ASUS U43JC-X1 14-Inch Bamboo Laptop (10 Hours of Battery Life)

Amazon is having a special on the new Asus Bamboo series laptop.

Technical Details

• Intel Core-i5-450M Processor 2.4GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.66GHz
• Nvidia G310M Graphics Engine with 1 GB DDR3 Dedicated VRAM and Optimus Technology
• 4 GB of DDR3 1066MHz DRAM (2 GB x 2 slots), 4 GB Max; Intel Wireless 802.11 b/g/n + WiDi
• 500 GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM); Super Multi Optical Disk Drive; Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) Operating System
• 14-Inch HD (1366x768) LED Display; HDMI Port; USB 3.0 port; 8 cell 5600mAh battery (up to 10hrs battery life)

Verizon Fascinate - aka: Samsung Galaxy S

With the recent launch of the new Motorola Droid X on "the most reliable network", most people ask what is next to look forward to? Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy S earlier this year. Every major carrier will pick it up and name it differently. But essentially the core main features are the same. AT&T will be launching it as the AT&T Capactive. T-mobile recently launched it as the Vibrant. Our buddy Verizon will launch it as Fascinate.

People at Android Central was lucky enough to get their hands around one long enough to take some pictures. You can check it out (http://www.androidcentral.com/hands-verizon-fascinate).

Verizon on the other hand have already started some advertisement video of them


What good about this?

• Super AMOLED screen. More vibrant and sharper LCD than standard TFT used by other devices. 
• 1 Ghz Humming Bird Process. While the speed is the same as Droid X and Apple iPhone 4, the process was made specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S. Think of it is as AMD vs Intel in the processor realm
• Samsung unique Touch Wiz UI. For those who have used the Samsung Omnia in the past, this is version 3.0 of their popular Touch Wiz UI. The interfaces very closely resemble that of Apple iPhone OS, but is a lot more configurable and allow the usage of various widgets.
• Similar to Motorola Droid X, it will include Verizon very own WIFI HotSpot app, allowing you to turn your phone into a WIFI access point / router. 
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Key features and specifications:

• Android 2.1 platform – With support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk and Android Market
• Full HTML Web browsing capabilities
• Preloaded with Bing Maps and Bing Search
• 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities – Allows customers to transform their phone into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• Super AMOLED Screen Technology – Brilliant display makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life like never before, even in bright light and outdoor environments
• Advanced touch screen gestures capabilities, including multi-touch pinch to zoom, double tap to zoom and horizontal swiping, which provides easier and quicker access to many applications, including location-based services, Web browsing and digital photos or videos
• Multiple file formats supported, including DivX support
• Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor – Produces amazing graphics, faster upload and download times and HD-like multimedia content
• Six-axis sensor that works with the smartphone’s accelerometer to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right
• Virtual QWERTY Keyboard Featuring Swype Technology – Input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard
• Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported
• 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder – Auto-focus and LED flash with HD video recording and playback (720p) capabilities to capture photos and videos for playback on your HD television
• WiFi Connectivity (802.11 b/g/n)
• Stereo Bluetooth® Technology – Support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, object push for vCard and vCalendar
• Corporate Email – Supports Android Éclair Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts
• Music and video players and 3.5-millimeter headphone jack
• 2GB internal memory expandable to 32GB, 16GB microSD™ included with handset

Lifestyle features:

• V CAST Music with Rhapsody®, V CAST Video on Demand, V CAST Song ID, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Tones, VZ Navigator® and Mobile IM , City ID
• Samsung’s Social Hub – Built around messaging, contacts and calendar sync, which allows users to send and receive information, whether it is e-mail, social network updates or SMS messages
  
  • Integrated Calendar information from portal calendars, on Exchange, Google Calendar™ and social networking services (SNS), including Facebook®
  • Integrated Contacts syncs with Exchange, Google, Twitter and Facebook® and displays a user’s contacts in four categories including Information, History (previous calls and messages), Activities (status updates and notifications on social networking sites) and Media (Facebook profile photos and photo gallery)
• Feeds & Updates – Displays feeds from multiple SNS sites such as Facebook®, MySpace and Twitter, which also allows users to update their status instantly
• AllShare Application – Enables inter-device connectivity through Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), so users can send multimedia content wirelessly to other DLNA-enabled devices such as TVs and laptops
• Daily Briefing – Instant access to weather, news, stocks and schedule
• Write and Go – Quickly jot down an idea and later decide on a format, such as SMS/ MMS, e-mail, calendar or memo, to send or post to popular SNS sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace
• Weather Clock – Displays current time and weather of the selected city (ability to add and select other cities)

Other news and informations

• Verizon Official Newspress Announcement - http://news.vzw.com/news/2010/06/pr2010-06-27.html
• Engadget Hands On - http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/samsung-t-mobile-vibrant-and-verizon-fascinate-preview/
• You Tube PReview Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fGZ6OLy5GE&feature=youtube_gdata
• Official Samsung Galaxy S Site - http://galaxys.samsungmobile.com/
• Slashgear Review of Samsung Galaxy S - http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-s-review-2891746/

To iPAD or Not To iPAD?

Since the announcement of the iPAD back in Jan 2010, I have struggle with deciding to purchase the iPAD or not. After many months of deciding, many visits to BestBuy to play with the iPAD, and seeing some practical usage of it, I decided to buy the Apple iPAD 32GB without 3G.

To my amazement, by the time I decide to purchase one, I can't seem to find one. I called several Apple stores in the greater Los Angeles and Orange County, none to be found. BestBuy has none in stock and if ordered in Apple website, it would be a 4 weeks delivery date. One cool thing about BestBuy is the stock indicator. One of the sales associate told me they get shipment in daily, however what comes in is unknown. So checking their website several times a day, I finally saw one BestBuy pop up with inventory and quickly picked up one.

Why 32GB and not purchase one with 3G. Simple answer for me. I am a dedicated Verizon customer using the Motorola Droid. Verizon EVDO is much faster and has more coverage than AT&T 3G in Southern California. I've done many test with several friends against their Apple iPhone 3G/3GS, majority of the time, I win! With the Motorola Droid, WIFI Tethering is possible (if unlocked). So why pay an extra $130 and additional monthly service of $30.00 for 3G when I can tether from my Droid!

What's Great About Apple iPAD

• It makes an awesome photography portfolio. With 32GB, I can import over 10,000 high quality pictures to show to people
• With a NETFLIX account, I do get video on demand on the iPAD
• Portable and not having to carry Apple iPOD Touch + Laptop when I am on the run.
• ABC Media, TV.COM Software, and others from the APPs store allow me to catch up on TV shows
• iBOOK + Kindle, both great book reading software. Why buy a Kindle, when you can Kindle on iPAD?

What's Not So Great About Apple iPAD

• It is a tad heavier than I would like. Having a non-slip cover does help a lot since you are able to grip it better
•  With the release of iPhone 4, the resolution and screen of the iPAD does look a bit outdated. Shame on you Apple for poor release planning. 
• Expensive. At $599.99 for 32GB WIFI version and $729.99 for 32GB WIFI with 3G, it is pretty pricey. Especially with the shortage, I've seen reputable places selling it at 20% markup on top of Apple's prices for those who want one now. 
• Not too many iPAD specific apps yet

At the end of the day, the Apple iPAD is a nice to have toy if you have the extra money. Do I see it as a must have, nope. But it does look cool having one!

Here are a few interesting articles for those with the Apple iPAD:

• DIY: Connect Your iPad to Verizon Wireless
• Review: invisibleSHIELD iPad Screen Protector
• ClamCase Converts Your iPad Into A Laptop
• Review: Apple iPad Case (Official)
• Official List iPad Ready Websites

Must Have Apps For Apple iPAD: (Free Apps)

• Netflix (free video stream if you have a Netflix account)
• IMDB Movies Database
• ABC Player - Catch up on ABC TV Series
• ETrade Pro - Stock Trading
• Amazon Kindle E-Book

AweSync - Synchronizes Your Lotus Notes Calendar To Google!

I've used many product in the past to do Lotus Notes sync to various of mobile devices I have had through the years. Commontime mNotes worked great while I was on Windows Mobile platform. Blackberry own delivered software BB Desktop does an awesome job with BB OS. With this Android OS, I have yet to find the perfect sync software yet.

I've tried CommonTime mNotes and CompanionLink. Both does the job, but have certain flaws. I recently was introduced to a new player in the market called AweSync. This is a fairly new product with a lot of promising potential.

URL: http://www.awesync.com/
Cost: $19.99

It does a pretty good job in sync'ing Lotus Notes calendar and contacts with Google products. With Android devices, this is great news to have another alternative to try. One flaw in which I've noticed is the inability to specify what Lotus Notes database to use for your contacts. For those with multiple address books, this will be turn off. Otherwise, I highly recommend people give this new product a try.

I am currently evaluating it and have provided many feedback to the company for future improvements. With how fast they are advancing, this sure look like a strong competitor for the Android users!

Flash 10.1 Beta 3 For Motorola Droid

Motorola Droid users, time to rejoice! While the official version of the Adobe Flash has not been released, the beta version has leaked for us!

The dependency for this to work, you need to be on Froyo (Google Android OS 2.2) for this to work, as it contains some important files. If you haven't rooted your phone and upgrade it yet, it is very simple and as easy as 1-2-3. Head over to droidforums.net for all sort of discussions on it.

For those who are already on Froyo, download the flash APK file (HERE)

1.  Download the apk to your SD card.
2.  Open the app when it finishes, select “upgrade” and let it work its magic.
3.  Enjoy!

Quicklook: Asus K52J Series

After spending months on searching for a perfect laptop for me to use, I recently find myself in the arena for finding another laptop. This time is for my little cousin as a high school graduating gift. The laptop I got for myself was the HP Envy 15, which I am typing from in this blog.

In my search, I ask myself the the same questions I did previous. If I were to buy this laptop for me, what would it be. This time around, there is a lower price limit. This got me into looking a several laptops and end up with the Asus K52J Series. I picked the Asus K52J series because of the solid quality Asus is known for and most importantly, the standard 1 year accidental warranty Asus offers. For a new college student using it, I am sure that will definitely come in handy.

Asus Product URL: http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=CyyiEd0t9iKZ6Afg
Specification: Intel i5-430m, 4GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray ROM, ATI 5470 1GB Video


Here are some comparison picture of the Asus K52J vs my HP Envy 15.

Sync music and video to the Droid

FYI...

There has been a lot of popular usage of DoubleTwist to sync Motorola Droid or any Android devices with Apple iTune.

http://www.doubletwist.com/dt/Home/Index.dt

HP Envy 15 - 2nd Generation Impression & Review

Before I start, help support this site by using the Amazon Link Here if you plan to purchase items @ Amazon. 

In my previous blog (LINK), I had mention the search for a new laptop and what laptops I had considered before finalizing my purchase. The laptop I purchased is the new HP Envy 15. This is the 2nd generation of the new design HP Envy 15 originally released towards the end of summer 2009. The 2nd generation was announced at 2010 CES and brought new breath to a fairly fresh laptop.

The 1st generation came the new Intel Quad Core i7 series processors (i7-720QM and i7-820QM). The laptop came in two models, the basic configuration and limited special edition. The basic configuration model came standard with 6GB of DDR2 RAM, 500GB HD, 15.6" Brightview 1920x1080 resolution screen, and ATI 4830 GPU. The limited "BEAT" model edition came in a glossy black casing and bundled with BEAT headset as part of the package.

There are a few things I noticed in the 1st generation preventing me to make the purchase. First, there was very limited on what you can configure to add/remove, as the result the price remain fairly high averages around $1999.00 brand new. Second, by having larger 45nm Intel Quad Core i7 processor in there, they didn't provide proper cooling systems. As the result, heat at the palm rest area and underneath was the number one complaint. A lot of reviews you find out there today with lower rating are from the initial HP Envy 15 (1st generation).