Archive for the ‘Review’ Category
Monday, October 15th, 2012
Olympus has released the Recommended Retail Prices for the new Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 for Singapore. Two options are available – a Single Lens Kit (S$1,098) and a Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348).
The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 body comes in Black, White, or Silver and comes with either a single lens or two lenses.
The micro four thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens PEN Lite E-PL5 was first announced at Photokina 2012 in Cologne in mid September, together with the STYUS XZ-2 flagship camera (RRP to be announced later).
The RRP kit options for the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 are listed below:
Option 1: Single Lens Kit (S$1,098)
- Body (Silver, Black or White)
- M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR
Option 2: Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348)
- Body (Silver, Black or White)
- M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR
- M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R
Tags:cameras, lens, MIL, Olympus, PEN, prices, Singapore, XZ-2
Posted in Announce, Cameras, Gadgets, MIL, Olympus, Photography, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Friday, October 12th, 2012
With the release of Microsoft Windows 8, HP has lined up a range of computers running the new operating system – from All-in-One desktops to notebooks – and two tablets!
HP has lined up a wide range of Windows 8 computers – from desktop AiOs and notebooks to its two new tablets.
Following its aborted foray into tablets last year (with the webOS-based TouchPad), HP will be launching not one but two tablets, based on Windows 8 – the HP ENVY x2 and the HP ElitePad 900.
Both will be available later this year and in January 2013 respectively. Below are some of the computers showcased during the HP’s “A Life Connected” event.
| HP ENVY x2 |
 Powerful and ultrathin hybrid notebook PC, with a detachable screen that becomes a full tablet when separated from the keyboard.
Ultra slim and lightweight, the docking mechanism has a seamless magnetic latch that smoothly guides the tablet into place.
Comes with Beats Audio for a rich, audio experience.
Available in late 2012. Price S$1,099. |
| HP ElitePad 900 |
 The HP ElitePad 900 is HP’s premium thin and light Windows 8 tablet, designed for business.
Consumer-inspired design, and precision-crafted with quality materials like Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and sleek contoured edges.
Unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of elegantly designed Smart Jackets and other accessories.
Available in late January 2013. Price TBA.
Update (3 May 2013): The HP ElitePad 900 is now available in Singapore for S$1,099 (32GB SSD) and S$1,299 (64GB SSD). |
| HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 |
 The HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 brings the intuitive power of touch to a 14-inch Ultrabook format with up to 8 hours of battery life.
Powerful performance and modern, metallic good looks. Comes with Beats Audio and a booming subwoofer.
Available in late 2012 for S$1,399. |
| HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 & Sleekbook 15 |
 The HP Pavilion Sleekbook PCs provide the performance and easy applications that consumers need every day, in ultrathin 14-inch and 15.6-inch packages.
Available on October 26:
- Sleekbook14 (AMD): S$699
- Sleekbook14 (Intel i5): S$999
- Sleekbook15: S$1,049
|
| HP ENVY 23 & ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PC |
 The HP ENVY 23-inch and 20-inch consumer AiO PCs are the newest in the ENVY line and feature the latest touch technology in a one-cord solution with space-saving small footprint.
It is capable of sensing up to 10 fingers on the screen, so you can use both hands to play games, type or touch the screen.
Available in October:
- HP ENVY 23: S$1,599
- HP ENVY 20: S$1,199
|
| HP Pavilion 20 AiO PC |
 The new HP Pavilion 20 is a powerful 20-inch non-touch AiO PC built for value-conscious consumers.
Available in October for S$899. |
Tags:computers, Grand Park Orchard, HP, Irene Ang, keyboards, laptops, launch, notebooks, PC, Singapore, tablets, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in All-in-One, Desktops, Events, Gadgets, HP, Launch, Microsoft, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 2 Comments »
Thursday, October 11th, 2012
In the run up to Windows 8 official release on October 26, Sony has revealed its Fall lineup of Intel-based VAIO notebooks running on the new operating system – including the VAIO Duo 11 slate that comes with sliding keyboard.
Available from November 2012. VAIO Duo 11 will be sold at S$1,999 (i5-3317U processor) and S$2,699 (i7-3517U). Prices for the other notebooks TBA.
Sony’s new lineup of VAIO notebooks is helmed by the VAIO Duo 11, an Ultrabook slate with a slide-out keyboard and stylus pen; weighing only 1.3 kg and 17.85 mm thin. 11.6-inch display and available in November 2012 at S$1,999 (i5 CPU) and S$2,699 (i7 CPU).
Sony showcased its new VAIO lineup for the Fall at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore today.
New S Series models come in 13.3″ and 15.5″ screens, i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with new colour Red. 1.69 kg, 22.8 mm thin.
The new notebooks run on the latest Intel* chips and the new Windows 8 operating system, centering user experience around Touch interactivity.
These sleekly designed machines either have a 10-point multi-touch screen, or come with touchpads that enable users to utilise the touch interface of Windows 8.
As an electronics giant with a full range of electronic products, Sony demonstrated how the VAIO computers could be tightly integrated with other electronic gadgets in its stable.
These include large DLNA TV displays, cameras, video cameras, and Android smartphones.
Two new 14″E14P Series notebooks (i5 & i7). Note the soft-edged design with no bezels.
A VAIO user can therefore download, edit and share photos/videos taken with a camera or smartphone and view them either on the Web or on a large TV.
Two new 13.3″ VAIO T Series models (i5 & i7 CPU) using premium materials like magnesium and aluminium.
The VAIO Duo 11 ultrabook can function as a flat slate but has a slide-out keyboard to become a laptop.
The new S Series models has 5.5 hr battery life (additional 11 hr with optional extended battery) and a Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System that uses two graphics processors.
The two new T Series Ultrabooks has either SSD or hybrid HDD/SSD storage.
* In addition to the two new VAIO E14P Series models, the lineup also includes the VAIO E 11” and 15” series which are equipped with 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, or the AMD Radeon processor.
Tags:AMD, Intel, notebooks, slate, Sony, SSD, Vaio, Windows, Windows 8
Posted in Announce, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Sony, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, VAIO, Windows 8 | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 25th, 2012
Adobe introduces the latest versions of the photo and video editing software with revamped user interfaces that makes editing, organising and sharing easier.
Available as stand-alone products (S$131 each), Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 can also be purchased together as a bundle (S$197).
Check the buying guide for Adobe Photoshop Elements 11, Premiere Elements 11 or the bundle.
Photoshop Elements 11 offers a complete solution for editing, organizing and sharing photo creations while Premiere Elements 11 offers easy creation of engaging home movies with professional flair.
Prices listed are the Adobe direct store prices in SGD and reseller prices may vary.
Prices do not include tax or shipping and handling.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Adobe Premiere Elements 11 software for Windows and Mac are now available here.
Both solutions are available for Windows and Mac.
Powerful, intuitive tools in Photoshop Elements 11
Make photos look their best with editing options that offer virtually everything from quick fixes to a number of creative possibilities.
- A completely refreshed, user-friendly interface featuring the same engine as Adobe Photoshop – includes easily-navigated Quick, Guided and Expert editing modes; one-click options; a helpful Action bar; and big, bold icons to help users get the most from their shots.
Organise photos based on people, places (via Google maps geo-tagging) or events easily and intuitively.- New Guided Edits make pro-level effects like tilt-shift, vignettes and high and low-key easy to create.
- New filters – Comic, Graphic Novel and Pen & Ink – inspire creativity by turning photos into stunning illustrations.
- Intelligent Photoshop technology makes it easy to extract objects from different photos.
- Easily share photos via email, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and more.
Easy pro-quality videos with Premiere Elements 11
Create attractive, pro-level videos with automated moviemaking options to take the work out of editing.
- An entirely new and improved user interface including many of the same updates found in Photoshop Elements 11.
Add polish with a wide range of great-looking effects, transitions, themes, titles, disc menus, and professional-level effects and sound.- Give videos Hollywood movie styles with FilmLooks; easily apply slow and fast motion effects; dial-in colors with slider controls; effortlessly integrate blends for seamless transitions; and make adjustments with Quick Presets.
- Show off finished creations with integrated video sharing on Vimeo.
Tags:Adobe, editor, Elements, photo, photo editor, Photoshop, Premiere, software, video, video editor
Posted in Adobe, Availability, Photography, Prices, Software, Specifications | No Comments »
Friday, September 21st, 2012
Nubox and EpiCentre, both Apple Premium Reseller chains in Singapore, sold out their non-contracted iPhone 5 units nationwide when sales of the new smartphone commenced at 8am this morning.
This is the first time either are selling non-contracted iPhones on launch day. (All photos in this post taken by Nubox and EpiCentre)
Happy customers with their new iPhone 5 at Nubox Tampines Mall.
Nubox sold out its iPhone 5 units within 30 minutes while EpiCentre sold out its units within 2 hours.
Overnight queues at EpiCentre Somerset.
Both were unable to divulge the number of units sold as there was a gag order from Apple on sales figures.
Longest queue at for Nubox was at Tampines Mall with more than 200 people.
Nubox set up queue poles outside its outlets at 8pm last night, with people starting to queue at that time at Tampines Mall, which also had the longest queue of some 200 people.
1st 2 customers at Nubox@Raffles City – Felix Haryanto William (L) & Angus Tan. 18-yr-old polytechnic student Felix started the queue at 1 am this morning with his father. “My friends and I have been eagerly waiting for iPhone 5 since last December. I am an Apple fan and I just want the latest phone. We queued at Nubox for the launch of the new iPad in March and decided to come here again to queue for the new iPhone,” said Felix.
19-year-old Deepti Vasan queued with her father since 8 pm last night at Nubox@Tampines Mall. “We are looking forward to the larger screen which would be great for videos. We were very excited when we know that Nubox is selling iPhone 5. We still have an existing contract and it would be very expensive to break the contact,” said Deepti. Both father and daughter were delighted with their new 64GB iPhone 5.
For EpiCentre, the majority of the queues started forming from 8pm last night.
“I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a welcome crew as I entered the store,” said Ms Tang Yinghua, the first customer at the EpiCentre ION Orchard outlet. “I felt like a VIP as the crew clapped and cheered continuously as they activated my iPhone 5. It was an overwhelming experience and I can’t wait to use my iPhone 5 immediately.”
EpiCentre is offering promotional bundles for the iPhone 5, which includes trade-up promotions for customers upgrading their smartphones to the new Apple iPhone 5.
The non-contracted Apple iPhone 5 retails at:
- 16GB – S$948
- 32GB – S$1,088
- 64GB – S$1,238
Trade-up prices vary depending on the smartphone model and conditions.
Accessories bundles include either the purchase of a Gosh iPhone 5 screen protector and a Gosh Cross Case at S$39.90 (usual price: S$70.90); or the purchase of any screen protector or phone case at 15% discount.
Tags:Apple, EpiCentre, iPhone, iPhone 5, launch, Nubox, Singapore
Posted in Apple, Availability, Gadgets, iOS, iPhone, Launch, Phones, Prices, Tech news | No Comments »
Friday, September 21st, 2012
20-year-old Liu Ting Ting was the first customer to purchase an iPhone 5 from SingTel this morning.
Besides selling the iPhone 5, SingTel also launched a new version of deF!ND – its free mobile personal assistant app that integrates local information and enables bookings of services on the move.
Early-bird customers at SingTel’s iPhone 5 launch.
SingTel has organised a three-day launch event for the iPhone 5 starting this morning at 8am at Marina Bay Sands, Exhibition Hall D, Basement 2.
Liu Ting Ting jumping with joy.
A record 68,000 customers registered their interest over six days to purchase iPhone 5 from SingTel.
SingTel’s price plans can be found at the end of this post.
The 10,000 appointment slots to purchase iPhone 5 at our launch event were snapped-up within one and a half hours.
The first customer to purchase iPhone 5 is Ms Liu Ting Ting (age 20, student).
She had arrived last night (Thurs 20 Sep) at 8:30pm even though she had a confirmed appointment to purchase iPhone 5 this morning.
Liu Ting Ting with Allan Lew (R) and Yuen Kuan Moon (L) from SingTel.
She chose to camp overnight in order to be the first to get the phone.
SingTel also unveiled a new version of deF!ND, which features Singapore’s own voice-activated personal assistant, often dubbed the “Singapore Siri”.
First launched in November last year, the new version now features a significantly expanded database of more than 100,000 reviews on more than 15,000 eateries from HungryGoWhere, Singapore’s popular food website.
Users can quickly and easily browse through recommendations of highly-rated restaurants and hawkers nearest to their current location.
SingTel deF!ND can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and Google Play store.
deF!ND is now able to make intelligent movie recommendations based on users’ personal preferences and display screening times at GV, Shaw and Cathay cinemas nearest to their current location.
A virtual barometer predicts the user’s level of interest in all movies that are currently airing.
The app allows users to select seats and charge ticket purchases to their credit cards.
With deF!ND, users can also book taxis, locate ATMs, medical clinics and other essential amenities, find the best shopping deals and get updates on local events.
deF!ND is available for free download from the
Apple App Store and
Google Play store. It was developed in collaboration with app developer, Jinni Media.
The app draws from SingTel’s popular inSing.com database of more than 170,000 business listings.
By the way, SingTel’s price plans is listed below.
(more…)
Tags:Apps, deF!ND, iPhone, iPhone 5, launch, news, Singapore, SingTel
Posted in Android, App, Apple, Gadgets, iOS, iPhone, Launch, Operating Systems, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tech news | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012
LG has launched the Optimus G in Seoul, Korea today. Available in Korea next week and in key global markets in October.
The Optimus G is LG’s new flagship smartphone model, with 1.5 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor.
| LG Optimus G |
| OS |
Android 4.0.4 (ICS) |
| Screen |
4.7″ WXGA, True HD IPSPlus |
| Resolution |
1280 x 768 |
| Battery |
2,100 mAh, sealed |
| Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 1.5 GHz Quad-Core Krait CPUs |
| Features |
LTE, NFC |
| Camera |
Rear: 13 MP* |
| Front: 1.3 MP |
| Video |
1080p Full HD |
| Memory |
RAM: 2 GB |
| Int: 32 GB |
| Ext: Nil |
| Size /mm |
131.9 x 68.9 x 8.45 |
| Weight |
145 g |
| Price |
TBA |
| * In certain markets, the phone could be shipped with an 8 MP camera. |
The Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) phone has a camera that shoots an amazing 13 megapixels while the sealed battery is rated at 2,100 mAh.
The Optimus G has a 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus (1280 x 768 pixels) screen and is only 8.45mm thin.
It is both LTE and NFC capable.
LG’s new flagship smartphone leverages the powerful 1.5 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU to provide speedy performance and a sleek user experience.
LG boasts that the Optimus G goes beyond multi-taking into “cross-tasking” of activities without limitations.
According to LG: whereas multi-tasking applies to running various applications at the same time, cross-tasking applies to complex tasks that can be completed simultaneously without having to compromise other tasks.
Some new UX features that will be included into the Optimus G to showcase its cross-tasking and engaging capabilities are listed below.
(more…)
Tags:Android, Android 4.0, ICE, Ice Cream Sandwich, Korea, launch, LG, LTE, NFC, Optimus, Optimus G, smartphones
Posted in Android, App, Gadgets, Launch, LG, Operating Systems, Optimus, Phones, Software, Specifications | No Comments »
Monday, September 17th, 2012
Olympus has unveiled two new cameras and three new lenses for Photokina 2012 (18-23 September). At the same time, it is consolidating all its compact cameras under the new STYLUS branding.
None of the pricing is available yet.
Update (15 October, 2012):
The Recommended Retail Price of the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 has just been announced.
Option 1: Single Lens Kit (S$1,098)
- Body (Silver, Black or White)
- M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR
Option 2: Double Zoom Kit (S$1,348)
- Body (Silver, Black or White)
- M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR
- M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R
The new Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 with its selection of accessories. The PEN Lite E-PL5 has its own set of chic accessories.
Photokina 2012 begins tomorrow and ends on Sunday. Below is a summary of the slew of cameras and lenses that Olympus has lined up for the biennial trade show in Cologne, Germany.
| PEN Lite E-PL5 micro four thirds MIL camera |
 Skipping the inauspicious number “4” in the Japanese language, Olympus introduces the E-PL5, the successor to the E-PL3.Available in October 2012 in Silver, Black or White.
Features:
- 16.05 megapixels
- Live MOS Sensor
- FAST AF
- Touch AF Shutter
- TruePic VI image engine
- 12 Art Filters including new “Water Colour” filter
|
| STYLUS XZ-2 compact camera |
 The first member of the new STYLUS line, the XZ-2 is the successor to my favourite compact, the XZ-1.As the latest member of the STYLUS X series, the XZ-2 will be the flagship of the Olympus compact cameras.Available in November 2012 in Black.Features:
- 12 megapixels
- f1.8-2.5 bright lens
- 4x Optical zoom
- 28mm wide angle
- Touch AF Shutter
- Swivel screen
- 11 Art Filters
- Removable grip
- Hybrid control ring around the lens
|
| M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 Limited Edition Black Kit Lens |
 This lens will have a limited worldwide release of 3,000 sets, with 50 allocated to Singapore.Available in early October 2012.Features:
- Dual Super Aspherical lens element
- ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating
- Fine-textured metallic outer finish
- Snapshot focusing mechanism for pan-focus shooting
|
| M.Zuiko DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 Lens |
 With product launch scheduled in the first half of 2013, the detailed product specifications are not determined yet.It will have the same snapshot focusing mechanism from the M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 lens.It will also feature the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism for fast, quiet autofocusing. |
| M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 Macro Lens |
 This lens promises high resolution and contrast, as well as the ability to shoot close-up with 1x magnification.MSC mechanism for fast, quiet autofocusing.Dust and splash proof construction for secure shooting under poor conditions.Enhanced control with focus limit switch and indicator window.
Available from early October 2012. |
Tags:accessories, cameras, compact, DSLRs, lens, MIL, mirrorless, Olympus, photography, Photokina, Photokina 2012, STYLUS
Posted in Accessories, Announce, camera flash, Cameras, Compact camera, Gadgets, Lens, MIL, Olympus, Photography, Specifications, STYLUS, Tech news, Tickers, Zuiko | 1 Comment »
Monday, September 17th, 2012
Following in the footsteps of the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 and Nikon D600, Canon has unveiled its full-frame DSLR. The 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D will be available in December and is priced at US$2,100 (S$2,570) for the body only.
Canon’s new full-frame DSLR, the 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D.
Full-frame DSLRs are in, going by the announcements and launch in the lead-up to Photokina in Cologne, Germany – which begins tomorrow and lasts until Sunday.
Photokina 2012
The biennial Photokina in Cologne, Germany is the world’s biggest trade fair for the photography and imaging industries.
This year’s exhibition will be from September 18–23, 2012. That’s from tomorrow till Sunday.
After Sony announced its Alpha SLT-A99 (and fixed-lens compact CyberShot RX-1); and Nikon launched its D600 last week, Canon has announced today its new full-frame shooter – the Canon EOS 6D, which will be available in December.
All the new Sony and Nikon full-frame cameras above have 24.3 megapixels. The Canon EOS 6D, which can be considered as the 60D with a full-frame sensor shoots 20.2 megapixels and is priced at US$2,100 (S$2,570).
Price of the Canon EOS 6D with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USZ zoom kit lens is $2,899 (S$3,545).
Keep an eye on this space for more details.
Tags:cameras, Canon, DSLRs, EOS, full-frame, photography, Photokina 2012
Posted in Announce, Cameras, Canon, DSLR, EOS, Gadgets, Opinion, Photography, Prices, Specifications, Tech news, Tickers | No Comments »
Monday, September 17th, 2012
You can get the new Office 2013 either through a traditional one-time purchase, or via an annual subscription. Microsoft has unveiled its subscription price plans for consumers and small businesses.
Microsoft has unveiled its Office 365 subscription and one-time-purchase price plans for Office 2013.
Looking at the price plans, it’s a no-brainer that Microsoft wants customers to move from a traditional one-time purchase model to the new annual subscription plan.
View the detailed features and price comparisons for the different purchase models and price plans.
The cheaper Office 365 Home Premium subscription costs US$100 per year and gives you the same main component software as the top-end version for traditional purchase – the Professional version which sets you back US$400. (all prices rounded to the nearest dollar).
The subscription, however, allows for up to 5 PCs or Macs while the one-time-purchase version is only for one PC.
So the US$400 you dole out for one PC’s worth of the latter is enough to pay for four year’s worth of the essentially the same software for 5 computers.
If you renew your one-time-purchase Office every four years, the annual subscription model still works out to 20% of the one-time-purchase rate because you get five seats instead of one.
If you renew every eight years, you would still be paying only 40% of the one-time-purchase price in terms of cost per seat.
Plus the subscription model constantly keeps your version at the latest and offers additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage, 60 Skype minutes, and other cloud-based features.
Tags:Microsoft, Office, Office 2013, Office 365
Posted in Announce, Microsoft, Office, Prices, Software, Specifications | No Comments »
