Archive for the ‘Review’ Category

IT Show 2012 (March 8-11) at SUNTEC Singapore

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

The first of four large annual IT exhibitions in Singapore begins next Thursday at the SUNTEC Singapore (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6).

For four days from March 8-11, the IT Show will open daily from 12 noon to 9 pm (admission FREE).

IT Show 2012 at Suntec Singapore from 8 - 11 March.

There will be more than 830 exhibitors in the 350,000 square feet of space distributed over five levels of Suntec Singapore. Here are links to information about the venue and the floor plans.

Looking ahead, the four major IT exhibitions in Singapore are:

Exhibition Dates Venue
IT Show 2012 8-11 Mar Suntec Singapore
PC Show 2012 7-10 Jun Suntec Singapore
COMEX 2012 30 Aug – 2 Sep Suntec Singapore
SITEX 2011 22-25 Nov Singapore Expo

Nikon COOLPIX S4300 and S3300 compact cameras available today

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX S4300 (S$279) and S3300 (S$219) are available from today.

Nikon COOLPIX 3300 and 4300 is available from today.

Nikon COOLPIX 3300 and 4300 is available from today.

The two COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

Below are the details:

COOLPIX S4300

S$279

Nikon COOLPIX S4300, S$279

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Purple
  • Pink (not available)
  • Plum (not available)
  • 16.0 Megapixels
  • 6x zoom NIKKOR 26mm wide-angle lens
  • Touch control LCD in a slim body
  • Various special effects and filter effects
  • Pet Portrait Mode
COOLPIX S3300

S$219

Nikon COOLPIX S3300, S$219

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Gold
  • Purple
  • Pink
  • Pale Green
  • Blue
  • 16.0 Megapixels
  • Ultra slim body with 6x wide-angle lens
  • 8 body colour options available
  • Special effects/ filter effects allows for creative expression
  • Pet Portrait Mode

New Android smartphone: LG Optimus Vu:

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

LG has unveiled the unique 4:3 ratio, 5-inch, LTE smartphone in anticipation of MWC 2012. It will be introduced in Korea in March and launched in Singapore in the last quarter of 2012.

Update (20 August, 2012):

The Optimus Vu: will have the 4-PLUS-1 NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor  and Android 4.0 (ICS) OS when the 5-inch smartphone heads out of Korea and Japan to make its global debut in September.

Optimus Vu: LTE Android smartphone from LG has a 5-inch IPS display and 4:3 ratio.

Optimus Vu: LTE Android smartphone from LG has a 5-inch IPS display and 4:3 ratio.

The LG Optimus Vu: has an 5-inch IPS display, and offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability, similar to the Samsung Note.

Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GB internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is suited for consuming multimedia on the go.

The large 5-inch display with bright 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, Internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life.

“The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smartphone … by offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company.The IPS display boasts natural color which can be viewed even under bright sunlight.

Its unique built-in QuickClip hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push.

Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium pen.

Polaris Office is included to enable opening of documents, spreadsheets or presentations while on the road.

The LG Optimus Vu: measures 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5 mm.

The LG Optimus Vu: measures 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5 mm.

At only 8.5mm, the Optimus Vu: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market.

Despite the large 2,080mAh battery, LG’s exclusive floating mass technology makes the Optimus Vu: appear slimmer than its actual dimensions.

In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus Vu: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera.

While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is in the works.

Additional information on the unique Optimus Vu: can be found at the LG Stand in Hall 8 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2012) in Barcelona, Spain, from February 27 to March 1.

Three Nikon COOLPIX compact cameras and one lens available today

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX L25 (S$129), L26 (S$159) and S6300 (S$349) compact cameras are available from today. So is the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G (S$729).

The Nikon COOLPIX L25, L26 and S6300, together with the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.

The Nikon COOLPIX L25, L26 and S6300, together with the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.

The three COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

The NIKKOR lens was initially announced on 6 January 2012.

Below are the details:

Nikon COOLPIX L25, S$129 COOLPIX L25

S$129

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • White
  • 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens for super image quality
  • Equipped with a CCD image sensor and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • Wide-angle of 28 mm (equivalent in 35 mm [135] format)
  • Large And Clear 3-Inch TFT LCD Monitor
  • Dedicated Movie-Record Button
Nikon COOLPIX L26, S$159 COOLPIX L26

S$159

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens for super image quality
  • Equipped with a CCD image sensor and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • Wide-angle of 26 mm (equivalent in 35 mm [135] format)
  • Large And Clear 3-Inch TFT LCD Monitor
  • Dedicated Movie-Record Button
Nikon COOLPIX S6300, S$349 COOLPIX S6300

S$349

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Gold
  • Pink
  • Wide-Angle Multi-Focal Length 10× Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • Slim And Stylish Body
  • Full-HD Movies utilising the newly integrated movie-record button
  • Numerous Shooting and Editing Functions – 3D Photography, Special Effects, Filter Effects, and Easy Panorama
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, S$729 AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

S$729

  • Black
  • A fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a focal length of 85 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8 compatible with the Nikon FX-format
  • An all new optical design that enables maximum utilization of digital-SLR camera capabilities in shooting high quality images
  • Enables shooting of portraits with pleasing background blur characteristics only possible with a fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens
  • Very lightweight at approximately 350 g, even with the large aperture
  • Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing.  Autofocus shooting is also possible when the lens is used with entry-level Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras such as the D5100 and D3100, which are not equipped with an autofocus drive motor.
  • Equipped with two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)

New ultrabook: Toshiba Satellite U840 Series

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Toshiba has unveiled today its first 14-inch ultrabooks – from the Satellite U840 Series. Available from mid-May, prices will start from S$1,399 – depending on configuration.

(Update: Read the review for the Toshiba Satellite U840 Series ultrabook here.)

Toshiba Satellite U840 Ultrabook - S$1,399

Toshiba Satellite U840 Ultrabook - S$1,399

At a weight starting from 1.59kg and thinness of 19.9mm, the Windows 7 Satellite U840 series offers a mix of style, portability and performance.

Metallic brushed aluminum chasis on the outside.

Metallic brushed aluminum chasis on the outside.

The Toshiba Satellite U840 is based on 2nd Generation Intel Core processors, and sports a metallic silver colour on the outside with a brushed aluminum chasis that provides strength and durability of lugging it around.

The Satellite U840 uses DDR3 memory, and offers a choice of 128GB solid state drive or Hybrid HDD with 16GB solid state drive, to couple responsive experience with increased durability and energy efficiency.

Illuminated tiled keyboard allows typing even in the dark.

Illuminated tiled keyboard allows typing even in the dark.

Paired with Toshiba’s new Hi-Speed Start Technology, the Satellite U840 can power on and get users up and running at work or home in just seconds.

Despite being ultra-portable, the Satellite U840 is equipped with Bluetooth and WLAN plus a selection of full-size ports including HDMI and 3 USB ports, one of which is a USB 3.0 port.

The system also includes Toshiba’s USB Sleep & Charge technology to give users the freedom to charge their smartphones even while the system is powered down.

Sleek and thin but with ample connectivity options.

Sleek and thin but with ample connectivity.

The bright 14.0” non-reflective high-definition display and powerful stereo speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound 3D technology make the Satellite U840 ideal for listening to music, watching movies and video chatting.

Complemented with a super-thin illuminated raised-tiled keyboard and multi-gesture Clickpad, it also provides good contrast and typing comfort even in the dark.

The new Satellite U840 series comes with standard 1-year Regional Limited Warranty (parts & labor), 1-year battery (carry-in).

Key specifications of the Toshiba Satellite U840 Series Ultrabooks is listed below.

(more…)

Fujifilm FinePix compact cameras for Spring 2012

Sunday, February 12th, 2012

Here is the Spring 2012 collection of compact cameras from Fujifilm. 11 of these models are being released for Singapore, out of which seven have already hit the shelves.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

The FinePix cameras in the Spring collection are listed below.

Model SRP To release in Singapore?
F770EXR TBD Yes
F750EXR TBD Yes
HS30EXR S$799 Yes
HS25EXR S$699 Yes
JZ100 TBD Yes
JZ250 TBD Yes
S2980 S$299 Yes
S4200 S$379 Yes
S4300, S4400, S4500 No
SL260, SL280 No
SL300 S$519 Yes
XP150 S$469 Yes
XP50 S$329 Yes

Key specifications for those models being released in Singapore are tabulated below.

(more…)

TODAY! Samsung GALAXY Nexus and Tab 7.7 arrives in Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

As scheduled during their launch in January, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available from today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available from today.

Also the Samsung GALAXY S II (Coral Pink) will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888, inclusive of GST, without line contract.

TODAY! New BlackBerry Curve 9380 arrives in Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

The Curve 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display. Check with Telcos for plans and pricing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The sleek and stylish all-touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphone is powered by BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9380 comes with a sleek new all-touch design that features a larger display that enhances web browsing, games and multimedia,” Hastings Singh, Vice President, South Asia at Research In Motion.The new BlackBerry 7 OS introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience.

It also offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching for information on their device and the web.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

In addition, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 includes built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways.

With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews about restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest.

NFC enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II coming to Singapore

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

The Coral Pink version of the Samsung GALAXY S II smartphone will be available in Singapore on 18 February 2012, at S$888 (incl. GST, excl. line contract).

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II Android smartphone will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888.

Coral Pink Samsung GALAXY S II Android smartphone will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888.

Also, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

New superzoom camera: Olympus SZ-31MR

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

The 16-megapixel SZ-31MR has 24x zoom, shoots Full HD movie, gets iHS and high-res touch LCD. It’ll be available in May 2012 in either black or silver.

The Olympus SZ-31MR comes in either black or silver

The Olympus SZ-31MR comes in either black or silver

Olympus claims that the new SZ-31MR has the lightest, smallest (and cutest) body of any compact with a 20-plus optical zoom.

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR

The SZ Traveller range is the first to capture 1080 Full HD movies and 16-megapixel stills simultaneously, using Olympus’ Multi Recording (MR) technology.

The AF is faster, the LCD is brighter and – thanks to the new touch interface – features like Multi Framing and Live Guide are even easier to use.

The SZ-31MR can now record movies and stills at high frame rates, and play back photo slideshows with music and transition effects.

Olympus SZ-31MR has 24x optical zoom

Olympus SZ-31MR has 24x optical zoom

The SZ-31MR is an extraordinary compact, despite its 24x wide optical zoom lens from 25-600mm (35mm equivalent).

The new iHS (Intelligence, High Sensitivity and High Speed) technologies make it possible to capture good blur-free images in the most challenging conditions, for example in low light or with backlight.

iHS draws on Olympus’ 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and two separate TruePic V image processors (originally developed for D-SLR cameras) to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response and enhance scene and subject recognition.

Olympus SZ-31MR has16 megapixels

Olympus SZ-31MR has16 megapixels

Combined with high-speed sequential shooting and high-speed autofocus, iHS cuts down picture noise and enhances resolution and colour gradation with fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots.

Multi motion Movie IS and Dual Image Stabilisation all but eliminate blur, even when you are walking and shooting at the same time.

IS is crucial with macros or close-ups of inaccessible subjects, when even the slightest wobble might otherwise ruin stand-out shots that regular lightweight compacts, with their weaker zoom lenses, simply can’t deliver.

Olympus SZ-31MR shoots Full HD

Olympus SZ-31MR shoots Full HD

When time is tight, Multi Recording and Multi Framing give another big advantage: You never have to choose between capturing one-off scenes as a 1080 Full HD movie or still photo – nor as a close-up or broader shot.

The SZ-31MR lets you do both.

A simple tap on the bright 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD takes a photo while you are filming.

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR

Or resets the point of focus, shutter speed and zoom factor – all without interrupting your movie recording.

The touch-sensitive screen also gives you direct access to Live Guide, which in i-Auto mode displays a sliding scale that you can move with your finger to adjust key parameters such as brightness and depth of field.

You can check the effect of your changes in real time before you capture the scene.

Main features for the SZ-31MR:

(more…)