Archive for the ‘Review’ Category

New arrivals: Sony VAIO Fit E & VAIO Tap 11 in Singapore

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

The VAIO Fit E notebook has a newly upgraded Intel Core™ i5-4200U 1.6GHz processor, while the VAIO Tap 11 is touted as the world’s thinnest Windows Tablet PC.

Both are already available in Singapore. Prices below.

The Sony VAIO Fit E and VAIO Tap 11 are now available in Singapore

The Sony VAIO Fit E (left) and VAIO Tap 11 (right) are now available in Singapore

The VAIO Fit E is available in black, white and pink and now has a more powerful Intel Core i5-4200U 1.60 GHz processor with turbo boost to 2.60 GHz.

Prices
VAIO Fit E S$1,499
VAIO Tap 11
i7-4610Y processor S$2,299
i5-4210Y processor S$1,999

As part of the Sony Days 2013 promotion, consumers who purchase the VAIO Fit E before and on 1 January 2014 will receive a Walkman NWZ-W274S for free.

The VAIO Tap 11 was first announced earlier this year at IFA, Europe’s biggest tech show.

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Travel: Kluang – (클루앙 여행 – 커피 신세계를 맛보다)

Saturday, November 30th, 2013

Andrew Ng checked out Kluang’s attractions last Saturday courtesy of Tourism Malaysia Singapore.

멀라이언쿠기 (Merlion Cookie) shares HER experience at Kluang, especially the Coffee Factory, since she is a coffee lover herself. This journal is dedicated to the Korean readers out there :-).

* All the pictures in this article were provided by Merlion Cookie.

The Kluang Rail Coffee welcomes visitors to Kluang upon arrival at the railway station.

The Kluang Rail Coffee welcomes visitors to Kluang upon arrival at the railway station.

싱가폴 라이프중 이로운 점 하나를 꼽으라면 다른나라로 여행이 용이하다는 점이겠다.

Dato’ Husni Zai Yaacob, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Singapore enjoying a hot cuppa with us.

Dato’ Husni Zai Yaacob, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Singapore enjoying a hot cuppa with us.

많은 항공사들이 싱가폴을 경유하기 때문이기도 하지만, 인도네시아는 배로, 말레이시아는 버스나 기차로 당일치기 또는 1박2일 여행이 가능하다.

말레시아 관광청에서 많이 알려지지 않은 소도시를 홍보하는 당일치기여행 프로그램에 초청되어 이번 여행에 참여하게 되었다.

클루앙은 말레이시아 수도에서 버스로 2시간정도 떨어져있는 작은도시라고 하지만 서울크기의 약 4배정도 되는 규모이니 작다고 하긴 그렇지만 아무래도 수도인 쿠알라룸프에서 떨어진 곳이다 보니 발전된 시골정도의 느낌이었다.

싱가폴에서 우드랜드 체크포인트에서 출발하는 기차를 타고 여행이 시작되었다.

기차안에서는 말레이시아 관광청의 여행일정소개와 이번여행에 협력해준 말레시아 열차관계자 및 재 싱가폴 말레시아 외교관부부의 인사가 있었다.

Simple but delicious food in Kluang Rail Coffee.

Simple but delicious food in Kluang Rail Coffee.

내가 탔던 기차는 1994년 현대에서 만들어진 꽤나 오래된 기차였다.

Roasted coffee glittering like black crystals.

Roasted coffee glittering like black crystals.

우리나라 무궁화열차정도라고 보면되겠지만 도착지인 클루앙까지 2시간반동안 불편한 점은 전혀없었다.

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New arrivals: Nokia Lumia 1520, Lumia 1320 & Lumia 525

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Nokia’s entry to the phablet bandwagon arrives in Singapore in the form of the 6-inch Lumia 1520 (S$999) and Lumia 1320 (price TBA). It also launched the more accessibly-priced 4-inch Lumia 525 (S$249).

Nokia Lumia 1320, Lumia 1520 and Lumia 525 - all running on Windows Phone 8 Nokia Lumia Black Update.

Nokia Lumia 1320, Lumia 1520 and Lumia 525 – all running on Windows Phone 8 Nokia Lumia Black Update.

Both the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 525 will be available on 14 December while the Lumia 1320 will only be able in January 2014.

All three devices come with the Windows Phone 8 Nokia Lumia Black update.

The two large 6-inch phablets feature the latest software advancements for Windows Phone, and is suitable for both personal entertainment and productivity.

The increased screen real estate has enabled a new third column of tiles on the home screen so that users can directly access and see more updates from the live tiles of apps on the home screen.

The Lumia 1520 will be available in four colours – yellow, white, black and glossy red.

The Lumia 1520 will be available in four colours – yellow, white, black and glossy red.

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New arrivals: WD debuts world’s 1st SSD+HDD Black2 dual drive

Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

The WD Black2 dual drive (S$459) is available in Singapore with 5-year limited warranty.

WD Black2 dual drive (S$459) is available in Singapore through selected retailers and distributed by Achieva Technology Pte Ltd  and Eternal Asia (S) Pte Ltd.

WD Black2 dual drive (S$459) is available in Singapore through selected retailers and distributed by Achieva Technology Pte Ltd and Eternal Asia (S) Pte Ltd.

The 2.5-inch drive pairs a 120GB SSD with a 1TB hard drive and connects through a single cable and fits into a conventional 9.5 mm slot.

“Our customers told us they like our Solid State Hybrid Drive technology, but our tech savvy users asked for more control of where they store their data,” said Matt Rutledge, senior vice president of WD’s Storage Technology business unit.

The dual-drive solution is targeted at consumers and service providers looking to upgrade notebooks, small form factor desktops, and single-slot and all-in-one (AIO) systems with both SSD level performance and HDD capacity.

Designed for enthusiasts, creative professionals, gamers and PC builders, the WD Black2 dual drive provides improved overall drive capacity, performance, and reliability, while offering the flexibility to choose how and where their data is stored.

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New arrivals: Fuji Xerox DocuPrint P215 b, M215 b and M215 fw

Monday, November 25th, 2013

Fuji Xerox today launched the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint P215 b (S$99), DocuPrint M215 b (S$169) and DocuPrint M215 fw (S$299). These monochrome printers are available in Singapore from today.

The new Fuji Xerox printers (from left): DocuPrint P215 b (S$99), DocuPrint M215 b (S$169) and DocuPrint M215 fw (S$299).

The new Fuji Xerox printers (from left): DocuPrint P215 b (S$99), DocuPrint M215 b (S$169) and DocuPrint M215 fw (S$299).

Created for small businesses and home offices, these compact, monochrome printers promises to help businesses save money, energy and reduce their impact on the environment.

With Fuji Xerox’s S-LED (Self-Scanning Light Emitting Diode) and DELCIS (Digitally-Enhanced Lighting Control Imaging System) technology, these printers will be able to produce consistently sharp images at true 1200 x 1200 dpi.

The new printers boast the following:

  • Trouble free, user friendly, better productivity and assured speed.
  • Easy to use with intuitive LCD screen, wireless connectivity and direct scan to USB memory.
  • Energy efficiency saves money and the environment.
  • Small business printers with big business features – Guaranteed quality and reliability.

Below are more details from the press release.

Travel: True meaning of Malaysian hospitality in Kluang

Monday, November 25th, 2013

Kluang is a town and district located in the state of Johor, in the southern portion of peninsular Malaysia. The city is named after the fruit bats that were once common in the region.

Andrew Ng checks out a few of the many attractions that draw tourists to Kluang. If you’re a coffee lover, read about 멀라이언쿠기 (Merlion Cookie)’s journal about HER visit to Kluang.

* All the pictures in this article were taken by Andrew.

Kluang Coffee Powder Factory workers roasting coffee.

Kluang Coffee Powder Factory workers roasting coffee.

It was a trip down nostalgia. The last time I took a train to Malaysia, I was still in high school a few decades ago. Back then, I boarded the train at the former Tanjong Pagar station.

Grooving to the tune of Cek Mek Molek in the entertainment car.

Grooving to the tune of Cek Mek Molek in the entertainment car.

Fast forward to 2013, I had the opportunity to relive that memory when I was invited to make a trip to Kluang.

The event was organised by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, at the direction of Noor Aine Ismail and assisted by Putrie Rozana Soraya.

I have to say, Malaysia pulled out all the stops to ensure the participants experience a Truly Asia hospitality.

(from the right) Dato' Husni Zai Yaacob, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Singapore; Jamaluddin Mat Lazim, Locomotive Inspector; Mohd Zain Mat Taha, General Manager KTM Intercity.

(from the right) Dato’ Husni Zai Yaacob, High Commissioner of Malaysia in Singapore; Jamaluddin Mat Lazim, Locomotive Inspector; Mohd Zain Mat Taha, General Manager KTM Intercity.

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New arrivals: Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 EA6900

Monday, November 25th, 2013

Linksys announced its fastest Wireless-AC router today. It will debut in Singapore at SITEX 2013 at a promotional introductory price of S$319, with free gifts worth up to S$188.

After the show, this flagship model will retail at S$339 from 2 December onwards. All prices include GST.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 EA6900 is the company's flagship router with the fastest Wireless-AC speed.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 EA6900 is the company’s flagship router with the fastest Wireless-AC speed.

Equipped with a dual-core processor and external antennae to deliver higher speed and wider range, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 EA6900 promises high-performance connectivity in the home.

“Linksys understands that today’s consumers need reliable wireless coverage throughout their home. With our expertise in networking we have brought today’s best wireless technologies together in one sleek form factor,” said Tang Boon Ping, Director, Asia, Linksys and Belkin.

The new router offers speeds of up to 600Mbps to Wireless-N clients and up to 1300Mbps to Wireless-AC clients.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1900 EA6900 also sees the re-introduction of three external and removable dipole antennae, for better performance.

Aside from giving consumers maximum flexibility in steering the signal to enhance network range and stability, the inclusion of external antennae also allow discerning users to swap out the antennae with other types depending on personal preference.

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Sony PlayStation 4 to be launched in Singapore on 19 Dec 2013

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) will be available in Singapore for S$639 on 19 December. 3 bundle sets and 23 launch frame software titles will be released on the same day.

Update (19 December, 2013):

PlayStation fans who pre-ordered the PS4 queued up at Sony’s pop up store at Wisma Atria today to collect their purchases.

Hiroyuki Oda, Deputy President of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia & Atsushi Endo, General Manager, Singapore Marketing Center presented the PS4 set and PS Vita TV to the first and second pre-order buyers.

Hiroyuki Oda, Deputy President of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia & Atsushi Endo, General Manager, Singapore Marketing Center presented the PS4 set and PS Vita TV to the first and second pre-order buyers.

The first 30 pre-order buyers waiting in line received a PlayStation Vita TV, while the next 30 pre-order buyers waiting in line received a 10 year PlayStation Plus membership.

The next 100 pre-order buyers waiting in line received a limited edition AAPE Tee + Cushion.

Sony PlayStation 4 pop up store outside Wisma Atrium will be there from today till 1 January 2014.

Sony PlayStation 4 pop up store outside Wisma Atrium will be there from today till 1 January 2014.

The PlayStation 4 Roadshow at Wisma Atria will be held until 1 January 2014.

Those who pre-ordered the PS4 at the focus shops can collect their orders from the respective shops they ordered from.

Queue at the pop up store before collection commenced at 2pm.

Queue at the pop up store before collection commenced at 2pm.

* All photos in this article are from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Sony PlayStation 4 with DualShock 4 and PSP camera.

Sony PlayStation 4 with DualShock 4 and PSP camera.

The 3 bundle sets, comprises a PS4 system and a selected PS4 title or PlayStation Camera.

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New arrivals: LG G Pro Lite Android smartphone available in Singapore

Monday, November 11th, 2013

LG’s newest smartphone features a larger IPS display with longer lasting battery power. Running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, the LG G Pro Lite is available now from StarHub (S$498).

LG G Pro Lite jumps on the phablet bandwagon with its 5.5-inch display.

LG G Pro Lite jumps on the phablet bandwagon with its 5.5-inch display.

Fashioned after the LG G Pro, the G Pro Lite has a large 5.5-inch IPS display, a 3,140mAh battery, embedded Stylus Pen, stereo speakers and Dual SIM with a dedicated Hot Key.

LG G Pro Lite comes with the same UX as its premium G Series.

Promotions: NETGEAR R6300v2 Smart WiFi Router with free installation

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

From 1 – 30 November, the NETGEAR R6300v2 Smart WiFi Router will be available at a promotional price of S$299 (usual price S$319).

Challenger members pay just S$259 and will receive a free installation (worth S$80) for every purchase of the NETGEAR R6300v2 Smart WiFi router.

Left and right views of the NETGEAR R6300v2 Smart WiFi Router.

Left and right views of the NETGEAR R6300v2 Smart WiFi Router.

The complimentary one-hour free onsite installation service includes set-up of the R6300v2, establishment of internet connection and testing of internet connectivity to one device.

The NETGEAR R6300v2 Smart WiFi Router with AC1750 dual band promises the world’s fastest Wi-Fi speed of up to 1750 Mbps.

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