Archive for the ‘Prices’ Category

New compact camera: Samsung MultiView MV800

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

The MV800 features a 3.0-inch wide flip-out touch display and is available in Black, White and Red at S$499.

MultiView MV800, the new compact digital camera from Samsung.

MultiView MV800, the new compact digital camera from Samsung.

The flip-out touch screen of Samsung’s new ultra slim compact digital camera enables photographers to snap shots from difficult angles and awkward positions.

Such situations include snapping high-angle shots over the crowd to capture a street performance, and dramatic low-angle shots at ground level. The display can also be folded back to frame the shot when taking self-portraits. Samsung Electronics Co LtdThe screen can be tilted up or down for framing snapshots prior to taking them.

The MV800 pairs a Schneider-Kreuznach lens with a 16.1 megapixel CCD sensor. The 5x zoom Lens ranges goes from a wide angle of 26 mm (35mm equivalent focal length) to a maximum of 130 mm.

Schneider-Kreuznach lens with 5x zoom from 26 to 130 mm (35mm equiv)

Schneider-Kreuznach lens with 5x zoom from 26 to 130 mm (35mm equiv)

The Live Panorama function enables easy photography of large groups by simply holding down the shutter button, and previewing the entire scene that has been captured on the LCD screen. By connecting the MV800 to a 3D HDTV, images and panoramic shots can be viewed in 3D.

The MV800 has a recording time of up to twice as long as the standard MPEG4. The zoom noise reduction technology promises to record only the sound of the subject and not the whirring of the zoom.

The Smart Touch 3.0 with Wallpaper user interface allows users to drag and scroll through menu options to launch features, instead of using traditional clumsy buttons on the camera’s body.

In-camera creative software features

16.1 megapixels and a 3.0-inch wide flip-out touch display.

16.1 megapixels and a 3.0-inch wide flip-out touch display.

The Magic Frame feature includes 12 fun background templates for snapshots, as well as the ability to customise their backgrounds. A Picture-in-Picture function also allows users to insert and combine one image with another.

The Smart Filter function has a selection of 14 artistic effects, including the newly added Water Paint for a stylish watercolour finish or the Cartoon capability that transforms any photo into a fun animated film format. Funny Face allows you to bend, stretch and manipulate portraits by tapping and dragging to radically distort facial characteristics for a good laugh.

Robotic floor cleaner from Samsung

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Samsung has launched the NaviBot-Silencio, an intelligent robotic cleaner that provides hands-free automated and hassle free cleaning on all surfaces. It is available at $1099 at all major retailers.

The NaviBot-Silencio robotic cleaner from Samsung, at $1099.

The NaviBot-Silencio robotic cleaner from Samsung, at $1099.

In the recent COMEX 2011, there were two booths selling robotic vacuum cleaners and moppers – the iRobot and the iClebo. I carted home the former and it’s now chugging along in the background while I write this posting.

Samsung Electronics Co LtdNow Samsung has launched its version of the robotic floor cleaner. Based on appearances and technology used, it seems more similar to the Korean iClebo.

Visionary Mapping System for speedy and accurate cleaning

Samsung’s NaviBot-Silencio creates a map of the house with an onboard camera. The Visionary Mapping System captures images at 30 frames per second with the onboard camera, creating a map of the house and plotting the optimum route to achieve total coverage.

The NaviBot-Silencio also has the ability to memorize the best cleaning path, to calculate its exact location in the home, and remembers where it has cleaned, and what is still left to finish.

The NaviBot-Silencio robotic cleaner from Samsung, at $1099.It also uses cognitive mapping technology with two CPU control chips, which serve as the ‘brain’ to think smart with high efficiency. When the battery is low, NaviBot-Silencio automatically takes the shortest route back to the docking station to be recharged. After being fully recharged, it goes back to its last location to begin cleaning.

Micro Fiber Polisher

NaviBot-Silencio picks up dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs and other debris by specially designed rotating side brushes and power brush while it navigates in the house. The dust cartridge has a capacity of 0.6 litres and filters fine dusts through a washable HEPA filter. It also uses Samsung’s patented technology pet hair care to prevent pet hair from wrapping around the brushes.

The NaviBot-Silencio is designed with Samsung’s Air Path Technology to reduce irritating noise.

Two new BlackBerry 7 Torches arriving in Singapore

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

The new BlackBerry Torch 9810 and 9860 will hit the shelves in Singapore next week on 22 September 2011. Pre-orders for both BlackBerry 7 OS based smartphones can be placed with SingTel from today.

Pre-order the BlackBerry Torch 9810 or 9860 online from today.

Pre-order the BlackBerry Torch 9810 or 9860 online from today.

The two new Torches were first introduced by Research In Motion (RIM) in early-August and unveiled in Singapore in mid-August together with the Bold 9900.

BlackBerry Torch 9860 smartphone from RIM

BlackBerry Torch 9860

The BlackBerry Torch 9860 smartphone offers fast and fluid performance in a stylish new all-touch design.

With a new 3.7” display – the largest ever on a BlackBerry smartphone – the new all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9860 smartphone is optimized for high-quality multimedia, web browsing and gaming; whilst offering the real-time communication and collaboration lauded by BlackBerry fans.

BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone form RIM

BlackBerry Torch 9810

The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is an evolution of the BlackBerry Torch 9800. The new model is faster and more fluid with high performance hardware features while the new BlackBerry 7 OS delivers an enhanced multimedia experience.

Featuring a large 3.2”, high-resolution touch display and a distinctive BlackBerry keyboard that easily slides out to allow fast typing, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 offers the best of both worlds.

New TomTom app for the iPhone

Monday, September 12th, 2011

The latest version of the TomTom App for iPhone (Version 1.8) now includes the latest maps of countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and Indonesia. A new multi-stop routes driving feature is also included.

Use the iPhone as a Portable Navigation Device for turn-by-turn navigation.

Use the iPhone as a Portable Navigation Device for turn-by-turn navigation.

Mount your iPhone on the dashboard or windscreen to use it like a traditional PND.The South East Asia, TomTom App for iPhone (Version 1.8) can be downloaded from the App Store for USD $69.99. It works with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS & iPod touch 3rd Gen running iOS4.

The new multi-stop routes feature makes it easier for drivers to make multiple stops on a single route, by letting them add up to five stop-off points when they plan their journey.

Multi-stop routes enable the driver to stop by a bank or petrol station enroute, or a diversion to pick up a friend as part of a longer journey.

This removes the hassle of entering a new journey for each leg of the trip and means that the driver can get an accurate estimated time of arrival for their final destination.

BlackBerry DevCon Asia registration open now

Friday, September 9th, 2011

Registration for BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Bangkok is now open. Taking place on 7-8 December 2011, BlackBerry DevCon Asia will be held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand. Rates range from $150 to $250 USD.

Discounted rates are available for attendees who book early, as well as for those who qualify for the Academic Rate:

Early Bird Rate $200 USD Expires Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:59pm ICT
Regular Rate $250 USD Expires Thursday, December 8, 2011
Academic Rate* $150 USD Expires Thursday, December 8, 2011

*Academic passes do not qualify for the Early Bird discount/offer or the Alumni discount. Students and Faculty members must apply to devconasia@blackberryconferences.net with proof of current enrollment or employment.

BlackBerry DevCon Asia in Bangkok, Thailand from 7 to 8 December 2011Those who had attended BlackBerry DevCon Asia in January 2011, BlackBerry DevCon 2010, or BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 qualify for the $50 USD Alumni discount.

The Alumni discount will automatically be deducted from the current registration price. To be recognized as Alumni, interested registrant must use the same email alias they used when registering for the aforementioned conferences.

Each package gives participants the following:

  • Access to the BlackBerry DevCon Asia General Session
  • Access to Breakout Sessions
  • Access to Expert areas during open hours
  • Admission to the Welcome Reception
  • Admission to the BlackBerry DevCon Party
  • Admission to the Mobility Pavilion during open hours
  • Lunch, and breaks during the conference dates
  • Complimentary access to Conference Wi-Fi® internet
  • Access to BlackBerry DevCon On-Demand, the online portal for conference content and sponsor information, until the start of the next BlackBerry DevCon Asia
  • Registration gift upon check-in onsite

During the conference, each breakout session will be presented by Research In Motion (RIM) experts and developer community members.

The various sessions will explore the BlackBerry development platform, BlackBerry Platform Services, and best practices, focusing specifically on the topics below:

  • Java Development for BlackBerry 7
  • WebKit and the BlackBerry WebWorks Platform Development
  • BlackBerryPlayBook Tablet OS Development, including Native SDK, Adobe AIR and Adobe Flash, and Android Player
  • BlackBerryPlatform Services and the BBM Social Platform
  • Tips and tools for debugging and optimizing your apps
  • User interface and user experience tools and best practices
  • Developingquality enterprise applications
  • Marketing and distributing your applications

My little haul from COMEX 2011

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

Once a quarter, half of Singapore converges on Suntec City or Singapore Expo to “shop till you drop”. I visited COMEX 2011 on its second of four days to take advantage of promotional prices and to stock up on IT gadgets and peripherals.

Visiting COMEX 2011 on Friday afternoon, the hope was to go in after the initial opening day rush crowd had petered out and before the working folks – who knock off work for the week at five – set in.

View from Level 6 of COMEX 2011. Combined panorama from 3 photos.

View from Level 6 of COMEX 2011. Combined panorama from 3 photos.

I like to think the ploy worked, though the marketplace was still plenty crowded.

I managed to park the car at Basement 2 of Suntec City itself and dived into the crowd on Level 6 at around half-past-three – shopping list in hand. By 5 pm, people knocking off early from work were streaming into COMEX 2011.I’d listed down beforehand the booth numbers of the vendors selling the stuff I wanted and studied the floor plans to work out an optimal route through the madhouse.

First stop was the Prolink booth where I bought the Prolink PKM-3810B bluetooth keyboard for my BlackBerry PlayBook. The guys at the booth wasn’t sure if it would be compatible with the PlayBook’s OS since it was built for Windows and they’d tested earlier that the keyboard did not play with Android. (Update: I’ve since tested the keyboard with an Android Tab and both worked together without a hitch!)

So I fished out the tablet and tested the display keyboard set. Amazingly both got connected without a hitch, so I became S$48 dollars poorer. And thanks to a cut-out coupon from the Straits Times, I saved S$8 from the original COMEX price of S$56.

Seagate 2TB 3.5-inch external hard disk, iRobot Roomba, Prolink Bluetooth keyboard and 3.5 G USB modem.

My little haul from COMEX 2011

Since I was at Prolink, I bought a 3.5G USB HSDPA Modem for S$69. I was going to renew my home broadband subscription with SingTel. They’d offered a “free” modem for the mobile 1.5 Mbps on condition that I pay S$4 extra per month (if you use your own modem, you get the 1.5 Mbps and data SIM card for free).

Since that worked out to S$96 over the course of two years for the “free” modem, I figured I might as well purchase my own modem for less. Not a lot of savings, but I didn’t like the idea of being suckered into swallowing SingTel’s “free” modem offer.

Next stop was for an external 3.5” hard disk drive. The sweet spot for such storage disks is at 2 TB, and the cheapest 2 TB disk advertised was the Buffalo Drivestation.

“It’s sold out but we have other models that you may want to consider” – sounds all too familiar?

But it’s no darn good if it’s sold out – the “it’s sold out but we have other models that you may want to consider” sounded all too familiar.

So I headed for Seagate and got myself a 2 TB expansion external 3.5” hard disk for S$120. Basic USB 2.0 with no frills.

Last stop was for a robotic maid. The golden retriever at home was driving us nuts with its beautiful golden fur – strewn all over the floor – and the cleaners only come in once a week.

So I checked out the two booths at COMEX selling robotic vacuum cleaners – iClebo and iRobot. I ended up carting home the latter after parting with S$898 for the Pet series iRobot.

“If looks could kill, we’d both have been dead a million times through”.

On the way out of the lift lobby at the B2 carpark, I got waylaid by this guy who saw me lugging the iRobot box and wanted to know where I’d bought it from – while keeping the people in the lift waiting for him.

If looks could kill, we’d both have been dead a million times through.

TomTom introduces in-car fast charger for up to three devices

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

Available today at S$45 (with GST), the TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger can charge up to three devices at once – and at a rate up to four times faster than a normal USB charger.

TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger at S$45

TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger at S$45 (w GST)

The compact charger ensures that the GPS unit receives the right amount of power and that all devices receive full power charging simultaneously as there are two dedicated USB ports to provide full-power at all times. Most comparable products charge up to 2.1 amps, split between ports.

“It’s the first TomTom accessory that enables users to charge their TomTom device and other mobile devices like a smart phone, tablet or power-hungry DVD player at the same time,” says Nick Saisanas, Marketing Communications Manager, TomTom Asia Pacific.

As well as a 1.2 amp USB charging port suitable for mobile phones or MP3 players, there is a 2.1 amp port to speed-charge high power USB devices such as tablets or smart phones. The TomTom High Speed Multi-Charger will re-charge up to four times faster than a normal USB charger without impacting the other port’s charging capability.

There’s also a dedicated port for powering 12V in-car devices. This multi-port full power functionality means that drivers who are always on the road can charge and use all their electronic devices during their trip.

Those planning an upcoming weekend get-away with the family will also be able to keep children happy with on-the-go charging of items such as tablets and mobile phones – all while navigating.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Olympus cameras and accessories

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Olympus will be at Booth 8205 on Level 4 in Hall 404  during COMEX 2011. Head for promotional discounts and bundles especially limited sets of the Pen E-PL1, which has been reduced from S$998 to S$498 plus free gifts worth S$320.

The star promotion from Olympus for COMEX 2011 is the PEN E-PL1. Launched in February 2010, OLYMPUS E-PL1 is an entry-level model, equipped with a new Live Guide interface which makes it easy for users to get the results they want even if they have little previous experience with photography.

Olympus promotional price list for cameras and accessories during COMEX 2011 Olympus promotional price list for cameras and accessories during COMEX 2011

Key features include the Live Guide user interface for easy, intuitive adjustment of brightness, hue, background defocusing, and other image parameters; dedicated Movie mode button for seamless access to movie shooting at any time; go-anywhere portability in a light, compact body with built-in flash and image stabilization; offered in white, champagne gold, and black; and six Art Filters, including new Gentle Sepia, for enhanced photographic creativity.

Olympus promotional price list for cameras and accessories during COMEX 2011 Olympus promotional price list for cameras and accessories during COMEX 2011

The normal pricing for the E-PL1 14-42mm Lens Kit is at S$998 (with GST), which includes the body (in White, Champagne Gold, and Black), an M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14–42mm F3.5–5.6 lens (Silver) and an 8 GB SD card.

Olympus promotional price list for cameras and accessories during COMEX 2011 Olympus promotional price list for cameras and accessories during COMEX 2011

The COMEX 2011 offer at S$498 includes an additional 8 GB SD Card, an E-PL1 Skin, a camera bag, a screen protector, a card reader, 3 months local extended warranty and free E-Workshop.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Seagate GoFlex storage drives

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Seagate will be at Booth 6380 during COMEX 2011. Get the FreeAgent GoFlex Home 1 TB (S$139), 2 TB (S$199) and 3 TB (S$299), as well as the GoFlex ultra-portable 500 GB (S$89), 1 TB (S$139) and 1.5 TB (S$229) at promotional prices.

Capacity COMEX Prices Usual Prices
Seagate GoFlex Home network storage system
1 TB S$139 S$179
2 TB S$199 S$239
3 TB S$299 S$339
Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable drive, USB 3.0
500GB S$89 S$99
1 TB S$139 S$149
1.5 TB S$229 S$259

Additional COMEX 2011 promotions by Seagate

Seagate promo price list for COMEX 2011

Seagate promo price list for COMEX 2011

Hot hour specials. There will be a random hot hour special. The emcee will announce it at the Seagate booth 3 minutes before the start of the special. During the special, there will be a lucky draw for customers who purchase any Seagate product. A lucky customer will get one free “Limited Edition” 500GB Pink Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable drive.

GoFlex Home – Digital Hunt 1. Customers will need to use one of the four demo PCs to access the Goflex Home, search through the folders and look for a Seagate logo. They then have to copy the file name on a coupon and drop it into a box. There will be a lucky draw at 9pm every day and the participant with the first correct answer drawn out will get a free Xbox 360 4GB Kinect.

Free pouch. There will be a free pouch with every purchase of the Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable drives and Expansion 3.0 portable drives.

Seagate GoFlex Home network storage system

Seagate promo price list for COMEX 2011

Seagate promo price list for COMEX 2011

Use a single Seagate GoFlex Home drive for all storage and backup needs. When connected to the home WiFi router, GoFlex Home enables the user to wirelessly store, back up and access files from any PC or Mac computer in the home. In addition, a USB printer can be shared with every computer connected.

Using the included remote access and file sharing service called Seagate Share, families can easily access movies, music or photo files stored on their GoFlex Home system from any Internet connected computer in the world.

Alternatively, files can be accessed remotely and on-the-go from the smartphone via the iPhone or Android GoFlexAccess mobile app. With these two options, content can be shared with friends by simply selecting the files or folders to be shared and typing in an email address.

GoFlex Home allows media to be streamed to game consoles, networked computers, and GoFlex TV HD media players. It is available in capacities of 1TB, 2TB and 3TB.

Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable drive, USB 3.0

The Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable USB 3.0 drive is a sleek and lightweight hard drive that provides up to 10x faster file transfer speeds than the USB 2.0. It also offers the world’s biggest storage capacity for a 2.5- inch portable drive, with up to 1.5 TB of capacity.

The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex ultra-portable drive is ultra-upgradable. It comes with USB 3.0 connection and can also be upgraded to eSATA or FireWire 800 connections simply by switching the cable.

The FreeAgent GoFlex ultra-portable drive sits at the core of Seagate’s GoFlex storage system that integrates a family of devices and cables, change the way people store, access, enjoy and share their digital content. For example, users can pair a GoFlex Ultra-portable drive with a GoFlex TV HD media player and easily enjoy their personal digital media library on their television screen.

Seagate’s FreeAgent GoFlex storage solutions work interchangeably on both PC and Mac computers without any reformatting.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Bose audio products

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Bose audio products will be available at the EpiCentre Booth during COMEX 2011 at promotional prices. Look for these items: the SoundDock Portable (S$579), MIE2 mobile headset (S$159) and the Companion 5 (S$649).

The promotional prices are exclusive to the EpiCentre Booth at Level 2, Rm 201 and 202 at Suntec City Convetion Hall during COMEX 2011.

Bose SoundDock Portable S$579 

Bose SoundDock Portable
Usual: S$749
COMEX: 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 profile while 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 MIE2 mobile headset S$159 

Bose MIE2 mobile headset
Usual: S$199
COMEX: S$159

Ease. Works with most smartphones and mobile phones to let you take calls with one-touch ease. 

Hi-quality. Enjoy music on your phone with high-quality audio.

Ergonomics. 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$649 

Bose Companion 5
Usual: S$749
COMEX: S$649

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.