Archive for the ‘Operating Systems’ Category

SITEX 2012 promotions: ASUS desktops, notebooks, tablets and monitors

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

ASUS will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 5 (Booths 5A18, 5B10 & 5B40) and Hall 6 (Booths 6C01, 6C10, 6D30 & 6E30) in the Singapore EXPO.

Click to view or download ASUS promotions for SITEX 2012.

Click to view or download ASUS promotions for SITEX 2012. (Caution: Large 13MB PDF file with 20 pages)

Check out ASUS’ promotional offers for tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, convertibles, AIOs, desktops, Alienware gaming machines, and monitors.

ASUS ROG - built for gamers.

ASUS ROG – built for gamers.

These include the slew of recently-launched Windows 8 computers such as the ASUS TAICHI Ultrabook-tablet convertible, Transformer Book, ZENBOOK, VivoBook, VivoTab, All-in-One PCs.

My favourite is the ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) gaming desktop PCs which are debuting in Singapore during SITEX 2012.

There’s also the innovative PadFone 2 smartphone-tablet hybrid.

SITEX 2012 promotions: Sony Mobile Android smartphones

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Sony Mobile will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 5, Booth 5A01. There will be discounts for their smartphones, including the latest Xperia SL.

The new Xperia SL and Xperia ion are among the Android smartphones that Sony Mobile is retailing at SITEX 2012.

The new Xperia SL and Xperia ion are among the Android smartphones that Sony Mobile is retailing at SITEX 2012.

Purchase either the Xperia J (S$398) or Xperia acro S (S$698) and get a pair of Raine Yang concert tickets (worth S$156) free.

Sony Mobile SITEX 2012 Usual Discount
Xperia SL SG$498 SG$598 SG$100
Xperia neo L SG$298 SG$368 SG$70
Xperia tipo dual SG$198 SG$198 SG$0
Xperia go SG$368 SG$468 SG$100
Xperia ion SG$598 SG$798 SG$200

Above are the discounts for other Sony Mobile Android smartphones. Follow the links to read the details for each model.

SITEX 2012 promotions: EpiCentre Apple products and accessories

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

EpiCentre Pte Ltd will be at SITEX 2012 in Hall 6, Booth 6E01. They will be retailing Apple products as well as third party products, some at more than 70% discounts.

SITEX 2012 promotions from EpiCentre.

Click to view or download Nikon promotions for SITEX 2012.  (Caution: 5MB PDF file with 5 flyers)

EpiCentre’s full range of Apple products includes the latest MacBook Pro with Retina display, iPad with Retina display, iPhone 5 (with SingTel contracts) and iPods

Purchases of laptops or tablets from EpiCentre’s SITEX booth or at any of the eight EpiCentre stores located islandwide will come with gifts worth more than S$400.

Below are EpiCentre’s promotions for SITEX 2012.

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SITEX 2012 promotions: Nubox Apple products and accessories

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Nubox will be at SITEX 2012 in Hall 6. They will be retailing Apple products and accessories at up to 70% discounts.

Nubox is an arm of Newstead Technologies with Apple Premium Reseller (APR) and Apple Authorised Reseller (AAR) stores in Singapore.

Nubox is an arm of Newstead Technologies with Apple Premium Reseller (APR) and Apple Authorised Reseller (AAR) stores in Singapore.

Nubox will be offering the complete range of Apple products from the new iPod touch and iPod nano to the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini.

Purchase any Mac from Nubox at the show and enjoy savings of up to $258.

There’ll be discounts of up to 70% on accessories including audio products, covers and electronic items as well as exclusive star buys.

Nubox will also be conducting hourly workshops on OSX and Mountain Lion during SITEX 2012.

New Windows 8 Ultrabook: Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 in Dec 2012 (S$2,388)

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Fujitsu has introduced the new Windows 8 LIFEBOOK CH702 for the Asia Pacific region. The Ultrabook will be available in early December for S$2,388 (incl GST), in white,  pink and brown.

The Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylish design and accessories.

The Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylish design and accessories.

The new Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylishly designed accessories which include a matching wireless mouse, a set of PC case and pouch, and an elegant, slim adapter.

Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 runs Windows 8

Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 runs Windows 8

The Ultrabook comes with the 3rd Generation Intel Corei5 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and the latest Windows 8 operating system to provide an efficient and powerful performance machine.

The 13.3-inch Ultrabook weighs approximately 1.45kg and is 17.5mm thick.

Boasting more than 7 hours of battery lifespan, the laptop is powered to provide full day usage for users on-the-go.

The CH702 is pre-installed with Fujitsu’s new proprietary software, Diary and Scrapbook.

Matching mouse colours with white, brown and pink.

Matching mouse colours with white, brown and pink.

These are convenient, fun and original applications that let users organise tasks, announce important updates, enhance photos, collate interesting information, and share on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.

“Customers are looking for design elegance without neglecting PC performance. This demographic is a big market for us,” said Mr. Lim Teck Sin, Vice President, Product Marketing and Engineering, Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.

Scrapbook stores and organises pictures and Web pages that users come across when they are browsing the internet.

The application allows users to create theme-based collages for saved content such as web captures.

Content can easily be managed and shared with friends as a digital scrapbook.

With Diary, users can create their very own journal by storing and organising Facebook and Twitter posts and downloaded photos.

PC case and pouch included.

PC case and pouch included. Images not to scale.

Incorporating stylish touches, the CH702 features a pearl-design power button, elegant keycap finish and a delicate, cubic zirconia embellishment.

Elegant, slim adapter

Elegant, slim adapter

The top casing has been constructed with an elegant gradation with gold trim, featuring a cubic zirconia embellished flip latch that allows users to easily open the display panel.

The power button is adorned with a pearl-like accent, and the power status LED and Caps Lock keys are decorated with a LED light with diamond-cut surface.

An exquisite gold ring frames each key on the keyboard, highlighting its elegant style.

In addition, the outtake and intake vents all feature a floral motif design.

Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 Ultrabook

Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 Ultrabook

Each CH702 comes with a matching wireless mouse that is shaped like a pretty compact powder case; a PC case and adapter pouch with pearl charm; and a slim, bejeweled AC adaptor.

Other accessories which users can purchase include the light and compact external Optical Disc Drive and USB/LAN adaptor for enhanced connectivity.

New Windows 8 convertibles: Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, ThinkPad Tablet 2 and Twist

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

Lenovo has announced four new convertible tablet/notebook hybrids designed for Windows 8 and Windows RT: the IdeaPad Yoga 13 Ultrabook (S$1,899, mid-Nov), Yoga 11 (S$1,199, early-Dec), ThinkPad Twist S230u (S$1,699, available today), and Tablet 2 (S$899, mid-Dec).

Both IdeaPads can be pre-ordered now.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 (left) and ThinkPad Twist S230u (right) in "Tent" mode, with the Twist and its swivel screen in the centre.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 (left) and ThinkPad Twist S230u (right) in “Tent” mode, with the Twist and its swivel screen in the centre.

The theme of the launch event at the National Library Building in Singapore was “Flip, Flex, Bend, Twist”, which describes the various ways in which you can manipulate the new convertible tablets.

Bend it like ... Yoga.

Bend it like … Beckham Yoga.

I played with the devices on display and found them responsive to the touch of the fingers.

I like the hinge design of the Yoga which allows the screen to be flipped 360 degrees onto itself to convert the Ultrabook into a flat tablet (and as a free-standing display enroute).

The 16.9mm thin Yoga 13 also felt light at only 1.54kg.

When the screen is flipped more than 180 degrees, the keyboard and trackpad is disabled to prevent accidental activation of these while holding the Yoga.

Below is a summary of the four new devices. All are Wi-Fi capable but only the Tablet 2 has an option for 3G.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 – S$1,899
This convertible Ultrabook can be flipped 360 degree to become a flat tablet.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 - S$1,899Boasting more than eight hours of battery life, its Motion Control technology enables users to use gestures to flip through photos, or use fingers on the ten-point multi-touch screen.

Specs: Windows 8, Intel Core i7 CPU, 13.3″ HD+ (1600×900) IPS display, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 1.54kg, 16.9mm thick.

Lenovo is partnering with SingTel to offer an special edition of the IdeaPad Yoga 13 (priced at $1,799 with Intel Core i5 CPU ) with every sign up of SingTel 150Mbps Fibre BroadBand at $98 per month or 15Mbps Home BroadBand at $79.90 per month.

Available in mid-November. Can pre-order now.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 – S$1,199
The Yoga 11 claims to be the world’s slimmest multi-mode PC, measuring just 15.6 mm thin.

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 - S$1,199Its slim design, 11.6-in screen and long 13 hour battery life make it a great convertible for mobility.

Specs: Windows RT, NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU, 11.6″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, 1.27kg, 15.6mm thick.

Available in early December. Can pre-order now.

ThinkPad Twist S230u – S$1,699
Another Ultrabook convertible with a twist.

ThinkPad Twist S230u - S$1,699This 12.5-inch powerhouse features up to Intel Core i7 CPU and is suitable for both business and personal use.

Specs: Windows 8 Pro, Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, 12.5″ HD IPS display, up to 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1.58kg, 20mm thick, 7 hours battery life.

The ThinkPad Twist S230u is available now.

ThinkPad Tablet 2 – S$899
ThinkPad Tablet 2 - S$899This tablet is designed for Windows 8 and powered by an Intel Atom processor.

The ThinkPad Tablet 2 supports 5-finger multi-finger touch, pen input or connection to the ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock for a PC-like computing experience.

Both the Pen/Digitizer and keyboard are optional.

ThinkPad Tablet 2 - S$899The ThinkPad Tablet 2 includes a host of IT manageability, security and corporate-level service and support to help IT managers easily deploy in their business environments.

Specs: Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, Intel Atom CPU, 10.1″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, up to 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, up to 600g, 9.8mm thick.

Available in mid-December.

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, October 28th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (28 October – 3 November 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

Lenovo is showing off its exciting lineup of convertible notebook/tablet hybrids for Windows 8 this week. I played with some of the models during the Windows 8 launch in Singapore last week, and they are amazing. Watch this space for the hands-on.

This week sees Microsoft move its focus from the launch of Windows 8 to the formal launch of Windows Phone 8, which shares a common core with its bigger sibling.

Will the Metro-based new smartphone operating system increase its market share from a meagre 3.5% (for the second quarter according to IDC).

Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate with 17% and 68% respectively. Windows Phone 8 smartphones announced thus far include Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, HTC 8S and 8X, and Samsung ATIV S. We might actually see the HTC models showcased in Singapore this Friday!

Midweek, Brother is launching a new printer while A*STAR Data Storage Institute will show off the world’s thinnest 2.5-inch 5mm hybrid drive for consumer and business devices.

Oracle Day 2012: Simpor Ballroom, Level 4, Marina Bay Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre

For those interested in the latest trends in Cloud, Mobile, Social and Big Data, be sure to register for Oracle Day 2012 at Marina Bay Sands. Get the hottest updates on critical business drivers, meet Oracle experts and experience their latest technologies at the Demo booths.

And for photography buffs, the Singapore leg of Canon’s annual PhotoMarathon Asia 2012 takes place at the Marina Bay Sands this Saturday. To be guaranteed a participation slot do register online prior to the event.

Below is the events listing for the week.

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Microsoft Windows 8 General Availability: Singapore prices

Friday, October 26th, 2012

Microsoft Windows 8 has become available to consumers and businesses in 140 countries and 37 languages today. Here are the Singapore prices (valid until 31 January 2013) for upgrading or purchasing the new operating system. Promotional offers within.

Update (23 January, 2013):

These promotional prices are valid until 31 Jaunuary 2013. Microsoft has released the increased prices starting from 1 February 2013.

Windows 8 is now available to consumers and businesses around the world.

Windows 8 is now available to consumers and businesses around the world.

You can get Windows 8 bundled with new computers that you purchase; upgrade from existing Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP; or new installation.

Upgrade path Price Notes
Buy Windows 8 with device Varies Depends on device purchased.
Upgrade from Windows 7 (after 1 June 2012) S$17.99 Customers who bought a Windows 7 PC between 2 June 2012 and 31 January 2013 can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro here.
Upgrade from Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP (before 1 June 2012) S$49.99 For a limited time, customers who bought a Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP computer before 1 June 2012 can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro here.
Purchase a new packaged DVD from a participating retailer. S$89.99 Limited time Windows 8 Launch offer: get a FREE Canon PIXMA MP237 Printer worth S$79 while stocks last.

Event: Microsoft launches Windows 8 and Windows RT worldwide

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

Microsoft launched Windows 8 worldwide today and held launches in 15 cities around the world. From tomorrow – Friday, 26 October – the new operating system will be available to consumers and businesses in 140 countries and 37 languages.

Windows 8 has been launched today and will be available from tomorrow onwards.

Windows 8 has been launched today and will be available from tomorrow onwards.

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Tracey Fellows, President of Microsoft Asia Pacific.

For business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers mobile productivity features such as Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache; as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.

Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets – Windows RT – which will only be available pre-installed on new devices and comes preinstalled with Microsoft Office.

The Start screen is the launch pad for Windows 8.

The Start screen is the launch pad for Windows 8.

All the different versions feature a new fast and fluid Start screen that gives users one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the new Internet Explorer 10 that is tuned for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.

How to get Windows 8 and the prices

In addition to getting the new operating systems pre-installed on new devices, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs.

Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of US$39.99 from here (for a limited time).

Eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June, 2012, and 31 January, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of US$14.99 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.

In Singapore, new Windows 8 licenses can be bought at all leading IT retail stores for S$89.99 with free PIXMA printer while stocks last.

Windows 8 comes pre-installed with apps that include Mail, People, Calendar, Photos, Weather, Xbox Music and SkyDrive.

“Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise computing experience to individuals, families and businesses, where they no longer need to choose between the fun and convenience of a tablet and the power and productivity of a PC,” said Helene Auriol, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

Additional apps can be downloaded from the cloud-connected Windows Store.

The online store can be accessed via the Windows Store App on the Windows 8 Start Screen and is a central place for users to manage their downloaded apps across multiple Windows 8 devices.

Microsoft has officially opened its Windows Store for Singapore as part of Windows 8 launch today.

Singapore and Asia Pacific launch

For Singapore and the Asia Pacific, the launch was held at the roof terrace at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, with a showcase of new Windows 8 PCs, notebooks and tablets from the main computer makers.

More than 600 Windows enthusiasts, partners and enterprise customers attended this Windows 8 Singapore launch event.

At launch, Windows 8 users can immediately download apps from the Windows Store.

iProperty has been designed for Windows 8 to help users search for homes in Malaysia and Singapore.Local apps available include iProperty, SingTel, StarHub, The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, SG Cab from Singapore; and The New Zealand Herald (New Zealand), Fruit Ninja (Australia), SM Cinema (Philippines), My Baby Piano (Korea), Bangkok Bank (Thailand), and iProperty (Malaysia) from the Asia Pacific.

Windows 8 devices

There are more than 1,000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.

In Singapore, there are more than 50 Windows 8 devices from a wide range of manufacturers including Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.

These will be available at more than 120 IT retail stores across Singapore, including Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman and Newstead.

Event: ASUS showcases new Windows 8 desktops, notebooks and tablets

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Two days before General Availability of Microsoft Windows 8, ASUS unveils its lineup of new Windows 8 touch-enabled devices, which includes full gaming desktops, All-in-Ones, notebooks, tablets – as well as notebook/tablet convertibles/transformers. Prices within.

Update (17 January, 2013):

The ASUS VivoTab Smart detachable tablet will be available in Singapore from 18 January onwards at S$699 for the WiFi model.

Update (9 January, 2013):

The ASUS VivoTab RT 3G is now available in Singapore from 9 January for S$1,049.

ASUS has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of Windows 8 computers ranging from powerful gaming desktops, All-in-One desktops, notebooks, tablets, as well as convertible and transformer notebook/tablethybrids.

ASUS has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of Windows 8 computers ranging from powerful gaming desktops, All-in-One desktops, notebooks, tablets, as well as convertible and transformer notebook/tablethybrids.

Among the major computer manufacturers, I consider Asus as one of the most innovative.

Innovative pioneers

The Taiwanese company created the Netbook genre with its Eee PCs back in 2007.

The Transformer Book continues the line of transformer notebook/tablet hybrids popularised by ASUS.

ASUS Transformer Book

Asus also the pioneered the tablet/notebook hybrid with the Asus Transformer TF101 – offering a hardware keyboard that the Android tablet could be docked into for serious work that involves typing – plus added battery life and connectors.

Now every other major computer maker offers notebook/tablet hybrids in their lineup.

Either as a “Transformer” hybrid where the keyboard can be totally detached.

Or in a “Convertible” format where the keyboard cannot be detached but can be manipulated such that the machine can be held as a tablet or used like a traditional laptop.

Asus has continued its innovation with products such as the Transformer Padfone and now the Taichi – a convertible with dual screens.

Below is a summary of the new Windows 8 lineup unveiled by ASUS.

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