Archive for the ‘Tablets’ Category

HP Slate 7 Android tablet to hit Singapore on 6 June (S$199)

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Following the availability of HP’s 10.1-inch ElitePad 900 Windows 8 tablet in Singapore 2 weeks ago, HP will be debuting their first Android tablet three weeks from now on 6 June.

The HP Slate 7 has a stainless steel frame and is available in silver or red in Singapore.

The HP Slate7 has a stainless steel frame and is available in silver or red in Singapore.

Pre-orders for the 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet is open now at S$199 while stocks last. That’s S$50 off the regular RRP of S$249.

HP Slate7
OS Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean)
Screen 7″ HFFS Panel
Resolution 1024 x 600
Battery 3,500 mAh Li-Po
Processor ARM Dual Core Cortex-A9 1.6GHz processor, 1GB DDR3 RAM
Camera Rear: 3 megapixels
Front: VGA
Audio Beats Audio
Others Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Memory Int: 8 GB
Ext: microSD slot
Size /mm 197 x 116 x 10.7
Weight 370 g
Price S$199 (S$249)

Embedded with Beats Audio, the 7-inch tablet is an affordable consumer device for enjoying music on the go – with headphones that possibly cost more than the tablet itself.

In fact, the HP Slate7 is cheaper than Google-backed ASUS Nexus 7 that came out last year.

While the business-ready HP ElitePad on Windows 8 is targeted towards enterprises and governments, the HP Slate7 aims to be an entry point for for consumers.

The High-aperture-ratio Field Fringe Switching (HFFS) panel of the Slate7 offers wide viewing angles even in outdoor lighting conditions.

The Slate7 comes with HP ePrint application, which enables users to easily print at home or on the go via the Internet to a web-enabled printer.

There is also a native printing capability in the tablet to print directly from most applications.

Samsung Knox approved by DoD for use by US Government

Monday, May 6th, 2013

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has approved mobile devices enabled with Samsung Knox for use in DoD networks, after the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) finished the testing of Samsung Knox devices.

Samsung KNOX is a comprehensive enterprise mobile solution that addresses the mobile security needs of enterprise IT without invading the privacy of its employees.

Samsung KNOX is a comprehensive enterprise mobile solution that addresses the mobile security needs of enterprise IT without invading the privacy of its employees.

What does this mean for consumers?

“Samsung Knox delivers fundamental security at the platform level, while leaving the user experience consistent,” said Injong Rhee, Senior Vice President and Head of B2B R&D Group, Samsung Electronics.

It means that Samsung devices equipped with Knox are so secure that even the US DoD has approved its use in its internal networks.

The recently launched GALAXY S4, for instance, is Knox ready.

It also means that enterprise IT administrators can sleep easier if their employees use their Knox-enabled mobile devices for both work and personal stuff.

Apart from Knox on the GALAXY, DISA also approved BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 on BlackBerry’s Z10 and Q10 smartphones, as well as PlayBook tables.

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Docking station, jackets and accessories for HP ElitePad 900

Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Here are some 0ptional accessories that add to the usability and connectivity of the HP ElitePad 900 tablet.

HP ElitePad 900 with an HP Slim Bluetooth Keyboard (S89) and Docking Station (S$219).

HP ElitePad 900 with an HP Slim Bluetooth Keyboard (S$89) and Docking Station (S$219).

  • HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket (S$339) — includes an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD card reader and adjustable viewing angles for a complete computing experience.
HP ElitePad Docking Station serves as a stand and provides additional connection ports for the tablet. These include 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x Poweed USB 2.0, 1 x Combo stereo/headphone jack, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x RJ-45, and 1 x Smart AC adapter.

HP ElitePad Docking Station serves as a stand and provides additional connection ports for the tablet. These include 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x Poweed USB 2.0, 1 x Combo stereo/headphone jack, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x RJ-45, and 1 x Smart AC adapter.

  • HP ElitePad Expansion Jacket (S$189) — adds USB, HDMI and other connectivity to get more done on the go. Adds even longer battery life when bundled with the optional HP ElitePad Jacket battery (S$279 for Expansion Jacket with Battery) .
  • The HP ElitePad Rugged Case (S$99) — provides military-grade reliability and enhances the stylish profile of the ElitePad for added protection.
  • HP ElitePad Docking Station (S$219) — delivers an enterprise-class desktop experience with an added keyboard and monitor and also charges the tablet. Or, use it to set the tablet up as a secondary screen for phenomenal multitasking.
  • HP Executive Tablet Pen — lets customers write messages and notes in their natural handwriting directly on screen and then save or convert to typed text for use in other applications.

HP ElitePad 900 tablet computer now available in Singapore

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Designed specially for business and government use, HP ElitePad 900 is a 10.1 tablet running on Windows 8.

SRP: S$1,099 (incl GST) for 32GB eMMC SSD and S$1,299 (incl GST) for 64GB eMMC SSD. For S$199 more, HSPA+ versions are also available for mobile broadband connectivity.

The HP ElitePad 900 is a tablet designed for businesses, with a 10.1 inch diagonal screen and a range of accessories.

The HP ElitePad 900 is a tablet designed for businesses, with a 10.1 inch diagonal screen and a range of accessories.

I first saw the ElitePad 900 as a prototype back in October last year. Half a year later, the tablet is now available in Singapore.

Back of the HP ElitePad 900

Back of the HP ElitePad 900

ElitePad 900 offers the full serviceability, enhanced security and manageability found in HP Elite PCs, and military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude.

Optional accessories add to the usability and connectivity of the ElitePad 900.

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iOS iPhone and iPad get Google Now with Google Search app

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Google Now has been launched on iPhone and iPad. The new feature is available as part of the updated free Google Search app for iOS devices. It is currently already available for free on Android devices with Jelly Bean 4.1 or higher.

Google Now is now available on iPhone and iPad as part of the free Google Search app.

Google Now is now available on iPhone and iPad as part of the free Google Search app.

Google Now aims to provide the user with “the right information at just the right time”.

Helpful cards with information you need are displayed throughout the day, even before you ask for it.

For instance, you could get traffic conditions and alternative routes before leaving for work.

Or get live sports scores for your favourite teams.

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Launch of Samsung GALAXY S4 With LTE in Singapore (SGD$998)

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Samsung has launched the GALAXY S4 with LTE in Singapore. The Android smartphone will be available from 27 April at S$998 in Black Mist and White Frost.

The S-View Cover(S$98) comes in many colours and has a window to display key information. The Flip Cover (S$68) comes in the same colours but without the window.

The S-View Cover(S$98) comes in many colours and has a window to display key information. The Flip Cover (S$68) comes in the same colours but without the window.

The Samsung GALAXY S4 was first unveiled in New York last month and brought to Singapore for a preview to the media two weeks ago.

Samsung GALAXY S4 With LTE in Black Mist.

M1, SingTel, and StarHub, as well as the Samsung Experience Stores had begun accepting registration of interest from interested consumers yesterday.

Upon collection, consumers will receive a GALAXY S4 With LTE Limited Edition Accessory Pack (worth S$160) consisting of a car charger, desktop dock and HDTV adapter, while stocks last.

Accessories for the GALAXY S4 With LTE at launch include the S-View Cover (S$98 in black and white) and Flip Cover (S$68 in black and white).

Key highlights of the Samsung GALAXY S4 With LTE are listed below.

Tech specs can be found here.

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TODAY: Gray GALAXY Express Android smartphone in Singapore

Saturday, April 13th, 2013

The Samsung GALAXY Express smartphone will be available in Gray from today at  S$598, without line contract. The Android phone first debuted in Singapore in white last Saturday.

Samsung GALAXY Express: S$598, in gray and white, now available in Singapore.

Samsung GALAXY Express: S$598, in gray and white, now available in Singapore.

The Saumsung GALAXY Express is a feature-rich multimedia smartphone which promises great performance, connectivity, easy usability and superior battery life to enhance everyday experiences.

Key tech specs for the Samsung GALAXY smartphone are listed below.

Preview: Samsung GALAXY S4 smartphone & GALAXY Note 8.0 tablet

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Samsung Singapore today gave a sneak peek at the Samsung GALAXY S4 and GALAXY Note 8.0 which will only debut in Singapore by May and June respectively. Prices TBA.

Update (15 April, 2012):

The Samsung GALAXY S4 LTE will be officially launched in Singapore on 18 April 2013.

Registration of interest for the Samsung GALAXY S4 LTE will commence on 17 April 2013 0000 hours, with M1, SingTel and StarHub.

Alternatively, you can also visit a Samsung Experience Stores from 17 April 2013 to pre order a unit of the Samsung GALAXY S 4 With LTE by placing a $50 deposit.

Customers will receive a GALAXY S 4 With LTE Limited Edition Accessory Pack (worth $160) consisting of a car charger, desktop dock and HDTV adapter, while stocks last, when they collect their Samsung GALAXY S 4 With LTE.

Samsung GALAXY S4 and Samsung Note 8.0.

Samsung GALAXY S4 and Samsung Note 8.0.

The Samsung GALAXY S4 was launched in New York last month and is expected to hit the shelves in Singapore next month.

The superb display of the Samsung GALAXY S4 is great for browsing media rich websites online.

The superb display of the Samsung GALAXY S4 is great for browsing media rich websites online.

The version that Singapore will get is the 16GB one with 1.9GHz Quad-Core Processor, with either Wi-Fi only or 4G LTE+Wi-Fi.

For the moment, it seems the 1.6GHz Octa-Core Processor is only headed for the GALAXY S4 smartphones in Korea.

Both versions come with 2GB RAM, microSD slot for up to 64GB and 2,600 mAh battery.

Memory ranges from 16-64GB. Tech specs can be found here.

The GALAXY S4 measures 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and weighs only 130g. An optional charging dock is available for wireless charging.

Hands-on with pre-production GALAXY S4

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Microsoft launches Surface RT in Singapore with Challenger

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Singapore is the first South East Asia market to launch the Microsoft Surface RT tablet computer. Both the 32GB (S$668) and 64GB (S$798) versions are now available in Singapore at 20 Challenger stores. Price list within.

Microsoft Surface RT tablet has just been launched in Singapore.

Microsoft Surface RT tablet has just been launched in Singapore.

Microsoft describes the Surface RT as “a tablet with some laptop capabilities”.

One big selling point is that the tablet ships with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT – which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Hands-on

Physically, the Surface RT feels light at 680g and is only 9.4mm thin (275 x 172 mm in size).

Integrated kick-stand to prop the tablet up in landscape mode.

Integrated kick-stand to prop the tablet up in landscape mode.

There is an integrated kickstand that folds out behind the tablet – allowing it to stand in landscape orientation.

Unfortunately, the stand doesn’t work in portrait orientation so you’ll have to hold it with your hands instead.

The keyboard doubles up as a cover to protect the 16:9 widescreen high-definition display (10.6-inch ClearType HD touchscreen display with 1366 x 768 pixels).

It was easy to attach and separate the keyboard/cover from the tablet.

Simply pull the magnetic connectors apart or put the edges close to each other for the connectors to snap in place.

There is a full-sized USB port and microSDXC card slot for additional storage.

The Surface RT runs on a Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU with 2GB RAM.

The Touch Cover is really thin at 3mm.

The Touch Cover is really thin at 3mm.

It runs Windows RT and works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.

What this means is that don’t expect any software written for the full Windows OS (Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP etc) to run on the tablet.

Challenger is the sole launch retailer for the Surface RT in Singapore.

Prices are listed below.

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Offline version of Google Translate available for Android

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

If you’re traveling overseas and facing inconveniences due to the language barrier, you can now count on the free Google Translate app on your Android mobile device – even when there isn’t any data connection.

Offline mode of the Google Translate app on Android lets you bring a translator around in your pocket.

Offline mode of the Google Translate app on Android lets you bring a translator around in your pocket.

Google Translate is a popular web service that helps translate free text and website text content from one language to another.

50 language packs available for download to use in offline mode.

50 language packs available for download to use in offline mode of the Android app.

The browser-based service is usually used on desktop and notebook computers and require an Internet connection to work.

Languages include Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Languages include Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Conversation mode allows voice entry and read out.

Conversation mode allows voice entry and read out.

Google has now launched offline language packages for Google Translate on Android (2.3 and above) with support for 50 languages for the app – from French and Spanish to Chinese and Arabic.

I see three key features that makes this mobile version a useful tool for the traveller.

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