Archive for the ‘Review’ Category

LG Optimus 3D launched in Singapore

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Available at S$938 (incl GST without contract) in Singapore in end August, the latest Android smartphone from LG allows users to create 3D photos and video using the phone and to view 3D content and play 3D games without wearing any 3D glasses.

LG Optimus 3D launched today at Marina Bay Sands

LG Electronics today launched the LG Optimus 3D at its LG Live outlet at Marina Bay Sands.

Optimus 3D smartphone from LGThe new Android smartphone boasts a “Tri-Dual” architechure – dual-core, dual-channel and dual-memory – promising improved performance when multi-tasking, viewing graphics-intensive websites, watching a movie or playing graphics-intensive games.

It also brings glasses-free 3D experience into the palms of its users. LG wants to empower its users to immerse themselves in 3D – from creating 3D photos and video, to enjoying them, and beyond that to sharing 3D media with others  – all from a smartphone.

Create, enjoy, share

Optimus 3D smartphone from LGTo create 3D photos and video, the user can use the dual 5 megapixel stereoscopic cameras on board to shoot 3D stills and footage. Alternatively, users can use included software on the smartphone to convert existing 2D photos and videos into 3D. Free software for converting 2D games will be available for download (more details to be announced soon)

Optimus 3D smartphone from LGTo enjoy 3D media  – and this is where LG is all excited about – the user does not need to wear 3D glasses. By using double-layered screen technology, the two images for the left and right eyes are are interlaced with each other and sent separately to both eyes so that the left eye only sees the image meant for the left eye and the right eye only sees the image meant for the right eye.

Optimus 3D smartphone from LGLG boasts that the cross-talk between the two images – the extent to which pixels meant for one eye is seen by the other eye – is extremely low. I tried it myself and found the 3D images gave a strong sense of depth and dimensionality – very realistic without any nausea even after more than 10 minutes of use.

The intensity of the 3D effect can be reduced or turned off – based on user’s preference – similar to the Nintendo 3DS game console. The sweet spot for optimal 3D effect seems to be about 30 cm away from the screen.

The 4.3-inch WVGA display offers bright and flicker-free images in HD, up to 1080p in 2D and up to 720p in 3D.

In case the user drops the smartphone after purchase and the dual stereoscopic cameras get misaligned, the Optimus 3D allows re-calibration of the cameras by correcting the images captured via software to account for any mis-alignment.

LG Optimus 3D smartphoneThe Optimus 3D comes preloaded with 10 free 3D games including titles such as Nova, Asphalt 6 and Let’s Golf 2.

Play 3D games on the LG Optimus 3DCaptured 3D content can be shared with 3D TVs via an HDMI 1.4 connection and the phone can also send content to any DLNA Certified device. In addition, users can upload and stream 3D content on YouTube’s dedicated 3D channel (www.youtube.com/3D).

Smartphone and 3D gizmo

Even without its 3D functionality, the Optimus 3D serves as a highly powered smartphone with top-notch graphic performance, web browsing experience, raw computing speed and high video resolution.

The LG Optimus 3D smartphone was launched in Singapore today.

The LG Optimus 3D smartphone was launched in Singapore today.

For 3D buffs, it offers a chance to own a 3D camera and glasses-free 3D viewing/playing device and a gadget to share and interact with 3D content on the Web.

The LG Optimus 3D offers the best of both worlds and places both functionalities into a single device. This class of gadgets will surely bring 3D into the lives of the average smartphone user.

The main specifications of the Optimus 3D can be found here.

HTC EVO 3D arrives in Singapore

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

The EVO 3D is the first smartphone with “glasses-free” 3D display to be launched in Singapore. The Android-Gingerbread (2.3) smartphone will be available at all mobile operators and authorized retailers at a suggested retail price of S$895 in August 2011.

Android Gingerbread 2.3 based HTC EVO 3D

The HTC EVO 3D empowers the user to capture and view photos and video in 3D through a brilliant high-defintion 4.3-inch QHD 3D display, which does not require the wearing of special 3D glasses.

HTC EVO 3D arrives in Singapore on 10 August 2011The HTC EVO 3D features a powerful 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor, dual 5 megapixel cameras, which can be used to capture both conventional 2D and stunning 3D images and videos.

With integrated 3D HD (720p) video capture and the latest version of HTC Sense, HTC EVO 3D will enable users to easily and seamlessly post 3D media to YouTube or Facebook.

Its integrated DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) capability allows fast and easy to sharing of stored music, pictures and user-generated HD video wirelessly with other DLNA-certified home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras, printers and more.

Connection via an HDMI cable (sold separately) enables sharing of user-created 3D video content via a 3D TV.

Access 3D movies and games through the EVO 3D

According to ABI Research (Dec. 20, 2010) mobile 3D devices will be driven by three key applications: creation of user-generated 3D content by integrated video and still cameras, playback of 3D content and 3D gaming.

It also anticipates that mobile devices may turn out to be the most successful form factor towards bringing 3D technology into mainstream markets.

HTC EVO 3D will be pre-loaded with HTC Watch which provides access to a large catalog of movies, including 3D titles optimized for viewing on the HTC EVO 3D’s 4.3-inch screen.

HTC Watch offers the latest new releases on the same day that they become digitally available in the region. Customers can buy or rent digitally and download directly to their smartphone, along with select 3D movies.

Rentals will be available for viewing on one screen within at least 30 days of rental, with a 24-hour  or 48-hour viewing period once the title is first played.

The HTC EVO 3D ships with a whole library of multimedia entertainment that includes The Green Hornet 3D Movie  (limited stocks available) and games such as Spider-Man: Total Mayhem HD, Need for Speed SHIFT and  The Sims 3.

HTC has also teamed up with Chalkboard, a large location-based network in Southeast Asia  to offer HTC EVO 3D users access to a catalogue of local offers wherever they go.

Main features of the HTC EVO 3D are summarised here.

Seagate ships 1 million solid state hybrid drives

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Momentus XT hybrid drive adoption soars as major computer makers ship in in their laptops. Major computer makers including Alienware, ASUS, Dell, Sony and Toshiba now offer laptops powered by the 500 GB, 72 RPM, 2.5-inch drive that blends performance rivaling solid state drives with the enormous capacity and much lower cost of hard disk drives.

The Momentus XT is a 500 GB, 7200 RPM solid state hybrid drive from Seagate.

The Momentus XT is a 500 GB, 7200 RPM solid state hybrid drive from Seagate.

Seagate has shipped its one millionth solid state hybrid drive for laptop PCs after launching the product – Momentus XT – in spring 2010.

The Momentus XT solid state hybrid drive, a 7200 RPM drive with up to 500 GB of capacity, boots up to 50 percent faster than traditional 5400 RPM drives and sets new benchmarks for real-world system performance for laptops and gaming systems.

Seagate’s Adaptive Memory technology is key to the drive’s speed, optimizing its performance by moving frequently used information into the 4GB of onboard solid state memory for faster bootup and application access.

“Seagate’s shipment of its one millionth Momentus XT drive is just the beginning of abright future for solid state hybrid drives,” said John Rydning, research director at IDC.

The problem with today’s high-performance SSDs for mobile computing is that they cost as much as 10 times more than hard disk drives of the same capacity, with the price of a 250GB SSD outstripping even the cost of many laptop PCs.

Most consumers and system builders are unwilling or unable to pay the high price for the greater speed of SSDs. The Momentus XT drive promises SSD-like speed at a fraction of the cost and more capacity options.

“Fast, capacious, and economical hybrid HDD and NAND flash storage solutions like the Momentus XT drive will be found in roughly 25 percent of all new PCs shipped in 2015,” added Rydning.

Momentus XT drives are offered in these laptops and systems:

  • ASUS Republic of Gamers G73JH
  • Sony VAIO VPCSC1AFM/S
  • Toshiba Satellite E305-S1990X
  • Alienware M17X and M18X Gaming Laptops
  • Dell Optiplex 990 Workstation

Seagate is demonstrating the Momentus® XT hybrid drive at the Flash Memory Summit, Aug. 9-11, in Santa Clara, California.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Creative Technology

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Creative Technology will be at Booth 6121 in Hall 602 during COMEX 2011.

Check out the promotions below. By the way, from now until 30 September 2011, when shopping online at Creative store, use the promo code “LESS10P” at the cart page during checkout to enjoy a 10% discount.

Promo price Usual price Remarks
ZiiSound D5x Wireless Speaker System S$349 S$399 Limited to 50 sets
Second unit S$249 Purchase with purchase of D5x
ZiiSound DSx Wireless Subwoofer S$149 S$199
D80 Wireless Speaker S$49 Free EP-570 Earphones Bulk Pack worth S$39 whilst stocks last
Zen Style M300 Portable Media Player S$69 S$79 4GB, limited to 50 sets
S$79 S$89 8GB, limited to 50 sets
WP-300 Wireless Headphones S$59 S$99 free USB charger worth S$29
WP-350 Wireless Headphones S$99 S$139 Limited to 50 sets per day
Aurvana In-Ear3 Earphones S$169 S$199 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Omega Wireless Gaming Headset S$199 S$269 Limited to 20 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma Gaming Headset S$99 S$149 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha Gaming Headset S$69 S$99 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Sound Card S$99 S$149 Limited to 20 sets per day
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD Sound Card S$199 S$299 Limited to 20 sets per day

Main features of BlackBerry 7 operating system

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

First announced in May, the BlackBerry 7 OS introduces a next generation BlackBerry browser with a significantly faster and more fluid web browsing experience. RIM reports that Internet browsing performance on BlackBerry 7 based smartphones are up to 40% faster than BlackBerry 6 based smartphones and up to 100% faster than BlackBerry 5 based smartphones.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphone from RIM

BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930

Research In Motion (RIM) is launching five new BlackBerry smartphones based on the BlackBerry 7 Operating System (OS) – two new BlackBerry Bold models (9900 and 9930) and three new BlackBerry Torch models (9810, 9850 and 9860).

The improved performance of the WebKit browser engine is combined with the hardware enhancements to enable users to browse the web faster and more smoothly.

BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphone from RIM

BlackBerry Torch 9850/9860

Enhancements to the BlackBerry browser have also optimised zooming and panning for smoother web navigation and optimised HTML5 performance for better gaming and video experiences.

RIM’s new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones also feature Liquid Graphics technology, with each smartphone combining a dedicated high-performance graphics processor with a fast CPU and high resolution display to deliver a highly responsive touch interface with fast and smooth graphics.

BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone form RIM

BlackBerry Torch 9810

For communications, BlackBerry 7 based smartphones feature the regular integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected and productive throughout the day.

Recent enhancements include the newest release of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) which now extends the real time BBM experience to a range of other “BBM connected” apps. The updated Social Feeds (2.0) app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts, and favourites all in one consolidated view. The new Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that makes it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time.

BlackBerry 7 OS also includes a number of other pre-loaded applications and integrated functionality for increased productivity and collaboration right out of the box.
Documents to Go Premium on BlackBerry App World
The Premium version of Documents To Go is now included free of charge, offering users powerful document editing features as well as a native PDF document viewer.
Free BlackBerry Protect in App World
BlackBerry Protect is also pre-loaded, offering customers the peace of mind that personal data can be backed up and secured in the cloud.

BlackBerry Balance is now integrated in BlackBerry 7, allowing users to enjoy the full BlackBerry smartphone experience for both work and personal purposes without compromising the IT department’s need for advanced security and IT controls.

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

RIM introduces a slew of five new BlackBerry 7 smartphones

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

In its largest global launch of BlackBerry smartphones in its history, RIM announced the Bold 9900 and 9930, as well as the Torch 9810, 9850 and 9860.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 from RIM

BlackBerry Torch 9810 from RIM

BlackBerry 9850 and 9860 from RIM

Research In Motion (RIM) today announced plans to launch five new BlackBerry smartphones based on the BlackBerry 7 Operating System (OS).  RIM is rolling out two new BlackBerry Bold models and three new BlackBerry Torch models, all running the powerful new BlackBerry 7 OS.

The launch of this family of handsets will be RIM’s largest global launch ever and more than 225 carriers and distribution partners around the world have already commenced or completed over 500 certification programmes for these 5 new handsets.

Featuring RIM’s next generation of hardware and software platforms, these five new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones offer users a variety of designs to choose from.

The new BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 are RIM’s thinnest smartphones ever, each offering a large keyboard and brilliant touch display.

The new BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone builds on the popularity of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 and combines a large touch display with a convenient slide-out keyboard. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 introduce an all-new, all-touch design featuring the largest display on a BlackBerry smartphone to date.

“We think users will be thrilled by the faster performance, enhanced browsing and richer multimedia delivered by these powerful new BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Torch smartphones,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO of Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry 7 OS introduces a next generation BlackBerry browser with a significantly faster and more fluid web browsing experience. The improved performance of the WebKit browser engine is combined with the hardware enhancements found in the BlackBerry 7 based smartphones.

The new smartphones feature a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and sensors enabling new augmented reality applications such as Wikitude that can be seamlessly integrated with BBM 6.

Display and keyboards
  • BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 Smartphones with Touch Display and Keyboard

BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 from RIMThe BlackBerry Bold 9900 series is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet (at only 10.5mm) and was the first to offer the union of a high performance keyboard and touch display. The brushed stainless steel frame adds a nice finishing touch to the design.

The new BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 are also the first BlackBerry smartphones to include built-in support for Near Field Communications (NFC ), a new technology that is enabling many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to pair accessories or read SmartPostertags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

  • BlackBerry Torch 9810 Smartphone with Touch Display and Slide-Out Keyboard

BlackBerry 9810 smartphone from RIMBuilding on the popular design of the BlackBerry Torch 9800, the new BlackBerry Torch 9810 is faster and more fluid with high performance hardware features and the new BlackBerry 7 OS delivering an enhanced multimedia experience. Featuring a large 3.2”, high resolution touch display and the distinctive BlackBerry keyboard that easily slides out to allow faster typing, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 offers users the best of both worlds.

  • All-Touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 Smartphones

BlackBerry 9850 and 9860 smartphone from RIMThe BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones offer the fast, fluid BlackBerry 7 experience in a new all-touch design. With a spectacular new 3.7” display, the largest ever on a BlackBerry smartphone, the new all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones are optimised for displaying web pages, photos, videos, and powerful gaming experiences and still deliver quality real-time communication and collaboration experience.

Availability

The next generation of BlackBerry smartphones will begin to be available from carriers around the world starting later this month. Availability dates for specific devices from specific carriers will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s partners.

Cisco sells new wireless-N USB adapter

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

In addition to the Linksys family of switches for wired devices, Cisco has also released the Linksys AE 1000 Wireless-N High-Performance USB Adapter (S$59), which enables users to upgrade their Windows-based laptops and desktops to the latest wireless-N technology.

The Linksys AE1000 Wireless-N USB adapter from Cisco.

The Linksys AE1000 Wireless-N USB adapter from Cisco.

The Linksys AE1000 High-Performance Wireless-N USB Adapter provides Wireless-N capability to Windows desktop computers and laptops. It features selectable dual-band wireless-N, so that the computer can connect to either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless network.

A USB extension cable and adapter base are included for improved wireless connectivity – ideal for hard-to-reach USB ports. Customisable security settings, such as WPA/WPA2 Personal and WPA/WPA2 Enterprise help avoid wireless freeloaders and Internet threats.

The Linksys AE1000 High-Performance Wireless-N USB Adapter is priced at S$59.

Cisco unveils new switches for wired home networking

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Even though Cisco has terminated the FLIP portable video recorder, its consumer products division continues to produce home networking equipment for wired devices. Today it unveiled three Linksys switches that promise both simplicity and performance.

The Linksys family of switches from Cisco for home networking of wired devices.

The Linksys family of switches from Cisco for home networking of wired devices.

Cisco today unveiled three new powerful but simple-to-use Linksys switches for home office and entertainment use. These are the Linksys SE1500 (S$39), SE2500 (S$69) and SE2800 (S$99) switches.

“The new switches provide consumers and home workers with the ability to easily expand their home network and benefit from multi-connected high-bandwidth wired office and entertainment devices,” said Brett Wingo, General Manager, Cisco Home Networking Business Unit.

The new switches enable users to expand home networks and easily connect wired devices such as computers, printers, storage devices, scanners, games consoles, and Internet enabled TVs.

Complementing the Linksys E-Series routers, the new switches include features to enable faster and more simple wired connections. These include plug-and-play, making initial set up straightforward and eliminating the need for configuration. Quality of Service (QoS) traffic prioritisation technology lets auto-sensing ports automatically optimise speed for each connected device.

The power-saving modes include auto power-down to disable unused ports, sleep mode when all ports are inactive and smart power for short cable runs. The switches are ideal for consumers or home office workers seeking an alternative to wireless connections for multiple wired devices, or simply to extend their existing network.

Linksys SE1500 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch Linksys SE2500 5-Port Gigabit Switch Linksys SE2800 8-Port Gigabit Switch
<click to enlarge> Cisco Linksys SE1500 Fast Ethernet switch Cisco Linksys SE2500 Gigabit switch Cisco Linksys SE2800 Gigabit switch
Num of Ports / Speed 5 x Fast Ethernet
up to 100 Mbps
5 x Gigabit
up to 1000 Mbps
5 x Gigabit
up to 1000 Mbps
Price (SGD$) S$39 S$69 S$99

The Linksys switches are available at the following retailers: Challenger Superstore, Harvey Norman, Best Denki, Courts, South Asia Computer, PK Computer, Inforcom Technologies, Fuwell, A Genuine Technology, Cybermind Computer House, Cyberactive Technology and Bizgram.

Olympus announces SRP for PEN E-P3 kits at S$1,298 and S$1,548

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Olympus has announced the Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) of the PEN-E-P3 in Singapore. Available in black, silver and white and bundled with an 8 GB SD card, the 14-42mm Lens Kit is priced at S$1,298 (incl GST), while the Twin Lens Kit will set you back by S$1,548 (incl GST).

Olympus E-P3 14-42mm Lens Kit, priced at S$1,298.00 (incl GST).

Olympus E-P3 14-42mm Lens Kit, priced at S$1,298.00 (incl GST).

The E-P3 14-42mm Lens Kit is priced at S$1,298.00 (incl GST) and includes both the body and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens.

Olympus E-P3 Twin Lens Kit, priced at S$1,548.00 (incl GST).

Olympus E-P3 Twin Lens Kit, priced at S$1,548.00 (incl GST).

The E-P3 Twin Lens Kit is priced at S$1,548.00 (incl GST) and includes the body, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6R lens.

The white and silver camera bodies will come with silver lenses while the black bodies will be matched with black lenses.

Both options come bundled an 8 GB SD card. The body is available in black, silver and white. Black camera bodies will be matched with black lenses. Silver and white camera bodies will come with silver lenses.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 can be purchased from Olympus authorised retailers.

Apple updates Mac mini

Monday, July 18th, 2011

The Mac mini will be updated with next generation Intel core processors, new discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and Lion, the Mac’s newly released operating system.

Starting at a suggested retail price of S$788 (inc GST), the new Mac mini will be available from July 20, 2011.

The new Mac mini delivers up to twice the processor and graphics performance of its predecessor, while maintaining its compact form factor of just 19.7 cm2 and 3.6 cm thin.The new Mac mini delivers up to twice the processor and graphics performance of its predecessor, while maintaining its compact form factor of just 19.7 cm2 and 3.6 cm thin.

Available in three different configurations, customers can choose a Mac mini with the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics, or a quad-core Intel Core i7 powered server configuration.

Suggested retail price of the new Mac mini starts at S$788 (incl GST).

Suggested retail price of the new Mac mini starts at S$788 (incl GST).

Designed without an optical disc drive, Mac mini can access the optical drives on other PCs and Macs, and works with the MacBook Air SuperDrive. Configure-to-order options include up to 8GBs of memory, a faster 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive.

Plenty of expansion possibilities for the Mac mini.

Plenty of expansion possibilities for the Mac mini.

Mac mini now comes with Thunderbolt I/O technology for greater expansion possibilities. With a Thunderbolt port, Mac mini can connect to peripherals such as high-performance storage devices, RAID arrays and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display.

The new Mac mini is up to twice as fast in terms of processor and graphics performanceThe Thunderbolt display is a 27-inch IPS widescreen display that will enhance the experience for making FaceTime HD video calls, surfing the Web and viewing movies and photos.

Ultra-fast Wi-Fi, enables wireless download of apps from the Mac App Store, data back-up to Time Capsule and quick and easy file sharing using AirDrop. Mac mini includes Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and four USB ports for easy connectivity for wired and wireless devices.

Every new Mac mini comes with Mac OS X Lion, the latest major release of the Mac’s operating system, and iLife apps for creating and sharing photos, movies and music.

Pricing & Availability

The new Mac mini will be available through the Apple Store and Apple Authorised Resellers.

SRP in SGD
(incl GST)
Mac mini Configuration Optional upgrades
S$788 2.3 GHz
Dual-core Intel Core i5
2 GB memory
500 GB hard drive
8 GB memory
750 GB hard drive
S$1,088 2.5 GHz
Dual-core Intel Core i5
4 GB memory
500 GB hard drive
2.7 GHz
Dual-core Intel Core i7
8 GB memory
750 GB hard drive
256 GB solid state drive
S$1,348 2.0 GHz
Dual-core Intel Core i7
Lion Server
4 GB memory
dual 500 GB hard drive
8 GB memory
2 x 750 GB hard drives
2 x 256 GB solid state drives