It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year today. Happy New Year to all the people from cultures that celebrate this traditional festival!
Original photo taken with Nikon 1 V1. Watercolour painting effect using Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet with Corel Essentials 4.
And to all Chinese around the world, Happy Chinese New Year!
Looking to improve efficiency in your photo-editing workflow? Or want to inject some fun and realism into your digital sketching? Check out the Wacom Bamboo series of graphics tablets.
Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet
I’ve been trying out the Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet for some time, using it with a whole spectrum of software during daily use, from photo-editing to digital sketching and painting, and as a replacement for the trusty old mouse – for navigating and interacting with Windows 7.
Bamboo Fun is compatible with both Windows (7, Vista, XP SP3 or later) and Macs (OS X 10.5.8 or later, Intel processor).
The graphics tablet measures 352 x 209 x 9.8mm with a relatively large active area of 217 x 137 mm.
Digital artwork
Something I wrote using the pen with Bamboo Fun in Painter Essentials.
When it comes to precise cursor-work, such as during digital drawing, sketching, tracing, colouring and painting – where fine precision is needed – the stylus pen is the undisputed tool-of choice.
The Bamboo Fun comes bundled with Corel Essentials 4 drawing/painting software.
The pen allowed detailed strokes impossible with the mouse.
Moreover, the pen is pressure-sensitive up to 1024 levels so you can use pressure to vary parameters such as the darkness of the drawing stroke, the amount of paint to apply, or the thickness of the stroke etc.
The pen comes with a pressure sensitive eraser as well, just like a real pencil!
It's the dragon year, so here's the Chinese character for dragon, with embellishments.
The only hassle I find is having to pick up and put down the pen when I need to use my right hand to type or press a key on the computer keyboard.
With the mouse, you just let go and it stays in place, ready to be moved the next time you need to do something.
With the pen, you need to place down the pen flat on the table and make sure it doesn’t roll off the table if your worktop is not flat.
And when you next need to use it again, you need to pick up the pen, and place the tip to the graphics tablet before you begin. With the mouse, once you touch the mouse, you can start moving the cursor.
This is a niggling hassle characteristic of all stylus pen-based graphics tablets.
I find the performance of the pen much better than those of graphics tablets I’ve used before – in terms of precision, pressure sensitivity and lag between moving the pen and the appearance of the stroke on the computer screen.
Replacement for the mouse
As a replacement for the mouse, it was equally capable and more intuitive, and less strenuous for the wrist.
Bose has introduced the Bluetooth Headset Series 2. It is available in Singapore for S$249.
Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)
The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.
The headset integrates Bose full-range audio and A2DP, and comes in either right or left-ear versions.
Availability
The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 is available for S$249, and includes a portable zipper case, a one-foot USB cable, and three StayHear tips (small, medium, large) for a personal fit.
The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 can be purchased from selected partners, Atlas Experience Audio Visual Boutique at TripleOne Somerset and Bose at Millenia Walk.
The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 includes a proprietary dual microphone system to improve speech intelligibility beyond that of conventional Bluetooth headsets, rejecting background noise and tremendously reducing the audible effects of wind.
Bose proprietary signal processing further counteracts the unwanted sounds of a wide variety of places – gusty walkways, commuter rail platforms or airports.
To keep incoming voices clear, Bose TriPort acoustic structure and Bose Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology react automatically as noise levels change so that there’s no need to adjust volume settings or strain to hear a conversation.
The new internal antenna substantially reduces acoustic artifacts – the “pops,” “clicks” and “buzzes” familiar to Bluetooth headset owners – and minimises reception difficulty between the headset and a phone being carried in a pocket.
Compatibility
The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 is compatible with devices using the Bluetooth 2.1 (or earlier) specifications that support the Bluetooth hands-free or A2DP profiles.
For consumers who want to maintain an active connection between their headset and two Bluetooth enabled devices, it includes multi-point functionality.
Here is a round-up of Sony’s electronic gadgets for 2012, as released during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.
Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.
The CES is a chance for consumers to get a glimpse of the gadgets lining up to hit the market in the near to mid-term future.
Sony’s line-up for 2012 includes the new Handycam range; the Cyber-shot W-Series and S-Series; the NWZ-Z1000 series (Sony’s first ever Walkman powered by Android); and a new line-up of BRAVIA televisions.
Here’s a list of these new products.
Handycam
Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder |
New camcorder accessories
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Cyber-shot
Cyber-shot compact digital cameras |
1. W-Series
2. S-Series
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Walkman
Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series |
NWZ-Z1000 series |
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BRAVIA
SonyBRAVIA EX650-series LED LCD HDTV |
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During our weekly visit to the library, we deposited an empty ink cartridge into the recycling box positioned just inside the entrance of the Tampines Regional Library.
Don't just throw your empty ink or toner cartridge down the bin - recycle it!
I’d just used up the black ink cartridge on my ink jet printer at home.
In the past, there wouldn’t have been any other choice but to dump it with other domestic refuse down the chute.
Recycle bin at the library.
But with Project Homecoming, I can do my own little part to conserve the environment by sending the expended cartridge for recycling.
Project Homecoming is an ink and toner cartridge recycling initiative that is led, managed and jointly funded by the five leading printer brands – Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson and Lexmark.
The initiative is supported by National Environment Agency and National Library Board of Singapore.
Recycling bins made from cardboards have been placed at 13 NLB libraries where the public can deposit used ink and toner cartridges.
Junior dropping the empty ink cartridge in.
At first, I didn’t spot the recycling bin at Tampines Regional Library so I asked the librarian at the counter, wondering if she’d know what I was asking about.
She knew exactly what was going on for Project Homecoming and promptly pointed out the inconspicuous recycling bin squatting just inside the entrance.
I got junior to drop the empty cartridge in, after explaining to him how he would be doing his little part in helping conserve the Earth.
I’m also mighty glad that National Library Board has done a stellar job getting its staff to be aware of the initiative.
Bravo!
The courier dropped off the S$329 (incl 7% GST) graphics tablet for review today. I’ll be trying it out over the next two weeks.
Out of the box, the Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet with pen, driver and bundled software discs, and the optional wireless kit.
The Bamboo series is the entry level line of tablets for the company, while the Intuos is the mid-tier line, with the Cintiq line the high-end tablet cum LCD display for the heavy-lifting.
Bamboo Fun is compatible with both Windows (7, Vista, XP SP3 or later) and Macs (OS X 10.5.8 or later, Intel processor).
The three re-styled and improved Bamboo models – Pen (S$129), Pen & Touch(S$179), and Fun (S$329) form the third generation of the Bamboo series.
The aesthetic design has been restyled to feature a lime green highlight around the edge and a reduced bevel around the tablet’s working area.
Optional wireless accessory kit (S$65) comprising a battery and wireless transmitter for the tablet, and a USB dongle for the computer.
Bamboo Fun is the priciest and largest of the three models, measuring 352 x 209 x 9.8mm with an active tablet area of 217 x 137 mm.
It supports 1024 pressure levels in the stylus pen tip and a resolution of 2540 pixels.
Bamboo Fun features four customisable ExpressKeys, supports the use of both pen and finger-touch, and supports wireless usage through an optional wireless accessory kit for an extra S$65.
This kit may not be available in some countries though.
Bundled software includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, Corel Painter Essentials, and Bamboo Scribe 3.0.
Bose has unveiled its first soundbars. The Bose Lifestyle 135 System (S$4,999) and CineMate 1 SR System (S$2,999) are now available in Singapore.
Bose Lifestyle 135 System (S$4,999) from Atlas Singapore
Bose’s first soundbar solutions offer audio performance and placement flexibility to deliver home theatre sound from a single speaker array, and a new wireless Acoustimass module
“Most conventional soundbars are bulky and hard-to-place, or thin but unable to deliver life-like sound,” said Dr. Michael Tien, CEO of Atlas Sound & Vision.
“The new Lifestyle 135 and CineMate 1 SR systems deliver a powerful audio experience that defies their size and elegant design – whether you’re watching a movie, playing a video game, or listening to music.”
The Lifestyle 135 system includes a media console for up to six HD sources (four HDMI inputs), an AM/FM tuner, and a dock for iPod or iPhone.
Featuring the proprietary Bose Unify intelligent integration system, the media console acts as a central hub and makes connecting devices to the console hassle-free.
The CineMate 1 SR system attaches directly to a TV with just one cable – simple and easy.
Both soundbar set-ups feature a programmable remote that controls the system and nearly any connected source, be it a Blu-ray Disc player or a cable box.
PhaseGuide Technology:
Immersive Sound From One Visible Speaker
The Lifestyle 135 system and CineMate 1 SRsystem are the first Bose speakers to feature the advanced PhaseGuide sound radiator technology.
PhaseGuide sound radiator technology
This technology was originally used in the company’s VideoWave entertainment system – Bose’s high-definition television that integrates a complete home theatre sound system behind a 46” 1080p LCD display.
Combined with proprietary TrueSpace digital processing circuitry, PhaseGuide technology transforms the listening experience.
Discrete sound seem to emanate from places where there are no speakers, and it comes from a single array that measures just 2.4″ deep, 36.8″ wide and 4.9″ high.
The new Acoustimass module delivers low notes with cinematic impact.
Smaller than previous Bose Acoustimass modules, its wireless link allows it to be hidden, completely out of sight.
Soundbar Setup:
Horizontal, Vertical, Anywhere in the Room
Unlike conventional soundbars, the Lifestyle 135 and CineMate 1 SR systems have true placement flexibility: they can be positioned near the TV, wherever it is, and in two orientations – without compromising audio performance.
The Bose FlexMount automatic placement compensation senses whether the speaker has been placed horizontally on a table, or mounted vertically on a wall.
It automatically adjusts the sound, offering owners two choices for soundbar setup with the same assurance of spacious, natural sound.
Bose ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology offers another performance assurance: the system will deliver optimal sound in any room.
It first recognises where the system is located, then compensates for how the acoustics of the space affect its audio quality.
The sound is then customised based on the room’s unique size, shape, even furnishings.
The Soft Plus 43 – an attachment for Gami Light’s existing Square 43 flash photography accessory – is now available in Singapore for S$18.
Gami Light Soft Plus 43 - available in Singapore at S$18
The Soft Plus 43 helps to achieve an extra softness to photographs taken by diffusing the light before it reaches the reflective silver panels of Square 43.
Soft Plus 43 is an attachment for Gami Light’s existing Square 43 flash photography accessory.
The Square 43 retails separately at S$75.
The Soft Plus 43 can also be used on an individual flash for off-camera shooting.
By attaching it onto Square 43, the size of Square 43 reduces dramatically and fits easily into a bag.
Weighing a mere 0.1kg, it makes a nifty, lightweight addition to any inspiring photographer’s bag of tools.
Products from the Gami Light range are available at the Schmidt Marketing Flagship Store in Singapore at 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower A, #05-33.
The first Nokia smartphones based on Windows Phone debut in Singapore. Lumia 800 (S$775 excl GST) will be available in Singapore this Saturday on 10 Decmeber 2011. Lumia 710 (S$505 excl GST) will arrive shortly.
Nokia Lumia 800, Windows Phone 7, S$775 before GST
Nokia Lumia 710, Windows Phone 7, S$505 before GST
Nokia Lumia 800 comes in vivid colours
Judging from my hands-on with the sleek looking gadget so far, it has every chance of fulfilling that promise.
From the few Windows Phone 7 smartphones available thus far, the Lumia 800 seems to deliver the best Windows Phone experience on the market.
The Lumia 800 comes with in vivid colours and is housed in a sleek, polycarbonate body with a 3.7 inch AMOLED ClearBlack curved display.
Containing Carl Zeiss optics, it offers users an instant-share camera experience and HD video playback, and the best social and Internet performance, with one-touch access to social networks.
Here are the main tech specs for the Nokia Lumia 800.
Nokia Lumia 710 comes with interchangeable covers
For those looking for a more fun and personal device, the Lumia 710 comes with colorful changeable covers and is more affordable.
Here are the main tech specs for the Nokia Lumia 710.
Both models include signature Nokia experiences optimised for Windows Phone, including Nokia Drive, Nokia Maps and Nokia Music.
Nokia has also introduced the on-ear Nokia Purity HD Stereo Headset and the in-ear Nokia Purity Stereo Headset by Monster, intended to shoe-in a range of premium audio accessories to complement the Nokia Lumia range of smartphones.
Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson and Lexmark have joined hands to raise public environmental awareness through the launch Singapore’s first joint cartridge recycling project.
Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson and Lexmark join hands to launch printer ink & toner cartridge recycling initiative in Singapore.
Project Homecoming is an ink and toner cartridge recycling initiative that is led, managed and jointly funded by the five leading printer brands,
It is supported by the National Environment Agency and National Library Board of Singapore.
Takeo Shimazu, Managing Director, Brother International
Ide Eiji, Managing Director, Epson Singapore
This is the first time globally outside Japan that these five brands have come together to initiate a joint recycling project.
“We aim to bring greater convenience to the public who are keen on making a personal contribution to recycling efforts across the island, and are proud to be working together as a team to jointly fund and promote the culture of recycling in Singapore,” said Andrew Koh, lead spokesperson for Project Homecoming and Senior Director and General Manager, Consumer Imaging & Information Products Division, Canon Singapore.
“With strong support from the NEA and NLB, we will be able to give back to society through this initiative as socially responsible organisations, while driving home the message of environmental awareness through cartridge recycling as part of joint sustainability efforts from the printing industry.”
Project Homecoming will provide easily accessible cartridge recycling bins at 13 NLB libraries where the public can deposit used ink and toner cartridges from printers of any brand for recycling – even those of other brands not in the Project Homecoming partnership.
The cartridges are then periodically collected for proper recycling.
Loh Teck Heng, Director of Software & Peripherals, Dell Asia Pacific & Japan
Richard Tan, Regional Country Manager, Offshores, Singapore & Taiwan, Lexmark Singapore
These recycling processes will help minimise waste, landfill and pollution while maximising the recovery of valuable resources.
