7 PC between 2 June 2012 and 31 January 2013 can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro here. |
| Upgrade from Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP (before 1 June 2012) |
S$49.99 |
For a limited time, customers who bought a Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP computer before 1 June 2012 can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro here. |
| Purchase a new packaged DVD from a participating retailer. |
S$89.99 |
Limited time Windows 8 Launch offer: get a FREE Canon PIXMA MP237 Printer worth S$79 while stocks last. |
Tags:discounts, Microsoft, promotions, Singapore, upgrade, Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Posted in Availability, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Prices, Promotions, Software, Specifications, Tech news, Windows 7, Windows 8 | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
Two days before General Availability of Microsoft Windows 8, ASUS unveils its lineup of new Windows 8 touch-enabled devices, which includes full gaming desktops, All-in-Ones, notebooks, tablets – as well as notebook/tablet convertibles/transformers. Prices within.
Update (17 January, 2013):
The ASUS VivoTab Smart detachable tablet will be available in Singapore from 18 January onwards at S$699 for the WiFi model.
Update (9 January, 2013):
The ASUS VivoTab RT 3G is now available in Singapore from 9 January for S$1,049.
ASUS has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of Windows 8 computers ranging from powerful gaming desktops, All-in-One desktops, notebooks, tablets, as well as convertible and transformer notebook/tablethybrids.
Among the major computer manufacturers, I consider Asus as one of the most innovative.
Innovative pioneers
The Taiwanese company created the Netbook genre with its Eee PCs back in 2007.
ASUS Transformer Book
Asus also the pioneered the tablet/notebook hybrid with the Asus Transformer TF101 – offering a hardware keyboard that the Android tablet could be docked into for serious work that involves typing – plus added battery life and connectors.
Now every other major computer maker offers notebook/tablet hybrids in their lineup.
Either as a “Transformer” hybrid where the keyboard can be totally detached.
Or in a “Convertible” format where the keyboard cannot be detached but can be manipulated such that the machine can be held as a tablet or used like a traditional laptop.
Asus has continued its innovation with products such as the Transformer Padfone and now the Taichi – a convertible with dual screens.
Below is a summary of the new Windows 8 lineup unveiled by ASUS.
(more…)
Tags:AIO, Asus, Clarke Quay, convertibles, desktops, launch, Microsoft, notebooks, Singapore, tablets, TAICHI, transformers, VivoBook, VivoTab, Windows, Windows 8, Zenbook
Posted in All-in-One, Asus, Desktops, Eee Pad Transformer Prime, Eee Pad Transformer TF101, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Gaming, Launch, Microsoft, Notebooks, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (21-27 October 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.
What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore?
This week sees the culmination of weeks of anticipation building up to the General Availability of Windows 8. CNET reports that Microsoft is holding a special event in New York City on the eve to as a pre-launch celebration. This is also being held in other major cities as well.
Event listing on tech4tea.com
You can see this selection of events in the right sidebar on every page.
Event organisers can submit your events for listing to johntan@tech4tea.com – but there are no promises that your event will be featured.
Asus is showcasing its Windows 8 lineup while Samsung is setting up a “Samsung Experience Corner” in the Challenger store in Funan DigitaLife Mall.
In parallel is similar levels of excitement with Apple holding a special event with the usual cryptic message. This time the invite reads “We’ve got a little more to show you”, which everyone sees as pointing to the launch of the 7.85-inch iPad Mini.
For Rounding off an exciting week is a public holiday for countries in the region for Muslims – Hari Raya Haji. Take the chance to check out the new range of Loewe televisions launched by Atlas Sound & Vision in Singapore.
23 October (Tuesday)
The invite says “We’ve got a little more to show you” – everybody’s expecting the 7.85-inch version of the iPad.
We’ll find out at 1am Singapore time on 24 October (Wednesday).
Venue: San Jose
24 October (Wednesday)
Asus Windows 8 showcase
Another major PC maker showcases its lineup of Windows 8 desktops, laptops and tablets.
Venue: Calrke Quay
24 October (Wednesday)
Loewe TV launch
Atlas Sound & Vision is launching a new range of Loewe Televisions in Singapore.
Venue: Palais Renaissance
25 October (Thursday)
Samsung Experience Corner
Touch, feel and play with Samsung products, especially its latest Windows 8 devices.
Venue: Challenger @ Funan
25 October (Thursday)
Microsoft is holding launch events in 15 cities around the world prior to the General Availability of Windows 8 on the next day.
Venue: Singapore, New York etc.
26 October (Friday)
General Availability of Windows 8, marking the official release of much anticipated new operating system from Microsoft
26 October (Friday)
“Selamat Hari Raya Haji” to Muslims celebrating this religious festival.
26 October (Friday)
Nubox to re-launch Nubox@Funan DigitaLife Mall, with store opening promotions. It will also hold the finals of the Nubox Super Size Challenge at the store.
Tags:Apple, Asus, desktops, DigitaLife, Funan, iPad, iPad Mini, laptops, Loewe, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows 8, notebooks, Nubox, Samsung, Singapore, tablets, televisions, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in Asus, Atlas, Desktops, Event forecast, Events, Gadgets, Microsoft, Notebooks, Samsung, Tablets, TV | No Comments »
