Lifestyles with Internet and Electronics

Smart Bro Share It Misfortunes Part 3

2010-02-21T22:39:00.000-08:00

The last two problems I encountered with Smart Bro Share It were very disappointing. But I was optimistic I won't be having any more problems with my new internet connection. Then, I was wrong. What I experienced was only the tip of the iceberg.

Very Poor After Sales Support...

Technical Support not technical at all...

It was December 24, 2009 (48 days after we received our Smart Bro Share It) when my elder brother came home from Manila to sped Christmas vacation with us. I was excited to show him our new internet connection with built-in wireless LAN (wifi) capability. It was almost 12 noon that suddenly we could not connect to the internet. I noticed that our Huawei 3G Router (the Smart Bro Share It unit) indicated "searching for signal". I thought it was just an ordinary interruption so I did the Smart-24-hour-hotline-connect-most-recommended-troubleshooting technique, the very famous Unplugging-then-Restarting of the internet modem/router. From this point onward, let's call it the "Smart Troubleshooting". After several attempts using Smart Troubleshooting, our internet connection was still down and the same "searching for signal" indicator status in the Router unit.

I thought it was time for more "smarter" troubleshooting techniques. As a senior Electronics and Communications student I was gifted with the technical skills in network troubleshooting. So I tried checking the different network devices to see which one of them is not properly working. I can give a detailed explanation on network troubleshooting but to make the story short, I found out that our Smart Bro Share It unit was problematic. To verify my findings, I observed my internet connection for 24 hours.

December 25, 2009. Still no internet connection. I double checked everything and still the same problems as yesterday.

Since we were busy with different Christmas activities, we were able to report our problem December 26. My mother called the Smart Hotline, talked to the representative, and explained our problem. As expected the representative advised us the Smart Troubleshooting. Even though we had performed it several times already, even had in-depth troubleshooting, we still did what the representative told us. After nothing happened, he just told us that we observe our internet connection for next 24 hours. Wow, we already did that, but still, we followed.

The next day, December 27, we called again. And again, we were asked to wait for another 24 hours. And we waited. December 28, still there was no internet connection. We called again, and finally we were advised to visit the nearest Smart Wireless Center.

Was this their best way to handle a complaint? What were they doing for 3 days??? After all the waiting, telling us to go to the nearest Smart Wireless Center was all they could do. Thank you very much for wasting our time!

You can read my previous entry on my Smart Bro Shareit Misfortunes Here:

Smart Bro Share It Misfortunes Part 1

Smart Bro Share It Misfortunes Part 2

Smart Bro Shareit Misfortunes Part 2

2010-02-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

Remember my Smart Bro Shareit Misfortunes Part 1? Here is the sequel..

Promo.. Promo.. What Promo?

As I mentioned my my last blog entry, we applied for the Smart Bro Shareit that came with a promo. With the promo flyer given to us together with the application form, it said that new Smart Bro subscribers can avail of a 4GB Imation flash drive. Wow, I thought it was pretty nice.

After getting our new Shareit unit last November 6, I noticed that there was no 4GB Imation flash drive in the package. So the next day, I texted the agent/representative who took care of our application the following day. To my surprise, he replied that the promo period expired October 31. Whaaat? We applied and gave all the necessary requirement October 25, and thanks to their turtle-slow processing, it was approved November 5. To be honest, I was quite disappointed I did not have the 4GB Imation flash drive.

Well, I guess there are things we just have to charge to experience... and write in our blog of course.

You can read my previous entry on my Smart Bro Shareit Misfortunes Here:

Smart Bro Shareit Misfortunes Part 1

2010-02-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of months ago, we had our internet connection changed. From the old fixed-wireless line-of-sight Canopy-style Smart Bro, we changed it to the new Smart Bro Shareit Unlimited 999.

The Long Process of Application...

Even if I was a 3-year subscriber of the old Smart Bro service, I was not eligible to apply Smart Bro Shareit myself simply because I didn't have any income documents which they required. Wow, for 3 years I was always on-time in paying the bills (thanks to my parents and brother's money) yet Smart still required me those documents. So I had to interrupt my mother's busy schedule and asked her to apply for the internet service. She immediately went to Smart Wireless Center at Lim Ket Kai, I think it was October 25, 2009, with all the necessary documents they required. At that time, we received the application form, a promo flyer (free Imation flash drive for new subscribers), and another form I could not clearly remember (I think it was some kind of an agreement that Smart will not be liable for any loss of connection if we access the internet outside the registered service area). Unfortunately, I had to go to Manila to attend a field trip starting October 26.

I returned home October 31, and guess what, our application was still pending. I didn't know what's keeping it long but we were getting impatient. We followed up our application and we kept on waiting.

Sometime after the Halloween, my mother got very impatient and called the Smart sales agent and said that if Smart isn't interested in our application, they should tell us immediately instead of making us wait for nothing. They just said they are working on it and we waited.

I think it was November 5, 2009 that my mother finally had a return call from Smart. Our application had been approved and that we can get our internet router anytime now. Around 1pm that same day, I immediately went to the Smart Wireless Center to get our router. I asked the for the agent/in-charge that called us and I was excited when he came out. To my surprise, he said he needs to have his lunch first, and I can leave the P1,000 fee to him so that he will forward it to the cashier himself for my convenience. Was it they way Smart transacts its business? Of course I did not give the money to him, I wanted to pay to the right person, the cashier. So he said, "Okay, I'll be back." I had a class at 1.25pm so I cant wait for him to finish his lunch. I just said I will come back by 5:30. It was almost 6 that I came back. Too bad, the agent was already off duty. I recognized that I was late, so I just decided to go back the following day.

The next day November 6, morning, I came back. After almost 2 weeks of waiting and waiting and waiting (since October 25), we finally received the Huawei 3G router from the Smart Wireless Center. At last!

More of my Smart Bro Shareit Misfortunes to follow...

Unlock Your iPhone 3GS

2010-02-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

My friend has this iPhone and she wanted it to be unlocked so that she could use the phone for another service provider. I don't have my own iPhone but I have my classmate who has it. So I ask for instructions and here it is.

1. go to http://blackra1n.com/

2. choose your OS (windows or mac) to download the software

3. install blackra1n

4. check your iphone's firmware/model (in your iphone settings/general/about)

5. connect your iphone to the pc and run blackra1n

6. just follow the instructions after runningcl blackra1n

According to my classmate, the data won't be deleted when you run blackra1n to unlock your iPhone. However, after unlocking it, you must sync it to only one iTunes because connecting it to another iTunes will delete everything in your phone. But i suggest, always backup your data everytime you change your iPhone's software.

Download Youtube Videos

2009-08-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

There are so many video clips posted on Youtube. Probably, there are videos you want to keep a copy for yourself for one reason or another. So how do you download videos on Youtube?

Well, there are plenty of ways to do this. You can search, download, and install a program that lets you download videos on Youtube. Whoah! Search, download, and then install? Isn't that a toll order for most users who just want to download videos on Youtube? How about download videos without searching, downloading, and installing a program? Like, just visiting a website that lets us download videos on Youtube directly?

Good news, there is a website that lets us do exactly just that. TubeG

TubeG is a shortcut for "youTube Grabber". Just cop-and-paste the URL of the Youtube video you want to download on the "Enter the video URL" area of the homepage of TubeG. Then click on "Download file".

After that, you will now see "Download as FLV" to download the video. Just click on that and your video will now be downloaded. Pretty easy, right? By the way, the default file name of the video you just downloaded is video.flv. You can just rename it the way you like, and most of all, you can watch it with your favorite FLV player!

Farewell Tita Cory

2009-08-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

My deepest condolences to the Aquino family as I join the millions of Filipinos praying for our former president Cory Aquino. Tita Cory has been an icon of democracy for the Filipinos for the past few decades.

Good bye Cory Aquino. May you rest in peace.

I've Changed

2009-08-04T19:16:00.001-07:00

I have felt that my blog title was a little boring and limiting, so I changed it to expand my thoughts and ideas. I will still be writing about consumer electronics, computers, softwares, and the likes, and incorporate it to our lifestyle today to give my posts more relevance. New ideas will include current events, news, sports, business, and more!

Please update your links, that if, you have linked me. Thanks so much!

happy blogging!

Earning While Surfing

2009-08-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for some extra source of income? Good news! I found these great sites that these will surely help you and me what we’re looking for. You can join Clixsense, Wordlinx, and Palmbux. They pay you every time you click on their ads. You really wanna try these, they’re completely safe and FREE! Don’t be left behind so join now!

You might also start having your free PayPal account. This is where Clixsense, Wordlinx, and Palmbux pay their members.

You might also wanna read:

Smorty Gives Me Another Reason to Blog

New Ideas for a Techie Home

2009-08-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

I’ve been looking for some useful home projects using a microcontroller chip. I’m still not sure on what kind of microcontroller I will be using but most probably it will be a Zilog microcontroller. Simple digital calendars, LED arrays, or even an electronic home security are just examples of microcontroller projects. I’m planning to go for the simple electronic home security for our home improvement, but I still have to consider many things like availability of the materials, costs, and aesthetics as well. Hopefully I can do it for the sake of home improvements.

I will be very grateful if you give me some suggestions. Thanks!

XU ECE Video Presentation 2009

2009-08-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is the video presentation of the Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers - Xavier University during the Xavier University College of Engineering General Assembly 2009 "BuildEng'g One Tribe".

Microsoft said it will not ship the Windows 7 'E' version of Windows...

2009-08-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

By Ina Fried CNET News
Posted on ZDNet News: Aug 03, 2009 4:47:16 AM

Microsoft on Friday said it will not ship the Windows 7 'E' version of Windows, even though Europe has yet to sign off on the revised plan. The plan calls for the company to ship Windows 7 with Internet Explorer, but present a 'ballot screen' in which users in Europe can decide whether they want Internet Explorer or another browser.

The software maker had originally proposed shipping Windows 7 in Europe without a browser at all — the so-called 'E' version of the operating system. However, European regulators indicated that might not satisfy its concerns.

Microsoft announced last week that it was open to the ballot screen, but said it would wait to drop the browserless 'E' version until European regulators approved its plan.

The software maker said late on Friday that it decided to ship the same version of Windows 7 for Europe after PC makers complained that having to use the browserless version of Windows 7 for a short period of time would be problematic.

"In the wake of last week's developments, as well as continuing feedback on Windows 7 E that we have received from computer manufacturers and other business partners, I'm pleased to report that we will ship the same version of Windows 7 in Europe in October that we will ship in the rest of the world," deputy general counsel Dave Heiner said in a statement.

The European Commission had said it "welcomed" Microsoft's move, also giving the software maker some confidence that it could ship Windows 7 with the browser included. If the Commission accepts Microsoft's proposal, it will fully implement that proposed ballot screen to Windows 7 buyers in Europe.

"One reason we decided not to ship Windows 7 'E' is concerns raised by computer manufacturers and partners," Heiner said. "Several worried about the complexity of changing the version of Windows that we ship in Europe if our ballot-screen proposal is ultimately accepted by the Commission and we stop selling Windows 7 'E'. "Computer manufacturers and our partners also warned that introducing Windows 7 'E', only to later replace it with a version of Windows 7 that includes IE, could confuse consumers about what version of Windows to buy with their PCs."

The move also solved a challenge for Vista users in Europe who, under the previous plan, would have had to do a clean install to move to Windows 7. It also allows Microsoft to sell an "upgrade version" of Windows 7 in Europe. Microsoft had previously said it would only sell a full version of the OS, though it had said it would sell that at the upgrade price, at least for a time.

Those who pre-ordered Windows 7 'E' through a recent discount offer will get the full version, as Microsoft had promised. However, Microsoft plans to now sell Windows 7 upgrades in Europe and also offer a higher-priced full version (for those without an earlier copy of Windows) — similar to what it is doing in the rest of the world.

CD-R King Car Cassette Adapter

2009-07-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

I bought this CD-R King Car Cassette Adapter (TM-CCS01) just a couple of weeks ago so that I can connect my MP3 player to our car stereo. Unfortunately the CD-R King Car Cassette Adapter did not work properly with our car stereo. Every time I inserted the CD-R King Car Cassette Adapter to the cassette tape slot, the player just seemed to eject it. I tried to use the CD-R King Car Cassette Adapter to our home stereo player, and guess what, it worked. Maybe it was our car stereo that's broken so I tried playing a cassette tape into it. But it worked as well.

So I went back to CD-R King branch where I bought the Car Cassette Adapter and requested for a replacement of the same item (the Car Cassette Adapter had a 1 week replacement period). The saleslady then replaced it upon my request, with the official receipt of course .

I tried everything all over again. But the problem was still not solved even with the new item.

Maybe the CD-R King Car Cassette Adapter wasn't just compatible with our car stereo. Too bad.

Other post related to CR-R King:

Encore Wireless G Router

My Flash Drive's Still Flashing

Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan Suspends Classes Due to AH1N1

2009-07-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is true, the AH1N1 virus has already reached Xavier University, a top Jesuit school in Cagayan de Oro City. It is earlier reported that eight students from Xavier University High School at Pueblo campus were first confirmed to have the virus and then a tertiary faculty of the main campus. As of now, the all confirmed cases are now in quarantine. Xavier will suspend its classes for ten days starting July 16 and will resume on July 27.

To read more about this development, check Xavier University's official website. Click Here.

Smart Bro Plan 999 now up to 512kbps

2009-07-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Just last week, I noticed that there is an increase download speed with my Smart Bro Plan 999 as I was downloading some files. I checked out speedtest.net so I can verify my download speed. As you can see, the download has gone up to 0.53Mbps or approximately 530kbps from its previous average of 380kbps! I also checked Smart Bro website and there it was posted that Plan 999 is now up to 512kbps. Talk about good news.

Laptop SALE!

2009-07-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I'm selling one of computers, my ACER Aspire 4520 laptop. It's in its best condition with no history of bad handling for 10 months since I bought it brand new ( I've been taking care of it like a baby guys..).

Here is its specs:

Processor:
AMD Turion64 X2 Mobile Technology
AMD Turion64 X2 TL-58 (1.90GHz, 1Mb, L2 Cache) (arguably better than the common Intel Pentium Dual Core)

Video, RAM, Harddrive:
NVIDIA nForce® 610M
2.0Gb DDR2 667MHz
14.1in. WXGA TFT LCD -- CrystalBrite --
(1280 x 800 pixel resolution)
NVIDIA nForce® 610M (MCP67-MV)
NVIDIA GeForce® 7000M with up to 896Mb of TurboCache
80GB SATA HDD

Other Specs:
Built-in Super Multi Double Layer Drive
Built-in 56Kb Modem, Built in Gigabit LAN
Built-in Acer InviLink Wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
Built-in 5 in 1 Card Reader (MMC, SD, XD, MS, MS Pro)
Built-in New Acer CrystalEye Webcam supporting Acer PrimaLite Technology
Built-in Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Express Card Slot 54
4x USB 2.0 ports (most laptops have only 3 or less USB slots)
S/PDIF (Sony Philips Digital Interface)
External display (VGA) port
Headphones/speaker/line-out jack
Microphone-in jack
Line-in jack
Ethernet (RJ-45) port
Modem (RJ-11) port
FireWire (IEEE 1394) Port
S-Video Port
Weight 2.6Kgs.
choice of XP or Vista

with Free ACER BAG!
Free shipping for Cagayan de Oro area

all for only Php 25, 995 and still negotiable! Save at least Php4,000 (price reference: Laptopking.com.ph )

PRICE UPDATE!!

Now only Php 24,995

You can leave your comments or you can contact me at 09177514067 for more details.

PLDT to bring broadband direct-to-home

2009-05-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. announced on Tuesday plans to launch within the year what it claims to be the most advanced broadband delivery platform called Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH), which will deliver high-speed data services to residences and buildings.

“Fiber to the home is a quantum leap forward in terms of broadband services. This demonstrates PLDT’s commitment to offer its customers cutting edge communication technologies,” said Napoleon L. Nazareno, PLDT president and chief executive officer, in a statement.

FTTH uses fiber optic technology that transmits data via light signals sent through hair-thin strands of pure glass.

The new platform will be able to deliver simultaneously voice, video and data services at much higher speeds and larger capacities than DSL or cable technologies.

Initial tests done by PLDT have shown the capabilities of FTTH.

At a demonstration facility at the PLDT’s head office, an FTTH-enabled computer posted download speeds of up to 94.86 megabits per second (mbps) and upload rates of 69.39 mbps, according to PLDT Network head Rolando G. Peña.

At those speeds, it would take only a second to download a 5Mb mp3 file, three seconds for a 35Mb video clip and only a minute to download an 800Mb movie.

“Depending on how we’ll design the product, we can provide gigabit speeds to homes, not just megabit speeds,” he said.

PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan tested the new technology by watching the recent Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight last May 3 via live video streaming using FTTH.

“Excellent reception. Excellent definition of the pictures,” said Pangilinan, who also chairs the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.

Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Encore Wireless G Router

2009-05-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

My cousin recently bought a new laptop and she wanted to have a wireless home network after having an internet connection at home. So she asked me to buy her a wireless router for her wireless home network. Then I began to look for wireless router available in our area and I encountered known expensive brands such as LinkSys, DLink, NetGear, and some not-so-popular but cheap brands like Planet and Encore.

I felt like going against the odds so I chose between Planet and Encore. Then to finally choose what brand to buy, I looked closely at their prices and then the winner clearly separated itself from its contender. Encore ENHWI-G2 at Php 1,380 (~$29), while Planet WRT4152.14Ghz 54MBps at Php 1,595 (~$34). No more questions asked :).

Installation and performance will be discussed later. Just keep updated. :)

My Flash Drive's Still Flashing

2009-05-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's been almost four years now since I purchased my 1GB PQI flash drive. And guess what, it still works without any failures. I bought this at CDR-King for Php1,080 at that time (or approximately $20) and now similar products only costs Php250 (~$5). Wow, after four years its price dropped to almost 25%. I should have had four 1GB flash drives by now with that price. Anyway, I have fully made use of it and still be doing until its final judgement comes. :)

Ubuntu 8.04.1 Review

2008-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

The top Linux distribution UBUNTU has just released its latest desktop edition Ubuntu 8.10 late October of this year. However, before we begin discussing this newest addition of Ubuntu editions, let's take a short review on how my Ubuntu 8.04.1 performed on my laptop.

First of all, I have installed Ubuntu 8.04.1 on an ACER Aspire4520 with an AMD Turion x2 (1.9GHz) processor, 2GB of RAM, and an Nvidia nforce 630M chipset. Before installing Ubuntu 8.04.1, I tried the CD as a Live User so as to test the initial compatibility of 8.04.1 to my laptop. After the CD has loaded, I observed that my screen resolution wasn't maximized (something like 800 x 600) and that my screen seemed so dim (minimum brightness). I then manually adjusted the screen brightness then there was enough light. Also, when I tried connecting to the internet wirelessly, I found out that the built-in Atheros Wifi wasn't recognized at that point.

After exploring the Live CD, I fully installed Ubuntu 8.04.1 to see if there are improvements to my initial observations, and fortunately there were. My screen resolution was now adjusted to 1024 x 800 after I configured the restricted NVIDIA settings, but the screen brightness still needed to be adjusted manually (it really annoys me). And the wifi issue? It took me almost a half day just to find the right configuration in web (acknowledgments goes to those blogs that posted about that same problem).

There. Ubuntu 8.04.1 was successfully installed on my laptop. Aside from those problems mentioned above, this edition of Ubuntu ran pretty well.

Appearance: 7/10
Speed: 8/10
Windows compatibilty: 5/10
Virus security: 9/10

Overall: 7.25

UMPCs Part 1: Asus Eee PC

2008-08-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been a while since I last posted in my blog, I can't imagine how much I miss writing. Well, for the past few months, I've been silenced in blogging as I tried concentrating on matters quite more important.. So much for that, I want to begin my comeback with ULTRA MOBILE PERSONAL COMPUTERS or simply UMPC.

For the past months, this has been the hotest topic in mobile computers. Who in his right techie mind can get away with these super small and compact notebooks? No one. It has simply conquered the mobile computer industry with a touch of style and a few pounds ofconvenience. These machines are the most suited student and traveler companion. Not boasting its humble power, the UMPC's geared to mobility like no other laptops have ever engaged before. This is why they are the most talked about topic in the computer world today. But the question is, which UMPC is for you?
Let's begin with the one that really started it all, the Asus EeePC. Its been a year now since Asus launched this UMPC in the market, and there are already a lot of improvements since their first model. Unlike the first generation Eee PC (700-series), the 900-series and the 1000-series EeePC answered its predecessors critics. The 900-series now has a legitimate 8.9-inch display while the 1000-series has a bigger 10-inch display. Now that's a lot compared to the previous 7-inch EeePC. Also, the newer EeePC now has an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor, which is a lot better than the the previous Intel Celeron. Another improvement is the slightly bigger keyboard, but I think it is still relatively smaller compared to other UMPCs out in the market. Wireless LAN, webcam, USB, Ethernet are still the standard, though the newer ones now has a 2.5-inch hard drive as compared to the smaller capacity Solid State Drive (SSD) of the older versions.

Well, the improvements of the EeePC really made a strong hold in the top position in the UMPC competition. With this as the barometer of the other UMPC's, I really can't deny that the Asus EeePC is the most popular netbook available in the market.

Coming up next: HP Mininote, Acer Aspire One, and MSI Wind.

Engineering Show: Iron Man Movie

2008-05-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Just the other night, I watched Paramount Pictures' Iron Man. It was not really part of my plan for the day but a Jesuit friend treated us (with Peter and Kirby), so I just grabbed the opportunity. After eating pizzas and pastas for dinner, we proceeded for the show. And so we were already there, sitting and waiting for the movie to start.

Although I'm fond of Marvel movies, I had never read a single Marvel Comic in my entire life (talk about no extra money for things like that..). Good thing that Peter sat beside me to explain to me some things that I don't clearly understand. But wait! Forget all the story and the plot. Guess what really caught my attention in the movie: Tony Stark, the man beneath the Iron Man armor. Not Anthony Edward who played Tony Stark, but the character of Tony Stark. Tony Stark was an engineer scientist, something that I want to be like when I finish my degree.

Wow, you can just imagine how I felt as I watch the movie. You see, although my only finished project is a power supply with an output of 5 and 12 volts, it's my dream to have a laboratory like what Tony Stark had. His mini-reactor that produces enormous power may be close to impossibility today, it made me a little more inspired to do better in school.

I think you should watch the movie too, especially if your field is in technology.

Getting Your Casino Reviews

2008-05-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

More and more people are getting into online entertainment, thanks to the internet. We see people that are wanting to get themselves into online casinos for they find no time to go to casinos in the city. Now with this business opportunity opens up, we also see more and more online casino websites trying to compete with each other to be named the best among the rest.

I have found a good website that gives reviews to these online casinos available in the internet. Well, reviews are better ways to check whether these certain online casinos meet the standards and needs of the online casino players. Who would want to play in a website where fun is not present while your money gets burned out. I say, it is really important to know what other players think of these online casinos, after all, players are the one playing the games. This website that I'm talking about offers no less than the reviews of these pro players. Check it out, Pro360.com.

It's not only for players looking for the best online casinos, online casinos can also avail for reviews for their sites, increasing their popularity and number of online players. So if you feel like playing games and you have no where to go, check it now!

Maximizing Moneyless Spending

2008-05-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Having problems with your credit cards? Are you tired of paying credit card interests that are even more than what you actually consumed? Worry no more for BAD CREDIT OFFERS is now here to help you on your credit problems.

With BAD CREDIT OFFERS you can now enjoy shopping with the best deals of credit card available for consumers like us. They offer only credible credit cards that are proven and tested secure. Not only that, the dream house you've been always dreaming of is now in the tips of your fingers for they also home loans that are easy to pay and manage regardless of your past credit history. And that car your thinking? Grab the opportunity to get it now with bad credit loans
fast and easy auto loan.

How's that for your moneyless spending? Feel secured every time you transact business for your family or personal satisfaction. Try it now and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Techno News: Nokia Disappoints Investors With Forecast

2008-04-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

HELSINKI, Finland (AP) — Shares in Nokia, the world’s largest maker of mobile phones, plunged more than 13.5 percent on Thursday after the company downgraded its forecast for the global handset market and posted lower-than-expected first-quarter earnings.

Nokia reported a net profit of $1.9 billion in the first three months of the year, 25 percent more than the $1.6 billion of the period in 2007 but below analysts’ forecasts.

Revenue grew 28 percent, to $20 billion, from $15.6 billion a year earlier, with strong growth of handset sales in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The markets were expecting a better result, and Nokia stock closed down $4.74, or 14 percent, to $28.95 on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company, based in Espoo, Finland, said its market share slipped to 39 percent in the first quarter this year, from 40 percent in the October-to-December quarter. But it sold 115 million mobile devices in the first quarter, up 27 percent from a year earlier, and its market share was three points higher than in the first quarter a year ago.

Nokia’s strongest growth in mobile phone sales was in the Asia-Pacific region, which for the first time overtook Europe as the company’s biggest market. It sold 34 million units in the region, accounting for more than a third of the company’s mobile phone sales.

But selling cheaper handsets in emerging markets continued to push down the closely watched average selling price of Nokia’s mobile devices. It fell to $125 in the period, from $132 in the previous quarter and $141 in the first quarter last year.

reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/business/18nokia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Cubans Now Enjoy Cell Phone

2008-04-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

If Filipinos are excited for the next release of the latest Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, and other top mobile phone companies, just imagine how ordinary Cubans feel now that they're already allowed to own the gadget most popular in the Philippines. Yes, it's just the first time for most Cubans to own a cellphone since the government restricted its use only for top government officials and foreigners. Not only cellphone, Cubans can now enjoy their new DVD players, computers, and even tourist hotel accommodation which were previously only available for foreigners.

Apple Fixes $10K Bug

2008-04-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

In a recent conclusion of a hacking contest, Apple finally responded to fix a significant flaw in its Safari web browser. Apple saw Charlie Miller of Independent Security Evaluators emerge as a top finisher in the "PWN to 0WN" contest to bag $10,000 just by hacking a fully updated MacBook Air running OSX 10.5.2. The hacking contest held at the CanSecWest security conference had been an annual event for computer operating systems to test their security and vulnerability against hackers of all kind.

Smorty Gives Me Another Reason to Blog

2008-04-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

Just earlier this week, I'm very happy to open my email when I saw that Smorty confirmed my application. For those who still doesn't know what Smorty is, it's a website where advertisers engage in blog advertising while bloggers like us get paid for blogging, as simple as that. Advertisers look for qualified bloggers and Smorty works kind of a middle man in this such business.

Smorty offers higher commissions to bloggers who blog for money but lower fees for advertisers who want their products to be advertised on blogs. This is my first time to apply for such business and I am very happy I applied to Smorty. Smorty does not accept all blogs for it has also rules and qualifications to keep quality reviews for their advertisers, a common practice in money business. But chin up! Smorty want bloggers to earn as much as as bloggers want for themselves, that's why Smorty sees to it their rules are easy to meet.

Not only I enjoy my usual writing and blogging, I'm also getting paid to blog. This what makes blogging more interesting. So for those bloggers who want to start earning now, sign up for Smorty now!

Software For Your Online Store

2008-04-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

Good news for our friend entrepreneurs and businessmen who are thinking of having an online store, a very promising but simple to use shopping cart software is now available for you. I introduce to you Ashop's award-winning product that will surely help you sell all the things you want in the world wide web.

Entrepreneurs and businessmen will no longer need the services of professional web designers in order to make a good online store for this ecommerce software will surely more than enough with its superb web integrated features such as layout and design, payment options, shipping and tax, and much more. Now that's what I call effective cost cutting! Not only that, its technical support does the job that you may find difficult to do.

Get Ashop's product now and start making money by providing your target buyers a shopping cart that is effective and efficient at the same time. Try it now for free!

What's with the Php150K?

2008-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Last week, I opened a poll about having Php150,000 cold cash. I tried to find out whether you want to buy a brand new laptop, or a secondhand car, deposit it in bank for future use, or donate it for good cause. Now that things have settled and the poll war has been over, it seems that we have a tough triple tie.

Buy A Brand New Laptop

I think that most of us now are computer literate, not to mention the growing population of techno geeks (hehehe). Having this amount of P150K will definitely buy you a great value laptop with blazing speeds that you always dreamed of. Try check LaptopKing website, its an online laptop store which offers a wide range of these machines.

Buy A Secondhand Car

This is my personal choice. My good friend, who's an automobile enthusiast, have been an talking all day and night about cars, cars, and more cars. So I ask him how much a secondhand car would cost and he said P150K is already a good price. He have given me a website where the business of buy-and-sell of cars happens: tsikot.com. Let's go and check it out.

Deposit In A Bank

There are still people who think of future much as they think of the present. For me, I think this is still a very good choice, you got to save your money and use it for future expenses, not to mention important future expenses.

There you have it, end of the poll. Thank you to all who participated.

BE-ing Cool

2008-03-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

For those who want to explore more things for your PC, why don't you try BeOS? Although BeOS, or the Be Operating System, might be so unfamiliar than MS Windows or even Linux, this video clip shows how powerful this system could be.

Just like Linux, this system runs pretty well, not to mention super fast, on older PCs that we think don't function anymore with MS Windows. As you can see in the video, the system doesn't really have a superb Graphical User Interface as compared to MS Vista, Mac OS X, or Linux Beryl, but that doesn't mean it can't compete with these more familiar systems. The BeOS is certainly an interesting product you can try for your old PC.

LCD vs CRT: The Monitor Match

2008-03-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

LCD or Liquid Crystal Display monitors have been very popular these days. Although the Cathode Ray Tube or CRT monitors are still in use in almost every computer cafe in town, it is not too long before LCD monitors eventually replace these traditional display systems. But before that happens, I think it would be proper for us to know what makes LCD monitors better than their CRT counterparts. Let's make it one point at a time.

The LOOK

This is the most obvious difference between the two monitors. CRT monitors, from the name itself, still use the older technology of cathode rays tubes. This is similar the traditional TV's and this is also the reason why CRT's are bulky. LCD's in the other hand utilizes miniature transistors, one of the more sophisticated inventions of our time. This is why LCD's are relatively slimmer and more space saving.

Energy Efficiency

LCD monitors produce less heat as compared to CRT's. The tube on CRT's generate much of the heat of the monitor, thus is not as energy efficient as the LCD. This makes LCD more power and energy saver, making it more useful in the future settings.

Cost

This is the only department where the CRT monitor has an advantage over the LCD. LCD monitors cost more than twice the price of CRT's. But don't worry LCD fans, LCD monitors are less energy consumers, so energy bills will be lesser if you have LCD's.

My conclusion: LCD monitors are the monitors of the near future. The only thing that impedes the fast success of LCD's is its cost. If we find ways to produce LCD monitors in cheaper ways, then CRT's might be gone for good sooner than we expect.

Learn More About Your PC!

2008-03-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

A lot of us use our personal computers or PCs everyday, for school and office works, games, music, and even movies. But how many of us actually knows what our PCs are? Like what are the chunks of chips that actually making it run? A good software can help us answer that. CPU-Z

CPU-Z ( or just CPUZ) is a simple software that summarizes your PC's hardware information such as motherboard, processor, and RAM. It's so simple that you don't really have to install it just to make it work. This software gives you an idea why your PC is running as it is. It helps you especially when you want to upgrade your system, or when you simply want to boast your multicore processor. CPUZ is a free software, no need to worry for the cost. Plus, it's less than 1MB so you can download it easily and fast. Download it here now!

Bad News: I Missed the Earth Hour.. Good News: Read This

2008-03-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to join the movements to help save the earth against global warming, since I know I am also having my share on the global phenomenon. The chance came to me when I knew about Earth Hour, a simple but noble activity that will surely help our cause against global warming. Earth Hour is just very simple, I just have to turn off the lights for an hour starting 8PM. But because of some reasons, I totally forgot about Earth Hour and all the noble things I thought I could have easily done just for an hour. What a failure.

But hey, I realize still have more chances to help save the earth. And as a person who constantly rely on technology, I am continuously draining energy, which is one of the primary reasons we have this Global Warming. And so I thought of other things which I can personally do to help against this world problem.

1. Conserve Energy - our electronic gadgets consume much of our energy at home. Try to unplug and turn off all that electronic equipment that you think are not actually in use. Turning off lights during the day, or minimizing your airconditioner thermostat during cool nights can be a good start.

2. Avoid Burning - when we burn, we are producing heat energy and carbon dioxide, the main ingredients of Global Warming. Let's start decomposing our biodegradable wastes in the natural way now. It also helps nourish the soil you know.

3. Walk More - walking more helps us save fuel and money, which are already hard to find these days. Not only that we also get to exercise our bodies, thus making us fit and healthy.

These are just some of my ways that I think I can personally do. You can also generate your save-the-earth list. Let us all remember that no single man brought Global Warming to its existence. Therefore no single man can also save this problem, IT TAKES ALL OF MANKIND. Let's be part of this noble cause now, or suffer the consequences now and later.

Free PC to Mobile SMS!

2008-03-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

I already know that a lot of you know about the Chikka Messenger and its free text serves. And I also know that most, if not all, get frustrated everytime time you're prompted that the recipient must reply at least once, blah blah blah blah. Thanks to me, you can leave that sad experience in the dust. Here's how. When you're prompted but that annoying message, just delete your buddy from your buddy list. Then add it again and Chikka will consider it new, so you can send texts again for free. I call this one AMAZING!

If you think that's not enough, wait until you hear this. There's actually another website that offers the same free services like Chikka. Try and check it, click here iTxtmo.com. You just have to register once, no need to download and install anything, then you're up and ready to send free SMS to US, CANADA and PHILIPPINES! This is so COOOOOL!

I've already tried both of these, and I'm very much pleased with what I just discovered.

dont forget your comments!

A Thought on Generic Chinese Phones

2008-03-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

On the dawn of cellular phone war, where more and more manufacturers try to outwit, outlast, and outplay their fellow competitors, the cradle of cheap labor now joins this technological competition. If you're wondering, I'm referring to the low-cost Chinese mobile phones that are available in your local cellphone shop.

Last week, my elder brother bought himself one of these generic phones. I am curious myself about how it works and why it so relatively cheap compared to branded mobile phones. Well, let me start on its features. The mobile phone isn't that bad at all with its touch screen feature and MP3 playback capabilities. It also comes with the basic connectivity of Bluetooth and USB, and a CMOS camera, though I'm not sure how many megapixels. I think P5,500 isn't too bad for a price compared to P20,000-25,000 of other brands with practically similar features. Oh, I almost forgot, it has an embedded analog TV and FM, and dual SIM feature. I think the analog TV and dual SIM capabilities separate it from other products available.

Although I'm still not sure on its durability and resistance to common misuse, I think that these generic phones could can be a good substitute for those who don't have much budget. They can still enjoy up-to-date technology without overspending their money. Remember that prices are greatly influenced by production and advertisement costs.

Another Good Site for Bloggers

2008-03-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

Summer break is getting a little boring that I expected to be, but don't worry fellow bloggers. I just found new buzz and a good site that will surely be a hit for us who wants to be productive this summer.

Introducing: Snapbomb. Snapbomb.com is a website that caters advertisers, who consider blog advertising for their products, and bloggers, who have a passion to to write and earn at the same time. The idea is actually simple, blog marketing. Advertisers are looking for bloggers to write them reviews and bloggers look for advertisers to have something to write about as well. Snapbom facilitates this kind of business to make things easier for advertisers and bloggers. Pretty amazing, isn't it?

Give it a try now and see that how it works.

i'm back

2008-03-21T02:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since i last updated my blog. School has never been that busy the past few weeks, not to mention the sleepless nights I've been trying to overcome just to pass some subjects, just "some" subjects. Anyway, the second semester is over and I only have a couple of weeks before summer classes get on my schedule, so I decided to have a little blog makeover.

A good friend named Kirby once referred me to a blog which talks about blog templates and other blogging stuffs. I actually like some templates there, try checking them yourself JackBook.com. My current template is actually taken there. And as I was trying to figure out how to make my blog look better, another good friend Agnes, suggested good sites that also deals with free blog templates (she's a computer science student by the way). And so I visited these referred sites: psyc.horm.org, mashable.com, and tothepc.com.

I admit there are plenty good templates out there, but I still need to experiment on how to make them fit for my own. Do you think you can help me? I will surely welcome your suggestions and comments.

Remove Unused Software With REVO UNINSTALLER

2008-02-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, yes, I know that. Windows XP/Vista has its own bundled software uninstaller when you install Windows. But have you noticed leftover files that still stays undeleted even you already finished uninstalling the software? You may not also notice, the bundled windows uninstaller does not completely remove the registry of the uninstalled software, thus does not only occupies unnecessary space on your hard drive but also makes your system virtually slower. The solution? REVO UNINSTALLER

Revo Uninstaller helps you to uninstall and remove unwanted programs installed on your computer even if you cannot uninstall them from "Windows Add or Remove Programs" control panel applet. It is alternative to "Windows Add or Remove Programs" applet and much faster from it!

With its advanced and fast algorithm, Revo Uninstaller analyzes an application's data before uninstall and scans after you uninstall an application. After the program's regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over on your computer. Even if you have a broken installation, Revo Uninstaller scans for an application's data on your hard disk drives and in the Windows registry and shows all found files, folders and registry keys so you can delete them.

With its unique "Hunter mode", Revo Uninstaller offers you some simple, easy to use, but effective and powerful approaches to manage (uninstall, stop, delete, disable from auto starting) and to get information about your installed and/or running programs.

Revo Uninstaller gives you another 8 handy and powerful tools to clean up your system.

Here are the list of all of the tools and utilities that are included:

Auto Start Manager - stop programs that start automatically when Windows starts; Speed up loading of Windows!

W indows Tools Manager - handy and useful tools bundled with every version of Windows; Easily find useful system tools and options!

J unk Files Cleaner - find and remove unnecessary files from your computer; Free up disk space and delete data you do not need!

Browsers History Cleaner - erase the web site history, visited pages history and temporary internet files of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape and Opera web browsers; Free up a lot of disk space by deleting temporary internet files like temporary saved videos, flash files, pictures etc!

Office History Cleaner - remove the history of most recently used files in MS Office; Remove your tracks by deleting the list of last opened MS Office documents!

Windows History Cleaner - remove the history of recently opened files, delete temporary files, remove usage tracks and other history items that are saved by Windows; Remove your tracks saved by windows for a lot of operations!

Unrecoverable Delete Tool - erase files and folders forever; Be sure that nobody could recover your files and folders after deleting!

Evidence Remover - make sure already deleted files, folders and other data are unrecoverable!

I'm using this software myself, and so far I am pleased with its performance. Give it a try, click here to download. You don't have to worry about the price, Revo Uninstaller is completely free of charge. So what are you waiting for?

don't forget to leave your comments! happy valentines day!

Dual Boot How To's by Request

2008-02-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

Dual Booting your computer, just like mine, gives me more control and security to my personal files. For those interested, I am actually dual booting my pc with Microsoft Windows XP and Ubuntu 7.10 Gusty Gibbon. If you want your PC to dual boot just like mine, this blog post is for you. How is this possible? Let me explain.

Step 1: Check the Requirements

First and foremost, dual booting needs at least 2 hard drive partitions or better, two physical hard drives. If you already have this requirement then you are ready to dual boot your pc. You also need to know the architecture of your processor, whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit. Newer Intel processors like Pentium D, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, and most AMD processors are 64-bit ready. This should be noted because 64-bit OS will not run on 32-bit processors, although 64-bit processors can work with both 32 and 64-bit OS. Always remember to backup important files before making major changes in your PC.

Step 2: Get a Copy of Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free Linux distro which you can download directly from it's website www.ubuntu.com. You can even request CD's if you want. Gutsy Gibbon is the latest release of Ubuntu and it's the one I installed. There are actually many, and I mean many, distros available. You can check this at www.distrowatch.com. You might be thinking why I choose Ubuntu. Well, to tell you honestly, I just am just trying and exploring it, and i can say it's as good as advertised.
If you download a cd image, make sure you burn it as a cd image and not as a file. Also, make sure what you download meets the system requirements (usually very minimal, but remember the 32-64-bit-thing).

Step 3: Boot the Ubuntu CD and Install Ubuntu.

Just restart your computer and then set it to boot from the cd drive. You can do this by pressing "DEL" when you see "Press DEL.." when your computer starts. Then, go to the boot sequence and prioritize the CD drive. Save then exit.

By the way, Ubuntu is a LiveCD, it makes you test the OS without even installing it. So after booting the cd, see the image above, just choose "Start or Install Ubuntu." You will be then directed to its desktop. You can explore it, open some programs, and view your files from your windows partition. If you're ready, just open the "Install" icon on the desktop to begin installing Ubuntu to your hard drive. Just follow the instructions and don't be afraid to click continue. Hehehe. Please make sure you install Ubuntu on your free partition (the other one aside from the windows partition). Ubuntu will reformat this partition so better be careful.

Step 3: Enjoy your new Ubuntu

If you have successfully install Ubuntu, you will see the Grub boot loader (above) every time you boot your PC. By default, your PC will now boot Ubuntu if you do not choose any OS within 10 seconds. If you have a fast internet connection, you can update Ubuntu and install additional software that you might need, all for free.

I hope you learned something with this entry. I know it's a little broad but I hope somehow you now have an idea on how to dual boot your PC. If you have any problems, you can always go to forums such as http://ubuntuforums.org/ or visit the official Ubuntu Website. Also try Googling any problems, there are a lot of linux users who want to help you. Enjoy!

You can also read my older post "The Other Look Of My Computer"

Don't forget to drop some comments!

Recording Your Audio Stream With Audacity

2008-02-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

Just this past few days, my niece asked me a favor for her class project. She wanted me to download an old song, "Ay Ay Ay Pag-ibig" by Pilita Corrales. As usual, I accepted the favor because I thought Frostwire (I don't use Limewire) can help me download that song. To my surprise, that song can't be found anywhere using Frostwire. So I tried Googling it to find more information about this old song. After a several minutes of research and research and more research, I finally found the song. I just had a little problem, the song was streamed on the internet and there was no-one who can help me download an audio stream.

And so I researched again on how-to's about downloading an audio stream right to my hardware as an mp3 file or the like. I actually found a few softwares, but these crap didn't help me much. It's either I need to buy them to fully use them, or they were just plain crap. Can you image, I was even very stupid to use a microphone connected to my PC then I tried recording the song from the speakers! What was I thinking during that time? Forgive me but I was just desperate.

After an hour of frustration, I tried searching at the open source softwares' website OpenSource.org . It was then when the historical event happened, Laytech met Audacity (damn, why didn't I think of open source software right away?).

Audacity is another quality open source software available for free. If editing photos have the popular Photoshop, editing audio have Audacity. It is a powerful but simple audio editing software that is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Anyway, my problem is not yet solved. So to make this story short, i will just enumerate the steps on how I recorded an audio stream right to my PC.

step 1: Download Audacity (click here to go to the download site)

Download and install Audacity (just 2.1MB!) and also download Lame Mp3 encoder, this will be used in saving your recorded song as Mp3 format. The Lame Mp3 encoder is a compressed file, you will need to extract it to any temporary directory. Make sure you remember this directory because you will be needing this in the last step.

step 2: Disable Line Volume and Mic Volume in your audio settings.

We need to disable these settings in order for us to record only the sound card's output (that's the music we hear from the speakers). Enabling Line and Mic Volume might cause unwanted background noise from the recording. Go to the Control Panel > Sound, Speech, and Audio Device to do this.
step 3: Prepare the song for the recording session.

Make sure that the audio stream has completely buffed before you record it. This will make the recording session run smoothly.

step 4: Record the song.

Using your newly installed Audacity, just click the record button to start recording the song. Immediately after clicking the record button, play the audio stream. Audacity will record what ever sound that your sound card will produce, so make sure there are no other music or sound playing during the recording.

step 5: Save the your recording session

This will be the last step. After recording your song, you can save it to either as Audacity file or as Mp3 file. If you don't want to edit the song any further, just save it as Mp3. In Audacity, go to File > Export As Mp3. Audacity will now then ask for the Lame Mp3 Encoder, so just browse to it then wait until Audacity finishes encoding your session as Mp3.

That's it! Job done and now I have the song that I needed, thanks to Audacity. It's simple, easy to use, and most of all it's free! Give it a try and you'll be amazed!

Go for free, go for Open Source!

Top Semiconductor Company Uses Linux for Its Mobile Phone

2008-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have been reading on some news on consumer electronics and I come across to an interesting article which I would like you all to read. Here are the details:

" A 3G Linux phone for sub $US100

NXP Semiconductors and Purple Labs have introduced a reference design for 3G Linux phone offering video telephony, music playback, high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming that they say will cost operators less than $US100.

They claim that their Purple Magic phone, which will debut at the global mobile congress in Barcelona later this month, will serve as a reference design for phone manufacturers creating entry-level 3G handsets, including those targeting mobile markets such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

"NXP believes in Linux as the basis for the next generation of mobile handset innovation," said Dan Rabinovitsj, senior vice president and general manager, cellular business, NXP Semiconductors. "We've been working closely with Purple Labs to develop Linux-based mobile terminals that meet the cost and performance requirements of the mass market. Our joint achievement is to bring the advantages of an Open OS environment to the mass market based on industry leading silicon and software."

NXP is in the top 10 semiconductor companies. It was founded by Philips more than 50 years ago and today has 37,000 employees in more than 20 countries sales of around Eur 5 billion. Purple Labs is a venture capital backed US company founded in 2001 specializing in Linux based mobile products."

source: http://www.itwire.com/content/view/16436/127/

Wow, I'm sure that mobile phone will be better than those already out there, plus the stability of the Operating System used. It just shows the simple fact that Linux isn't just a system for the Linux enthusiasts, after all, it was made primarily for end users like us.

E-profit: The "IN" Thing

2008-01-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

As I was surfing the internet to find more information for my blog, I come across to a number of blogs which talks about earning through blogging. As a matter of fact, a close friend of mine also writes within this topic (check out his profile http://kirbitz.blogspot.com ). Pretty interesting, isn't it? Well, there's just one thing new bloggers have to know: making money takes a lot of time. Most advertisers want blogs that are old, or at least 3 months old. But hey, I just found out about Blogvertise, check this out.

Blogvertise is a website where advertisers and bloggers meet to make business. Advertisers look for bloggers that would best promote their products, while bloggers get paid after making a review of the advertiser's product. Blogvertise facilitates this kind of business. Bloggers don't have to look for advertisers for themselves, just register to Blogvertise and start earning from blogging.

For more of your questions about Blogvertise, just got to their FAQ for Bloggers. You will not only learn about their programs, you will also know how they operate. So what are you waiting for? Christmas? Register Now and get paid!

MacBook Air: the world's thinest notebook

2008-01-16T05:15:00.000-08:00

Following their biggest hit on the world of technology, Apple Inc. now introduces the world's thinnest computer notebook ever built for users like us. Apple CEO Steve Jobs boasts the product's features during its press release in San Francisco, California.

With a 13.3-inch display, a built-in iSight camera, and a backlit "full-sized" keyboard, MacBook Air is less than an inch thick, 0.76 inches at its beefiest and just 0.16 inches at its thinnest to be exact. The new computer runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo with 1.6Ghz clockspeed. MacBook Air, which weighs only 3 pounds, also features a 1.8-inch 80GB hard disk drive, with an optional upgrade of a 64GB flash-based solid state drive, and a multitouch Liquid Crystal Display that allows you to expand your photos by just a two-fingered gesture, similar to the Apple iPhone.

This another Apple innovation however, does not have a built-in internal optical media drive. But according to Jobs, Mac users should not worry because they can download their favorite movies and music through the internet, and install new software via an optical drive of a separate PC or Mac. Furthermore, the company now finalizes its Movie Rental service on iTunes Store. This means that users can now rent movies online and watch them over their computers, but with an high-speed internet connection of course. Apple is partnering with 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney, Paramount, Universal and Sony on the service, which will work on Macs, Windows-based machines, iPhones, iPods or Apple TV set-top boxes and will be available late February 2008.

references:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/01/15/apple.macworld.ap/index.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1552527120080116

http://www.toptechnews.com/story.xhtml?story_id=10000BCL6M30&page=1

Do We NEED the Apple iPhone?

2008-01-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

After shocking the techno world, more than 6 months after its introduction on June 29, 2007, Apple Inc.'s revolutionary iPhone is still rising up to the occasion, making history not only on popularity but also in innovation. Although this might be true to many gadget enthusiasts, there are still a number of end users who know it only by name. If you think you're one of them, join me in reviewing this popular handheld wonder.

As advertised by its manufacturer, Apple Incorporated, iPhone boasts of four major features: Revolutionary Phone, Widescreen iPod, Breakthrough Internet Device, and High Technology. Let's now go through it one by one.

Revolutionary Phone

"iPhone is a revolutionary new mobile phone that allows you to make a call by simply tapping a name or number in your address book, a favorites list, or a call log. It also automatically syncs all your contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet service. And it lets you select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want — just like email."

This feature is very attractive to users who just use the iPhone as any other mobile phones out in the market (they are those just wanted the iPhone to increase their school popularity.) But for us Laytechs, this feature doesn't even compensate for its very expensive price.

Widescreen iPod

"iPhone is a widescreen iPod with touch controls that lets you enjoy your content — including music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies — on a beautiful 3.5-inch display. It allows you to sync the content from the iTunes library on your PC or Mac and access it all with the touch of a finger."

This sounds like your home theater is now a mobile phone. My question now is,"What are the video format currently supported by iPhone"? Take in mind that most Apple gadgets, including their desktops, have exclusive software which are all created by none other than Apple Inc. as well. If you're not too particular to videos, then why do you need a large screen display for your songs anyway?

Breakthrough Internet Device, and High Technology

"iPhone features a rich HTML email client and Safari — the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device — which automatically syncs bookmarks from your PC or Mac. Safari also includes built-in Google and Yahoo! search. iPhone is fully multi-tasking, so you can read a web page while downloading your email in the background over Wi-Fi or EDGE..."

"...iPhone introduces the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse, the most advanced software ever engineered, and true state-of-the-art technology that will change the way you think about a mobile device. With over 300 patents, iPhone is years ahead of any other phone available today."

If there are things that I envy iPhone, here they are. The last two, but certainly the most praised among the general features, the iPhone combines advanced internet browsing technology and rock solid durability in one. As i see it, no other mobile phone I know comes close to the browsing power of iPhone (Apple gadgets are famous of their fancy GUI.) And contrary to popular trends of high-end gadgets, iPhone features protective technology that helps the gadget last long (as compared to most gadgets now that are very delicate and sensitive to physical contacts.) These general features really pay off its expensiveness.

There you have it. These are only my opinion. It's up to you to decide.

more e-earnings!

2008-01-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

do you want to earn by just doing the usual browsing?

just click the link below and sign up! its true!

http://www.slashmysearch.com/earn/id/72760

small but terrible

2008-01-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever imagined a portable Operating System that can process your documents, spreadsheets, presentation, browse and download from your favorite website , play games and your favorite music, or even burn your cds and dvds, and most of all, fits in your pocket? Well, imagine no more and just sit back, relax, and read this.

As I was reading some articles in one of my favorite sites (distrowatch.com), I have stumbled (again, lol) on some Linux Distribution (or distro) that are so light, yet so powerful. These Linux distributions are so small that you can even install it on a 50MB usb flash drive, but still remains as stable as other Linux distros available.

These distros can run very well on new computers, and even run fast on old ones with processors earlier than the Intel Pentium Series (just imagine how light that is). Just download them and burn them as a CD image (not as a file). The CD is a LiveCD, which can be booted from the boot menu (that's pressing 'Del' when you turn on your computer, then select your CD drive to be booted first). You can also install it on your hard drive, or even on a flash drive with at least 50MB of free space to make it work even faster. Whether the distro is on a cd or in a portable usb flash drive, you can boot it on every computer you use, then like magic, the computer just transforms like it was your own.

Let's see what portable Linux Distribution is for you. You can go to this site ">http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ to find out more about these Mini Linuxes. I have already picked two most common for you.

The first in line.....

Damn Small Linux (DSL)

DSL is a very light and versatile desktop oriented Linux operating system that can run in almost every computer in your home or office. Althought the recommended Random Access Memory is 128MB (what a very small requirement), it runs perfectly even with 16MB of RAM and you will be amazed how fast your computer will be.

second...

SLAX Linux Operating System

SLAX is, it think, a better choice to users who look more on the looks. This system is running on a very beautiful Graphical User Interface (GUI) that requires only 128MB of RAM, although it is recommended to have 256MB to operate at full speed. Slax also requires more hard disk space of of at least 200MB compared to the 50MB of DSL.

Here you have it, your new portable PC. You don't have to worry bringing your system with you anywhere because DSL and SLAX are available for free (you just need a fast internet connection to download the CD image).

behold the wonders of LINUX

2008-01-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

My blog entry entitled "The Other Look of My Computer" has drawn quite an attention to most of my classmates. Many of them are first time to hear about the existence of other operating system other than the traditional Windows. Some actually already know about Linux, but they have not yet encountered a friend or someone the personally know who actually uses the Linux system. If you think you are just like most of my classmates, behold and read this one.

Linux actually existed longer than we have thought. It was developed by then a young computer science student of the University of Helsinki in Finland, named Linus Torvalds, and shared it to the world wide web in the early '90s. Linux is an Open Source software, which means you can copy, modify, and even distribute it at a completely free of charge. Today, Linux has grown from a simple set of codes to a system that supports many critical parts of the World Wide Web. Windows may be what most end users use, but these users don't know that most of the Internet serves and even network firewalls are Linux based because of its sure reliability, unlimited flexibility, rock solid stability and of course, unparalleled cost.

For you who still can't imagine what Linux truly is, I have embedded a video clip which compares the latest Windows Vista and a Linux Distribution, the Ubuntu Linux (the one I installed in my pc).

This clip features the Advanced Graphical User Interface (GUI) of a Linux system. I'm still looking for some applications so that I can also record my Linux session into a video clip so I can post it here in the future.

I hope you enjoyed it.

Experiment 2 - signals

2008-01-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

ANALYSIS:

Experiment 2 is similar to the previous experiment. Before, we are just made to familiarize ourselves with Matlab and its basic mathematical functions. In this second experiment, matrices were now very useful because we were asked to graph elementary signals in STEM and STAIR functions of Matlab, and these signals can be represented through matrices. The difference now in this experiment from the first is that we are asked to give the amplitude, frequency, and sampling frequency of the signal. In getting these parameters of the given elementary signals, we were to code our own program that would yield these requirements. This programming, however, is a feature in Matlab. The use of programming commands such as “FOR”, “LOOP”, and “NEXT” are used now, and they still follow the if-then-else statements of basic programming.

CONCLUSION:

Although we did not expect that programming is possible in Matlab, the syntax of the algorithm is just similar to that of what we previously learned, Visual Basic. Such previous knowledge about basic computer programming language is very useful. Not only the format is almost the same, commands are also close in Matlab and in Visual Basic. Previous lesson in Signal processing, such as the advancing and delaying of a given signal, are also helpful in this experiment.

I don't know if this is final. I think I need to edit it and add more explanations to it to give more emphasis to my points.

Pleas leave some comments. thanks!

Signals Laboratory Expertiment 2

2008-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

c)

%STAIR plot
T = 0:0.25:25
B = 2*sin(T)
stairs(T,B)

d)

%Unit function
n = -3:1:3
y = ones(1,7)
stem(n,y)

e)

n = -3:1:3
x1 = abs(n)
n1 = n - 2

subplot(3,1,1), stem(n,x1)
ylabel('amplitude')
xlabel('n')
subplot(3,1,2), stem(n1,x1)
ylabel('amplitude')
xlabel('n')
subplot(3,1,3), stem(-n1,x1)
ylabel('amplitude')
xlabel('n')

please leave some comments.. thanks!

whattaday!

2008-01-04T04:27:00.000-08:00

the bad start

Just right before I lay down to sleep, around past half eleven o'clock, I scheduled my alarm clock to ring at exactly 6:30AM the next morning. But since my sleeping time was quite unstable because of the recent Christmas break, where I sleep around 2-3AM, I wasn't able to sleep right away. There were lots of thoughts running around my mind; which includes most of my subjects: electromagnetics, fluid mechanics, signals, and all my upcoming exams.

forward....

After that very uncomfortable sleep, i woke up past 8 in the morning! Oh no, this wasn't the start I was hoping for this new year, considering I had already 4 or 5 absences in my first subject every MWF. So I hurried my stuff before going to school, hoping I could catch within the allowed minutes considered as only late (that's 15 minutes after the start of the class, after this, I'm already late!). Moments later, I arrived to school safe and sound, and late!!! I arrived exactly 9:00AM, thirty minutes late, or already considered absent. This accounted to another unproductive Friday, not to mention my next class is 4:00 in the afternoon.

fast forward...

After that unpleasant incident, I found myself hanging with my classmates in the computer house, where we waited for our other peers so that we can start a DOTA match. Now that the cast is complete, it was time for some strategies here, gold earning there, and of course, hero kills everywhere. We actually finished playing after our eyes started to sore and our heads starting to ache, and good for us it only took us 3 hours now.

back to reality...

The long wait is over and I found myself now sitting at my chair, seriously listening to our Fluid Mechanics instructor. He asked about our short break, and as expected, most answered it was too short to enjoy. So my life went on, going back to books and notes, trying to survive another day in school.

the other look of my computer

2008-01-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

During the past months, I was trying to explore more about computers, about hardware and software as well. With eagerness about these computer stuff, I found myself reading a book about computer operating systems, specifically on the Linux System. My curiousness rose when I read that most Linux enthusiasts claim that their system are far stable than the traditional Windows. Well, just like most Windows users, I do not intend to switch to another operating system, but I want to give it a little try...

There are a lot of Linux editions, called distributions. One of the more common distribution is UBUNTU, a Debian-based Linux disto (for more information just go to www.ubuntu.com). Trying Ubuntu Linux is so easy than I ever thought it would. It's actually free!!! Just got to their site and download the cd image. It's also a LiveCD, which means you can boot the CD, and try the Ubuntu System without even installing it. Isn't it cool?

I have some few screen shots here, taken from my own Ubuntu System...

This is the Ubuntu desktop. Pretty similar to windows actually.

Some opened windows, including Mozilla Firefox

I also got to update it free. Updates keep my system from known bugs that Ubuntu has discovered. By the way, are you tired of computer viruses? Well, in the Linux world, it's virtually virus free. It's immune to all windows virus, I don't even use an antivirus.

And these are the common programs when I use ubuntu:

1. Pidgin Internet Messenger - the all-in-one messenger

2. OpenOffice.org - the better alternative to MSWord

3. Mozilla Firefox - the safer choice in internet browsing

Windows may be the most popular OS in the market, but popularity does't really always mean to be the best. Linux gives me the option to see other things beyond tradition, things that sometimes really goes beyond our imaginations.

Happy New Year! Happy New Blog

2007-12-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

I've been really wanting to finally have a blog which i can really maintain and extend, and when else is the best way to start it? Yes, that's right! It's on New Year's day!

It's 12:05 AM, and while my neighborhood is busy lighting their pyrotechnics, or singing and dancing at the nearby street party, i am also busy writing this entry. Though most Filipinos welcome new year with a big bang, we opted not to go along with the tradition since we do have a lot of pets, and these pets are more irritated than pleased on New Year Celebrations. But we do have plenty of food on our dinning table (hahaha) including the 13 round fruits (they say its good luck), and we often don't eat them all until morning for our breakfast. Well, having a full dinning table isn't really that important to me. I'm contented when my family is safe during New Year.

Oh, I think the party is already waiting for me. I'm getting too late for the celebration. I'll think I'll just have to end my first entry here (I'm not really a fan of very long posts). GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Happy New Year Guys!