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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
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
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
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.

Tags:Lexmark, printers, promotions, SITEX 2011
Posted in Accessories, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Lexmark, Prices, Printers, Promotions, Specifications | 2 Comments »

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.

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.

Tags:navigation, PND, TomTom, Via
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Lifestyle, Opinion, Review, TomTom, Travel | 1 Comment »

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.

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.

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.

Tags:GPS, navigation, PND, TomTom, Via
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Lifestyle, Opinion, Prices, Review, TomTom, Travel | 1 Comment »

Leica Camera increases Asia sales by 56%

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Leica Camera sales from first half of this year (April 1 to September 30, 2011) increased by a double digit 56% compared to the corresponding period last year (April 1 to September 30, 2010).

Sales in Asia contributed to 23.7% of Leica’s global sales.

The Company’s success drivers were the Leica M9 rangefinder camera, the S2 professional system, as well as the Leica X1 compact camera.

“I am glad to witness the increase in demand for our cameras, sport optics and accessories in Asia,” said Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific.

Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific

The Leica compact camera models V-Lux 20, V-Lux 2 and D-Lux 5 also made essential contributions to the positive overall development.

Further success drivers are the Rangemaster and Televid product lines in the Leica Sport optics product group.

Tags:binoculars, cameras, compact, DSLR, Leica, lens, optics, rangefinders
Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, DSLR, Figures, Leica, Lens, Tech news | No Comments »

5 New GPS PNDs: TomTom GO and Via series

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Five new GPS PNDs from TomTom have arrived in Singapore – three from the Via range and two from the GO series. They will be available during SITEX 2011 from S$199 to S$479.

Comparison of the feature sets for the five TomTom GO and Via PNDs.

TomTom’s PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices) uses the unique IQ Routes technology that allows everyone to drive like a local.

Pricing & Availability: The new TomTom PNDs will be available at SITEX 2011 (24-27 November) at the following recommended retail prices.
TomTom Via 220	S$199
TomTom Via 260	S$239
TomTom Via 280	S$279
TomTom GO 2050	S$399
TomTom GO 2050 World	S$479

The technology uses real road speed information contributed by TomTom drivers to consider all possible routes for selecting the fastest path – rather than rely on static maximum road speeds.

This often results in a different and faster route, saving significant travel time as well as money and fuel.

The PNDs comes with maps of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong and Macau.

With road networks changing an average of 15% per year, TomTom allows users to download the latest map free-of-change within 90 days of first use. Users also get four bonus maps free in the first year of use.

TomTom GO 2050 and 2050 World

TomTom GO 2050 (S$399) and TomTom GO 2050 World (S$479)

Both feature a large 5” Fluid Touch screen that allows users to pinch to zoom in and out of maps, or to scroll through menus with the tip of a finger. The Easy Click magnetic mount makes docking and undocking easier than ever – even with just one hand.

For S$80 more, the GO 2050 World comes with a world map which allows seamless navigation across 66 countries. The map covers includes coverage of South-East Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and major towns and cities in Africa.

TomTom Via 220 (S$199), 260 (S$239) and 280 (S$279)

TomTom Via 220, 260 and 280

The TomTom Via range ships with pre-installed Safety Cameras, IQ Routes, and Voice Control (Via 260 and 280).

Launching in Singapore for the first time, the software features Bluetooth hands free calling and an easy to use interface.

The TomTom Via 220 and 260 feature a 4.3” touch screen while the Via 280 sports a 5” touch screen.

Tags:GO, GPS, PND, TomTom, Via
Posted in Gadgets, GPS, Launch, TomTom, Travel | 3 Comments »

SingTel launches Singapore’s first e-book service

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Skoob is the first service to offer works by Singapore writers as well as study guides and educational books for local primary and secondary school students.

First e-book service to accept payments in SGD. Significant savings versus the cost of traditional paper books.

Launched by Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today, skoob offers more than 39,000 local and international bestsellers for smartphones, tablets and PCs.

“The Singapore market has long been overlooked by e-book services from abroad. With the launch of skoob, Singapore readers finally have a service that offers local books and caters specifically to their tastes and needs,” said Goh Seow Eng, SingTel’s Chief of Digital Home.It is the first e-book service to accept payments in Singapore dollars and offers tremendous savings versus the cost of traditional paper books.

For example, fans of John Grisham can enjoy his novel, The Confession, at S$9.00 instead of S$17.07 at a bookshop.

Neil Humphreys’ acclaimed Complete Notes from Singapore is available at S$13.90 instead of S$29.90.

“It also provides local publishers and writers with a powerful digital platform that allows them to reach a wider audience,” Goh added.Skoob also offers a range of classics for free download, such as Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

Skoob is available on Apple and Android tablets and smartphones via a free app. It can also be enjoyed on PCs and Macs using standard browsers.

For iPad, iPhone, Android tablets and smartphones, and PCs

International best sellers from the top 6 global publishers: Random House, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Simon and Schuster and Macmillan

Customers have the flexibility to download books on up to five devices. Payments can be made via Singapore credit cards. SingTel customers can choose to have purchases conveniently charged to their monthly bills.

“We are continuously working with publishers to expand our catalogue. We believe skoob’s range of local study guides and educational books will be well received by school students, and we are looking to include assessment papers soon,” Goh revealed.Mr Goh said that skoob is an important addition to SingTel’s growing suite of multimedia offerings, which includes the AMPed music service, deF!ND digital concierge, ESC games service, De!ite e-magazine service, exCite web video app and mio TV.

Skoob offers titles from six global publishing houses: Random House, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Simon and Schuster and Macmillan.

The service carries local titles, study guides and educational books from: Popular, Marshall Cavendish, Cengage Learning, Asiapac, Flame of the Forest, McGraw Hill, Sunbear, Monsoon, Singapore Asia Publishers (SAP) and Janus Education.

Chinese language books will be available soon.

Tags:Android, Apple, BlackBerry, desk, eBook, notebooks, smartphone, tablets
Posted in Android, App, iOS, Launch, Mac OS, SingTel, Software, Windows 7 | No Comments »

Felicia Chin roots for Olympus XZ-1

Monday, November 14th, 2011

Olympus has appointed popular local actress Felicia Chin as the brand ambassador for the Olympus XZ-1, the flagship compact digital camera from the Japanese maker.

An avid user of social media, Felicia will share the photos she takes with her Olympus XZ-1 with friends and fans via her blog.

“XZ-1 gives me exactly what I want – beautiful pictures and creations that speak volumes about the world around me,” said Felicia Chin.Felicia is currently taking a break from acting to pursue her Business Studies degree at the National University of Singapore.

She has taken an 18-month break to-date, and with another year and a half to go for her studies

Felicia recently returned to local television screens with her new Mandarin drama series, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’, which made its debut on 27 September 2011, 9.00 pm.

Felicia will partner Olympus in the year-long "Felicia & XZ-1" campaign.

The year-long “Felicia Chin & XZ-1” campaign will see Felicia rooting for the fast compact digital camera via social media as well as traditional print media.

Olympus XZ-1

The XZ-1 (10-megapixel, 4x zoom) is the flagship compact digital camera from Olympus.

It offers image quality that rivals that of entry-level DSLR cameras whilst enjoying the compact form factor of digital compacts.

The Olympus XZ-1 were presented the “Best Expert Compact Camera” at the TIPA Awards 2011 and also won the prestigious Red Dot Design award 2011.

I reviewed the camera earlier this year and was deeply impressed at the speed of the fast lens (F1.8-2.5 aperture) and the image quality.

Take a look some of the photos I snapped in the photo review that I did as part of the review.

The user interface was easy to use, yet allowed fine manual control for enthusiasts and aspiring photographers. Check out the detailed review and the main specifications I’d posted earlier.

Photo review of the Olympus XZ-1

Tags:cameras, compact, Felicia Chin, Olympus, XZ-1
Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, Olympus, Photography, Photos | 1 Comment »

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 available now in Singapore

Monday, November 14th, 2011

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is now available in Singapore, with the 3G (16GB) model retailing at S$768.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Android Honeycomb tablet at S$768 today.

The GALAXY Tab 8.9 now joins Samsung‘s 10.1 and 7-inch GALAXY Tab to provide consumers with an array of tablet sizes, depending on their needs and preferences.

At just 8.6mm thin and weighing only 453g, the GALAXY Tab 8.9 is targeted at today’s mobile professional, from writing emails on a business trip to reading an trashy eBook in bed.

Key highlights of the GALAXY Tab 8.9

Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface implemented on the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, offering enhanced multi-tasking, user interaction and navigation.
Supports HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduced data transfer times.
A 3-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera, providing smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience.

Detailed specifications of the Galaxy 8.9 are tabulated below:

Display	8.9” WXGA 1280×800
OS	Android 3.2 (Honeycomb)
Processor	1GHz Dual Core application processor
Memory	16 GB
Connectivity	Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 WiFi 802.11 (a/b/g/n)
Camera	Main(Rear) : 3.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash Front : 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
Video	Format : MPEG4/H263/H264, Divx/Xvid Playback : 1080p Full HD Video @ 30fps Recording : 720p HD Video
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, OGG, MIDI, AMR-NB/WB 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo Speaker
Enterprise Solutions	Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync Polaris Office
Value-added Features	Android Market
	Google Mobile Services : Google Talk Video Chat, Google Maps, Books, etc
	Samsung TouchWiz UX
	Samsung Mini Apps Tray
	Social Hub, Readers Hub *Availability differs by region
	Adobe Flash Player 10.3
Sensor	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Ambient Light sensor
Size	230.9 x 157.8 x 8.6 mm, 453g
Battery	6100mAh
Network	HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
Price	3G (16GB) at S$768

Tags:8.9, Galaxy, Honeycomb, launch, Samsung, tablets
Posted in Android, Gadgets, Galaxy, Launch, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

Christmas promotion: SanDisk memory cards

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Get a free protective camera wrap when you purchase 16GB or higher SanDisk Extreme or SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I cards. This offer will last for 1.5 months from 15 November to 31 December, while stocks last.

Free protective camera wrap for purchases of 16GB or higher SanDisk Extreme or SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I cards

The camera wrap will offer extra protection for photographers while they carry their cameras with them as they travel and visit relatives during the Christmas season.

The camera wrap is convenient and easy to use—photographers simply fold it along the corners, secure it and then stick it in their camera bag before heading off to a shoot.

SanDisk recently doubled the capacity and performance of its professional-grade imaging card lineup with the introduction of the 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC/SDXC UHS-I card.

Based on the SD 3.0 specification’s Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus architecture, the card offers the fastest write performance of any SD card in the world and is ideal for imaging enthusiasts using UHS-enabled cameras.

The card’s 90 megabyte per second (MB/sec) write speed lets photographers capture a series of RAW images using burst mode, and its UHS Speed Class 1 rating can record Full HD videos.

With up to 95MB/sec read speeds, the card can transfer photos to a computer in half the time, allowing photographers to quickly enter post production.

The cards come in 8GB to 64GB capacities carrying promotional MSRPs ranging from S$69 (8GB) to S$529 (64GB).

Tags:microSD, SanDisk, SD, SDHC, SDXC, SSD, USB
Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, Prices, Promotions, SanDisk, Specifications | No Comments »

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