Just landed in LA

Just landed in LA, originally uploaded by ChrisFong.

Am on my way to Augusta to see Tiger woods in the Masters after winning the

free ticket at raffle! Wohoo!

AAAAAAAAAWWWWEESOME!!!!

AAAAAAAAAWWWWEESOME!!!!

Watch your Cable programs on your laptop or cellphone!

Click this picture below to start playing the VIDEO clip:
























The Slingbox allows you to watch your TV/Cable/Dvd's/VCR on your laptop (via wifi) or cellphone (GPRS,EVDO or EDGE). It does this by hooking up the slingbox to your home cable and to your internet connection, it then streams the channels onto the internet to feed your laptop or cellphone the content from anywhere in the world.

The short video will show you a demo, which was done in realtime over a EVDO wireless connection in the states onto a Treo cellphone running windows mobile 5.0

click here for more..

To see more on the Slingbox click here

An iPod/Cellphone!!??

Yes its true, based on the below article, read on:

"Ever thought that Apple would make a musical iPod / Phone gadget ?

Insiders at Taiwanese phone maker BenQ say that Apple procurement executives have been talking to various Taiwanese phone makers during the past few months in an effort to cut a manufacturing deal on an iPod Phone. “An iPod phone is definitely coming,” according to BenQ executive. They claimed that several suppliers have been approached to manufacture parts. J.P Morgan believes Apple will introduce the phone by the fourth quarter of this year. As you may have noticed, the iphone.org site is now pointed to apple.com." - From, The Gadget Blog

for more info click on these two links from The Gadget Blog and Pocket-Lint

Is Gadget Obsession or Multi-Tasking Bad?

In a Recent cover story on Time Magazine, an article reads that the current youth may be losing their focus and "quality" and spending more time on "quantity" on doing more with less focus in whatever task they may be doing. It blames the pervasive electronics and gadgetry that make kids "so wired up" or "so connected" anytime and anywhere now a days that pull their attention away from doing one thing at a time and with great focus. Although, this may be good in a way because they get alot of things done at the same time, it still is a concern in terms of family time spent in the household and general time/life management.

My personal take on this is basically ones self-conciousness. At the very least if one chooses to continue a lifestyle, one must "atleast be aware" of whats happening to him or her, thats the first step. Next is he or she still choses to do so then that is their choice, but atleast it was a choice and not a natural take over by their surroudings without their comprehension of whats going on with their selves.

Click here to read the original article...

DJ Days! Behold the Mp3 Revo!

Vinyl Records then CD's now MP3's!! the old "crate carrying days" of the DJ are now being replaced by the high tech world with MP3 files. It even boasts that you can "scratch" an Mp3 as if it were a normal vinyl record against the needle!




Click Here for more..

Windows XP running on a Mac!

Look like they've done it! After raising an award of $13,000+ on the net, someone has found a way to make windows xp and max os X run on Mac hardware specifically on a mac mini with an intel core solo processor. This video (itunes required) shows evidence of windows running quite smoothly with small exceptions of driver issues on display and network cards. It wont be long now!! =)

Samsung's version of "Origami", the Q1

With Microsofts unveiling of the newest form factor for windows then called "Origami" now called the "UltraMobilePC" or "UMPC". Samsung and Asus are one of the first to take a crack at releasing the very first prototypes to soon hit the market. You can be sure ill be getting my hands on one right away!

click here for more shots and info..

Buying a new laptop? here's some considerations..

Am currently eyeing on a new laptop, and if you wana know what are the things im currently looking for in one, here they are: (in no particular order)

1.) Intel Dual Core processor
- latest chip from intel which is actually two processors in one, made for more multitasking and load sharing across processors. makes for faster performance and boot times.

2.) Weight max 6 lbs.
- will be using this as both my personal and business laptop so must be portable. So it must be a desktop replacement at heart but lightweight in body.

3.) atleast 256mb Graphics Card
- three words! GAMING, GAMING and GAMING. also required for the next version of windows.

4.) atleast 1 gig RAM Memory
- can never have enough, normally when your laptop doesnt have enough RAM memory, it starts using your hard drive as a temporary place to process which leads to slower performance.

5.) atleast 100 Gig Hard Drive
- can never have enough, i like ripping dvd and converting them into formats for my psp, ipod video and archos av500 players. so ill definitely need the space for conversion purposes. aside from my office files needs as well.

6.) Wifi preferably 802.11G
- connectivity reigns, i cant see the purpose of a laptop with this!

7.) DVD-RW writer
- need this to free up space from my hard drive by moving/archiving old files i dont use anymore to large capacity DVD discs.

8.) atleast 3 hrs batt life (with wifi on)
- a 9-cell battery is capable of atleast 3 hrs batt life. this should be standard by now.

9.) Certified compatible with next version of windows, namely Windows Vista (coming out late this year 2006)
- the next release of windows is right around the corner and im really looking forward to the new feature which makes windows look more like a mac gui interface. its called "Aero glass" and one requirement is a good graphics/video card.


so far the Acer TravelMate 8200 has been the best that measures closest to my criteria. Will most likely end up with it on my trip to the US this april.

CD to iPod Converter

Well, at least it aint vaporware! a taiwan company called Zettabyte has finally come out with a prototype of a cd reader/player that will read any music cd and tranfer all songs onto your ipod via usb without need for a computer. Hmm... I wonder if they will come out with a video version that rips DVD to my ipod video, now that would be awesome!!!

click here for more info..

Windows for all seasons!

Ever wonder how many "Form Factors" Microsoft has made over the years?
(I've been fortunate enough to have atleast owned and experienced every one of these historical devices.)



Portable Media Center
- use: to bring your music and videos wherever you go.

Smartphone
- use: built to be a cellphone first then a semi pda.






Pocket PC Mobile
- use: built to be a pda first then a cellphone second.




Tablet PC
- use: initially built as an input device via pen for doctors to hold on their arms while walking. Screen swivels and folds to hide keyboard.





Desktop PC
- use: First ever form factor used as we know it.




Laptop
- use: Second form factor created for the "on the go" user.



Pocket PC
- use: First ever "pocketable" PC






Media Center PC
- use: First ever PC meant to be in your "Living Room" and connected to a plasma screen or TV, controlled via remote.


Xbox
- use: First ever game console from Microsoft.






LATEST:
UltraMobile PC (UMPC) aka "Origami"
- use: A smaller Tablet PC, finally getting the tablet pc down to a size more portable. The screen is now a touchscreen which doesnt require a pen.

My Hacked PSP

My Hacked PSP, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Finally got a PSP just when all the homebrew apps have finally broken into

the mainstream and torrents have finally got a whole slew of contents to

fish hehe. This is of course against my normally inclined impulse buys on

first generation devices! all games I download and now play from my mem

stick without need for a umd game disc.

Superman Score, A Blast from the Past!

For anyone who's seen the first few movies of Superman, seeing the new trailer of the upcoming summer movie "Superman Returns" just sends chills down my spine hearing the same old soundtrack/score from those old movies!

This is definitely on my list for 2006! DUDE! its SUPERMAN!!!!

Its That Simple!

Ever wonder why you still need a computer to transfer music to your ipod? why not just transfer music from your cd player directly into your ipod? its amazing how we get "used to" what is out there and forget obvious and simple ideas on how to go about this simple task without going through the "hard way", DUH!

Is Disney loosing it? Another win for the Geek?

In recent news, rumors have been circulating bout Disney's loosing confidence in their upcoming animated films. The latest one, Chicken little (from Disney) couldnt even match the sales that 'A bugs life' (Pixar) made. Apple (Jobs) owned Pixar is sitting pretty now amid talks of a merger by Disney on Pixar. This would make the 2nd biggest geek JOBS, one of the biggest board members in Disney. This is in large part due to Disney lack of sight into the CG (Computer Generated) era in animation, which obviously Pixar has now owned.

Wont be long now before we start seeing Disney flicks being sold in the iTunes store.

Click here for more info.

"Cars" may be the last movie that Pixar will be using Disney as distributor.



Go JOBS Go!! Argh, me Mate'y! What'll he do next!? If you're interested in Steve Jobs (founder of Apple) I highly recommend the book 'iCon:Second Coming of Steve Jobs' Click here for a link to the book. I got both book and audio book versions.

A new Palm made Treo, with Windows?

Palm (the hardware phone making unit) has begun selling a Treo that used to run Palm OS, which now runs Windows Mobile 5.0. Its a big dent in the history of treo's.

A new Palm maxe Treo

New iBook, whats all the fuss?

Well, its finally got an INTEL made processor! but not just any processor i.e. pentium,pentium ii,pentium iii, pentium 4 or pentium M (centrino). Its using the newest DUAL core processor.

Here's a historic ad from apple on the revolutionary new "Intel inside" Macs,
Click here to watch the ad

Dell Axim X50v Pocket PC

Dell Axim X50v Pocket PC, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Archos AV500

Archos AV500, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

IPod 30 gig Video

IPod 30 gig Video, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Primary Reason for Buying:

- To watch video podcasts in the gym and car.
- The fact that Jobs has got the US TV Networks knocking on his door wanting to sell their material on the iTunes store! Revolutionary! Geeks shall Rule!! hehehe..

Likes:

- Form factor and design! (what can i say, typical Jobs!)

Dislikes:

- Battery life is disappointing with only an 1 hour to last. See my Archos AV500 review if you want a portable media player that lasts over 3 hours.

-I'll say it now and always, I hate the apple menu navigation.

Itech bluetooth transmitter and receiver part 2

Itech bluetooth transmitter and receiver part 2, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

X-Drive

X-Drive, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

This by far THE BEST portable "laptop" Hard Disk enclosure i have come across!!!

Primary Reasons for buying:

- It uses any 2.5" hard disk in the market

Personal Applications:

- Transferring media (video,pics, music and any data file) from any memory stick (ms/msduo/sd/xd/cf/sm/mmc cards) using the built-in card reader on the side of the device. Transfers are quick and very easy with a built-in software that allows a windows "file explorer" like experience, copy and paste (both ways, from player to stick and stick to player).

- This is not your normal usb 2.0 hard drive enclosure because it has a built-in screen that makes it double as a portable media player which plays the following files you may have on the hard drive: mp3,mp4,divx,jpg,dat,wma,wav,tiff,bmp,RAW.
you can even slideshow the pics with background music

- Its got a remote control and TV output so you can sit back on a couch and plug this thing to the TV to act as a dvd player for all the downloaded files you've placed on the thing.

- Loaded it with 100 gig 2.5" laptop hard drive, its currently my personal picture repository and at times doubles as my portable movie/music player after my Archos AV500.

Click here for more info.

Portable Power! 4000 mah battery

Portable Power! 4000 mah battery, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Hours and hours of portable fun with this never ending supply of portable power! with the multitude of mobile gadgets in my possession its almost impossible to enjoy them for longer than 3 hrs, either if im in the gym treadmill or on a long ass plane trip. With this little powerpacked battery however im able to enjoy hours of movies and tv shows to the limit!

Packed with 4000 mah of power, ive never reached a time where it ran out of juice! I've been using it to power almost every item i have! some facts and figures:

1.) Its got a USB port to power any device that needs a USB port for power or charging

2.) Its also got a number of AC Head adapters to emulate any typical power adapter that may have come with your psp,iPod,cellphone or portable media player.

3.) Its got a "battery/power left" indicator to show how much "juice" there still is in it.

4.) Charging time for this thing is 3 hrs.

5.) Form factor is extermely thin that it fits perfectly in any small bag.

6.) $99 US dollars

for more info: click on this for the link

ITech Bluetooth receiver and transmitter

ITech Bluetooth receiver and transmitter, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Got this gadget in HK for 300 hk dollars each, roughly 2k pesos each. Basically it enables any audio source (i.e. iPod, cdplayer, dvdplayer or any device that has a earphone output to it) to become wireless. What's the diff between this and other wireless enabling devices like the iTrip of the iPod or any other "transmitter" is that fact that it uses Bluetooth instead of FM frequencies.

I'm sure those iTrip users or anyone who has bought somekind of FM transmitter who had wished that it would produce "stereo" quality sound from their iPod to their car stereo would be pissed to find out that all they get it "annoying static" that comes thru the car speakers! Thanks to local NTC/FCC there is to some degree no control over who is broadcasting in certain areas which is why you guys are getting so much 'interferance' from other radio stations.

So far testing this thing out has won me over on 4 counts:

1.) I've used it with my bluetooth phone with excellent mic thoughput from the transmitting end.

2.) I've used it at quite a distance from each other and am happy to say that not a single station interrupted my listening pleasure at any point whether i was travelling in my car or just at home.

3.) Using it paired with my bluetooth phone and source transmitter at the same time wasnt really flawless but worked most of the time, so when i was listening to my ipod with the bluetooth transmitter broadcasting to my car stereo and someone would ring my phone, the bluetooth receiver would automatically route the car speakers to answering my call then switch back to my ipod after the call was done.

4.) Both devices Lasts 7 hours straight!

Sony N-1 8.1 Megapix

Sony N-1 8.1 Megapix, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Primary Reason for Buying:

- Big Discount! effectively got it for 25k pesos in Japan when it just came out.
Saw it locally selling for 33k or higher AT THE TIME! maybe cheaper now.

- 1st device that's got a 3 inch display screen (get this->Touchscreen enabled!) Figured people now a days dont just take pics with digicams, more than not, more time is spent viewing them on the digicam than taking!

Likes:

- Slideshow/Picture playback is unbelievable! this thing was really made for viewing pictures and enjoying it with friends. Most of the time what happens after you take a picture with a digicam your friends/family want to see the picture (i.e. girls/guys who love zoooming into their own face to check how they look, to ask for a second shot). So I figured this digicam would be good as a way to view pictures because of the large screen.

- Sony MS DUO stick prices are tumbling down because of the PSP's success. Sandisk is also now producing MS sticks! got my Sandisk 1 Gig DUO stick at $70 in Summer 2005

Dislikes:

- There are alot more digicams out there that have better quality photos especially at the 8.1 Megapixel range that this has. Like I mentioned, just loved the touchscreen and its size 3"! am a sucker for 1st gen products with revolutionary features such as this. Picture viewing was a major reason why i got this not really the quality of its picture taking. I'm happy with it because of that!

Mediagate hdd and network player

Mediagate hdd and network player, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Found this in HK, hard to find as only 2 stores had it in very hard to find places within Wan Chai and Sam Shui Po computer centers. Its made in Korea.

Single Primary reason for buying:

- Its got a NETWORK Port, if you've read my previous posts i did a review on my NAS (Network attached storage) where my brothers and I keep all our media files kept on a single disk for sharing. Well, what you do is plug this thingy into the network, in any room that may have a network port in the wall and connect a TV to it, it then instantly see's all the computers on the network that is sharing folders filled with media files,in my case it see's the NAS box and navigates/plays all the movies,tv shows,mp3 music and slideshows all the pics we have on it, mind you "real-time" without having to transfer any files anywhere.

Personal Application:

- Playback of video,music and pic files from any "network enabled" room in the house straight from the NAS without having to transfer any files to the device. "Real-time" streaming from the file server.

Click here for more info.

Cool cafe

Cool cafe, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Cool cafe daw!

Stuck at the Airport

Stuck at the Airport, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Here is a picture of the huge crowd that filled up the airport check in

counters. What was really bad about this was that only 3 airline staff were

present that day. So not only did it matter if you were able to get a

ticket out of houston, but you'd need to be lucky enough to get your ass

out of the checkin line into security and get to the gate on time to board

your flight before it leaves! Believe me ALOT of people didn't make their

flights! I was extremely lucky to have made it in the nick of time before

the gate just closed.

Home Sweet Home!!!

Home Sweet Home!!!, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Or is it? Paradise perhaps?

GET ME OUTTA HERE!

Have you watched "Day after Tomorrow"? well I am living it right now! It is literally panic mode here in Houston right now, I just came from a business conferene in Dallas,TX and was supposed to visit relatives here but just to find out that a killer/monster/colossal storm is heading this way in 2 days. Right now the following things are happening as i'm typing this:

- Cell networks are jammed, no one can make cellphone calls
- highways are packed with cars, some almost stuck for 6 hrs
- Gas stations are out of gas
- all exits out of highways are blocked by police, so ppl will get out and not get back into the cities.
- all hotels are booked in the whole TEXAS state, good thing i was able to get a room. the last in fact.
- all plane tickets out of houston to anywhere is selling out fast!!! i was in line to get a ticket and the ticekt counters were flooding with people. It was scary to think that i may not be able to get a ticket myself. Thank god i was able to secure one to san diego for tom early morning, i didnt care where i was going, as long i got out of here! I cant sleep right now with all the news thats going on TV.
- people are boarding their houses with wood to secure the windows.

Right now im just soo thankful for being able to secure a flight out tom morning and a hotel room to stay in tonite. I really feel bad for everyone on the highways who have been stuck for hours with their kids and no place to go! Even worse for the people who just evacuated new orleans after the damage done there by the storm "katrina", they came here to houston and now they have to evacuate again because Houston in now the target.. geez..

Evidence!

Evidence!, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Evidence!

XboX 360 in the Flesh!?

XboX 360 in the Flesh!?, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

Dudes! You won't believe this but the conference im attending here in

dallas,tx for work, just happened to be the same hotel where a local game

store called game-stop is having their preview of the xbox 360 (slated) to

come out this november still.. Hmm since u guys myt not believe me I think

I better take another pic with me in it hehe

Seen 24? Seen this?

Seen 24? Seen this?, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

If your a 24 (TV Show) junkie and you've watched the latest season where

they have now stuck this video conferencing device right beside the ever

popular Cisco IP phones with the notoriously popular ringtone heard in

every episode, then ur in for a treat! The thing is actually being sold

here in the states and works like a charm! Just when you thought u couldn't

get enough of VOIP here come VideoIP?

The Biggest portable Media Player - Archos AV700

The Biggest portable Media Player - Archos AV700, originally uploaded by mj88svi.

I was in total awe when I saw the screen! my jaw literally dropped!

PLDT vs. Local ISP's for VOIP

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PLDT vs. Local ISP’s for VOIP

Look like it’s a good time for consumers as local giant PLDT reduces their IDD Long distance rates due to the growing services of local ISP’s (Mozcom, Infocom, other dialup accounts) specifically VOIP.

What is VOIP? VOIP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. Its just a fancy term for talking over the internet instead of through PLDT’s phone lines. Why do people prefer to talk over the internet? Duh, its free and unlimited!? As long as you got a good speed connection and unlimited access to the internet that is.

So in summary, Local ISP’s (Internet Service Providers, not as big as PLDT who is also offering their own DSL service) have been offering VOIP services at 10 cents per min. for voice calls to other countries, this is for those people who do not own computers but still want to take advantage of the low VOIP fees. PLDT is now counter-attacking the low fee (since the government isn’t helping them either, as gov’t deemed that the ISP’s have the right to offer voip call services to end consumers and not be exclusive to pldt) by offering lower rates for their land line IDD calls. So now it will only cost 10 cents to call the US, down from the previous 40 cents all because of VOIP!

Don’t you just love Technology! I do =) second to….   Of course hehe..

Share your Video,Photos and Music without having to upload!

I was completely blown away with this new discovery! Another great find!
If you're like me and have the following:

- A DSL account
- A computer that's ON and connected to the internet all day
- a TON of videos, music and photo files

then i strongly urge you to make ur investments worth while by getting this FREE service:

www.orb.com

What is ORB? well unlike other file sharing programs or website's like yahoo photo or friendster which require you to upload all your photo's to their site. ORB is the reverse, what it does is brings everyone to your media through their website.
If you've got media files on your PC, ORB will search them and share them directly from your PC. Dont worry about security as you can control which files specifically you wana share.

Whats even better is that you can access your content from any device! the orb servers detect what type of internet connection you are on and automatically determines what the best size of file to deliver to your device.

So if you've got 1 mb photo files or a 600mb video file in your house and you wanna watch them on your WIFI laptop or PDA in your office or abroad, ORB is the answer!
I've tried it and as i said, BLOWN AWAY BABY! the video is smooooooth!

All my pictures and music are also shared and play as if it was on my own hard drive. My pictures are now shared with relatives local and abroad. and now with all the Phone/PDA combos coming out like the xda 2s and xda 2i that have wifi, its a joy to have wifi signals in areas outside the house. CSI,LOST,24 and Family guy comes with me where ever I may roam!

Goodbye iPod mini, Hello iPod NANO!

Quick Features:

- Thinner than a Pencil!!!
- colored screen
- view photos
- comes in black n white casing only
- comes in 2 and 4 Gig capacities
- immediately available
- 3.3 x 0.98 x 0.33 inches and .78 oz
- 1.5-inch colour screens with a resolution of 176 x 132 pixels for photo viewing
- player will automatically synchronize calendar and contacts information from Microsoft Outlook
- iPod nano will in theory be compatible with the broad range of accessories developed for previous iPod products
- usb 2.0 port
- battery life of up to 14 hours
- available worldwide immediately for $200 USD and $250 USD