Archive for the ‘Prices’ Category

Review: HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One inkjet printer

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

If you’re looking for a capable workhorse for your home office, this duplex A4 inkjet printer gives you the full range of print, copy, scan and fax capabilities you’ll need.

Print quality is good, operation is simple and fast – but make sure you have enough space for it.

RRP: S$499 (incl. GST).

HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One inkjet prints up to 20 ppm in black, and 16 ppm in colour.

HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One inkjet prints up to 20 ppm in black, and 16 ppm in colour.

The print quality of the Officejet Pro 8600 Plus  is excellent. Text documents look as if they were printed by a laser printer, while photos (printed on glossy photo paper) were crisp and vibrant.

You’ll be hard put to tell they were not printed on a dedicated photo printer.

I tested the photo-print quality by printing full A4 sized outputs on glossy photo paper.

I was rather impressed as I didn’t expect a multi-function printer meant for office-use to produce photo prints almost as well as a dedicated photo printer.

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Tomorrow! Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 LTE arrives in Singapore

Friday, January 4th, 2013

The Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 LTE will hit the shelves in Singapore tomorrow. The tablet will be available at S$998 (without contract), in deep grey.

The deep grey Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 LTE Android tablet will be available in Singapore from tomorrow at S$998 (without contract).

The Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 LTE Android tablet will be available in Singapore from tomorrow at S$998 (without contract).

Introduced back in late August last year (in the WiFi and 3G+WiFi configurations), the LTE+WiFi version of the GALAXY Note 10.1 will be available in Singapore from tomorrow.

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TODAY! ASUS TAICHI notebook/tablet hybrid available in Singapore

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 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.

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New headphones: Sony’s Next Generation XBA Headphones

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

Sony is introducing the XBA-40 (S$388), XBA-30 (S$318), XBA-20 (S$238) and XBA-10 (S$98) in-ear headphones, available now from all Sony stores and authorised outlets.

Each of the models in the second generation in-ear XBA headphones come in gold or silver.

Each of the models in the second generation in-ear XBA headphones come in gold or silver.

For users listening to music on their iPhones, each of these earphones models also come with “iP” versions that allow remote control of the music playing while talking hands-free.

Model SRP
XBA-40 S$388
XBA-30 S$318
XBA-20 S$238
XBA-10 S$98
XBA-40iP S$408
XBA-30iP S$338
XBA-20iP S$268
XBA-10iP S$118

These headphones are the second generation of Sony’s popular XBA range of in-ear headphones, with gold and silver colour variations for each model to suit the individual’s taste.

The new XBA headphones feature the same micro-sized Balanced Armature (BA) drivers that are optimised for music enjoyment.

Double-layered housing prevents unwanted vibrations for crystal clear mid-high range audio reproduction.

The new range of XBA in-ear headphones now come with a high quality, PCOCC grain-free and oxygen-free copper cable wiring that minimises sound transmission loss.

A serrated anti-friction tangle-free cord helps music lovers deal with the constant challenge of messily stored wires.

Review: ASUS ROG TYTAN CG8480 Windows 8 gaming desktop PC

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

The new Republic of Gamers gaming desktop PCs from ASUS ship with the latest Windows 8 loaded and the quad-core Intel Core i7-3770K processor with Turbo Gear offers one-click overclock without rebooting.

The DEFCON light of the ASUS TYTAN ROG CG8480 changes from blue to red when overclocked.

The DEFCON light of the ASUS TYTAN ROG CG8480 changes from blue to red when overclocked.

Launched in October, the ROG CG8480 (S$2,250 without monitor) is a fully loaded gaming machine packed with superb performance.

The rear of the ROG CG8480.

The rear of the ROG CG8480.

The overclocked performance was stable throughout the time that I tried out the gaming desktop.

In particular, I like the subtle lighting which changes from the usual blue to red when the machine is overclocked.

The full 4-core CPU can be instantly overclocked – without rebooting – to hit a top speed of 4.2 GHz in Turbo Gear extreme mode. The other 2 speed modes are the startup Startup mode at 3.8GHz and Turbo Gear mode at 4.0GHz.

Gameplay was smooth with the 16GB RAM and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB GDDR5 graphics card, which is capable of supporting up to four monitors (I set up mine with two), with the option to game in NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround for selected models.

The 128GB SATA3 SSD makes data access so much faster than generic hard disk drives. It can support up to 6TB SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM).

What I like is there're plenty of sockets/ports in front and at the rear of the ROG CG8480.

What I like is there’re plenty of sockets/ports in front and at the rear of the ROG CG8480.

Cooling was efficient with its well-ventilated chassis and airflow. Check out the detailed tech specs of the ASUS TYTAN ROG CG8480 gaming desktop PC here.

ASUS claims that the Xonar Phoebus audio card powered by ROG Command technology can deliver up to 50% ambient noise reduction. I found the audio sounded terrific with the Dolby surround enhancements.

Superb performance at an affordable price-tag, just right for the avid gamer who doesn’t have the time, or finds it too tiresome to build his gaming desktop from scratch.

Other new models in the ROG line of gaming desktop PCs include the CG8890 and CG8580.

Nokia Windows Phone 8 Lumia 920 and 820 hits Singapore 8 Dec

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Almost three months after they were unveiled by Nokia and Microsoft CEOs in New York, Nokia’s first Windows Phone 8 smartphones will debut in Singapore.

The Lumia 920 (S$899) and Lumia 820 (S$699) hits Singapore shelves next Saturday on 8 December 2012.

Nokia Lumia 920 (S$899) and Lumia 820 (S$699) arrives in Singapore next Saturday, 8 December 2012.

Nokia Lumia 920 (S$899) and Lumia 820 (S$699) arrives in Singapore next Saturday, 8 December 2012.

The two new handsets will be available at Nokia retail stores, while mobile operators in Singapore are slated to announce their respective data plans for the two models.

Nokia Singapore launched the two smartphones at Harry’s Bar at Millenia Walk and handed out the devices for guests to try out the new features, as they made their way around the city on an open-top bus.

The Lumia 920 boasts Pureview imaging technology that produces sharp pictures even in low light. The optical image stabiliser (OIS) further reduced the blur.

I was rather impressed with the Lumia 920’s imaging performance. Photos were indeed bright and sharp, while videos of moving/vibrating objects appeared less jerky when compared to videos taken on the Lumia 820 and other smartphones.

JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speakers

JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speakers

The Lumia 820 is the more affordable sibling of the two, with a smaller and lower-resolution screen, smaller battery, and the run-of-the-mill camera.

It is however, more compact and lighter than its bigger brother. (Check the quick comparison here).

You can also change the back cover of the Lumia 820 to vary the colour of the phone.

Both smartphones come with the same imaging apps that were quite interesting.

Nokia Smart Shoot is for group photos – shooting multiple exposures with a single click to choose the best from each exposure.

Nokia Wireless Charging Stand

Nokia Wireless Charging Stand

Cinemagraph takes short videos where certain parts are frozen as a still shot while portions defined by you moves like regular video.

Panorama helps you do a sweep panorama shot of the landscape.

City Lens adds an augmented reality overlay over the screen when the camera is pointed at buildings and places of interest.

The idea is novel but not new, and in the short span of time that I tried it out, I found the augmented info sketchy at times while the resolution was not good enough to “lead” you to a particular place. At best, it tells you a place of interest is in a particular direction.

For really pragmatic and effective turn-by-turn navigation and search for places of interest, head back to the Nokia Maps and Nokia Drive apps, both of which have been updated with features such as indoor maps.

SITEX 2012 promotions: HP desktops, notebooks, tablets and printers

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

HP will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 6 Booths 6B01 and 6E10 in the Singapore EXPO.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP desktops, All-in-One computers, notebooks, tablets, and notebook-tablet transformers.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP desktops, All-in-One computers, notebooks, tablets, and notebook-tablet transformers. (Caution: Large 2MB PDF file)

The much anticipated HP ENVY X2 is now available at a special pre-order price of $1,099 (U.P $1,199)

Other HP computers to check out include the HP ENVY 4 TouchSmart Ultrabook, HP Pavilion Sleekbook, as well as the HP ENVY 23” and 20” AiO PCs.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP printers.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP printers. (Caution: Large 2MB PDF file)

Also check out HP’s printers, such as the HP LaserJet Pro 200 M276nw Color MFP and the HP Officejet 6700 Premium e-All-in-One printer.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP printer supplies, including ink, toner and paper.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP printer supplies, including ink, toner and paper.

My favourite is the HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-One printer, which is equipped with HP’s wireless direct printing featureand allows users to print from any Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device, such as smartphones, tablets and laptop computers without the need for network or internet connections.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP accessories including mouse, keyboards, headsets, speakers, bags and webcams; as well as software.

Click to view or download SITEX 2012 promotions for HP accessories including mouse, keyboards, headsets, speakers, bags and webcams; as well as software.

SITEX 2012 promotions: Lenovo desktops, notebooks, tablets & accessories

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

Lenovo will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 5 Booth 5C40 (Courts), and Hall 6 Booths 6C30 (Harvey Norman) and 6D30 & 6F18 (Newstead) in the Singapore EXPO.

Click to view or download Lenovo promotions for SITEX 2012.

Click to view or download Lenovo promotions for SITEX 2012. (Caution: Large 7MB PDF file with 6 pages)

Check out Lenovo’s promotional offers for tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, convertibles, AIOs, desktops, and accessories.

Windows 8 Lenovo Ideapad Yoga Ultrabook-tablet convertible

Windows 8 Lenovo Ideapad Yoga Ultrabook-tablet convertible

These include the IdeaPad G480 laptop and the recently launched Windows 8 Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 Ultrabook-tablet convertible, and ThinkPad Twist S230u convertible.

My favourite is the Yoga.

Accessories include wireless mouse, speakers, headphones/headsets, USB hubs, and accessories for ThinkPads and IdeaPads.

SITEX 2012 promotions: Samsung computers, printers, cameras and TVs

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

Samsung will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 4B Booth 4B10; Hall 5 Booth 5B20 (Audio House), 5C30 (Courts), 5G30 (Gain City);  and Hall 6 Booth 6D20 in the Singapore EXPO.

Samsung is fielding its wide range of computers, cameras, printers, smart TVs and home entertainment systems.

Samsung is fielding its wide range of computers, cameras, printers, smart TVs and home entertainment systems.

Samsung will be selling its wide range of products at this year’s SITEX 2012.

Check out its promotions for Windows 7 and Windows 8 notebooks and tablets; as well as printers, cameras, Smart TVs and home entertainment systems.

SITEX 2012 promotions: ASUS desktops, notebooks, tablets and monitors

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

ASUS will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 5 (Booths 5A18, 5B10 & 5B40) and Hall 6 (Booths 6C01, 6C10, 6D30 & 6E30) in the Singapore EXPO.

Click to view or download ASUS promotions for SITEX 2012.

Click to view or download ASUS promotions for SITEX 2012. (Caution: Large 13MB PDF file with 20 pages)

Check out ASUS’ promotional offers for tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, convertibles, AIOs, desktops, Alienware gaming machines, and monitors.

ASUS ROG - built for gamers.

ASUS ROG – built for gamers.

These include the slew of recently-launched Windows 8 computers such as the ASUS TAICHI Ultrabook-tablet convertible, Transformer Book, ZENBOOK, VivoBook, VivoTab, All-in-One PCs.

My favourite is the ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) gaming desktop PCs which are debuting in Singapore during SITEX 2012.

There’s also the innovative PadFone 2 smartphone-tablet hybrid.