Archive for the ‘Specifications’ Category

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion available in Singapore

Friday, July 20th, 2012

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion is RIM’s next-generation mobile device management solution for Government and Business Customers in Singapore.

It promises to be a secure, reliable, and scalable solution to easily manage BlackBerry, iOS and Android devices.

From left, Ian Gardner, Director, Enterprise Sales, RIM; and Charles Dufourcq, Director, Singapore, RIM sharing the advantages of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion

From left, Ian Gardner, Director, Enterprise Sales, RIM; and Charles Dufourcq, Director, Singapore, RIM sharing the advantages of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion consolidates the management of smartphones and tablets running BlackBerry OS (which includes BlackBerry PlayBook and future BlackBerry 10 devices) as well as Android and iOS.

“For businesses and government, managing a mix of mobile devices on any scale is chaotic. Organizations face pressure to allow employees to bring their own devices into the workplace,” said Charles Dufourcq, Director for Singapore at Research In Motion.

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion provides a single, unified, web–based console to manage the wide range of mobile devices that the employees of an organisation may bring and use for work.

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion integrates the market-leading features and security architecture of BlackBerry Enterprise Server (version 5.0.3), providing advanced IT management and controls, a single outbound security connection (256-bit AES encrypted “BlackBerry VPN”), enforceable IT policies, support for BlackBerry Balance technology, and over-the-air app and software installation capabilities for the management of BlackBerry smartphones and PlayBook tablets (as well as future BlackBerry 10 devices).
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Headphones for extra back-to-school motivation

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

It’s that time of the year when university and poly students head back to school. Here are three Sennheiser headphones to pamper yourself or your loved one to help motivate him/her for the new term.

Fancy a Sennheiser HD 439 for to bring back to school?

Fancy a Sennheiser HD 439 for to bring back to school?

You can get these headphones at the Sennheiser Concept Store at Marina Square, #03-123.

Sennheiser PX 200-IIi headphones

Sennheiser PX 200-IIi

S$169

Here’s a “transformer” headphone that sports a unique fold-and-flip design that easily fits into any pockets.

The lightweight, closed, super-aural mini headphone offers good isolation against outside noise and is ideal for noisier environments.

It also comes with a remote unit that enables you to control the latest iPod, iPhone and iPad devices.

Simply push the buttons integrated in the cable to control the volume, play, pause, or skip tracks.

Sennheiser HD 229 headphones

Sennheiser HD 229

S$109.90

Available in contrasting, cheery colours of black and purple, or white and orange, the HD 229 offers crisp treble and powerful bass performance.

Its lightweight over-the-head design is good for everyday listening, while the soft, snug-fitting earpads and closed-back design help to reduce outside noise.

Sennheiser HD 439 headphones

Sennheiser HD 439

S$129

The Sennheiser HD 439 closed-back stereo headphone features a chrome inner lining and black mesh turbines.

It boasts an excellent bass performance and offers a comfortable fit for long wearing.

* In case you’re wondering, this is not a paid/sponsored advertisement. Just something I came across to start your new term with.

New personal AV players: Sony NWZ-F800, E470 and E470K

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

The Walkman NWZ-E470 and NWZ-E470K digital media players will be available from August 2012, while the Walkman NWZ-F800 mobile entertainment player will be available from the end of October 2012. Prices TBA.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470 series of digital media players comes in many bright colours.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470 series of digital media players comes in many bright colours.

Following the launch of the Z1000 series Walkman in May, Sony has announced today three more personal audio visual Walkman players for music players on the go.

Enjoy your music wherever you are with the Sony Walkman NWZ-F800.

Enjoy your music wherever you are with the Sony Walkman NWZ-F800.

All of them enhance sound quality using four Sony Clear Audio Technologies (Clear Stereo, Clear Bass, DSEE and MDR-EX083 headphones).

SensMe Channel analyses your music and automatically categorises music tracks into different channels so you can conveniently listen to music that matches your mood.

Walkman NWZ-F800

The NWZ-F800 emphasises on audio quality and targets audiophiles with Sony’s S-Master MX digital amplifier, promising an enriched stereo image, tight bass and crystal clear highs.

The multi-app mobile entertainment player features the Clear Phase technology which ensures reduced distortion and increased sound presence, offering outstanding high quality sound in a portable audio device.

Sony Walkman NWZ-F800

Sony Walkman NWZ-F800

Lyrics are displayed so you can sing along to your favourite tunes; and Visualisers and Cover Art View provide brilliant visuals on the vibrant 3.5” WVGA multi-touch screen LCD, bringing you closer to your music.

The player runs on an NVIDIA Tegra II dual-core processor and the Google Android 4.0 platform.

Housed in a compact aluminium body, it also includes FLAC support for true CD-quality sound, 512MB memory, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as up to 25 hours of music playback.

Walkman NWZ-E470 series and NWZ-E470K

The NWZ-E470 series comes in 4GB (NWZ-E473), 8GB (NWZ-E474) and 16GB (NWZ-E475) capacities and many eye-catching colours, while the NWZ-E470K comes with a speaker.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470K comes with a speaker.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E470K comes with a speaker.

They are only 7.4 mm thin and provides good sound quality through Sony’s VPT and Dynamic Normaliser features.

The players offer up to 36 hours of music and six hours of video playback, easy drag and drop file transfer function and two free pre-installed games (‘Puyo Pop Fever’and ‘NUMBER PLACE’).

In addition, Karaoke Mode, Synchronised Lyric, Voice Recording and Language Learning features let users have tons of fun.

Below are the specifications for the new Sony Walkman gadgets.

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New Android smartphone: LG Optimus 4X HD

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

LG will debut its first Quad-Core smartphone in Singapore on 28 July. The Android 4.0 smartphone has an RRP of S$738 and comes with a free leather case, while stocks last.

LG Optimus 4X HD Android smartphone, available on 28 July, 2012.

LG Optimus 4X HD Android smartphone, available on 28 July, 2012.

The Optimus 4X HD runs on NVIDIA’s 4-PLUS-1 Quad-Core mobile processor – the Tegra 3. This is the same processor that is used in powerful tablet computers.

Key Specifications
OS Android 4.0 (ICS)
Screen 4.7″ IPS
Resolution 1280 x 720
Battery 2,150 mAh
Processor 1.5 GHz Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3
Camera Rear: 8mp
Front: 1.3mp
Video 1080p
Memory Int: 12 GB
Ext: 64 GB microSD
Size /mm 132.4 x 68.1 x 9.19
Weight 141 g
Price S$738

The 1.5GHz Tegra 3 automatically activates all four cores when maximum power is needed but defaults to a fifth, battery-saver core when less power is required, such as during standby mode or music playback mode.

The Optimus 4X HD has a large 4.7-inch IPS display with a high resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, giving a high pixel density of 313 ppi.

The 16:9 Stripe RGB IPS Panel offers sharper and crisper text. The smartphone also comes with a huge 2,150mAh battery.

The LG Optimus 3.0 UI includes QuickMemo which lets users instantly jot memos or notes from any screen, without having to open a separate application.

The smartphone also comes with MediaPlex, which combines a range of functions to enhance image and video playback such as Fingertip Seek and Live Zooming.

MediaPlex also includes Time Catch Shot, which allows one to select and save the best shot among the images taken just before the shutter button is depressed.

Microsoft unveils Customer Preview for Office 2013

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

As anticipated, the next release will move towards the Metro UI of Windows 8 and be more conducive for use on touch tablets.

It’ll also be more tightly integrated with Microsoft’s SkyDrive, incorporate social networking features, whilst continuing its emphasis on facilitating collaboration.

Check out the Customer Preview for the new Microsoft Office 2013.

Check out the Customer Preview for the new Microsoft Office 2013.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has just unveiled the new Microsoft Office, available for download here. The webcast from San Francisco was broadcast on July 16 (3am July 17 Singapore time).

The preview is only for Windows, the Mac version of Office 2013 will only be available in the full release of Office 365.

Office for Windows 8

“The new, modern Office will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility for both consumers and business customers. It is a cloud service and will fully light-up when paired with Windows 8,” said Steve Balmer, CEO, Microsoft.

Office 2013 will work with touch, stylus, mouse or keyboard across Windows devices, including tablets.

OneNote and Lync will be the first new Windows 8 style applications for Office.

These applications are designed to deliver touch-first experiences on a tablet.

A new radial menu in OneNote makes it easy to access features with the finger.

Included in Windows R will be Office Home and Student 2013 RT, which contains new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote applications.

These will be included on ARM-based Windows 8 devices, including Microsoft Surface.

Office in the Cloud

Documents and personalised applications settings can be stored on SkyDrive so that they will be synced and available as long as the user is logged on to the Internet.

Stored settings include most recently used files, templates, custom dictionary, and where in the document you were at when you last quit the application.

The new Office is available as a cloud-based subscription service.

As subscribers, consumers automatically get future upgrades in addition to exciting cloud services including Skype world minutes and extra SkyDrive storage.

Subscribers receive multiple installs for everyone in the family and across their devices.

The new Office is also social and lets the user stay plugged into his/her networks through Yammer, SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics and Skype (which is included in Office).

Pricing

Ballmer discussed three new Office 365 subscription services, which will include the new 2013 editions of the Office applications — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.

Three new Office 365 subscription services

  • Office 365 Home Premium — designed for families and consumers. This service also includes an additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype world minutes per month.
  • Office 365 Small Business Premium — designed for small businesses. This service also includes business-grade email, shared calendars, website tools and HD webconferencing.
  • Office 365 ProPlus — designed for enterprise customers who want advanced business capabilities and the flexibility to deploy and manage in the cloud.

Subscribers will receive future rights to version upgrades as well as per-use rights across up to five PCs or Macs and mobile devices.

The full lineup of offerings and pricing plans will only be announced in the fall.

Find out the details about Office 2013 here.

Computer line-up: Dell XPS, Vostro, Precision, Latitude & OptiPlex

Monday, July 16th, 2012

I had the chance to be briefed on the line-up of computers from Dell and how they empower end-user computing for corporate users. Here’s a quick round-up.

Starting prices of new additions incl.GST: XPS 14 (S$1,399), Vostro laptops (TBA), Precision T1650 (S$1,799), Latitude laptops (S$1,348), OptiPlex desktops (S$1,069).

Dell's updated line-up of laptop and desktop computers.

Dell’s updated line-up of laptop and desktop computers.

Here are some of the latest refreshes in Dell’s line-up. All of them are Windows 8 ready but none of them have touch screens.

Dell XPS laptop family

Dell's latest flagship Ultrabook: XPS 14 (starts from S$1,399).

Dell’s latest flagship Ultrabook: XPS 14 (starts from S$1,399).

The latest addition to Dell’s line-up is the XPS 14 Ultrabook. The 14-inch laptop joins the existing 13-inch XPS 13 Ultrabook.

The XPS 14 looks sleek and elegant, but felt rather heavy at 2.1kg. But it has a super-long battery life of 11 hours, so if you need that durability while on the move, and weight is not a problem, this is the Ultrabook for you.

As part of Dell’s flagship XPS brand, the compact XPS 13 offers portability while the XPS 14 is only 20.7 mm thin and offers long battery life and connectivity on the go.

Both laptops have enterprise-friendly features, such as security and services, to enable them to cross-over for enterprise use.

In a shrewd move by Dell to ride on the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) phenomenon, users can use their XPS Ultrabooks for personal use at home and bring it to work and connect to their corporate IT information systems.

Dell Vostro laptops

Dell Vostro 3460 laptop (price TBA).

Dell Vostro 3460 laptop (price TBA).

The Vostro 3360, 3460 and 3560 will be available this month.

My personal favourite is the Latitude E6430s which fits a 14-inch display into a 13-inch body – the same form-factor as its 13-inch cousin. The laptop felt robust and rugged but rather light. I wouldn’t mind using it as my main workhorse.

These laptops are designed to deliver strong performance and security for growing businesses.

The Vostro series come in three sizes (13”, 14” and 15”) and three colours (Aberdeen Silver, Brisbane Bronze, and Lucerne Red).

The 13-inch Vostro 3360 is only 0.76-inch in thinness.

Dell Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision
Dell Precision T1650 tower workstation (starts from S$1,799).

Dell Precision T1650 tower workstation (starts from S$1,799).

The Latitude and OptiPlex portfolio of business laptops and desktops were refreshed in June and features durable, consumer-inspired designs that appeals to today’s professionals.

Dell Latitude 6430s (starts from S$1,348).

Dell Latitude 6430s (starts from S$1,348).

They are coupled with advanced manageability and data protection and ships with at least 2GB of memory, integrated graphics, Third Generation Intel Core processors, USB 3.0 ports, and optional 128GB SSD.

The Dell Latitude E-Family and Dell OptiPlex feature physical ruggedness and sports long battery-lives of up to 32.7 hours with an optional 9-cell battery.

The E6230, E6330, E6430 and E6530 laptops comes with 12.5”, 13.3”, 14” and 15.6” displays.

The new design of the Latitude E6430s fits a 14-inch display in a 13.3-inch chassis.

Dell OptiPlex 9019 All-in-One desktop (starts from S$1,069).

Dell OptiPlex 9019 All-in-One desktop (starts from S$1,069).

The Latitude 5430 and E5530 laptops are targeted towards budget-conscious professionals and come with 14” and 15.6” displays.

The refreshed Dell OptiPlex family includes the new OptiPlex 3010, 7010, 9010 desktops; and the OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One desktop.

For powerful performance on a budget, there is the new entry-level Dell Precision T1650 tower workstation.

The T1650 offers a broad range of Intel Core and Xeon CPU options, increased memory speed of 1,600MHz, and four USB 3.0 ports.

Two new large format printers: Canon imagePROGRAF 765 and 760

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

Canon has introduced two new 36-inch imagePROGRAF large format printers – iPF765 (S$6,699) and iPF760 (S$5,999). Both are available now and promise to enhance security and maximise productivity.

Canon’s new 36-inch imagePROGRAF large format printers - iPF765 (S$6,699) and iPF760 (S$5,999).

Canon’s new 36-inch imagePROGRAF large format printers – iPF765 (S$6,699) and iPF760 (S$5,999).

The Canon iPF765 and iPF760 are designed to increase the efficiency of design and engineering professionals working in personal and small workgroups.

Canon imagePROGRAF 760

Canon imagePROGRAF 760

The two large format printers optimise the workflows of professionals who need to produce accurate and large technical documents in high volumes such as those in the architecture, engineering and construction industries.

What is the difference between the two identical twins?

Well, the iPF 765 comes equipped with a 250GB HDD.

The iPF 760 is categorised for Quality CAD & GIS, while the iPF 765 is for Production CAD, GIS and 3D.

This is where the built-in memory will come in handy to support the huge amount of information passing through.

Powerful Print Solution for Speedy, Precise and High-Quality Output

The new printers have a print speed of up to 46 seconds for A0-sized output and the ability to print technical documents with resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dots-per-inch with precise lines.

Canon image PROGRAF 765

Canon image PROGRAF 765

Designed to handle high resolution and large-size files with complex images, the iPF765 is also equipped with a 250GB hard drive, of which 32GB is dedicated solely to file processing memory.

The increased hard drive capacity streamlines the workflow by bearing the processing workload on the printer itself.

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Nikon to release 800mm super-telephoto lens

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

Nikon has announced that it will be introducing a new fixed focal length, super-telephoto 800mm NIKKOR lens. The lens will have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 and be compatible with Nikon FX-format cameras.

Schematic from a Nikon patent for the new lens.

Schematic from a Nikon patent for the new lens.

This lens will be on display at Photokina 2012 – one of the world’s largest photo and imaging exhibitions – which will be held in Cologne, Germany from September 18–23, 2012.

The discontinued Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 IF-ED.

The discontinued Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 IF-ED.

The patent for this new lens was filed in March 2010 and released October last year.

At the moment, the longest telephoto lens from Nikon is the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR.

Previously, there was the Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 IF-ED which was announced in September 1986 but discontinued in December 2005.

New storage products: 6 SanDisk memory devices

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

SanDisk launched in Singapore today the Cruzer Glide, Cruzer Facet, Cruzer Pop, and Extreme USB flash drives; as well as the Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-1 card, and the Extreme SSD. Detailed prices and capacities below.

Mr Cheah Hon Wai (second from right), Senior Manager, Product Marketing Management, Asia Pacific; and Mark Eng (third from right), Country Manager, Singapore - launching SanDisk's latest range of portable memory devices in Singapore at The Screening Room.

Mr Cheah Hon Wai (second from right), Senior Manager, Product Marketing Management, Asia Pacific; and Mark Eng (third from right), Country Manager, Singapore – launching SanDisk’s latest range of portable memory devices in Singapore at The Screening Room.

Following the global launch in India, and subsequent launches in Taiwan and Korea, SanDisk has launched its new range of portable storage drives in Singapore.

Compared to the range of devices SanDisk released at its previous launch in September last year, the devices have naturally increased tremendously in read/write speeds.

The new devices are tabulated below.

Memory device Price & Description
SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-1 Card SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-1 Card
(8GB: S$69, 16GB, S$119)

  • For smartphones and tablets
    multi-tasking games, email, photo & Full-HD video recording.
  • Up to 95 MB/s read and 90 MB/s write speeds.
  • Compatible with microSDHC-slotted devices.
  • Ideal for UHS-enabled smartphones & tablets.
SanDisk Extreme USB Flash Drive SanDisk Extreme USB Flash Drive
(16 – 64GB: S$44.50 – S$139.50)

  • USB 3.0-enabled offers up to 190 MB/s performance.
  • 10 times faster than USB 2.0 drives.
  • Transfer 3GB and 40GB files in 20 sec and 4 min respectively.
Cruzer Glide USB Flash Drive Cruzer Glide USB Flash Drive
(4 GB – 64 GB: S$7.90 – S$80.90)
(128GB: S$150.90 in Q3 2012)

  • SanDisk’s highest-capacity USB drive.
  • 5-year limited warranty.
Cruzer Facet USB Flash Drive Cruzer Facet USB Flash Drive
(4 GB – 32 GB: S$7.90 – S$40.50)

  • Stainless steel casing.
  • Fashionable with rich colours and faceted texture.
  • Available in blue, red and white.
Cruzer Pop USB Flash Drive Cruzer Pop USB Flash Drive
(4 GB – 32 GB: S$7.50 – S$39.50)

  • Innovative pop design conceals and protects connector when not in use.
  • Rich colours and patterns.
SanDisk Extreme SSD SanDisk Extreme SSD
(120GB, 240GB, 480GB)

  • Solid State Drive (SSD) for the retail market instead of OEM.
  • Up to 550/520 MB/s in read/write speeds.
  • Offers low power consumption, silent and quick boot & launch.
  • 10 times faster than a 7,200 RPM hard disk.
  • Released earlier in Feb 2012.

New wearable video display: Epson Moverio BT-100

Friday, July 6th, 2012

Epson offers a peek into the future by launching its innovative personal display device – the Epson Moverio BT-100 see-through mobile viewer.

Available in Singapore from 23 July 2012 at S$999. Pre-orders from 9-22 July.

The Epson Moverio BT-100 is available from 23 July 2012 at S$999.

The Epson Moverio BT-100 is available from 23 July 2012 at S$999.

The Epson Moverio BT-100 comprises a headset and an Android-powered media player cum controller.

Bring your personal entertainment on the move.

Bring your personal entertainment on the move.

The device allows users to view streaming video, experience 3D content (in side-by-side format) and enjoy downloaded digital content on a large virtual 320-inch perceived screen projected from 20 meters away.

If you harbour ambitions to be part of the X-men, the headset makes you look like Cyclops.

It uses micro-projection technology to project the imagery onto the visor.

The media player cum controller operates on Google Android 2.2.

Built-in 802.11n wireless connectivity allows the user to browse the Web for content.

Alternatively, pre-downloaded content can be accessed via the device’s microSDHC card slot (4GB card included) and built-in 1GB of internal storage, especially when wireless network access is unavailable.

microSDHC card slot and built-in 1GB internal storage.

microSDHC card slot and built-in 1GB internal storage.

The viewer boasts nearly six hours of rechargeable battery life, supports Adobe Flash 11, and features Dolby Mobile surround sound.

If you have your own kick-a** Dr. Dre headphones or Monster headsets, there’s an audio out socket available.

There’s no video out though, since that defeats the raison d’etre of the Moverio.

If you wear glasses, you can wear the Moverio over them.

In fact, you need to, since there’s no diopter adjustment on the Moverio.

While wearing the Moverio, you can still see through them at the surroundings.

Available for pre-order from 9-22 July.

Available for pre-order from 9-22 July – the Moverio, that is.

You can choose to remove the shades to see the external world better but that makes it more difficult to watch the imagery inside the Moverio unless you’re facing a blank wall with a dark surface.

Although the Moverio runs on Android Froyo, it is not Google Play certified.

Epson said that when they approached Google, the latter felt the Moverio could neither be categorised as a smartphone or tablet.

So you’ll have to head to 3rd-party app-sites for Moverio apps.

And, for the moment, there’s no augmented reality.

Hands-on the Moverio BT-100

I tried out the Moverio for about 20 minutes during the launch event at ION Sky in Singapore.

Epson Moverio BT-100 see-through mobile viewer.

Epson Moverio BT-100 see-through mobile viewer.

Apart from image quality, I was curious whether the headset would be excessively heavy and whether prolonged viewing would cause dizziness and discomfort.

I found image quality to be excellent.

It did feel like watching a big screen.

The weight was okay for me although that seems to a major concern for many people, and something Epson is cognizant of.

I didn’t experience any dizziness although I’d tried it for a short 20 minutes. You’ll have to use it for a longer period of time to really tell.

Although the media player cum controller is an additional box to carry, it’s better than having to plug the headset to a living room set top player.

What I found terribly irritating was that the perceived screen moved every time you moved your head.

But since the display is in the headset itself, that seems pretty unavoidable.

I wonder if there’s any way to “stabilise” the display in the future.

Epson quotes studies in the US that advises against children below 12-years perusing such devices – because their eyesight has not fully developed yet.

Epson Moverio BT-100: Available exclusively at selected Best Denki stores in Singapore.

Epson Moverio BT-100 in a box

So this may not be an appropriate gift for a young child – despite its obvious drool factor.

At the moment, it’s targeted more at the early adopter.

I can see the Moverio coming in very handy for watching movies while riding in the MRT.

You can enjoy absolute privacy without the irritation of fellow passengers peering at your smartphone or tablet.

Just make sure you’re not sitting on a privileged seat with a feisty old woman staring down at your oblivious cyclops facade.

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