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New tablet: Samsung SLATE PC Series 7

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and featuring an 11.6” screen, the powerful but portable Windows 7 device will be available this month at S$1,688.

The Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 can be used as a tablet or be used as a desktop.

The Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 can be used as a tablet or be used as a desktop.

The Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 is 12.9mm (0.5”) in thinness and weighs only 860g.

The docking station for the tablet.

The docking station for the tablet.

When connected to the docking station, and the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (both sold separately), the Slate operates as a desktop PC.

The docking station provides the interface to other devices and enables the flexibility to sync to a larger monitor.

On its own, the SLATE PC Series 7 can used as an ultra-portable device just like a tablet. Battery life is up to 6 hours.

Used as a desktop when docked in and connected to optional Bluetooth keyboard.

Used as a desktop when docked in and connected to optional Bluetooth keyboard.

Multiple input methods from touch screen keyboard to digital pen ensure make it a flexible solution for capturing, creating and presenting content on the go, using Microsoft Office 2010 or via web applications.

Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 (S$1,688)

Samsung SLATE PC Series 7 (S$1,688)

An integrated microphone and dual 2MP (front) / 3MP (rear) cameras record audio/visual files, which can be stored and shared via the full-sized USB port or Wi-Fi, WiMAX and HSPA+ connection.

The SuperBright Plus 11.6” HD display provides outstanding picture quality and text-readability with 400nit brightness – 100% brighter than normal laptop displays, enabling full visual experience even outdoors.

The SLATE PC Series 7 boots up in 15 seconds and wakes from standby in 2 seconds.

Below are the key specifications.

System Configuration
CPU Intel Huron River Core i5 2467M / Core i3
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Professional
LCD 11.6” HD display, 16:9 aspect ratio, 400nit brightness, PLS(view angle>=170 degree)
GFX Intel HD Graphics 3000
Memory 2GB / 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
Storage 64 / 128 GB SSD
Webcam Front : 2.0M, Rear: 3.0M
WWAN HSPA+ (802.11 bgn)
PAN BT 3.0
Battery 40Wh (up to 6 hours – based on Mobile Mark test)
Dimensions/Wt 12.9mm / 860g (0.5” / 1.89lbs)
Input / Output
Input Capacitive Touch + Digitizer/ AF Coating, Durable Glass
Ports 1x USB2.0 (Type A), m-HDMI, Audio (in/out), micro SD slot
Dock Connector Interface: USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, DC-in, HDMI
Keyboard Bluetooth keyboard (optional)

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Posted in Desktops, Gadgets, Launch, Prices, Samsung, Software, Specifications, Tablets, Windows 7 | No Comments »

TODAY! HTC One X and HTC One V hit the shelves

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

The HTC One X (S$898 without contract) and HTC One V (S$398) are available in Singapore from today, after their launch last Friday.

Lennard Hoornik - President, HTC South Asia - waxes lyrical about the HTC One X.

Lennard Hoornik - President, HTC South Asia - waxes lyrical about the HTC One X.

“One of the key objectives for the HTC One series, was to enable the user to remember their best moments in life easily, whether it be capturing a photo or listening to a song, so it was crucial for us to improve these emotional experiences with an amazing camera and authentic sound experience,” said Lennard Hoornik.I had the chance to speak with Lennard Hoornik during the launch of the HTC One series of smartphones last Friday at Marina Bay Sands.

Lennard Hoornik is the President of HTC South Asia.

On the impending retirement of HTCSense.com’s cloud backup services, Hoornik pointed out that – with the Android’s in-built synching functionalities through Google, coupled with Dropbox integration with the HTC One smartphones – there was no need to replicate the services.

The HTC One X

I was also given a demo by Darren Sng of how the Media Link enabled the content and media of the HTC One X to be “thrown” onto an HDTV in the living room – so that others could view videos on the phone or view web sites accessed by the smartphone.

The Senior Director of Asia Product Marketing at HTC also described how the HTC Car app makes it easy for the driver to control and play music from the HTC One X on the car’s sound system.

A HTC Car Stereo Clip that is plugged into the auxillary socket of the car stereo allows wireless reception of music from the HTC One X, while large icons on the smartphone’s screen make it easier for the driver to take calls and play music.

Both the Media Link and the Car Stereo Clip are sold separately.

Below are the key specifications of the HTC One X and HTC One V.

HTC One X HTC One V
OS Android 4.0(ICS) with HTC Sense 4
Display 4.7″, 1280 x 720 3.7″, 480 x 800
CPU NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-core, 1.5GHz 1GHz
Memory 32GB 4GB
Dropbox 25GB – free for 2 years
Size 134.36 x 69.9 x 8.9 mm 120.3 x 59.7 x 9.24 mm
Weight
(with Bty)		 130g 115g
Sound Beats Audio
Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • micro-USB port
  • 3.5MM stereo audio jack
  • DLNA
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • micro-USB port
  • 3.5MM stereo audio jack
  • microSD card slot
Camera
  • 8 megapixel
  • f2.0, 28mm lens
  • Autofocus + flash
  • 1080p HD video recording
  • 1.3 MP front camera
  • 5 megapixel
  • f2.0, 28mm lens
  • Autofocus + flash
  • 720p HD video recording
Battery 1800mAh 1500mAh
Talk time
  • Up to 800min (WCDMA)
  • Up to 1020min (GSM)
  • Up to 500min (WCDMA)
  • Up to 540min (GSM)
Standby Time
  • Up to 525hr (WCDMA)
  • Up to 545hr (GSM)
  • Up to 617hr (WCDMA)
  • Up to 533hr (GSM)

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Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, HTC, HTC One, Phones, Prices, Specifications | 2 Comments »

New Android smartphones: HTC One X and HTC One V

Friday, March 30th, 2012

HTC has launched its One series of smartphones in Singapore. The HTC One X (S$898 without contract) and HTC One V (S$398) will be available in Singapore and the countries around the world from next Monday, 2 April 2012.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

At the media launch in Marina Bay Sands Hall A today, HTC showed off the new Android 4.0 (ICS, with HTC Sense 4) smartphones, which boast a superb camera, Beats Audio and greater connectivity.

The HTC One X has a 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass, while the One V has a 3.7-inch, 480×800 WVGA screen.

The key tech specs can be found here.

Authentic Sound

Beats By Dr. Dre Audio is integrated into the HTC One smartphones for all sound experiences from listening to music to watching YouTube videos or playing games.

HTC’s included Sync Manager software, available in Windows and Mac versions, makes it a breeze to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your music library, whether it is iTunes or Windows Media Player. The syncing can take place wirelessly as well.

Camera
Side views of the HTC One X and V.

HTC One X and HTC One V

With fast autofocus in 0.2 seconds, the camera can take a snapshot in 0.7 seconds.

Simply hold down the shutter button to take up to 99 consecutive shots at 4 frames per second on the HTC One X (HTC One V takes 2 fps to 99 shots).

An f/2.0 lens allows the HTC One X to take pictures in low-light, while HDR technology enables photos in harsh lighting conditions to turn out well.

While shooting HD video, simply press the shutter button to capture a high-resolution still photo without disrupting the video recording. The same can be done while viewing a previously recorded video.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU.

Dropbox integration

To save recorded photos and videos, or any other documents, Dropbox has been integrated with HTC Sense 4 in the HTC One, whose users get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years.

Dropbox cloud storage, together with the cloud synchronisation provided by Google via the Android OS has resulted in the recent retirement of HTCsense.com cloud backup services.

Personal entertainment hub

Apart from using the smartphone to make calls, take and view photos or video, enjoy music, surf the web, and play games; HTC is trying to extend the consumption of HTC’s content and media beyond just the smartphone’s screen.

I can see that HTC is positioning the One X as the hub of the modern consumer’s digital lifestyle.

HTC Media Link

If you’re in the living room, you can “throw” the display on your smartphone onto your HDTV with an upward swipe on the smartphone’s screen using three fingers – as long as there is a Wi-Fi network in the vicinity and your TV has an HDMI input which is connected to the HTC Media Link.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The Media Link is a black box the size of a name card box that has a USB power socket and an HDMI socket.The mirrored display is transmitted over the Wi-Fi network to the Media Link. The TV doesn’t have to be DNLA enabled – all it needs is an HDMI input.

For watching movies, the video can be viewed while the smartphone itself is used for other purposes.

HTC Car Stereo Clip

And if you’re in the car, the music or call audio can be channeled into the car’s speakers. Simply plug the HTC Car Stereo Clip into the car stereo’s auxiliary socket. The Car Stereo Clip receives the sound signals from smartphone and pumps it into the car’s sound system.

With a phone holder that can be attached to the windscreen (via a suction attachment), the smartphone can be put into “car” mode.

Only the essential functionalities typically needed in the car are displayed on the smartphone screen, such as Calls, Music, and navigation – with big icons to make it easier to control while driving.

The Media Link, Car Stereo Clip and the car kit are sold separately.

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Posted in Accessories, Android, Audio, Cameras, Events, Gadgets, HTC, HTC One, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications | 9 Comments »

Nokia ventures into China with Lumia smartphones

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

China Telecom and Nokia have launched the first CDMA Windows phones in China. The Nokia 800C will be available for purchase in April at 3599 RMB (S$718) without contract; while the more affordable Nokia 600C will be available sometime in Q2 2012.

Stephen Elop, CEO of Nokia; and Wang Xiaochu, Chairman of China Telecom at the launch.

Stephen Elop, CEO of Nokia; and Wang Xiaochu, Chairman of China Telecom at the launch.

The Nokia 800C will be Nokia’s first Lumia phone for China – the world’s largest smartphone market. It is the CDMA variant of the Windows Phone-based Lumia 800.

China will see sales of up to 140 million smartphones this year. This is an increase of more than 80%, propelling China past the U.S. as the world’s largest smartphone market, according to researcher Gartner Inc. The Nokia 610C (CDMA variant of Lumia 610, price to be announced) will target more youthful audience and will provide a perfect introduction to Windows Phone with access to the same core signature experiences as the rest of the Lumia range

China Telecom is offering the Nokia 800C in black and cyan.

Nokia is also working on phones for networks operated by China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd. and
China Mobile Ltd, reported Bloomberg.

The smartphone features a 3.7″ AMOLED ClearBlack curved touchscreen display.

With a 1.4 GHz processor, hardware acceleration and a separate graphics processor, it also features an instant-share 8 Mpx camera with Carl Zeiss optics, HD video playback, 16GB of internal user memory and SkyDrive storage for accessing pictures and files from anywhere.

Android enjoys more than half the market share of smartphone platforms in the 4th quarter, while the iPhone accounts for nearly 25 percent, with Windows Phones (from all manufacturers) capturing 1.9 percent. – according to Gartner.Exclusive applications and services for a uniquely local experience

China Telecom and Nokia are targeting young people by integrating music, games, videos, and integrated reading apps right onto the Nokia 800C home screen.

To reach this target market, the Nokia 800C will be featured prominently in Tianyi FlyYoung shops, a distribution arm and new, youth-centered sub-brand of China Telecom.

People purchasing Nokia Lumia  smartphones in China will have access to applications such as magazines from Trends and special offers for free downloads of popular gaming titles such as Fruit Ninja and PVZ.

Trends, a provider of highly interactive fashion magazine applications, will launch Cosmopolitan first for Nokia Lumia smartphones and provide people using a Nokia Lumia phone with free access to For Him Magazine (FHM), Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire magazines in Marketplace, opening today.

Top 3 phone makers in China in the 4th quarter (Gartner)
Samsung 24.3%
Nokia 19.6%
Apple 7.5%

As an added incentive for  people using a Nokia Lumia smartphone in China, Nokia will soon offer 100,000 free downloads of the hit gaming titles Fruit Ninja and PVZ through the Nokia Collection in Marketplace.

Nokia and Microsoft also announced the Be Top program, which is designed to encourage and support developers in creating great new applications on Windows Phone specifically for people in China.

Nokia will offer Lumia users access to all major Internet services in China including Sina, SOHU, Tencent and Renren as well as a choice of nearly 20,000 apps available for download through Marketplace.

The Nokia 800C comes with the Nokia apps that are available only on Lumia smartphones:

The Nokia 800C is the CDMA variant of the Nokia Lumia 800.

The Nokia 800C is the CDMA variant of the Nokia Lumia 800.

Nokia Maps

Quick-access, three-dimensional maps in China and over 190 countries worldwide, as well as the ability to discover the top places nearby with local content support from Fantong, Jiepang, Ctrip, Qunar and Soufun.

People can easily click on the places to see photos, recommendations and information, and quickly dial restaurants to make a reservation.

Nokia Drive

Delivers a full-fledged personal navigation device with free, voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation for over 100 countries including China.

It has a dedicated in-car user-interface, free offline navigation and speed notifications.

Nokia Music

Offers a single hub experience for discovering the latest music, including unlimited free music for 12 months for consumers in mainland China.

It also includes MixRadio, a free, global, mobile music-streaming application that delivers hundreds of channels of locally-relevant music, including the ability to listen to music offline and build personalized mixes for listening to favourite music from any location.

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Posted in Figures, Gadgets, Launch, Lumia, Nokia, Phones, Prices, Specifications, Tech news, Windows Phone | 1 Comment »

TODAY! Nikon COOLPIX P310, P510, and L810 available in Singapore

Monday, March 26th, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399) hit the shelves in Singapore today.

Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399)

Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399)

The three 16.1-megapixel COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

All three cameras features Nikon’s Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) function to produce sharper images with less motion blur.

Below are the details:

Nikon COOLPIX P310, S$549 Nikon COOLPIX P310

S$549

  • Black or White
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 4.2x Optical Zoom
  • Focal range from 24 to 100 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • COOLPIX Picture Control – Optimising Images Prior To Shooting
  • Record Customisable Full-HD Movies With Optical Zoom
  • Bright And Ultra-Clear 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
Nikon COOLPIX P510, S$739 Nikon COOLPIX P510

S$739

  • Black
  • Red
  • Dark Silver
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 42x Optical Zoom
  • Focal range from 24 to 1000 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • COOLPIX Picture Control – Optimising Images Prior To Shooting
  • Record Customisable Full-HD Movies With Optical Zoom
  • Bright And Ultra-Clear 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
Nikon COOLPIX L810, S$399 Nikon COOLPIX L810

S$399

  • Black
  • Red
  • Bronze
  • Blue
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 26x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens
  • Focal range from 22.5 to 585 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • 19 optimised scene modes
  • 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
  • 3D Photography

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Posted in 3D, Availability, Cameras, Compact camera, COOLPIX, Gadgets, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

I tried out Zinio on the BlackBerry PlayBook

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

The free Zinio app was released on BlackBerry App World on Tuesday, 20 March. I’ve tried it out for the past few days to read the two free magazines that came with the “magazine stand” app.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Zinio stocks over 5,000 titles in more than 30 languages.

Installation was easy and fuss-free. Fire up App World on the PlayBook, search for Zinio, click the Download button.

The 1.8 MB app is downloaded and installed in a jiffy (depending on your bandwidth) and you’re set to go.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Zinio starts you off with two free magazines when you first install the app.

Starting up Zinio, you’re prompted to sign in if you have an existing account with Zinio (which is also available through a browser and via apps for iOS and Android tablets), or sign up for a new account.

All you need to sign up is an email and a password. Once logged in, you remain logged in on the PlayBook until you log out.

Once in, you get to the library with two free magazines for installing the app. At this point, you get the March 12 issue of Esquire and April 12 issue of Elle.

Click on the thumbnail to download the magazine. Once downloaded, you can read the magazine even when offline.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

View two pages at a time in landscape mode, with navigation interface when you tap on the screen.

The user interface is simple and intuitive. In portrait mode, you view one page at a time. In landscape mode, you view two pages on the screen.

Pinch to zoom out and spread the fingers to zoom in.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode.

View one page at a time when in portrait mode. Shown with navigation thumbnails below and options above.

Double-tap to zoom-in quickly and single tap to display options, such as a row of scrollable thumbnail pages at the bottom for quick navigation.

Navigation was easy and smooth and the app has been stable in the few days that I’ve played with it.

Want more magazines? Hit the online shop. The categories are listed to the left, and the magazine covers in the category listed to the right.

Selecting a magazine will bring you to the details page where you can choose to purchase either a single issue or subscribe for a number of issues.

After that, it’s the typical payment transactions, with entry and verification of credit card details.

Zinio has more than 5,000 titles (magazines and newspapers) in more than 30 languages from around the world.

Publications purchased or subscribed to can be perused on any compatible device as long as the user is logged in with the account used to make the purchase, and a version of the magazine compatible for the OS is available on Zinio.

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Posted in App, BlackBerry, Gadgets, Launch, Opinion, PlayBook, Prices, Review, RIM, Software, Specifications, Tablets | No Comments »

TODAY! D4 and D800 available in Singapore

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

The two new top DSLRs from Nikon hit the shelves in Singapore today. Flagship D4 (S$9,799) and 36.3-megapixel D800 (S$4,488) go on sale today.

D4 (S$9,799) and 36.3-megapixel D800 (S$4,488)

D4 (S$9,799) and 36.3-megapixel D800 (S$4,488)

Nikon’s new flagship D4 was first launched in Singapore on 6 January 2012, while the D800 was launched on 7 February.

D800E will likely be available only later in April (price TBC, possibly 10% more than the price of D800).

A write-up on the launch, specs and brochure for the D800 can be found here, while the brochure for D4 can be viewed or downloaded here.

The key specifications and features for the D4 and D800 are summarised below.

Nikon D4

S$9,799

Nikon D4 DSLR, S$9,799

 The next-generation flagship digital SLR camera is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital SLR cameras.

Designed with versatility and functionality that offers superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance.

The Nikon D4 has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image sensor supporting an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 204800.
  • New Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor.
  • Support for an huge range of sensitivities, from ISO 50 to ISO 204,800.
  • New EXPEED 3 image-processing engine with superior, high-speed processing capabilities.
  • 91K-pixel RGB sensor for the more accurate Advanced Scene Recognition System.
  • Faster and more accurate AF with 51 focus points.
  • Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie with three image area options.
  • Smooth workflow from initial setup to image transfer.
  • The new compact Wireless Transmitter WT-5 with simple connection to the camera (available separately).
  • Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3 for significantly faster processing.

Nikon D800

S$4,488

Nikon D800 DSLR, S$4,488

 The D800 is Nikon’s newest FX-format DSLR.

Its huge 36.3 megapixels and the powerful new EXPEED 3 image processing engine offers imaging potential that rivals some of the best studio cameras.

If your workflow demands broadcast quality video with high-fidelity audio recording, D-Movie will satisfy even your most demanding needs.

The D800 shoots 1080p Full HD in both FX and DX based formats, offering cinematographers newfound versatility.
  • 36.3 Megapixels.
  • ISO range of ISO 100 to 6,400, expandable to ISO 50 to 25,600.
  • Optical low-pass filter optimized for sharpness.
  • New image-processing engine EXPEED 3.
  • Newly developed 91K-pixel RGB sensor.
  • Approx. 921k-dot, 3.2-in. LCD monitor.
  • Dual card slots for a CF card and SD memory card.
  • High-speed data transfer with USB 3.0 supported.
  • Full HD video quality (1920 x 1080/30p).
  • High-fidelity audio recording control.

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Posted in Availability, Brochures, Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | 2 Comments »

WD ships its first external Thunderbolt hard drive

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Western Digital’s My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage system comes in capacities of 4TB (S$799) and 6TB (S$899).

My Book Thunderbolt Duo is Western Digital's first external hard disk based on Thunderbolt technology.

My Book Thunderbolt Duo is Western Digital's first external hard disk based on Thunderbolt technology.

Thunderbolt technology brings a new way to connect high-speed storage devices to any desktop or notebook computer with a Thunderbolt port while delivering unmatched speed for multitasking activities such as, editing video/music, 3D rendering, and completing other high definition graphics-intensive projects.

The new My Book Thunderbolt Duo promises creative professionals and Mac enthusiasts improved performance, double-safe data protection and flexibility.

Additional features found on the My Book Thunderbolt Duo include out-of-the-box compatibility with Mac OS Time Machine and formatting for HFS + Journaled for Mac; capability for multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty.

The datasheet for the drive can be viewed/downloaded below:

(more…)

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Posted in Availability, Brochures, Gadgets, Prices, Specifications, storage drive, Western Digital | No Comments »

New Android smartphones: Sony Xperia S, P, U, and sola

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has showcased its latest NXT series of Xperia smartphones in Singapore. All are on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) at launch but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in the second quarter of 2012.

Update: Price & Availability here.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

The Xperia S is already available (S$898 without contract) while the Xperia P, U and sola will be available in Q2 of 2012.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

The Xperia S was first unveiled during CES 2012 as the first smartphone in the new Xperia NXT series after Sony bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The slew of Xperia smartphones will be able to share content with other electronics devices from Sony – such as tablets, notebooks and smart TVs.

Sony is hoping the ability to leverage Sony’s extensive range of IT and lifestyle devices will be a selling point to attract consumers to the Xperia smartphones sold by the wholly owned Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson).

Here are the key characteristic of each model:

  • Xperia S offers a HD experience boasting a brilliant screen for superior viewing.
  • Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony “WhiteMagic” display technology.
  • Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design.
  • Xperia sola allows easy access to apps and quick launch of actions with NFC and Xperia SmartTags.
Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

All the Xperia NXT smartphones are designed with an interesting “transparent element” encircling the base of the phone which illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

The colour of the element is based on whatever is displayed on the screen so that the entire colour scheme is always in harmony.

Paul Mah, a friend who blogs with CIO.com initially thought the colour was based on the mood of the caller. Now that would be something innovative! Stay away when the phone is glowing red.

A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen.

Xperia SmartTags – Switch your smartphone settings with a single Swipe
`Sony Xperia sola

Sony Xperia sola

The Xperia S, Xperia P and the Xperia sola are NFC enabled.

The Xperia S and Xperia P and come with two NFC Xperia SmartTags in the box, while the Xperia sola comes with four.

Simply swipe the phones on a SmartTag and the pre-configured profile will be launched automatically.

These profiles can be easily personalised to reflect any taste, designed to save consumers’ time and make their lives easier.

Below are the key features for each of the models.

(more…)

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Posted in Android, Events, Gadgets, Internet, Launch, Phones, Prices, Sony, Specifications, Xperia | 2 Comments »

Review: Toshiba Satellite U840 Series Ultrabook

Monday, March 19th, 2012

I took the new Toshiba Satellite U840 ultra book for a ride last week. After a week of bringing it along for meetings and presentations, it proved a good balance between portability and performance.

Toshiba Satellite U840 Series ultrabook - portability and performance.

Toshiba Satellite U840 Series ultrabook - portability and performance.

The Satellite U840 Series of ultrabooks is Toshiba’s first line of 14-inch ultrabooks – after the computer maker’s debut into the ultrabook arena with its 13.3-inch Z830 ultrabook last year.

Side view - only 20mm thin.

Side view - only 20mm thin.

Compared with its 1.12kg predecessor, the 1.59kg Satellite U840 is heavier and only slightly bigger, but is considerably more affordable.

The Z830 costs almost twice the U840, which starts at S$1,399.

The Windows 7 Satellite U840 is comparable with other ultrabooks on the market (such as the Samsung Series 5 Ultra and HP Envy 14 Spectre) in terms of appearance and performance.

Most ultrabooks feature similar metallic brushed aluminum casings.

But the U840 weighs lighter because it does not include an optical drive.

The Toshiba Satellite U840 is what an ultrabook is meant to be – a good balance between portability and performance. It has the needed performance to excel in daily business and personal needs; yet is portable enough lug around in a bag without breaking your back (or your bank).

Read on below to find out what I liked and disliked about the Toshiba Satellite U840 ultrabook during the test-drive.

(more…)

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Posted in Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Review, Software, Specifications, Toshiba, Ultrabooks, Windows 7 | 1 Comment »

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