Archive for the ‘Review’ Category

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Demand for Raspberry Pi goes through the roof

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

From hundreds or thousands of units to hundreds OF thousands – that’s how demand for the Raspberry Pi has grown. The first 700 has shipped, with another 7,000 shipping within the next few weeks.

The Raspberry Pi is the size of a credit card and runs on an ARM11 chip with Fedora Linux off an SD card.

The Raspberry Pi is the size of a credit card and runs on an ARM11 chip with Fedora Linux off an SD card.

Raspberry Pi Foundation, the developers of the credit-card sized computer board, had expected sales going into hundreds – at most a few thousands if the product caught on.

So they were understandably surprised when a queue of some 280,000 worldwide signed up on their website to express interest in purchasing the Raspberry Pi once shipping commenced.

RS Components, one of two distributors for the single-board computer, estimates the first 75,000 of these orders to ship by July or August this year, while the rest of the 280,000 (and still counting) will have to wait even longer.

Model Price Configuration
Model A US$25 1x USB port, no Ethernet port
Model B US$35 2x USB ports, 1x Ethernet port

The bottleneck for the supply chain is the ARM chip from Broadcom, which, takes up nearly 60% of the material cost of the Raspberry Pi which is manufactured in Taiwan and China.

The Raspberry Pi is designed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.Raspberry Pi designers already have ideas about Version 2 of the ultra-budget computer but they are not in a hurry to start work on that.

The current specs for the Raspberry Pi is more than enough to last a long time for the tasks it is designed for: computer programming, game playing, and watching HD movies.

Eben Upton, one of the designers of Raspberry Pi, has managed to play Quake 3 off the Raspberry Pi.

Upton, together with his colleagues at the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, had conceived the idea of making a tiny and cheap computer for kids back in 2006.

They were concerned with the declining numbers and skills levels of A-Level students applying to read Computer Science at the prestigious university.

They wanted to make possible and available an affordable device that kids could play with to explore and experience computer programming.

Main technical specifications are listed below.

(more…)

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Posted in Availability, Gadgets, Prices, Specifications, Tech news | No Comments »

Samsung finally unveils the GALAXY S III

Friday, May 4th, 2012

After much anticipation, Samsung has officially announced the third generation GALAXY S. The GALAXY S III will be available in Singapore from Q2 2012 in Pebble Blue and Marble White. Prices to be announced later.

Update (23 May 2012): RRP (without contract but incl. GST) in Singapore has been announced at S$998. Availability to be announced later.

Latest update (25 May 2012): Marble White Samsung GALAXY S III will go on sale in Singapore on 30 May. Collection of pre-orders begin 29 May. Pebble Blue version will be available at a later date. Stay tuned!

The Samsung GALAXY S III will come in Pebble Blue and Marble White.

The Samsung GALAXY S III will come in Pebble Blue and Marble White.

The Samsung GALAXY S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.9-megapixel FRONT camera that shoots HD video, and is powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

“… it enables one of the most seamless, natural and human-centric mobile experiences …,” said JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung.The GALAXY S III offers WiFi Channel Bonding which doubles the WiFi bandwidth.

For those who are tired of wires, a separate wireless charging kit allows you to charge the phone without plugging it to the socket.

Samsung boasts that the smartphone has been “designed for humans” – by making the phone recognise the user’s voice, understand more human gestures, and by making it easier to share moments on social networks.

Human-centric interface

Samsung GALAXY S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel main camera and 1.9-megapixel front camera, and is powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.A “Smart-stay” feature senses and recognises how you are using the smartphone.

For instance, when reading an e-book or browsing the web, the front camera detects the eyes and maintains a bright display on the phone for continual reading.

“S Voice” is Samsung’s advanced natural language user interface that listens and responds to voice commands. Does “S Voice” stand for Samsung Voice – its response to Siri?

For example, you can TELL the GALAXY S III to “snooze” when the alarm goes off, or to play songs, reduce/increase the volume, send text messages and emails, organise your schedules, or launch the camera to take a photo.

Samsung GALAXY S III will be available in Singapore from Q2 2012.Easy sharing

The new “S Beam” expands on Android Beam by allowing a 1GB movie file to be shared within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.

Click to display enlarged view of the tech specs.

Click to display enlarged view of the tech specs.

“Buddy photo share” function allows photos to be easily and simultaneously shared with the friends pictured in an image directly from the camera or the photo gallery.

“AllShare Cast” allows wireless display of the smartphone’s content onto a larger display.

“AllShare Play” shares files between the GALAXY S III and a tablet, PC or television, regardless of the distance between the devices.

“Group Cast” shares the smartphone’s screen among multiple friends on the same WiFi network.

“Pop up Play” allows a video to continue playing on one part of the screen while other apps and tasks continue simultaneously.

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Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, Galaxy, Operating Systems, Phones, Samsung, Software, Specifications, Tech news | 2 Comments »

Dell enhances Alienware portfolio for advanced mobile gaming

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Dell’s Alienware M14x (from S$2,699) and M17x (from S$3,599) are now available from its online store.

The M14x claims to be “the most powerful 14-inch laptop in the Universe” while the M17x is 3D-capable – offering an immersive, high-definition, surround-sound experience.

Dell Alienware M14x (left, from S$2,699) and M17x (right, from S$3,599)

Dell Alienware M14x (left, from S$2,699) and M17x (right, from S$3,599)

The M14x features optional dual drive configurations, up to 16GB of memory for extreme multitasking, a Blu-ray combo optical drive, and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics engine with GDDR5 graphics memory.

This is the most advanced GPU in a 14-inch form factor and the first time Alienware is offering GDDR5 graphics on a laptop of this size.

The M17x delivers the latest NVIDIA and AMD graphics card options, up to 32GB of memory, optional 17.3-inch 120Hz WideFHD WLED 3D display, and THX 3D surround sound.

It is one of the first laptops to offer the AMD Radeon HD 7970M graphics card and the latest GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GT 660M and 675M graphics solutionsii.

Both laptops feature Intel’s 3rd Generation processors and Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technologies, HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0 for fast data transfer, Bluetooth 4.0, optional 3D HD gaming capability, optional Blu-ray disc drive and exceptional surround-sound quality from Klipsch speakers.

(more…)

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Posted in Dell, Gadgets, Games, Launch, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Specifications, Windows 7 | No Comments »

New mobile hard drive: WD Scorpio Blue 7mm

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

The 7mm 2.5-inch mobile hard drives delivers lower power consumption and are available in 500GB (S$139.99) and 320GB (S$109.99) capacities.

The new Scopio Blue 7mm mobile hard drive can be used in both ultrabooks and mainstream notebooks.

The new Scopio Blue 7mm mobile hard drive can be used in both ultrabooks and mainstream notebooks.

The slim, energy-efficient 7mm hard drives for ultrabooks are the latest additions to Western Digital’s Scorpio Blue line of mobile hard drives.

The single-platter small form factor of the new hard drives are compatible with industry-standard 9.5 mm slots for mainstream notebooks as well as slimmer notebook and ultrabook devices that require a thinner 7mm drive height.

Below is the fact sheet for the Scorpio Blue family of mobile hard drives.

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Posted in Accessories, Availability, Brochures, Gadgets, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications, storage drive, Ultrabooks, Western Digital | No Comments »

Launch of Adobe CS6

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

The latest iteration of Adobe’s flagship software suite has been launched. Available in May 2012, there will be 4 suites, comprising different combinations of 14 print, web and video software.

The suites are: Master Collection (S$3,924), Design & Web Premium (S$2,868), Design & Web Standard (S$1,962), and Production Premium (S$2,868).

Adobe has also launched the new subscription-based Creative Cloud (US$600 per year). This is not available in Singapore yet.

Adobe Creative Suite 6

Adobe Creative Suite 6

Singapore was the first venue in the world to launch Adobe Creative Suite 6.

Shantanu Narayen, Adobe CEO, and David Wadhwani, SVP, Digital Media Business, Adobe, will host a launch event and press conference on the release of Adobe Creative Cloud and CS 6 at 10:00 am Pacific Time, 23 April.

CS6 is part of Adobe’s 2-year renewal of its creative suite of software. One year on from each major release is a mid-cycle update, as with Adobe CS5.5.

The Mercury engine that was introduced in Premiere Pro in CS5 has been implemented in other products in CS6, notably Photoshop and Illustrator.

For Photoshop, the impressive Content-Aware Fill feature in Photoshop CS5 has been supplemented with two new enhancements – Content-Aware Patch and Content-Aware Move.

Dreamweaver and other component products in CS5 was based on perpetuating the Flash platform.

Having had the rug pulled from under its feet by the late Steve Jobs, Adobe has shifted the emphasis for Dreamweaver in CS5.5 and CS6 more towards facilitating HTML5, “an open Web standard that’s replacing Adobe’s older Flash tools for many Web designers” (quoted from Bloomberg).

There are also more tools for designing apps for smartphones and tablets.

A big step for Adobe this time round is its foray into a subscription-based model, although it is not available in Singapore yet.

Creative Cloud will charge US$50 a month for a one-year commitment (US$75 without one).

Subscribers can access the 14 programs, which can be installed on an Apple Mac or on a Windows PC.

Users can use the installed software even when they are not connected to the Internet.

A cloud-based service will also enable users to collaborate and share work with colleagues and clients through a Web browser.

The list of software as well as the composition of each suite can be found here.

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Posted in Adobe, App, Creative Suite, Events, Launch, Phones, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tablets | 2 Comments »

Nikon COOLPIX S30 available in Singapore

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

The 10.1-megapixel Nikon COOLPIX S30 (S$259) is now available exclusively from Courts. The waterproof and shockproof compact camera is ideal for kids.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 is shockproof, waterproof and dirtproof.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 is shockproof, waterproof and dirtproof.

The COOLPIX S30 is built to resist shock (withstands falls from heights of up to 80 cm), water (up to 3 metres depth) and dirt.

Nikon COOLPIX S30: 10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom.

10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom.

The camera has large buttons and a user-friendly interface, and comes with 3x optical zoom.

For added fun, a creative slide show function creates animated effects and music with the photos!

Unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s Spring 2012 collection, the COOLPIX S30 is available in black, white, pink and blue.

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Posted in Availability, Cameras, Compact camera, COOLPIX, Gadgets, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

New TomTom App for iPhone/iPad available in iTunes

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

TomTom South East Asia V1.10 is now available in the iTunes store. Priced at US$69.99, existing V1.9 users can download the update for free.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 available now on iTunes.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 available now on iTunes.

The latest version of the TomTom App integrates TomTom navigation with social media applications such as Facebook and Twitter – allowing users to navigate to friends, places and events more easily.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad South East Asia V1.10 First previewed during CES 2012 in January, the TomTom navigation app for iPhone and iPad fully supports social networks as a source for turn-by-turn navigation.

The new version automatically plans routes based on information from Facebook events and places.

Additionally, drivers can use the app to share their destination and arrival time on Twitter, Facebook, by email and by SMS text.

The app offers regional coverage and the update includes the latest maps of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei.

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Posted in App, Availability, Gadgets, GPS, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Prices, Software, Specifications, TomTom | 2 Comments »

New camera lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon’s newest NIKKOR lens is a fast, wide-angle 28mm f/1.8 fixed focal length in Nikon’s FX-format – for full frame DSLRs like the D800. It will be available in the US from the end of May 2012 at about US$700.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new lens can also be used on DX-format cameras – such as the D3200 which was launched at the same time.

Used with DX-format cameras, the equivalent focal length will be 42mm.

New technologies used in the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G include Nano Crystal Coat and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), enhancing image quality and rendering capabilities.

The Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal reflections that cause ghost and flare while the SWM enables extremely quiet autofocusing.

Two focus modes are offered: M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) and M (manual focus).

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Posted in Cameras, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Lens, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

New DSLR: Nikon D3200

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).

Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).

The optional WU-1a gives the Nikon D3200 wireless connectivity to mobile devices.

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.

The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.

As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.

There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.

For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.

The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.

Nikon D3200 D3100
Resolution 24.2 MP 14.2 MP
Video Full HD (1080p) 30 fps 24 fps
LCD 920 k 230 k
Max ISO (regular) ISO 6,400 ISO 3,200
Continuous shoot 4 fps 3 fps
Release date 19 Apr 2012 19 Aug 2010

The brochure can be downloaded here.

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Posted in Accessories, Android, App, Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, iOS, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 5 Comments »

Anybody wants a 40-inch tablet computer?

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Microsoft and Samsung has unveiled the latest in surface computing in SouthEast Asia – the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface.

Prices for Singapore are estimated to be S$15k with LCD display only, and another S$750 to include the stand.

Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft

Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft

New PixelSense Technology enables the Samsung SUR40 to “see” and respond to touch and objects, creating new possibilities for interactive displays in various settings.

Embedding the SUR40 in a table

Embedding the Samsung SUR40 in a table

With Microsoft’s PixelSense technology, LCD panels can see and respond to touch and objects without using cameras.

SUR40 will allow people to share, collaborate and explore together using a large, thin (4-inch profile) display that recognises fingers, hands and other objects placed on the screen.

The interactive 40-inch Full HD 1080p (1920×1080) LCD panel can be used horizontally as a table, mounted vertically on a wall or embedded in other fixtures and furniture.

The collaboration between Microsoft Surface 2.0 software and Samsung’s display technology is now available through the Samsung channel and reseller partners in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

SUR40 embedded in a table

Samsung SUR40 embedded in a table

Pricing and availability of the SUR40 may vary across countries and/or regions based on country-specific duties, taxes and fees.

Key specifications of the SUR40 is listed below.

(more…)

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Posted in Announce, Gadgets, Microsoft, Prices, Samsung, Specifications, Tablets, TV | 1 Comment »

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