tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54986011000883331382024-02-08T01:16:17.062+04:00The Media GuruMauritian Tech Blogcarrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.comBlogger376110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-74933083689994660242013-05-28T19:43:00.001+04:002013-06-28T12:09:27.673+04:00MyT Fibre<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4OQfp0g5uUw/UaTQhEY-oNI/AAAAAAAAY7o/d01d9Oh81dU/s1600-h/splash2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="splash2" border="0" height="445" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eFJ73X4HtH4/UaTQiGM-SXI/AAAAAAAAY7w/16tBACDxWrE/splash2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="splash2" width="400" /></a>
<p>Well, not close enough…</p>
<p> </p>
<a name='more'></a>Hot on the trails of BT, Orange will also be launching their FTTH services in August. Here are the prices. Source – <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chinasamy/posts/578399725513391">Ravi Seevarajanovich Chinasamy</a>.<br />
<p> </p>
<div align="center">
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 601px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="111"><div align="center">
</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="82"><div align="center">
<b>Download</b></div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="90"><div align="center">
<b>Upload</b></div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="88"><div align="center">
<b>Cap</b></div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="116"><div align="center"><b>Promo Price*</b></div></td> <td valign="top" width="112"><div align="center"><b>Normal Price</b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>1M</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">1 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">384 kbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">Unlimited</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116"></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 1099</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>2M</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">2 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">384 kbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">Unlimited</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116"></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 1649</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>4M</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">4 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">512 kbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">Unlimited</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116"></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 2649</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>10M (40GB)</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">10 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">1 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">40 GB</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116">Rs 3499</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 3749</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>10M</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">10 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">1 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">Unlimited</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116">Rs 5899</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 6149</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>20M (40GB)</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">20 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">2 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">40 GB</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116">Rs 4499</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 4749</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="111"><b>20M</b></td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="82">20 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="90">2 Mbps</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="88">Unlimited</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="116">Rs 7499</td> <td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="112">Rs 7749</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Only available in the following regions: <b>Rose-Hill, B-Bassin, Quatre-Bornes, Belle-Rose, Vacoas, Floreal, Pailles.</b></p>
<p>All prices include VAT.</p>
<p>*Promotional pricing is valid only for first 6 months of 1 year contract and will then increase by Rs 250 for last 6 months.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_sbCkxf-6G0/UaTQjqRF_wI/AAAAAAAAY74/QSF4pjXvqxE/s1600-h/Capture2%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="Capture2" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-okJ4Rm9iU3c/UaTQlYyS1XI/AAAAAAAAY8A/-Ojh0pPY-sI/Capture2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Capture2" width="670" /></a></p>
<p>As expected, the prices are roughly the same as those of <a href="http://bees.mu/">Bees</a>. It is higher because unlike Bees, MyT do offer IPTV channels.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Update:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-91K4uB3sAP0/Uc1BOj3NIbI/AAAAAAAAY9Q/5Xr3TCrj0oI/s1600/1025378_504402966297129_1887440163_o.jpg"><img alt="Bees" border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-91K4uB3sAP0/Uc1BOj3NIbI/AAAAAAAAY9Q/5Xr3TCrj0oI/s640/1025378_504402966297129_1887440163_o.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Capture2" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>Bees have added to new offers which are roughly the same as their ADSL counterparts - 512k (Rs 599) & 1M (Rs 799).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First thoughts – it's bloody expensive! Sadly, it follows the trend of every high speed connection available in Mauritius. Remember when <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq5eNDmzWrre6SkzHDQlSRgxPOC6pO92oxOt3yl9xF6IZRtWFizw34mS5QiIDazAzUiFyD33pdn-J7C3WEFStrAZxWBwvMR24JqCn9dwP1ExDFlo3jniCrO6_vmZt57M_kNenJJ6qxg8/s1600/Price_of_internet_Mauritius.png">1Mbps launched 8 years ago</a>, it was priced around Rs 7500. Several years later, it's now mostly affordable. Due to physical & market constraints, I can predict a similar situation with MyT FTTH – by 2020, the 20Mbps unlimited connection should be affordable to everyone. ;)</p>
<p>As for the caps, 40GB is barely enough for the average user. Let's not forget that with increasing connection speeds, the usage will increase as well. While you may be used to watching 720p YouTube videos on your 1 Mbps, you would want to watch 1080p videos on your 10 Mbps. On 20Mbps though, 40GB will definitely not be enough.<br />
It will also be interesting to see how they are going to account for excess usage – drop the connection speed or charge extra. Among the other details that are still unclear – extra installation costs, fibre box rental costs, no. of channels available, availability in other regions, etc…</p>
<p><img height="400" src="http://static.pcinpact.com/images/bd/news/42975-fibre-gpon-optique-orange.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /></p>
<p><img height="600" src="http://static.pcinpact.com/images/bd/news/42978-fibre-gpon-optique-orange.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></p>
<p>Source - <a href="http://www.pcinpact.com/dossier/fibreoptique-Gpon-P2P--/3.htm">Une journée très fibre avec Orange</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well, back to my 512k.</p>carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-28430243661653927972013-02-14T22:43:00.001+04:002013-02-18T23:42:18.257+04:00Nexus 7<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OQzJbkQq3Dk/UR0uLmA9FrI/AAAAAAAAXbw/ePxBCk_-DzE/s1600-h/IMG_0524%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0524" border="0" alt="IMG_0524" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wNc2YeWH-3U/UR0uNlvkJLI/AAAAAAAAXb4/1C7fX3eAK08/IMG_0524_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>My first Android device.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ypXgXenVZbo/UR0uRIfR9PI/AAAAAAAAXcA/RNPcEOVEN6s/s1600-h/IMG_0522%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0522" border="0" alt="IMG_0522" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Ht0NhOJRB0/UR0uS1IqBJI/AAAAAAAAXcI/2SB9LdAGjhI/IMG_0522_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>When Google announced the Nexus 7 at that launch party in San Francisco, I had already added it to my want list… & when the prices were slashed, it became a no-brainer to get one. When you consider its specs vs price, the Nexus 7 is the most reasonably priced tablet on the market right now. </p> <p>But only if you manage to get it at the US prices of $199/$249 (+ sales tax). Local (Mauritius) prices are outrageous – Rs 10.5k ($340) for the 16GB WiFi model. So when I discovered I was going to the US, there was only 1 thing on top of my buying list… :)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Specs</font></strong></p> <ul> <li>7” 1280x800 (216ppi) IPS screen. </li> <li>Dimensions: 198.5 x 120 x 10.45 mm </li> <li>340g (WiFi Only) </li> <li>1.2MP front-facing camera </li> <li>Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC </li> <li>16GB/32GB </li> <li>1 GB RAM DDR3 </li> <li>NVIDIA Tegra 3 (Quad-core 1.3Ghz Cortex-A9 processor, 416 Mhz GeForce ULP) </li> <li>Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) </li> <li>4,325 mAh 16Wh battery (9h video, 10h browsing, 300h stand-by) </li> <li>Accelerometer, GPS, Gyroscope, Microphone, Magnetometer </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Unboxing</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4AwYTTpnV3I/UR0uVv95_tI/AAAAAAAAXcQ/qkNFlIo-ORk/s1600-h/IMG_6759%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6759" border="0" alt="IMG_6759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EVz4j6Bk424/UR0uXHBMXMI/AAAAAAAAXcY/8uqDMpEZY_I/IMG_6759_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>This is the box. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OudUmvHyAEU/UR0uaGGU0lI/AAAAAAAAXcg/wxotGpjvxbE/s1600-h/IMG_6760%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6760" border="0" alt="IMG_6760" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ppoRI_WGaew/UR0ub6lWOOI/AAAAAAAAXco/CzuzqVtmTPQ/IMG_6760_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>This is the back of the box.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IuPFKRucVgU/UR0ue-0BaoI/AAAAAAAAXcw/rFsY_Ter4g8/s1600-h/IMG_6761%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6761" border="0" alt="IMG_6761" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--kgg_8SBKao/UR0ugY5-BtI/AAAAAAAAXc4/gLjTnoNQ118/IMG_6761_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><strike>Opening</strike> sliding the box.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mhnaMHNeYPs/UR0ujuA3fsI/AAAAAAAAXdA/PW9HCI-g1sY/s1600-h/IMG_6763%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6763" border="0" alt="IMG_6763" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-svHliQRoTyY/UR0ullyPyRI/AAAAAAAAXdI/WsyEjOEuCkk/IMG_6763_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Inside the box.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvHwrhh_ylQ/UR0uo9PRKEI/AAAAAAAAXdQ/rkKGaq4cYx0/s1600-h/IMG_6764%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6764" border="0" alt="IMG_6764" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vE2YNmzw--w/UR0uqidPIII/AAAAAAAAXdY/fllf5jeWhyg/IMG_6764_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>There, done. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Hardware</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wY98aldZ6M8/UR0uvKrf4OI/AAAAAAAAXdg/NgHgR5xe6Vo/s1600-h/IMG_8670%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8670" border="0" alt="IMG_8670" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jdqsKrOVr9I/UR0uxSpceQI/AAAAAAAAXdo/2STRt2PbiaM/IMG_8670_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The most important part of any tablet is its screen. It’s what you look at everyday. Everything else is secondary. The Nexus 7 has a 7-inch IPS LCD 1280x800 screen. At 216 ppi, you don’t notice the pixels, but it’s no “Retina” display either. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V0bmGInERPM/UR0u0OD5z6I/AAAAAAAAXdw/q8vurJ7qLFY/s1600-h/IMG_0523%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0523" border="0" alt="IMG_0523" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kOqygbLQFD8/UR0u1fPX4PI/AAAAAAAAXd4/ptTeLrdpzNE/IMG_0523_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>Those specs look good on paper. That screen looks great on the above photo. In real life though, the screen has a massive flaw - the calibration is wrong.</p> <p>A flaw which I noticed as soon as I installed Instagram. All the photos looked way too bright, the colours weren’t enough saturated. The problem with the Nexus 7 is that the gamma level is too high.</p> <p>I have no idea why would they do this. Make the screen appear brighter? I know the logic – this is what you get for buying a $250 device, why complain? But the thing is that there is nothing wrong with the display itself, just that Asus never bothered to calibrate it. This <a href="http://www.displaymate.com/Tablet_7inch_ShootOut_1.htm" target="_blank">DisplayMate article</a> has all the details about what’s wrong.</p> <p>& there is no way to fix this because Asus didn’t include any calibration settings in the kernel. No 3rd party ROM can fix this.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m59qXrBncOs/UR0u3cz53_I/AAAAAAAAXeA/aXZPEqy6TiY/s1600-h/IMG_8677%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8677" border="0" alt="IMG_8677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ypJLrmX4_bM/UR0u4kFp1BI/AAAAAAAAXeI/_vfSvnhtSlY/IMG_8677_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Since Android tablets have on-screen buttons, the only distinct feature on the front of the Nexus 7 is its camera. A 1.2MP camera, which is decent enough for Skyping home. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-unTIfXpxVfg/UR0u9FxcigI/AAAAAAAAXeQ/X_lskLF6CJw/s1600-h/IMG_0521%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0521" border="0" alt="IMG_0521" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VJgGpk3HNBw/UR0u_JQbPhI/AAAAAAAAXeY/aui0INy1Zps/IMG_0521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>The Nexus 7 has a plastic back, which feels like leather & provides adequate amount of grip. While in the beginning, it felt heavy, I’m slowly getting used to its weight. :)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5LsC9JndTHY/UR0vCMBSzMI/AAAAAAAAXeg/MaVE1SIuvZM/s1600-h/IMG_0514%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0514" border="0" alt="IMG_0514" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-frZ528EuSfk/UR0vDrOoN9I/AAAAAAAAXeo/zZ0hQsSuYgo/IMG_0514_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>At the bottom, there’s the speaker, the 3.5mm jack & the micro-USB port, which is weirdly inverted. The location of the speaker is not particularly good, but used with a cover, the sound gets reflected.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CtzJUlbKhnA/UR0vHWHg_eI/AAAAAAAAXew/XHk9q6AcRxU/s1600-h/IMG_0516%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0516" border="0" alt="IMG_0516" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bwITR2jeE8w/UR0vJVYd4EI/AAAAAAAAXe4/XkZdwqhQes8/IMG_0516_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>On the right side, there’s the power & volume buttons.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uPbAzZY4rJg/UR0vMufK3yI/AAAAAAAAXfA/M7UszhCdCgs/s1600-h/IMG_0519%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0519" border="0" alt="IMG_0519" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QdNw4FU8s_U/UR0vOQbhQeI/AAAAAAAAXfI/oxf9rTfr8gI/IMG_0519_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>On the left side, at the bottom, 4 docking pins.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eWVxmgyRjD4/UR0vRG7ptnI/AAAAAAAAXfQ/xUMx6mubdsE/s1600-h/IMG_0518%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0518" border="0" alt="IMG_0518" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4WYK6xmHNnc/UR0vS7G9_-I/AAAAAAAAXfY/5Xztl4fxTlA/IMG_0518_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>The NFC antenna is right behind the Nexus logo. The Nexus 7 has no microSD slot, but I have the 32GB version which is more than enough. Also, you can use USB OTG to plug in external USB drives. I actually tried that while in the US to transfer photos, but it appears it doesn’t work with USB female-to-female adapters. I’ve already ordered a USB OTG cable. :)</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Android</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8cAYQsGYQvQ/UR0vVy4nbgI/AAAAAAAAXfg/qAaQiRNZ-uE/s1600-h/IMG_6765%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6765" border="0" alt="IMG_6765" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_BnlOuDcaZo/UR0vXY6LUpI/AAAAAAAAXfo/KaLqRCMAhb4/IMG_6765_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>As surprising as it may seem, I don’t have much experience with Android. Apart from the one time when I was dual-booting Android on my N900 and lately, trying to root a Galaxy S2, I’m pretty much an Android noob.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jL0Gzc4sPeE/UR0vZx1ZhFI/AAAAAAAAXfw/fnpx6TACQHs/s1600-h/IMG_8669%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8669" border="0" alt="IMG_8669" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qkq320H7jpw/UR0vbsbgndI/AAAAAAAAXf4/GqenUl4tysE/IMG_8669_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The Nexus 7 comes with Android 4.2.1, updated to 4.2.2 today. First impression - it’s so fast!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hS1gNcwwsJM/UR0vfATf-AI/AAAAAAAAXgA/vhpCWdjEo7U/s1600-h/IMG_0527%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0527" border="0" alt="IMG_0527" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h5ucSC7tRvc/UR0vg14i_0I/AAAAAAAAXgI/pfpEQrBWyYk/IMG_0527_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>That’s the advantage of having a Nexus device – no custom skins, no crapware included. Pure Android. & my word, the Nexus 7 flies. Well to be fair, I’m comparing it to the only iOS device I have, an iPod Touch 4g, which is by far, the slowest iOS device ever made. </p> <p>The UI on the Nexus 7 is fast. I can launch & switch between apps immediately & let it run in the background. There is no lag. With 1 GB of RAM, the Nexus 7 usually has half of that free when running no apps.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-62sPx0embqg/UR0vkZexWjI/AAAAAAAAXgQ/AiI2zzvfHa0/s1600-h/IMG_8672%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8672" border="0" alt="IMG_8672" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ppjMk1UTpKE/UR0vmfNVQJI/AAAAAAAAXgY/pqHlsstvm6w/IMG_8672_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XtxWdoUkQLU/UR0vpHSDGlI/AAAAAAAAXgg/rfHc47f7G1Y/s1600-h/IMG_0531%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0531" border="0" alt="IMG_0531" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1nFl2ELr7wo/UR0vqgzo-dI/AAAAAAAAXgo/zI3IQeTHfK0/IMG_0531_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>I love the Quick Settings menu & expandable Notifications. I love that Android brings up a menu to open the same files with different apps. It’s brilliant.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EKmkvnqctdU/UR0vuAn_vrI/AAAAAAAAXgw/f0wWhLlWcWc/s1600-h/IMG_0528%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0528" border="0" alt="IMG_0528" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zIR6qC2CCU0/UR0vvwSqKXI/AAAAAAAAXg4/MFoeNRQssWk/IMG_0528_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>I can drag & drop videos & it just plays.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g2zvoq0UUSM/UR0vz8p6wpI/AAAAAAAAXhA/uNlRED0xeWA/s1600-h/IMG_0532%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0532" border="0" alt="IMG_0532" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aZ4YCy0tlwk/UR0v2Iis1bI/AAAAAAAAXhI/NwjHiFcekmI/IMG_0532_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>Gaming has been fine so far with Temple Run 2. Although I prefer the iOS version as there’s less screen area to swipe.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OqCc5dv4QcU/UR0v6viLYRI/AAAAAAAAXhQ/_4-myj-SM2Q/s1600-h/IMG_0536%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0536" border="0" alt="IMG_0536" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ODLzbl6kGPU/UR0v8qRfs7I/AAAAAAAAXhY/-2Xt-yYksjQ/IMG_0536_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>Did I mention it has Google Maps? With offline maps. With the built-in GPS, this is going to be very useful during my trips.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wr3-QQbF698/UR0wAOudrGI/AAAAAAAAXhg/wng0vgJIK_Q/s1600-h/Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-49-59%25255B3%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-49-59" border="0" alt="Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-49-59" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m9tU6M9nHNc/UR0wC6f5FII/AAAAAAAAXho/W4GmtKeeOm4/Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-49-59_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="800" /></a></p> <p>There are however a few problems. The Nexus 7 comes with Chrome. It’s a good browser. But simply not as good as any desktop browser. The text rendering is weird - different font sizes on the same page. </p> <p>The second problem is that when I zoom in or out, the text appears blurred. It might be a problem with the rendering, but it seems the browser is incapable of sharpening text at intermediate zoom levels. Eg. if I zoom at 50%, it appears sharp, but appears blurry at 54%.</p> <p>& then there’s the issue of downloading from file hosts. I couldn’t download anything with Chrome. Fortunately, I can install other browsers on Android & Firefox did the trick.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PzQFHawquTM/UR0wFJjsZqI/AAAAAAAAXhw/Lk3V8YXT1Xk/s1600-h/Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-00%25255B3%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-00" border="0" alt="Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-00" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D3g2aZykMjc/UR0wHXOqL2I/AAAAAAAAXh4/4pGJ__rcneg/Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-00_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="800" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-65HpYz9b8nQ/UR0wJOHFRUI/AAAAAAAAXiA/fz8aTTt6dS0/s1600-h/Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-23%25255B3%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-23" border="0" alt="Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-23" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-coTnlQJoeoo/UR0wLGNPdUI/AAAAAAAAXiI/RbkfcosmmHo/Screenshot_2013-02-14-21-57-23_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="800" /></a></p> <p>Another problem with the Nexus 7 is that not all apps run in their tablet-optimized mode. That’s BaconReader vs Google Reader. Fortunately there’s <a href="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2129294" target="_blank">a fix</a>, that requires rooting, to change the DPI of apps to get them in tablet mode.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DtLSv2CTJhs/UR0wMShwadI/AAAAAAAAXiQ/ieb-ZJksUwo/s1600-h/Screenshot_2013-02-14-09-00-23%25255B3%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screenshot_2013-02-14-09-00-23" border="0" alt="Screenshot_2013-02-14-09-00-23" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BoX3DXaulqk/UR0wN8IIfdI/AAAAAAAAXiY/dg5QXFJ3mOQ/Screenshot_2013-02-14-09-00-23_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="500" height="800" /></a></p> <p>When I saw the color banding on this screen, I thought it was the display. But it was just Android not being able to properly render gradients.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Wrap-up</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XjBYvz4iMw0/UR0wQRXx4vI/AAAAAAAAXig/jd2FJUh_0QU/s1600-h/IMG_0533%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0533" border="0" alt="IMG_0533" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C57g-CfT1D4/UR0wSHtSErI/AAAAAAAAXio/dn4tpmEJdTM/IMG_0533_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>As tablet worth $250, the Nexus 7 is an excellent device. I’ve ventured into the Android ecosystem at a time when Android has finally matured, so I’ve really no major complaints against the OS or the UI. The battery life has been great so far, with the screen sipping the most power (& it recharges under 3h!). I’ve enjoyed the fast browsing experience of Chome, but it still has huge areas for improvement. </p> <p>Which brings me to the display. For everyone else, it might be good enough. But as a photographer, it’s simply unacceptable that a device with such a great screen was never calibrated to render photos accurately. If I had known of this problem beforehand, I might have had second thoughts at buying the Nexus 7.</p> <p><strong>Score – 7/10.</strong></p> <p>Having just updated to 4.2.2, I’m looking forward to rooting the Nexus 7 to run some of the more “interesting” apps, like AdBlock. Please post some of your favourite apps. ;)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Related:</font></strong></p> <ul> <li>Yashvinblogs - <a href="http://www.yashvinblogs.com/google-nexus-7/" target="_blank">The Google Nexus 7 – A review? Not really.</a></li> <li>The Verge - <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/29/3125396/google-nexus-7-review" target="_blank">Google Nexus 7 Review</a></li> <li>AnandTech - <a href="http://www.anandtech.com/show/6073/the-google-nexus-7-review" target="_blank">The Google Nexus 7 Review</a></li> <li>Engadget - <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/" target="_blank">Nexus 7 review: the best $200 tablet you can buy</a> </li> <li>iFixIt – <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus+7+Teardown/9623/1" target="_blank">Nexus 7 Teardown</a> </li> </ul> carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-10772824599349633272012-09-24T20:40:00.001+04:002012-09-24T22:55:39.843+04:00Nokia 808 PureView - Hardware<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pDZ1DpgrQnM/UGCJgYhVFaI/AAAAAAAAWUE/cMbDI9Fj3Uc/s1600-h/IMG_10653.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1065" border="0" alt="IMG_1065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EFZfb4ZZsjQ/UGCJiPezPYI/AAAAAAAAWUM/sSvhmSceA58/IMG_1065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Well, here it is. 4 months after its release, I finally have my hands on the best cameraphone in the world, thanks to <a href="http://twitter.com/Nokia_Connects" target="_blank">Nokia Connects</a>.</p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Byl_Fl1-KT8/UGCJlfL9SAI/AAAAAAAAWUU/5KN9NJIEMKs/s1600-h/IMG_10633.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1063" border="0" alt="IMG_1063" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4VyRto0gyrA/UGCJnqZ79KI/AAAAAAAAWUc/jdXBgVnpFAI/IMG_1063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Let’s start with the unboxing.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-egjXY-Z48FM/UGCJrI32WQI/AAAAAAAAWUk/qSElYEjDMfo/s1600-h/IMG_10683.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1068" border="0" alt="IMG_1068" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FYZvvxBYbCo/UGCJtJWv4hI/AAAAAAAAWUs/szfh0YMD_Gw/IMG_1068_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>That’s exactly how I found the 808, which meant it had already been tested or used for a while.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UaDYrrtW0q8/UGCJwdj5XqI/AAAAAAAAWU0/tl7T6-zarOc/s1600-h/IMG_10693.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1069" border="0" alt="IMG_1069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WDA91ob9H-o/UGCJy0t3S0I/AAAAAAAAWU8/IcPg5rCSfJM/IMG_1069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Underneath the phone was the battery. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RT5jFgSGZyc/UGCJ25QS7PI/AAAAAAAAWVE/AEe53-FyE0Q/s1600-h/IMG_10713.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1071" border="0" alt="IMG_1071" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JR9_xZ__h_o/UGCJ5KScHyI/AAAAAAAAWVM/GOSdXvb3XNQ/IMG_1071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& the accessories.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XOq7ITMV0MQ/UGCJ8kBLJiI/AAAAAAAAWVU/SCz36LSHxF8/s1600-h/IMG_10743.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1074" border="0" alt="IMG_1074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KQ1rvYwNL4A/UGCJ-nimh8I/AAAAAAAAWVc/pwNZ3nnLfeM/IMG_1074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Package contents:</p> <ul> <li>Nokia 808 PureView </li> <li>BV-4D battery </li> <li>Stereo Headset WH-209 </li> <li>Data Cable CA-190CD </li> <li>Charger AC-50 </li> <li>Wrist Strap </li> <li>Fold-Out Quick Guide & NFC info card </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xff97VtFZu8/UGCKBdPkw0I/AAAAAAAAWVk/MFozNwcLNNc/s1600-h/IMG_1143%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1143" border="0" alt="IMG_1143" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0KuPtLaFLdY/UGCKDqrxO1I/AAAAAAAAWVs/BVTvKUxMQZk/IMG_1143_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z5oC6CJeQlE/UGCKGrf74xI/AAAAAAAAWV0/9aATAfssEic/s1600-h/IMG_1144%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1144" border="0" alt="IMG_1144" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--OjHmlavnfg/UGCKIs6IpZI/AAAAAAAAWV8/otr2a6UJDi4/IMG_1144_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The USB charger has a trick up its sleeve.. You have to push the black pin to transform it into a 3-pin UK plug.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PBsbNcYZQI8/UGCKLEASFvI/AAAAAAAAWWE/VpEPHs_riVE/s1600-h/IMG_1146%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1146" border="0" alt="IMG_1146" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LOSHn--shck/UGCKNNYfC4I/AAAAAAAAWWM/Y6AcErwX234/IMG_1146_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The WH-209 stereo headset has built-in mic, but no volume control. It’s in-ear so it fits in my ears. Sound quality is decent.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HcTo1JD0zZg/UGCKQbShGFI/AAAAAAAAWWU/wF3OjIc_q5Q/s1600-h/IMG_11013.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1101" border="0" alt="IMG_1101" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GPez80hVHho/UGCKSYue7fI/AAAAAAAAWWc/Bx-bjtJyUGg/IMG_1101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The 808 Pureview has a Gorilla Glass curved 2.5D glass front fitted on a plastic frame. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5D_(machining)" target="_blank">2.5D</a> is no new technology, just the way it’s machined. One extra thing it has is the anti-smudge coating that works very well. It gives the glass an almost plastic finish.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uX9XssPjvXs/UGCKU-6ryFI/AAAAAAAAWWk/Ky5SVDxxqVo/s1600-h/IMG_1170%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1170" border="0" alt="IMG_1170" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ruAGbv9rQ_A/UGCKWtXlrfI/AAAAAAAAWWs/7ZZGnqVA1eA/IMG_1170_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The front buttons (Call, Home, End/Power) keys are found within the Gorillas glass. The Home button backlight doubles up as a notification light. The soft feedback of these buttons do give a cheap feeling to this otherwise high-end phone. & as I quickly discovered, turning off the phone requires a disconcertingly short ‘long-press’ on the power key. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-npxnb5xnOgs/UGCKZGO8b0I/AAAAAAAAWW0/s0CJ-m1HH1M/s1600-h/IMG_1181%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1181" border="0" alt="IMG_1181" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cHqxDORTGQw/UGCKa1cj_QI/AAAAAAAAWW8/qHLJ6HlQs_A/IMG_1181_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Near the Nokia logo, you have the VGA front camera & the proximity/ambient light sensor.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VLvypJeqySA/UGCKeeA2W3I/AAAAAAAAWXE/FeWmbYq7YP8/s1600-h/IMG_1104%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1104" border="0" alt="IMG_1104" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dd9rjxFK-jE/UGCKgFimG9I/AAAAAAAAWXM/lQ4AN7rXTP4/IMG_1104_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The 808 PureView has a 4 inch nHD AMOLED (RGB layout) display. As with most Nokia ClearBlack displays, the contrast is excellent, the colours aren’t too over-saturated and it performs very well under direct sunlight. Unlike some of the <a href="http://themediaguru.blogspot.com/2012/03/lumia-800-vs-n9-review-part-1-hardware.html" target="_blank">recent AMOLED screens</a> I’ve tested, the 808 doesn’t have those black marks visible in complete darkness. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-smWXXF-8nLU/UGCKi2cXueI/AAAAAAAAWXU/n0ydPCGI-oI/s1600-h/IMG_1171%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1171" border="0" alt="IMG_1171" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ahHqc30Tnls/UGCKk8YLrgI/AAAAAAAAWXc/oJFXOn-3KDI/IMG_1171_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The only problem is its resolution – 640x360. You can almost see those pixels. The anti-aliasing (or lack of) is visible. Not to mention the horrible font. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QFYr8ffYxOI/UGCKnoQPQ4I/AAAAAAAAWXk/KpcXmZ0VXfM/s1600-h/IMG_1175%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1175" border="0" alt="IMG_1175" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tbEpkdsr8OI/UGCKpkS6R-I/AAAAAAAAWXs/2B-A_jk0CfU/IMG_1175_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The 808 has more colours (16M) than the N9 (65k), but the lower resolution jumps to the eyes. The edges are less rounded and the fonts look thinner. Overall, the 808 PureView’s display is so out-dated that it severely cripples such an impressive camera phone. Such a low-resolution display is an insult to that 41MP sensor.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YfvxBRM5Fds/UGCK1NhGjdI/AAAAAAAAWX0/jA-drGIDtgQ/s1600-h/IMG_1110%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1110" border="0" alt="IMG_1110" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kuwUvUCn0ug/UGCK3R6UeXI/AAAAAAAAWX8/GCepfsD51Uo/IMG_1110_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The downside of the 808 is its body. The camera bump protrudes out almost obscenely, making it impossible to rest the 808 flat on its back.</p> <p>Dimensions: 123.9 x 60.2 x 13.9 mm.</p> <p>Weight: 169g.</p> <p>It’s absolutely massive, almost gigantic. & it’s very heavy.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CbIuTYEzWv0/UGCK5wNSwoI/AAAAAAAAWYE/IylRaI6H0bc/s1600-h/IMG_1124%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1124" border="0" alt="IMG_1124" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c9bo5pZQa1I/UGCK74EYjaI/AAAAAAAAWYM/zSrkde-5rJA/IMG_1124_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0N6nl30u90g/UGCLKoYE0-I/AAAAAAAAWYU/B7deuqMAYAU/s1600-h/IMG_1126%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1126" border="0" alt="IMG_1126" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0GpDyo1kKw0/UGCLMhnoTqI/AAAAAAAAWYc/bLv7abZxI2Y/IMG_1126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Clearly, to fit that large 41MP sensor, Nokia had to cut some corners. </p> <p>Fortunately, when it comes to material, Nokia opted for an nearly indestructible plastic body. It’s matte, providing the best grip that you would need to grasp this massive phone.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0GDHuKqeeqg/UGCLaXpOfPI/AAAAAAAAWYk/DOWrpe-IWzA/s1600-h/IMG_1116%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1116" border="0" alt="IMG_1116" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TkiJcIJbIXY/UGCLcUHDFFI/AAAAAAAAWYs/jm4nle2bq4U/IMG_1116_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>On the right side, there’s the volume key, the screen lock slider and the camera shutter key. Pressing the camera key when the phone is on stand-by launches the camera. While holding down the screen lock slider turns on the LED flash to be used as a torch.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-03MfSmWHG9M/UGCLqc6fyII/AAAAAAAAWY4/vYF8DsiZPO0/s1600-h/IMG_1113%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1113" border="0" alt="IMG_1113" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IyyUJ1zlFPk/UGCLsy-T77I/AAAAAAAAWZA/GWLM3LVcrIY/IMG_1113_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>On the top, you have the 3.5mm jack, the micro-USB port and the micro HDMI port. The dot at the top is a microphone.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PaQ3pzcYy_E/UGCL5-H8VTI/AAAAAAAAWZI/9g7rUkncliU/s1600-h/IMG_1118%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1118" border="0" alt="IMG_1118" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ytc-WEscWn4/UGCL7-X1q5I/AAAAAAAAWZQ/LNRhpTEnLhU/IMG_1118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Another dot at the bottom for another microphone. These 2 microphones allow ambient stereo recording – <a href="http://i.nokia.com/blob/view/-/1696152/data/2/-/Download2.pdf" target="_blank">Nokia’s Rich Recording</a>. It allows capture of sounds up to 140dBSPL without distortion and within a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In layman terms, you are looking at studio-level recording.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvkfLo1AqFg/UGCMK1XChjI/AAAAAAAAWZY/x4WTZdkMOjg/s1600-h/IMG_1127%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1127" border="0" alt="IMG_1127" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--b6vIHsmV8k/UGCMM2WDNnI/AAAAAAAAWZg/cev_3AF1aug/IMG_1127_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Inside the 808 PureView, there’s a 1400mAH BV-4D battery, which is rated at 6.5h 3G talk time and 525h standby.</p> <p>I haven’t had time to use the 808 as normal phone, just as a camera. In that respect, from 100% battery charge, the 808 PureView can last 1025 8MP shots. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eWCiKl2Q5Ho/UGCMP8_nV5I/AAAAAAAAWZo/6Cy3M-eGjco/s1600-h/IMG_1130%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1130" border="0" alt="IMG_1130" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dASy_BZ0NYE/UGCMR1tCmNI/AAAAAAAAWZw/nuq5ixfxOaM/IMG_1130_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4OBHcTVV9I4/UGCMVMQDaJI/AAAAAAAAWZ4/KBjdOu-n2Vk/s1600-h/IMG_1131%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1131" border="0" alt="IMG_1131" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e6kyXGPOoA4/UGCMXnt5nMI/AAAAAAAAWaA/7JTQ5RDIgy4/IMG_1131_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Just above the battery are two pins that connect to the NFC antenna found on the cover.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g9dhKGompW4/UGCMau-pLUI/AAAAAAAAWaI/95I8rGcdUDI/s1600-h/IMG_1133%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1133" border="0" alt="IMG_1133" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2hwbwxLCKMc/UGCMc_CKLnI/AAAAAAAAWaQ/nuNnzla8bQ4/IMG_1133_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Underneath the battery, you have the microSD and microSIM slots. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kuXFdwHU9zc/UGCMfgNaXBI/AAAAAAAAWaY/n901mS8m0Yk/s1600-h/IMG_1119%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1119" border="0" alt="IMG_1119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kiqIfOft4eY/UGCMhinw1DI/AAAAAAAAWag/e2bX2Ll5HaU/IMG_1119_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& finally, here’s what we are most interested in - the thin slot that is the rear speaker. & trust me, as large as it is, the sound is even louder. Will beat anyone you can match in the bus. Oh, by the way, there’s also a 41MP sensor just above it.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n_czRyh8hM4/UGCMkSF7IbI/AAAAAAAAWao/4jxlvC8RtfM/s1600-h/IMG_1136%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1136" border="0" alt="IMG_1136" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GdWPhIswi4E/UGCMmbIPXPI/AAAAAAAAWaw/keHtnMg2wwY/IMG_1136_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <ul> <li>1/1.2” sensor </li> <li>38MP/34MP </li> <li>f/2.4 </li> <li>Focal length: 26mm (16:9 mode) & 28 mm (4:3 mode) </li> <li>ISO range: 50 - 1600 </li> <li>Focus range: 15cm – ∞ </li> <li>Exposure compensation: +/- 4EV in steps of 0.3EV </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rGbJY5OMAtk/UGCMo_ATeaI/AAAAAAAAWa4/jcupaiPoNoI/s1600-h/IMG_1134%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1134" border="0" alt="IMG_1134" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hjQ1RVGlJCc/UGCMqvOg0rI/AAAAAAAAWbA/6mayr3OQKX4/IMG_1134_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The 808 has a Xenon flash and a LED light as focus-assist.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jvZntV3OU_8/UGCMtVkz_1I/AAAAAAAAWbI/HIFLBCcd6MM/s1600-h/800px-PureView_Pro_Sensor%25255B5%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="800px-PureView_Pro_Sensor" border="0" alt="800px-PureView_Pro_Sensor" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nRC86wfD-RQ/UGCMwJvOgaI/AAAAAAAAWbQ/z_FmZ_1tNP0/800px-PureView_Pro_Sensor_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="338" /></a></p> <p>So where are the 41MP images? </p> <p>The sensor size is 41MP. The effective resolution is 34/38MP because you can’t have round images. :)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jEa6NtPVECY/UGCMxzAYvUI/AAAAAAAAWbY/QEWvKCvxVxQ/s1600-h/NokiaSensor%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="NokiaSensor" border="0" alt="NokiaSensor" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_TvKLua2VhM/UGCMzUsFtPI/AAAAAAAAWbg/S8UbpsY5tms/NokiaSensor_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="360" /></a></p> <p>I won’t comment about the performance of that sensor until I’ve fully tested it, but take a look at this chart from <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8083837371/review-nokia-808-pureview" target="_blank">dpreview.com</a>. My S100 has a 1/1.7” sensor. The 808 has a sensor that’s nearly twice bigger.</p> <p>Another tip - the 808 PureView completely destroys my previous camera.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Wrap-up</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HYI9cLOeSh8/UGCM2DlwqJI/AAAAAAAAWbo/bPJqP8f04uY/s1600-h/IMG_1099%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1099" border="0" alt="IMG_1099" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vy5sZqvfNMo/UGCM35G_ETI/AAAAAAAAWbw/5AgV070ZlYY/IMG_1099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>In terms of internal specs, the 808 PureView has a 1.3Ghz ARM11 CPU, 512MB RAM, 16GB flash storage and a Broadcom BCM2763 GPU. Clearly with such hardware it’s in the low-end smartphone territory, an area where Symbian used to excel at. Add to that a nearly dead Symbian OS, a low-res display and a massive body, no one would want to buy it. If it wasn’t for one thing - the camera.</p> <p>But let’s be honest, this is not a smartphone, but a camera with the bonus features likes phone, media player, internet connectivity and apps. If you look at it this way, it’s a very good buy for a backup shooter. Of course, you’ll have to wait for my further reviews to know if it’s really that good.</p> <p>What I can conclude is that this is the first step in the future of all P&S cameras. The first camera with apps. & I’m not the only one who’s thinking like that. <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3638044195/nikon-coolpix-s800c-android-camera-first-look" target="_blank">Nikon</a> and <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/8/29/3276302/samsung-galaxy-camera-announcement" target="_blank">Samsung</a> are also jumping in…</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Engadget - <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/26/nokia-808-pureview-review/" target="_blank">Nokia 808 PureView Review</a></li> <li>The Verge - <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/25/3113460/nokia-808-pureview-review" target="_blank">Nokia 808 PureView Review</a></li> </ul> carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-38571172672342198552012-09-21T21:15:00.001+04:002012-09-22T00:29:57.974+04:00iPod Touch (4th gen) Review<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BKIBVScou8U/UFycm5f5LfI/AAAAAAAAWHw/qlpCwzHE3q8/s1600-h/IMG_09533.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0953" border="0" alt="IMG_0953" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xSAeuJDP_pE/UFycpO4bnVI/AAAAAAAAWH4/exIxWa3QIRo/IMG_0953_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>It sucks. Because of reasons.</p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1PlbJeR--_A/UFycvBqpAYI/AAAAAAAAWIA/S-p9gJ2dle8/s1600-h/IMG_09614.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0961" border="0" alt="IMG_0961" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4R6sjjDOnxg/UFycxXSyPbI/AAAAAAAAWII/yCwtWqoQfW4/IMG_0961_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>My first Apple product. Oh god why.</p> <p>Now, let us proceed with the unboxing. The iPod Touch 4th generation (2010) comes in a clear plastic box.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RjirjQhtsM8/UFyc0yHKFRI/AAAAAAAAWIQ/2usrmvuPVYM/s1600-h/IMG_09573.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0957" border="0" alt="IMG_0957" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R2omSUP1swo/UFyc2zu9ODI/AAAAAAAAWIY/J-gaLI_KkIw/IMG_0957_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The back of the box. It’s the 8GB version which has now been discontinued. It was being sold for $199 or Rs 9000 locally.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tat7jy0rdM0/UFyc5lvJOtI/AAAAAAAAWIg/E7OLbg6iTKA/s1600-h/IMG_09593.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0959" border="0" alt="IMG_0959" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dyKJYYAf6hE/UFyc9Zfgb_I/AAAAAAAAWIo/M4pfrkDuI0I/IMG_0959_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>A view from the side.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MI7nXb1x4F4/UFydAOFvFeI/AAAAAAAAWIw/Zb4vFKjdZsQ/s1600-h/IMG_09623.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0962" border="0" alt="IMG_0962" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pq974zfkvpc/UFydCSK1oHI/AAAAAAAAWI4/HUWDmALgdfY/IMG_0962_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Like with all Apple packaging, this box had step-by-step instructions on how to open it. Starting by removing the sticker tape at the top.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zi3_HfXJ5jo/UFydF6c593I/AAAAAAAAWJA/4WqGJ4eJj-U/s1600-h/IMG_09643.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0964" border="0" alt="IMG_0964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A6H343tpCKA/UFydIE7keqI/AAAAAAAAWJI/zwNIo2-uVyg/IMG_0964_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& here’s the device with a glossy screenshot stuck on the front.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Y-IST59p24/UFydKgzsU5I/AAAAAAAAWJQ/IJ6NBESzjOs/s1600-h/IMG_09663.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0966" border="0" alt="IMG_0966" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1r8ML4yjhf8/UFydMpQgjzI/AAAAAAAAWJY/pTn0vArw4zw/IMG_0966_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& made in China.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6-hg9K-6R2g/UFydPje31rI/AAAAAAAAWJg/6lgzi-sxCJk/s1600-h/IMG_09673.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0967" border="0" alt="IMG_0967" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sdYhhpy0poQ/UFydReptOuI/AAAAAAAAWJo/sGN0cW0MlNM/IMG_0967_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Underneath the device, you have the guides and accessories.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q1dcmvv84p0/UFydUYAOi4I/AAAAAAAAWJw/e6_HgaiH8a4/s1600-h/IMG_09693.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0969" border="0" alt="IMG_0969" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hu_Ow00vvX0/UFydWbeCz4I/AAAAAAAAWJ4/ieyZLOwIJRE/IMG_0969_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P3cPjaUtlIU/UFydZT7d7DI/AAAAAAAAWKA/kten3RdcUBU/s1600-h/IMG_09723.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0972" border="0" alt="IMG_0972" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cp5_jH56cZ4/UFydbWkpekI/AAAAAAAAWKI/UZimHN74bQA/IMG_0972_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>A Finger Tips guide to get you started with the iPod Touch and two stickers…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6rpfwb3tMQw/UFyde0XK0HI/AAAAAAAAWKQ/FgiW2A2fgwc/s1600-h/IMG_09713.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0971" border="0" alt="IMG_0971" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GBHldgEJdp0/UFydgsrtJVI/AAAAAAAAWKY/wt28pNilcL8/IMG_0971_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The standard Apple headphones & the USB to 30-pin dock connector cable.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oNv_YX0UAhM/UFydkSwTe5I/AAAAAAAAWKg/gORfhtQ6MLs/s1600-h/IMG_09833.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0983" border="0" alt="IMG_0983" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kQQ_0gt0qIo/UFydmE56KxI/AAAAAAAAWKo/fdSsYaZryz4/IMG_0983_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Back to the iPod Touch, the front looks sleek with the steel frame barely visible. The front glass layer is fused with the LCD and with the glass edges protruding, I suspect the chances of it surviving falls are very slim.</p> <p>The iPod Touch 4th gen is a huge fingerprint magnet as it lacks the oleophobic coating found in the iPhones. The dot at the top is a front VGA camera for FaceTime.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ja4gQwOQK04/UFydpbapChI/AAAAAAAAWKw/kKvWs2GRKn8/s1600-h/IMG_09753.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0975" border="0" alt="IMG_0975" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1ngOSAGTroo/UFydrU_QQHI/AAAAAAAAWK4/1WcLTWC1tA8/IMG_0975_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The back of the device is a flat slab of shiny stainless steel with tapered edges. There’s no antenna window as the WiFi antenna is now located at the front.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wzRkG6zEzZE/UFydtxs5ByI/AAAAAAAAWLA/XPLzkg79sDg/s1600-h/IMG_09793.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0979" border="0" alt="IMG_0979" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cRFtj94aj2w/UFydx5Q6s2I/AAAAAAAAWLI/CuU7Ne52faA/IMG_0979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_6RP_CBETyU/UFyd4deOpgI/AAAAAAAAWLQ/2CyPzWZJ4zc/s1600-h/IMG_09767.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0976" border="0" alt="IMG_0976" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JMCAY8cshCg/UFyd7RukrsI/AAAAAAAAWLY/kpaUkFazY7w/IMG_0976_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The disadvantage of the mirror finish is that it’s extremely prone to scratches. Didn’t last 2 hours before superficial scratches started appearing on it. Since I don’t put cases on my devices, I’ll have to start looking at some pouches for it.</p> <p>Measuring 111 mm x 58.9 mm x 7.2 mm, the iPod Touch is very thin. & at 101g it’s light but it feels heavy due to its higher density. The metal back definitely gives it a sturdy impression. I guess that’s how the iPhone 5 feels like.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Sr-wM-g4Zw/UFyd-njSDdI/AAAAAAAAWLg/s5aUbIIAUYE/s1600-h/IMG_09803.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0980" border="0" alt="IMG_0980" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3PG31FDvv_o/UFyeBAxBTnI/AAAAAAAAWLo/0FFXk82yduQ/IMG_0980_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>At the bottom you have the 3.5mm jack, the 30-pin port and a speaker. A really tiny speaker, not very loud. Yet much louder than my N9, which has one of the quietest speakers in a smartphone.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eTRuMI5Tu4k/UFyeEIgHDNI/AAAAAAAAWLw/AV-qSrLIg5g/s1600-h/IMG_09813.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0981" border="0" alt="IMG_0981" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2M56lyovxa0/UFyeGg-av5I/AAAAAAAAWL4/NE04hpOerMg/IMG_0981_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>On the left side, there are the two volume buttons flush with the tapered edge. It’s quite hard to push these buttons - you have to reach out and push it from under. There’s barely any feedback from these buttons. Similar story with the lock button at the top.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iVw7wos6GEg/UFyexFnCYRI/AAAAAAAAWMA/PlS3HCBnI-w/s1600-h/IMG_09823.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0982" border="0" alt="IMG_0982" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ye8aX9fmZi0/UFyezduUNFI/AAAAAAAAWMI/i_vLDG5qWjY/IMG_0982_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>At the top you have the camera - a 960x720 camera with 720p video recording. </p> <p>& next to it, the only microphone on the device - I discovered that while figuring out why Voice Control wasn’t working.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jSvDj1V0WN8/UFye3OfLNTI/AAAAAAAAWMQ/by59AN6TheU/s1600-h/IMG_09853.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0985" border="0" alt="IMG_0985" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iGmSaEB8cuU/UFye5ZyaN4I/AAAAAAAAWMY/1UotiwA5JBk/IMG_0985_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dn7AnaXVzgU/UFye89EGnZI/AAAAAAAAWMg/1bwqlFwdzFg/s1600-h/IMG_09843.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0984" border="0" alt="IMG_0984" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5B51RiP6IlI/UFye_LCYvtI/AAAAAAAAWMo/65mf9SFZa7w/IMG_0984_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>When I turned on the iPod Touch, I was profoundly shocked by how bad the display was. I knew it had a cheap TN panel instead of IPS, but wasn’t expecting something like this. In fact, in the photo the black looks like it’s blue, but in real-life it’s actually purple.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v8K6zCcvtK8/UFyfC9gEyPI/AAAAAAAAWMw/6kaY9t-k5oo/s1600-h/IMG_09874.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0987" border="0" alt="IMG_0987" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NmF5gyLODVQ/UFyfE2un9NI/AAAAAAAAWM4/UBso_LWMN1U/IMG_0987_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HwllRegDc00/UFyfHaEzwZI/AAAAAAAAWNA/pjMvHSywkro/s1600-h/IMG_09883.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0988" border="0" alt="IMG_0988" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fL8TafYJuAk/UFyfJV_1HWI/AAAAAAAAWNI/b8ApkY2BgZE/IMG_0988_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The viewing angle is as narrow as 30º (I measured it). Beyond that, the colours start getting distorted. & it has only 18-bit colour depth (dithered to 24-bit).</p> <p>Contrast levels are equally poor. While it can’t be compared with AMOLED, it’s only after using the iPod Touch that I really started to appreciate how better the LCD on my N900 actually is. Where black is black, not grey.</p> <p>It’s really un-Apple-like how Apple have fitted a cheap display on this, but the only thing good about it is the resolution – 960x640 on a 3.5” screen. That’s a Retina Display, which is absolutely fantastic. Once you go Retina, there’s no way you’re going back to low-pixel displays such as those on Symbian phones.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lj18Hq5n7IU/UFyfMPwU3CI/AAAAAAAAWNQ/czlL-vtTUO4/s1600-h/IMG_0989-990-9923.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mLULm2ZRyrs/UFyfN38SS1I/AAAAAAAAWNY/l7inNTJB3vU/IMG_0989-990-992_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="284" /></a></p> <p>Setting up the iPod Touch…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bYsA1w3ct4c/UFyfQdneMWI/AAAAAAAAWNg/6oUlumAtfXI/s1600-h/IMG_1001-1002-10053.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W42HiTatKio/UFyfSWsHAWI/AAAAAAAAWNo/GD0AQpnR1Q4/IMG_1001-1002-1005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="284" /></a></p> <p>While setting up my Wi-Fi network, I was surprised to note the support for BootP, an obsolete protocol used for assigning IP addresses.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lFWwqP8jSlk/UFyfVJMwqBI/AAAAAAAAWNw/AcwfD42CYDY/s1600-h/IMG_1008-1012-10143.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-34PQjub3usA/UFyfXHw4F8I/AAAAAAAAWN4/aAXpLBU76Z0/IMG_1008-1012-1014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="284" /></a></p> <p>Creating Apple ID… </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-otvoJ3ZXbWU/UFyfZT4frOI/AAAAAAAAWOA/ZmQWF0WDB5k/s1600-h/IMG_1018-1021-10273.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fm28q9et0nQ/UFyfbFCeTkI/AAAAAAAAWOI/jAftixJt6Zw/IMG_1018-1021-1027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="284" /></a></p> <p>It takes a while to setup everything if you’re not in the Apple ecosystem. Roughly an hour. But finally, it was ready. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K0T7bfBrfpI/UFyfeiBNN2I/AAAAAAAAWOQ/-LkeSg-3AZA/s1600-h/IMG_10294.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1029" border="0" alt="IMG_1029" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WeE9AuelLTQ/UFyfgebrzJI/AAAAAAAAWOY/m6dAPty-2dg/IMG_1029_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>& here it is… First impression - dat Retina display! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QbKvBXtpFAY/UFyfjj8W78I/AAAAAAAAWOg/N7T1qYcpkBE/s1600-h/IMG_10334.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1033" border="0" alt="IMG_1033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXG4Od8NP-A/UFyflpWuTMI/AAAAAAAAWOo/H4cWjp1x3-8/IMG_1033_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>Internet working. Browser renders fine. I fixed the clock from PM to AM.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7zFyZIS5ljY/UFyfoIzIckI/AAAAAAAAWOw/U6WyrTV-Shk/s1600-h/IMG_10353.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1035" border="0" alt="IMG_1035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fhV6kdl8edo/UFyfp9GPkxI/AAAAAAAAWO4/CTD5oHPl6iI/IMG_1035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Which meant I had only one thing left to do – download some apps. </p> <p>& this is where I made a rookie mistake - I signed with my Apple ID into the… Mauritius App Store. It’s only later when I discovered that there are zero app ratings, no music, no movies and no TV shows in the Mauritius iTunes Store that I switched my account to US store.</p> <p>Remember that this is the first time I’m using iOS for more than a few minutes, so I really don’t know anything about it. :P</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zjWtxLBveQY/UFyfr3peYUI/AAAAAAAAWPA/Pg21atgbUao/s1600-h/5hrslater4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="5hrslater" border="0" alt="5hrslater" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aNXicS--WPk/UFyfuCZD_4I/AAAAAAAAWPI/YKrI1zc8nuw/5hrslater_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nfMiMPh_K0w/UFyfxTjmKeI/AAAAAAAAWPQ/HKzwy-93Jqo/s1600-h/IMG_00076.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0007" border="0" alt="IMG_0007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LhPEbeustuU/UFyfz9nSqBI/AAAAAAAAWPY/YNzhG1NWTXg/IMG_0007_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p>I finally learnt how to take screenshots. :)</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>The Internals</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S1QaXu9DmZ0/UFyf2teq4MI/AAAAAAAAWPg/gmzpKHWJKxE/s1600-h/a4-apple-chip-top-12.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="a4-apple-chip-top-1" border="0" alt="a4-apple-chip-top-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WFfdvTG5VFE/UFyf4-wL9PI/AAAAAAAAWPo/kTOZkakfApc/a4-apple-chip-top-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="337" /></a></p> <p>The iPod Touch 4th gen has an Apple A4 SoC with a Cortex-A8 underclocked at 800Mhz, 256MB RAM & PowerVR SGX535 GPU.</p> <p>Since there areno cross-platform benchmarks on my N9, I’ll have to settle with Sunspider’s Javascript Benchmark. It should be noted that this test is heavily reliant on the CPU and the JS engine. Both devices use Webkit 2, so most differences should be in CPU. However, the N9 has a Cortex-A8 clocked at 1Ghz, 1GB RAM & PowerVR SGX530 GPU.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sQ4lHth8LE4/UFyf7JQdIoI/AAAAAAAAWPw/VoZLH57LwRU/s1600-h/image4.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qlCF0cJOi94/UFyf859aWYI/AAAAAAAAWP4/Vu_jA85fPNs/image_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="568" height="383" /></a></p> <p>As expected, the N9 just edges the iPod Touch.</p> <p>In everyday usage, although I have no other iOS device to compare against, the iPod Touch doesn’t feel slow. It’s not as speedy either (running iOS 5.1.1). Thankfully, I didn't notice any lag anywhere. With only 256MB RAM, it’s not made for multitasking a lot of apps, browsing multiple heavy pages and is thus incompatible to some games.</p> <p>The iPod Touch has a 930 mAh battery, which may seem low. However, Apple have perfected the art of low-power usage, so it easily lasts for 24 hours. With games and video decoding in non-supported formats, that might prove to be less. The back does feel hot during heavy processing like browsing heavy pages or downloading via WiFi.</p> <p>With 8GB user storage (only 6.43GB available), I doubt I’ll be able to do anything other than install apps and add a single album.</p> <p>One last thing - the iPod Touch doesn’t have GPS & with my N9 not being to act as external GPS, mapping applications are pretty much useless to me.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">The Camera</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vuO-upAn2XQ/UFyf_k1gMyI/AAAAAAAAWQA/tjoMUy5BLu4/s1600-h/IMG_00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0002" border="0" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hDLWDHjr1vs/UFygBjl6nlI/AAAAAAAAWQI/e3O5Db5Nt7k/IMG_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pRT7VnzuXTY/UFygEqwNuyI/AAAAAAAAWQQ/cRxy2XitNP0/s1600-h/IMG_00173.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0017" border="0" alt="IMG_0017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HjZOno6X688/UFygG3XnFDI/AAAAAAAAWQY/8AUCrufiIlY/IMG_0017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Nothing to see here.</p> <p>Woeful in any kind of low-light and decent in full sunny conditions. Video recording, I haven’t tested it.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">The Accessories</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0vSW1etlQmc/UFygJ_Lix3I/AAAAAAAAWQg/CTk3AYbrxJQ/s1600-h/IMG_10363.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1036" border="0" alt="IMG_1036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eb6dHYlB4YU/UFygMnccxHI/AAAAAAAAWQo/eTqFChCYj7c/IMG_1036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The accessories included with the iPod Touch are minimal as well. You get only a USB charging/sync cable and the standard Apple earphones without remote and mic. I prefer in-ear headphones as I have small ears and as expected the Apple earphones don’t really fit. Still, I tried it and wasn’t impressed - surround effects and the bass were hard to perceive. Not to mention that Apple don’t use the standard TRRS, so all my other headphones don’t work.</p> <p>The USB cable is another story altogether. For some unknown reason, Apple staunchly refuses to put strain relief covers onto their cables. The consequence is that the cable ends are easily bended and become frayed. </p> <p>On top of that, those connector covers are glossy, providing very little grip. While trying to pull the connector out of a USB port, you are more likely to pull the cable instead of the cover. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>First impressions</strong></font></p> <p>- Hate iTunes. That thing is slow, it takes an eternity to load the store. I had to disable sync everywhere because each time I connect the iPod, it tried to delete stuff.</p> <p>- The first time I used Cydia, I was overjoyed. Packages, sources, .deb. Sounds familiar. I know this. Coming from the N9/N900. :)</p> <p>- Slider controls. The ability to slide the volume button to 31.4159265359%. “Me Gusta” - my inner control-freak.</p> <p>- Push notifications. I enjoy the symphony of MetroTwit and Tweetbot chiming simultaneously.</p> <p>- The keyboard is good. But not Windows Phone-good. AutoCorrect is so-so, I’d rather ignore it.</p> <p>- Google Maps is very good. :P</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iQiwd14BIP4/UFygPwq5i4I/AAAAAAAAWQw/0zOc20HeyoY/s1600-h/IMG_00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0012" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wqPuVpSi_JU/UFygR6cL-EI/AAAAAAAAWQ4/j7k4g5ibgWM/IMG_0012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p>- I love the apps. Whatever you think of, there’s an app for it. & if there isn’t, there’s a Cydia hack for it.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Installous</strong> - It even supports torrents! </li> <li><strong>Tweetbot</strong> - best Twitter app… in the world. If you disagree, let me know the time/place where I can meet you to settle our differences. But it’s not perfect – the only thing it lacks is support for Retweets/Favourites in Mentions (like Interactions on Twitter). </li> <li><strong>f.lux</strong> - lowers the temperature of the display at night. </li> <li><strong>Posted </strong>- tracks your parcels with notifications (not real-time, but close enough). </li> <li><strong>Free My Apps</strong> - not an app, but a service. Who doesn’t want free apps? </li> <li><strong>AVPlayer</strong> - plays all the video formats you need, not the ones you deserve. </li> <li><strong>Zephyr</strong> - I love the button-less Swipe UI on my N9. Zephyr tries to replicate it by enabling swipe gestures such as swiping up to reveal the app switcher and swipe left/right to move between apps. It’s not as good as Swipe UI, but good enough to make me avoid using the Home button. :) </li> </ul> <p>- Facebook app sucks. Even the mobile version is better than that.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yHk4HfxitWY/UFygTfVFm7I/AAAAAAAAWRA/22XrQwKX9Jw/s1600-h/IMG_00105.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0010" border="0" alt="IMG_0010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ix9bRg4I7Y4/UFygVVHag-I/AAAAAAAAWRI/y7hIZBDsFzU/IMG_0010_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="155" /></a></p> <p>- UI annoyances. I know much of these have been fixed in iOS 6.</p> <ul> <li>Why do I have to tap twice to clear notifications!?!? (Btw, there’s a JB fix for that.) </li> <li>No full-screen in Safari. Seriously? </li> <li>Natural scrolling is weird in Safari - the scrolling stops almost as I lift up my finger. Stark contrast from all the other apps.</li> <li>Why do I have to enter my credentials every time I download a free app? </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-694PHdnMOGM/UFygXxfcfRI/AAAAAAAAWRQ/n3hFy-vSfZU/s1600-h/IMG_00182.png" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0018" border="0" alt="IMG_0018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fbqseC4_cO4/UFygaCV4uNI/AAAAAAAAWRY/r8KUt7dBai4/IMG_0018_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <ul> <li>Lists are a bit dated. & glossy bars. In fact, anything glossy. </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q3cg5Pp7GF0/UFygc3-d_vI/AAAAAAAAWRg/IV_MeAFc3tY/s1600-h/IMG_00083.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0008" border="0" alt="IMG_0008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7wbQobQIRys/UFyge_cB8PI/AAAAAAAAWRo/fxU4tE6VVN8/IMG_0008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p>- The first UI glitch I encountered.</p> <p>- Another bug I have, & it’s a major one, is when I unlock the device Springboard freezes for FIVE SECONDS. It doesn’t happen every time (around 70% of the time), but when it does, I’m left swiping aimlessly. I’ve scoured the Apple support forums and the only conclusion I’ve had is that there is no fix. It’s a problem only faced by the iPod Touch 4th gen & it only occurs if the device is jail-broken. So I guess I’ll have to live with it until it’s fixed in iOS 6 jail-break.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e5b9KPlKHEg/UFygh5Q5N2I/AAAAAAAAWRw/KhYm_2NjZFQ/s1600-h/IMG_00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0014" border="0" alt="IMG_0014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VIXym0HMDtc/UFygkCMAFvI/AAAAAAAAWR4/TjOiS4qjSOU/IMG_0014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>- UOM Wi-Fi works. Enter username/pass. Accept Certificate. Only 2 steps. Nokia, how hard can it be?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Wrap-up</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KL-B6-CUULI/UFygnuALs0I/AAAAAAAAWSA/rpDElo19pHM/s1600-h/IMG_10303.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1030" border="0" alt="IMG_1030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LobM9-Fj5cE/UFygqLmyetI/AAAAAAAAWSI/PfiLmHqExVM/IMG_1030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>This thing is exactly 2 years old; it was launched in September 2010. It does not have GPS. It has a useless camera. It has only 256MB RAM. It has a very poor screen. It’s not cheap ($199/Rs 9000). & certainly not a poor man’s iPhone.<strong><sup>1</sup></strong> If I were to buy this last week, I would be really pissed off by the waste of money.</p> <p>But I did not. It was a gift. :)</p> <p><strong><font size="3">Score - 6/10</font></strong></p> <p><strong><sup>1</sup> </strong>The same things cannot be said for the 5th gen iPod Touch. These do look like a real alternatives to the iPhone. Devices built to be upgradable for the next two years. What I’m trying to say is, it’s hard to justify selling 2-year-old low-end devices in 2012. Really, the only thing good about the iPod Touch 4th gen is iOS.</p> <p>Your favourite apps, hacks, tips and shortcuts. Please do post them in the comments. :)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Related:</font></strong></p> <ul> <li>AnandTech - <a href="http://www.anandtech.com/show/3903/apples-ipod-touch-2010-review-not-a-poor-mans-iphone-4/" target="_blank">Apple's iPod Touch (2010) Review, Not a Poor Man's iPhone 4</a> </li> <li>Engadget - <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/ipod-touch-review-2010/" target="_blank">iPod touch review (2010)</a> </li> <li>Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod_Touch" target="_blank">iPod Touch</a> </li> </ul> carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-9630247406302373192012-09-15T14:59:00.001+04:002012-09-17T13:58:12.289+04:00Infotech 2012<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tRZrnlZe0WE/UFRWb-0Qw3I/AAAAAAAAVU0/21v7M_5EHwo/s1600-h/IMG_07385.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0738" border="0" alt="IMG_0738" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1nc811hAPfc/UFRWd-evbcI/AAAAAAAAVU8/ZjqsFb640Ak/IMG_0738_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The 19th edition of Infotech, the largest ICT event in Mauritius, was held at SVICC from 13th to 16th September 2012.</p> <p>As usual, I made the trip so that you don’t have to go there. :)</p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nb7ZpJUzsxg/UFRWinwkaJI/AAAAAAAAVVE/X08Llg-UXqs/s1600-h/IMG_09315.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0931" border="0" alt="IMG_0931" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CLjbdQanKs8/UFRWkqbSHHI/AAAAAAAAVVM/LEweKJlsbsc/IMG_0931_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>This time though, I went earlier than usual, so as to avoid the week-end crowds (& being crushed in the bus).</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o31FHeBBCaE/UFRWo_HTR4I/AAAAAAAAVVU/rT9srWRu63g/s1600-h/IMG_09304.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0930" border="0" alt="IMG_0930" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b8d5F6mOXms/UFRWq6wTqsI/AAAAAAAAVVc/9yiC2sKEoIE/IMG_0930_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>So here I was at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1tC4VFxVmAU/UFRWuQRSXHI/AAAAAAAAVVk/1l7YgV4JTP0/s1600-h/IMG_07403.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0740" border="0" alt="IMG_0740" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SvmNbJ3ATcE/UFRWwJRf65I/AAAAAAAAVVs/w7k9avvYONY/IMG_0740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The downside of going on opening day is that many of the exhibitors aren’t even ready with their stands or with their products. That shows you just how seriously they take Infotech.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QMWlg1OooHM/UFRW0Am9hYI/AAAAAAAAVV0/8ap55DE86uw/s1600-h/IMG_07413.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0741" border="0" alt="IMG_0741" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hxlz-7y7eqw/UFRW2kzqUiI/AAAAAAAAVV8/EtRZoFtfqN8/IMG_0741_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://carrotmadman6.deviantart.com/art/Infotech-2012-327134330" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0879_stitch_3" border="0" alt="IMG_0879_stitch_3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-87K20LKK2Hs/UFRW4EY-4TI/AAAAAAAAVWE/zYJ-bbaPI-E/IMG_0879_stitch_3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="235" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://carrotmadman6.deviantart.com/art/Infotech-2012-327134505" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0873_stitch_3" border="0" alt="IMG_0873_stitch_3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8mpTwGO6UmI/UFRW5s92efI/AAAAAAAAVWM/sbfuYBKR-X4/IMG_0873_stitch_3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="283" /></a></p> <p>Near the entrance you have the biggest stands – from left to right – Courts, DCL, Emtel, Orange, Apex and Cash & Carry. Here’s a <a href="http://www.infotech.mu/2012a/layout.asp?TIDX=0&SSXX=4&Infotech-2012=8/2/2012" target="_blank">link</a> to the floorplan.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Emtel</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F91SRNntUAM/UFRW9SBIpZI/AAAAAAAAVWU/A1XSAfnRJS0/s1600-h/IMG_08163.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0816" border="0" alt="IMG_0816" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-COexm7G-7sk/UFRW_VGSljI/AAAAAAAAVWc/1R2yzqm-hhg/IMG_0816_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-veLTjBwHZmY/UFRXC8zUrZI/AAAAAAAAVWk/pMfYFmHzuZE/s1600-h/IMG_07443.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0744" border="0" alt="IMG_0744" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Urze6eLKORM/UFRXFAp2jCI/AAAAAAAAVWs/bhxDqDt5W6A/IMG_0744_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Emtel pulled all the stops to showcase their new logo and their speedy <a href="http://themediaguru.blogspot.com/2012/06/orange-mauritius-launches-4g-lte.html" target="_blank">4G LTE</a> modems. Price? Rs 7595 (VAT incl). Coverage is still sporadic (North, Centre & West).</p> <p>In other news, Emtel will be launching their FTTH services as from early next year. BTL, Orange & now Emtel. Let the games begin. :)</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Orange</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HBTbt80Px8E/UFRXH8DQUrI/AAAAAAAAVW0/OUpZp4yQ_Bo/s1600-h/IMG_08883.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0888" border="0" alt="IMG_0888" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ivMa1XzzkLA/UFRXKbibK_I/AAAAAAAAVW8/wFbv4yUP4jM/IMG_0888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-on50jNKeHgU/UFRXNg0-9hI/AAAAAAAAVXE/GZN699t_PmQ/s1600-h/IMG_08103.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0810" border="0" alt="IMG_0810" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hQqR7cO1ako/UFRXPsOuYjI/AAAAAAAAVXM/2tN1lZ4oJAs/IMG_0810_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Not to be left behind, Orange came up with an even bigger screen!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-30rV2UaHTn4/UFRXTH2r4cI/AAAAAAAAVXU/7E1ZNP6G5mk/s1600-h/IMG_08413.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0841" border="0" alt="IMG_0841" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b-RHOUi-tUI/UFRXVG9tZJI/AAAAAAAAVXc/-4SlWRjz6XI/IMG_0841_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eTdGj-afKOE/UFRXY8i55KI/AAAAAAAAVXk/pY9G4Kufmuk/s1600-h/IMG_08923.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0892" border="0" alt="IMG_0892" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5eKvh918vuA/UFRXa0AIaNI/AAAAAAAAVXs/9gfA5wPe0Ek/IMG_0892_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Among the various Infotech promotions, there were new data packages, free bonus sms during top-ups, 50% discount for first 3 months for new Internet subscribers, new MyT channels, etc… You can find all of it <a href="http://infotech.orange.mu/offres.php" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0fdw6c0zKIE/UFRXd42k5kI/AAAAAAAAVX0/QA237BKjItw/s1600-h/IMG_08143.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0814" border="0" alt="IMG_0814" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6eRuAorNSpY/UFRXf2e09QI/AAAAAAAAVX8/RaMDu5K0cKo/IMG_0814_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>But the major attraction for Orange was their Rs 3000 tablet. Not the one above as you’re being led to believe by the ads.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XIA11KyKfNg/UFRXio8VRhI/AAAAAAAAVYE/wNGm-AkwNFI/s1600-h/IMG_08453.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0845" border="0" alt="IMG_0845" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IGqHBgv3N-s/UFRXkdPAwCI/AAAAAAAAVYM/vIcd8MXnsQU/IMG_0845_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>This one, the <a href="http://www.pantel.in/tablet/t-pad-is703c-40.html" target="_blank">7” IS703C</a>, made by Indian tablet manufacturer Pantel. It has a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 1GB RAM, HDMI out, 0.3MP front camera, 8GB storage, USB support & comes with Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). Worth Rs 3000?</p> <p>I’m not sure, because it was practically unusable the first time I turned it on. After closing all the running apps, the lag decreased considerably. Even then the touchscreen wasn’t very responsive. Even with that 1GB, apps lagged to launch. Overall, it felt very cheap. Like Rs 1000-1500 cheap, not Rs 3k.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zjyUdjrmqIs/UFRXnkMLDtI/AAAAAAAAVYU/-ixcyCPKkaA/s1600-h/IMG_08443.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0844" border="0" alt="IMG_0844" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i3abfmI92u4/UFRXpgwMbuI/AAAAAAAAVYc/gMFdejDZFEw/IMG_0844_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The other tablet was the <a href="http://www.pantel.in/tablet/t-pad-ws802c-24.html" target="_blank">8” WS802C</a>, being sold at Rs 6000. 1GHz Cortex A8, 512MB RAM, 2MP camera, GPS, 3G, HDMI out, 4GB storage, microSD & ICS. I was surprised by how much it didn’t lag. The camera was useless. The physical buttons were terrible. Other than it’s pretty decent. But not worth Rs 6000 when you can get a Nexus 7 at nearly the same price (shipping excluded). </p> <p>The one thing that bothered me was that these tablets are being targeted at people who have the least knowledge of tech. The stands were a bit crowded, so I got to hear some of the questions that were being asked and how the product representatives were “misleading” them. A lot of people signed up to get on the pre-order list. I can bet they are in for a nasty surprise when they’ll be getting any of these tablets.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Apex</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6bxXHjsczys/UFRXr35WOFI/AAAAAAAAVYk/K-Qy0Y0XCl8/s1600-h/IMG_08893.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0889" border="0" alt="IMG_0889" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tMO1wf3Gdro/UFRXtcEZQEI/AAAAAAAAVYs/wLlCMRBa82A/IMG_0889_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1ahrEmEA92k/UFRXx7WjWwI/AAAAAAAAVY0/VeD4cNTdeTw/s1600-h/IMG_08503.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0850" border="0" alt="IMG_0850" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dTqgpSH2itE/UFRX0EbkOqI/AAAAAAAAVY8/2qk4_WNHNq4/IMG_0850_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H5cOfocU0aY/UFRX4eiEMOI/AAAAAAAAVZE/EmTax1yDnjw/s1600-h/IMG_08123.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0812" border="0" alt="IMG_0812" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gHOSlzpMDq8/UFRX6VwgnOI/AAAAAAAAVZM/YKfMXFmw30k/IMG_0812_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Next to the Orange stand was Apex, the new Apple reseller. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2ZmL9nI_r-I/UFRX9X2O20I/AAAAAAAAVZU/8FrGN2HlSJg/s1600-h/IMG_08543.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0854" border="0" alt="IMG_0854" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ckwiYM0EV-k/UFRX_SbotwI/AAAAAAAAVZc/lb8OwoodN7Y/IMG_0854_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yr3SYRAG8AM/UFRYCytMp3I/AAAAAAAAVZk/YON8unkzhMg/s1600-h/IMG_08404.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0840" border="0" alt="IMG_0840" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QYSImUQOhqQ/UFRYEgjKkjI/AAAAAAAAVZs/mzojoMxAIg8/IMG_0840_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>Ah, the new “iPhone 5” – the best iPhone since sliced iPhone.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Cash & Carry</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Z7ICExavgI/UFRYHiqdETI/AAAAAAAAVZ0/wnvIDTOziVg/s1600-h/IMG_08943.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0894" border="0" alt="IMG_0894" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eBnPJuxjabs/UFRYJdm7xvI/AAAAAAAAVZ8/Ulrd3Ocu_fU/IMG_0894_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-twPm6gETFIA/UFRYMocF-uI/AAAAAAAAVaE/Jdg5RNuE3U8/s1600-h/IMG_07953.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0795" border="0" alt="IMG_0795" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QnwR-mXxO84/UFRYOqC2JbI/AAAAAAAAVaM/6NW1UVRwPtc/IMG_0795_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9VP0EA4LykI/UFRYSUxEutI/AAAAAAAAVaU/2tvqohDf38k/s1600-h/IMG_08073.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0807" border="0" alt="IMG_0807" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-unhiQSvSpyA/UFRYUUsOLwI/AAAAAAAAVac/DiGKTflbO08/IMG_0807_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Lo & behold – Cash & Carry!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2mlZvJGtTf0/UFRYXwxqzpI/AAAAAAAAVak/6rN4WXKijJA/s1600-h/IMG_08013.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0801" border="0" alt="IMG_0801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h-K1ockZ_CM/UFRYZ2FQ_FI/AAAAAAAAVas/D1HoUjvuhFQ/IMG_0801_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-44ICY_-2LNI/UFRYeOAQfaI/AAAAAAAAVa0/sMAykJliOn4/s1600-h/IMG_09003.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0900" border="0" alt="IMG_0900" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qc5jbi4OLlI/UFRYgOJGB-I/AAAAAAAAVa8/Uo0IGpRb498/IMG_0900_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FL_soQ02NAA/UFRYj9jL2kI/AAAAAAAAVbE/WmqC6UQhtXs/s1600-h/IMG_07993.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0799" border="0" alt="IMG_0799" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TrwgLpbB354/UFRYmIctp2I/AAAAAAAAVbM/y172HTlFUx0/IMG_0799_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>As I previously mentioned, even past opening day, many exhibitors weren’t ready with their stands. Among them was C&C who hadn’t yet printed their brochures.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-guuwV9Gl8Fo/UFRYqvOiNxI/AAAAAAAAVbU/xQOj7dxM-8w/s1600-h/IMG_08033.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0803" border="0" alt="IMG_0803" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z5vQG3ag0gQ/UFRYtMbOXhI/AAAAAAAAVbc/tVZnR_bv_mo/IMG_0803_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jggfV72-eUc/UFRYxTKisoI/AAAAAAAAVbk/xxQKKWf36oc/s1600-h/IMG_07973.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0797" border="0" alt="IMG_0797" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hsjnlnODFPk/UFRYzYokTEI/AAAAAAAAVbs/71gMG4lsmA8/IMG_0797_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>That was one very impressive TV – the lack of bezel made it look so much better. Yeah, just ignore the price.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><iframe height="360" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/49374278" frameborder="0" width="640" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Just a C&C promo I found on Vimeo.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KAHq6GPrY0k/UFRY2cOUIyI/AAAAAAAAVb0/Bdt_sQaoh7k/s1600-h/IMG_08913.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0891" border="0" alt="IMG_0891" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SqyoCP1gAD0/UFRY4mynACI/AAAAAAAAVb8/olYIodcjoW4/IMG_0891_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Near Cash & Carry was a Nokia booth. Surprisingly, there was no HM Rawat stand at this year’s Infotech. Instead, they had demo booths (accompanied by absolutely clueless representatives). </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HWbgRjBeij8/UFRY6s4iUFI/AAAAAAAAVcE/dgmGyglhB9s/s1600-h/IMG_08903.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0890" border="0" alt="IMG_0890" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--UqIPfM3T3k/UFRY8UDYCUI/AAAAAAAAVcM/tfDkKN4TBCM/IMG_0890_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n0ewPKxCjQA/UFRY-sruttI/AAAAAAAAVcU/q7BmmXbJffA/s1600-h/IMG_08043.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0804" border="0" alt="IMG_0804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aUgLQRsX3uY/UFRZAThRmHI/AAAAAAAAVcc/QvOlWZmoCKs/IMG_0804_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Oh yes, the 41MP 808 Pureview was here. So I took two photos, one at 8MP & another at 38MP. Which were promptly transferred to my phone and… then automatically deleted because I didn’t save them. Sorry for being such a noob. What I can tell you was that I wasn’t really impressed with the 808’s low-light photos.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">DCL</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dHe6iMhy0wI/UFRZCtdnHgI/AAAAAAAAVck/F50XbSbyG28/s1600-h/IMG_07643.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0764" border="0" alt="IMG_0764" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4amk9hXCyPA/UFRZENWh0eI/AAAAAAAAVco/fSkm12rKDEY/IMG_0764_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TVzQSY7DqqY/UFRZHuIVhVI/AAAAAAAAVc0/huNfr7vx8dg/s1600-h/IMG_08713.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0871" border="0" alt="IMG_0871" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mnl5OCxw0bQ/UFRZJemqMAI/AAAAAAAAVc8/Zx6524yPOAQ/IMG_0871_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Moving on, near the Emtel stand was DCL. DCL had setup several PCs to demo the services they’ll be offering with their new Internet service - ALICE.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kPRVQ2QGVrM/UFRZNV6yp8I/AAAAAAAAVdE/1AGLtpJL_qI/s1600-h/IMG_07663.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0766" border="0" alt="IMG_0766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mzSp7PIw9MI/UFRZPWrLPnI/AAAAAAAAVdI/Bt5pNUcRPCY/IMG_0766_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4oFC4Mv8v04/UFRZSYkBTVI/AAAAAAAAVdU/os_w7u5z5qA/s1600-h/IMG_07633.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0763" border="0" alt="IMG_0763" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jTwubkXeWhI/UFRZUEEg8lI/AAAAAAAAVdc/JuVQ4f__0_A/IMG_0763_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>I tried to run a speedtest, but the page didn’t even load. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OsFqJxDSN50/UFRZXeHjEBI/AAAAAAAAVdk/sgM4ZUv7WoM/s1600-h/IMG_07673.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0767" border="0" alt="IMG_0767" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BpVmT_pTzr8/UFRZZRqfBLI/AAAAAAAAVds/F_Q_w8WgQ3M/IMG_0767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The DCL representatives were by far the most helpful at this Infotech. ALICE uses 4G & not WiMax as it was erroneously written in a local newspaper (& which I subsequently tweeted). Prices and offers will be announced on October 1st when it’ll launch. Speed of between 2-20Mbps. Coverage for the time being only in Plaines Wilhems. Port Louis & the North by the end of the year and other regions next year.</p> <p>The above two devices are the 4G modems. The smaller one is for connecting to PCs and laptops. The big one is the modem/wireless router. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Courts</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JTggdf088Sc/UFRZcqffs1I/AAAAAAAAVd0/jiy1wDBOvS8/s1600-h/IMG_08693.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0869" border="0" alt="IMG_0869" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dKPcUm6umkY/UFRZeWLKDxI/AAAAAAAAVd8/-ILjxohlb2Y/IMG_0869_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xEdvqhdw-Fw/UFRZhyd1SzI/AAAAAAAAVeE/51vBznNg_-k/s1600-h/IMG_08703.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0870" border="0" alt="IMG_0870" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YlorfgaiVc8/UFRZjo55UwI/AAAAAAAAVeM/Id046hqi9Yk/IMG_0870_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YEDTktLHMbc/UFRZm7N6EWI/AAAAAAAAVeU/g5HC3sk0aMM/s1600-h/IMG_08173.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0817" border="0" alt="IMG_0817" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a-XomJb6SAs/UFRZpD9y97I/AAAAAAAAVec/XYNvAun24qw/IMG_0817_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Courts were mostly promoting Samsung devices.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qubRbRPVFdM/UFRZsIJeXxI/AAAAAAAAVek/1VFVt52mt0Y/s1600-h/IMG_08183.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0818" border="0" alt="IMG_0818" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_pRL5v7-xWM/UFRZt_WQIBI/AAAAAAAAVes/8miwS_FX7zM/IMG_0818_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WPc-dqsDONQ/UFRZwxZtf3I/AAAAAAAAVe0/Jer0esd4pME/s1600-h/IMG_08193.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0819" border="0" alt="IMG_0819" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_b2nLp3pPuY/UFRZyyWucYI/AAAAAAAAVe8/1ufTz4_Xx_0/IMG_0819_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Like this Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Clearly, the stickers come as a bonus.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-myxD9hJzHiQ/UFRZ_TJFMUI/AAAAAAAAVfE/6yT4S6eo76g/s1600-h/IMG_09203.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0920" border="0" alt="IMG_0920" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3_9lOWhuHrE/UFRaBWLHyYI/AAAAAAAAVfM/_2m0QT6R4pI/IMG_0920_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& then I caught sight of this all-in-one PC - the Toshiba Qosmio. Running Windows 8. Even though there was no Microsoft stand this year, Courts were the only exhibitor demoing Windows 8.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IQApRu7BqTg/UFRaN7NNf-I/AAAAAAAAVfU/sk71kCanIyc/s1600-h/IMG_09193.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0919" border="0" alt="IMG_0919" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eE7cKHwx9IQ/UFRaPrp1TqI/AAAAAAAAVfc/R8ldntnWR1w/IMG_0919_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& next to it, I found this. The Acer Iconia W700. That was the most recent gadget being on display at Infotech. But it was only a demo unit - it’s not even available for sale anywhere in the world! Kudos to Courts for bringing it.</p> <p>Specs – Ivy Bridge CPU, 11.6” 1080p IPS screen, THREE USB 3.0, micro-HDMI, 5MP camera, 32/64GB SSD, 8 hours battery. The build quality is impressive. Feels very solid, but quite heavy. The screen is awesome. </p> <p>However, I was most interested in testing the OS. The tablet experience of Windows 8. Windows 8, not Windows 8 RT.</p> <p>The Desktop is totally unusable with touch. As for the <strike>Metro</strike> Ballmer UI part, the only thing I could do was horizontal scroll. Swiping from the sides and pinching did nothing. & then I launched a video which immediately caused the tablet… </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b_DsC7AK93A/UFRaSXofxfI/AAAAAAAAVfk/p7FGXUGevx8/s1600-h/IMG_09213.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0921" border="0" alt="IMG_0921" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XVyqo7aooQg/UFRaUPlrlJI/AAAAAAAAVfs/AC8sy5PT6iQ/IMG_0921_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>… to crash. Now that’s why it was still a demo unit. But here’s the most astonishing thing – it took only 5s to restart!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_CP7REfGMWw/UFRaW8d-H7I/AAAAAAAAVf4/bykkwzG9-2k/s1600-h/IMG_09223.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0922" border="0" alt="IMG_0922" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rIUdND8-iC8/UFRaZR5okUI/AAAAAAAAVgA/sK-3TE8HBjg/IMG_0922_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>So I moved to the other Windows 8 tablet – the Acer Iconia W510. </p> <p>Specs - 10.1” 1366x768 IPS screen, Clovertrail/Atom CPU, USB 2.0, micro-HDMI, microSD, 18h battery.  </p> <p>This one luckily had a fully functional Windows 8. & god was that impressive! The smoothest tablet I’ve ever used. <strike>Metro</strike> Ballmer UI absolutely shines in a tablet. It’s so intuitive, so fast… & so unfortunate that I noticed these tablets at the end of my visit; I barely spent 5 mins with them. One thing’s for sure – Windows 8 is one hell of a tablet OS. Such a shame, it’s being forced upon desktop users.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">eShop</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UmZBwZgLOHU/UFRacwJ93rI/AAAAAAAAVgI/5ek2KnzCXEQ/s1600-h/IMG_07713.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0771" border="0" alt="IMG_0771" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W7a6ugDLZm0/UFRafEkFmqI/AAAAAAAAVgQ/i1DewyuhOkY/IMG_0771_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>They had a Samsung stand and next to it…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pzwJ5C9qDAY/UFRaic7SwoI/AAAAAAAAVgY/ZCeAplzO1mM/s1600-h/IMG_08673.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0867" border="0" alt="IMG_0867" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZvaNQIIOT-4/UFRakUaKFxI/AAAAAAAAVgg/KZSWSxh_E7s/IMG_0867_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-deV4HOx8SnY/UFRan9R_vQI/AAAAAAAAVgo/tCSNBchpD6c/s1600-h/IMG_07723.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0772" border="0" alt="IMG_0772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RyNltG9BLRo/UFRaq6VKmvI/AAAAAAAAVgw/Ixd-_fZQsyo/IMG_0772_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Oh dear… </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7D0OqDsftSE/UFRattO9s3I/AAAAAAAAVg4/AkRi1p4jzTE/s1600-h/IMG_07833.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0783" border="0" alt="IMG_0783" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mVdlb5FSit8/UFRavtGWTMI/AAAAAAAAVhA/jWCbBt1k9iw/IMG_0783_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>This is a 15” Macbook Pro.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yye92bcwr3k/UFRaybhYH7I/AAAAAAAAVhI/28yFoZ95zcg/s1600-h/IMG_07763.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0776" border="0" alt="IMG_0776" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m7K_2ZY9MBY/UFRa0Qzi7SI/AAAAAAAAVhQ/s3H7A96IMFA/IMG_0776_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& this is a 15” Macbook Pro Retina. See the difference?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QPsKHK_mIGM/UFRa2XyQn3I/AAAAAAAAVhY/K06xfbpNh9Q/s1600-h/IMG_07783.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0778" border="0" alt="IMG_0778" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0fpY7Rs885I/UFRa4Ak_2bI/AAAAAAAAVhg/8FEebjG6Je0/IMG_0778_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DErDanKlbvA/UFRa6oFJNfI/AAAAAAAAVho/-y3IwaE9zNI/s1600-h/IMG_07793.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0779" border="0" alt="IMG_0779" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FsbBzUQgAEI/UFRa8Lls4RI/AAAAAAAAVhw/6H0KUBS4ZHg/IMG_0779_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>No, I’m not talking about the new Magsafe 2 connector.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rj6UBIKCI_w/UFRa_RZbsDI/AAAAAAAAVh4/841D8Q_ligk/s1600-h/IMG_07753.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0775" border="0" alt="IMG_0775" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PhnRidSqcQQ/UFRbBXMEKGI/AAAAAAAAViA/mt9r7bL6k9M/IMG_0775_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CqKzMPKsHks/UFRbENop4PI/AAAAAAAAViI/vJYRNP71dz0/s1600-h/IMG_07743.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0774" border="0" alt="IMG_0774" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-auV7KMvI9_o/UFRbF6yQvEI/AAAAAAAAViQ/0z2oXcM8g0c/IMG_0774_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Let’s take a closer look. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cts0mZDo50o/UFRbJ4LCMDI/AAAAAAAAViY/Do_tLdbyHQ4/s1600-h/Retina3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Retina" border="0" alt="Retina" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pb-TkijZER0/UFRbLneYHII/AAAAAAAAVig/eOmU4h-mjew/Retina_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="268" /></a></p> <p>On the left, you have a 1440x900 resolution. & the right, a 2880x1800 resolution. Both in a 15.4” display. You simply cannot see the pixels. Is it as ground-breaking as the iPhone’s Retina display? Perhaps, it was my poor eye-sight or the low-light, but the difference didn’t really jump to my eyes. You need to use it for some time to notice it. I couldn’t browse some websites to analyse the webpage rendering because the free wifi provided by Orange/Emtel was utterly useless.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_HytIHulXrg/UFRbOiDlsOI/AAAAAAAAVio/FT6G_aF3xXo/s1600-h/IMG_07774.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0777" border="0" alt="IMG_0777" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wTrmYICpGls/UFRbQVXRq-I/AAAAAAAAViw/zPBe72eT4eM/IMG_0777_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>The Macbook Pro Retina isn’t just about the display. It adopts a new Air-like compact body, non-removable parts and is only available with SSDs, thus shedding the weight down to 2kg. Do all these features justify the price?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yNjm7eZhaxY/UFRbUQhu6zI/AAAAAAAAVi4/LWWO8kGlpR8/s1600-h/IMG_07824.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0782" border="0" alt="IMG_0782" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vShw4X6NUbk/UFRbWVDoOeI/AAAAAAAAVjA/EJ3Q7JuZILM/IMG_0782_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>At these relative prices, <em>of course</em>.</p> <p>I should probably mention that the same 2.6Ghz MBPR is worth $2800 in the US. Like Rs 26,000 cheaper.</p> <p>& that the 2.6Ghz MBP is worth $2200. Rs 20,000 less.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o1HhCaynzd0/UFRbZCy1nkI/AAAAAAAAVjI/qtHx0vxYH6o/s1600-h/IMG_07843.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0784" border="0" alt="IMG_0784" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MmzmnAQlnCU/UFRbauKAdaI/AAAAAAAAVjQ/-5JSq1eqHv0/IMG_0784_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The iMac. Only Rs 16k more.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZSVrsTpqg7Q/UFRbeqnhR9I/AAAAAAAAVjY/ji_9_dIfagw/s1600-h/IMG_07904.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0790" border="0" alt="IMG_0790" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JrXnj-sR834/UFRbgoY3GTI/AAAAAAAAVjg/qLa2yGzjPoI/IMG_0790_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rXCtKng835M/UFRbjR8iV-I/AAAAAAAAVjo/0x8w5KmJGMg/s1600-h/IMG_07893.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0789" border="0" alt="IMG_0789" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Im5xDMr9PmU/UFRblfDkURI/AAAAAAAAVjw/B15FPdCHXB4/IMG_0789_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Macbook Air. Rs 10-15k.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xW05i8D1_BE/UFRboyw4d6I/AAAAAAAAVj4/pJkC0rTTi0U/s1600-h/IMG_07874.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0787" border="0" alt="IMG_0787" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EokUkl_bOQQ/UFRbq3PcbII/AAAAAAAAVkA/1VjSVGiueGE/IMG_0787_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HLXDDjBzvY4/UFRbtKtkthI/AAAAAAAAVkI/FlImrfwKj5w/s1600-h/IMG_07863.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0786" border="0" alt="IMG_0786" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z2cjn5vZ_3g/UFRbu0Ia_FI/AAAAAAAAVkQ/OEBX4ulMNHs/IMG_0786_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The “New iPad 3.” Dat resolution!</p> <p>At least here, the price difference was only Rs 5-7k. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lXXunlMEOc0/UFRbyjQZ-WI/AAAAAAAAVkY/PZpGJpdfp10/s1600-h/IMG_08293.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0829" border="0" alt="IMG_0829" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VRKEYpX73u8/UFRb0w8SPtI/AAAAAAAAVkg/t9bjQFpOVYw/IMG_0829_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hOmxo0IhCyM/UFRb4-TtK4I/AAAAAAAAVko/J0G0HQlRLNA/s1600-h/IMG_08333.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0833" border="0" alt="IMG_0833" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4AtV6qqQGVg/UFRb6zGb6zI/AAAAAAAAVkw/O4yHRhJOOpA/IMG_0833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>No Infotech tech trade fair would be complete without the electronics <em>bazaar</em>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oRyJg4yXkoA/UFRb-9lnPZI/AAAAAAAAVk4/3QVlGGiX2q8/s1600-h/IMG_08313.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0831" border="0" alt="IMG_0831" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hq1sfC1ivx8/UFRcAwkuGJI/AAAAAAAAVlA/YyqytiA7Zjw/IMG_0831_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7B9SRYTe_a0/UFRcEODFLeI/AAAAAAAAVlI/SwzcHj7r-9k/s1600-h/IMG_08343.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0834" border="0" alt="IMG_0834" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yj8k9JXJaGk/UFRcF7UxnkI/AAAAAAAAVlQ/pNRyHcfi8KE/IMG_0834_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6X0NpcHLinc/UFRcJYJxbeI/AAAAAAAAVlY/fPW1pLw6A0E/s1600-h/IMG_08273.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0827" border="0" alt="IMG_0827" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-04oxW-Yu5sU/UFRcLVBTTSI/AAAAAAAAVlg/IzWanIDIe1Y/IMG_0827_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Jacey Computer.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kKRfnG3Wby8/UFRcPjUDc7I/AAAAAAAAVlo/LKOjMhmWQPg/s1600-h/IMG_08603.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0860" border="0" alt="IMG_0860" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ME2z3CsuVAM/UFRcRqtmulI/AAAAAAAAVlw/OvKbXMoxmPY/IMG_0860_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>VJ Computer.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EjTmYl5aj-s/UFRcVIq53LI/AAAAAAAAVl4/qZ76EFS5EDY/s1600-h/IMG_08593.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0859" border="0" alt="IMG_0859" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qSKt2GqVWvs/UFRcXqeSGgI/AAAAAAAAVmA/6ak7JMuzQrQ/IMG_0859_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Pascal Computers.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-caXCig2Wvro/UFRcbiruE0I/AAAAAAAAVmI/_2hPBvw1Nns/s1600-h/IMG_08573.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0857" border="0" alt="IMG_0857" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oizYJev768g/UFRcdzl23MI/AAAAAAAAVmQ/NafmKXDs73g/IMG_0857_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Mobilink.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M202Pghe0-k/UFRch4AnGaI/AAAAAAAAVmY/DpSsiDtwVjs/s1600-h/IMG_08523.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0852" border="0" alt="IMG_0852" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ka4IkuHPdA4/UFRcj4JGWJI/AAAAAAAAVmg/EjCGrp2ekNg/IMG_0852_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Linxia.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9dZaDLFWpkM/UFRcnWpXnfI/AAAAAAAAVmo/bCqenqS5FxE/s1600-h/IMG_08283.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0828" border="0" alt="IMG_0828" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_scYikvROCg/UFRcpfxH5nI/AAAAAAAAVmw/oSMvdGSxcBo/IMG_0828_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Impress.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NhOZIvggOtA/UFRctLOF2aI/AAAAAAAAVm4/fjvNEXaxp2s/s1600-h/IMG_08533.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0853" border="0" alt="IMG_0853" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JJF0deILAcs/UFRcvXpP17I/AAAAAAAAVnA/IzFjN1FFGwk/IMG_0853_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Central Business Equipment.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W39H1LoFdAw/UFRcy-vzvkI/AAAAAAAAVnI/xOXtLR7YjLM/s1600-h/IMG_08583.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0858" border="0" alt="IMG_0858" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0bjbQ5gjNvY/UFRc0nC33lI/AAAAAAAAVnQ/YdlAZ0U-Wg0/IMG_0858_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Jetboss.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4MI0XMa8ECc/UFRc496m7cI/AAAAAAAAVnY/JO35AnlNE54/s1600-h/IMG_08683.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0868" border="0" alt="IMG_0868" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Noh6sjplpCw/UFRc7Yml8aI/AAAAAAAAVng/ef7aWcEM3Bs/IMG_0868_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>MTML.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8I4z3pw4DKA/UFRc_P9TvbI/AAAAAAAAVno/pC3Cp8P2go8/s1600-h/IMG_08563.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0856" border="0" alt="IMG_0856" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h7pTFpdsVG8/UFRdBEhRn2I/AAAAAAAAVnw/a5SwhGXrRuw/IMG_0856_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>La Sentinelle. Win prizes by registering on <a href="http://www.classified.lexpress.mu/" target="_blank">classified.lexpress.mu</a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J9iM7us-99Y/UFRdFC6WMuI/AAAAAAAAVn4/3QMTAcPNcgo/s1600-h/IMG_09124.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0912" border="0" alt="IMG_0912" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7D_TiHnFoiQ/UFRdHMFri5I/AAAAAAAAVoA/-EY52ce-jZ8/IMG_0912_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>TechKnow Magazine. Enter the competition <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/TechKnow-Magazine/192217950878643?sk=app_190322544333196" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NzPadH0K70k/UFRdKE1pFgI/AAAAAAAAVoI/1SQbal-4fjw/s1600-h/IMG_08323.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0832" border="0" alt="IMG_0832" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ivC8WGTtAmE/UFRdMMg5BoI/AAAAAAAAVoQ/588lHMluZkQ/IMG_0832_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The MBC.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lXoaad-o44I/UFRdRMXe1JI/AAAAAAAAVoY/C8-jneYKcC8/s1600-h/IMG_08223.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0822" border="0" alt="IMG_0822" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PtnHVTvED5s/UFRdTfroZ9I/AAAAAAAAVog/ln48Rr6APdM/IMG_0822_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>NCB.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sa4S1PXfQ-Y/UFRdW8eNjyI/AAAAAAAAVoo/01BvmCAkLuE/s1600-h/IMG_08233.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0823" border="0" alt="IMG_0823" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pVDT_vxTJfQ/UFRdY4F-keI/AAAAAAAAVow/Gg62UGV7Jq0/IMG_0823_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tc9Ndk2nQHg/UFRdcKegczI/AAAAAAAAVo4/zRlMTXkG3XI/s1600-h/IMG_08643.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0864" border="0" alt="IMG_0864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cOeQemhdGbc/UFRdd6UeAII/AAAAAAAAVpA/UiO7nJZn9nU/IMG_0864_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pHPD5mEckh0/UFRdhY3ZmTI/AAAAAAAAVpI/3-jDVO2TWrk/s1600-h/IMG_08263.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0826" border="0" alt="IMG_0826" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MLlfSzDB34w/UFRdjeOMhUI/AAAAAAAAVpQ/mnVW3p5UKys/IMG_0826_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Career Guidance zone. Half of the companies were call-centres… </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w2D9TNzEPTc/UFRdoHpSffI/AAAAAAAAVpY/sJhn6cWWgho/s1600-h/IMG_08354.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0835" border="0" alt="IMG_0835" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r-tyUdClS2E/UFRdqFXEP1I/AAAAAAAAVpg/FTxsZXHN2l4/IMG_0835_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>While I was roaming around, I came across the stand of <a href="http://www.lavims.mu" target="_blank">LAVIMS</a> - the Land Administration, Valuation and Information Management System, i.e. the <em>Cadastre</em>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7k0h9I531gY/UFRdtj8FR3I/AAAAAAAAVpo/LmKvANIF9b0/s1600-h/IMG_08373.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0837" border="0" alt="IMG_0837" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5NGs5r128rQ/UFRdv-RqbxI/AAAAAAAAVpw/1X5ZZLY8W7I/IMG_0837_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BMLGhG_uJ1M/UFRdzhSFiOI/AAAAAAAAVp4/OcwdoAzMxSc/s1600-h/IMG_08383.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0838" border="0" alt="IMG_0838" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ODf9gSSv-lY/UFRd2cJ6RwI/AAAAAAAAVqA/kkgUrC4y7oA/IMG_0838_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Upon enquiry, I found out that these images weren’t taken by satellite, but by plane. Which explains the very high resolution, perfect colours and extreme details of the map. Quite incredible.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LZG5Jb5Xs_k/UFRd5k5BmPI/AAAAAAAAVqI/44o015yCuzw/s1600-h/IMG_09173.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0917" border="0" alt="IMG_0917" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S7yaQxALwck/UFRd7bAq08I/AAAAAAAAVqQ/yJCQHqQoaWU/IMG_0917_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x_YDsPsgB1E/UFReAPdwB7I/AAAAAAAAVqY/E-8nsqoFZcw/s1600-h/IMG_09134.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0913" border="0" alt="IMG_0913" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w7VDux3YnC0/UFReCKdS7yI/AAAAAAAAVqg/-QljTPewScY/IMG_0913_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>Another company which dealt with high-resolution imagery was <a href="http://arcora-360.com/" target="_blank">Arcora</a>. Among many things, they also create 360º panoramas such as those featured on a competitor website – <a href="http://www.myvisit360.mu/" target="_blank">My Visit 360 Maurice</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uhachmp4KXQ/UFReGb6QvUI/AAAAAAAAVqo/T4cjTHKN8V4/s1600-h/IMG_09164.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0916" border="0" alt="IMG_0916" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZOGFW369peM/UFReIPk-ZWI/AAAAAAAAVqw/HhfryitQL90/IMG_0916_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>& the tools they use? A special 360º camera – the <a href="http://www.girocam.com/" target="_blank">Girocam</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ENfJrFFbsU/UFReL0PX9II/AAAAAAAAVq4/lZBNcQMrp0o/s1600-h/IMG_09143.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0914" border="0" alt="IMG_0914" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XmoFEqu2ySU/UFReOd11HwI/AAAAAAAAVrA/rMJEfY5Zsrs/IMG_0914_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HtAk2_f0MBk/UFReRnebeaI/AAAAAAAAVrI/JLFkeXGiLjI/s1600-h/IMG_09183.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0918" border="0" alt="IMG_0918" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9r8OPDcgca4/UFReT5CX3tI/AAAAAAAAVrQ/jMxW4XrPhUI/IMG_0918_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Want.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AcVc5UmRXDY/UFReWlgIm2I/AAAAAAAAVrY/nqUUZ2V-vLQ/s1600-h/IMG_07693.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0769" border="0" alt="IMG_0769" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HdX4MvSs8tg/UFReYfiiQvI/AAAAAAAAVrg/fO93tiUSjF0/IMG_0769_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujifilm_X-Pro1" target="_blank">FujiFilm X-Pro1</a>. Photography buffs will know what this is. Price around $2000. :) </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Galaxy SIII</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cYX0TF0A1R8/UFRecQ8igkI/AAAAAAAAVro/-JypbQ7esNw/s1600-h/IMG_07504.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0750" border="0" alt="IMG_0750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SfEnIv0dXKc/UFRefA9XqzI/AAAAAAAAVrw/4sFDuL3YOnc/IMG_0750_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>The Samsung Galaxy SIII. First impression – the screen is awesome. The colours are rich, the contrast is awesome and it’s very responsive to touch.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AEqfg-XUXVM/UFRehulXkDI/AAAAAAAAVr4/_bJ4yKu2cXw/s1600-h/IMG_09043.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0904" border="0" alt="IMG_0904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x9Us1WFsJqU/UFRejarsDyI/AAAAAAAAVsA/UIoYLbvVhww/IMG_0904_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>2nd impression – the 4.8” screen is big. Where big is defined by ‘cannot fit into my hand.’ Anything between 4” to 4.5” would be perfect for me.</p> <p>One-handed operation wasn’t easy, given that Android menu buttons usually alternate between top and bottom. The physical buttons are ok, except that the lighting was very inconsistent – turned on & off too quickly to my taste.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wkj3_vm88do/UFRemMhTTxI/AAAAAAAAVsI/2kOUBrL_Ksk/s1600-h/IMG_09023.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0902" border="0" alt="IMG_0902" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WQsOhHBB-bQ/UFRen7krQGI/AAAAAAAAVsQ/Hggf81uVoyU/IMG_0902_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4gkF3l1uQ3g/UFRerHwaBMI/AAAAAAAAVsY/6ZoLdHXb27c/s1600-h/IMG_07523.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0752" border="0" alt="IMG_0752" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-80HdkLlQ3ts/UFRetGyrQMI/AAAAAAAAVsg/2IMjVLyLKwM/IMG_0752_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Trying the video overlay mode. Swag.</p> <p>Under these perfect light conditions, HD Super AMOLED performs well. Practically no sign of this being a PenTile matrix display. I would have liked to test it in complete darkness to check if it still has those AMOLED faults.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i5zQLlkWb3A/UFRewNnMkwI/AAAAAAAAVso/x_Jz6034Y74/s1600-h/IMG_09053.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0905" border="0" alt="IMG_0905" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K6EZ8Hx7CyI/UFRex23W-3I/AAAAAAAAVsw/FigxOYCQ3ak/IMG_0905_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>The camera is pretty good. The continuous shooting (zero shutter lag) and the live-stitching panorama mode definitely are the best features.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y08m2OG7eAY/UFRe1EdRjEI/AAAAAAAAVs4/QOWOmYXaIu8/s1600-h/IMG_07483.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0748" border="0" alt="IMG_0748" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f3OqrCvNbkk/UFRe3P24V_I/AAAAAAAAVtA/8v4PZBh6Xpk/IMG_0748_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>It is quite big, but its lightness makes up for it. The ‘natural’ sounds are quite annoying, to be honest. & I would have preferred a non-glossy back. In internal specs, there’s no doubt this is the best smartphone out there. Overall, I quite liked it. If the SIII is that fluid on ICS+TouchWiz, I wonder how good it’ll be on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jelly_Bean_(operating_system)" target="_blank">Jalebi</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Galaxy Nexus</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xYF1i0kdRyc/UFRe7TeUsFI/AAAAAAAAVtI/roa4V1QaMEA/s1600-h/IMG_07584.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0758" border="0" alt="IMG_0758" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cvu3LclUpk4/UFRe9e7czoI/AAAAAAAAVtQ/wJOhSnA5py8/IMG_0758_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V_8YS6LvFe4/UFRfB1_-kJI/AAAAAAAAVtY/6A0jHZd2u34/s1600-h/IMG_07594.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0759" border="0" alt="IMG_0759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3InMrBRntG4/UFRfDxd2yCI/AAAAAAAAVtg/kebhphP8QPg/IMG_0759_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>Now, don’t expect me to wipe those smudges.</p> <p>Anyway, 4.65”. Now that’s one phone size that fits me perfectly. Reminds me of the N900. Just too bad, they didn’t bother to update it to Jalebi. Would have loved to see the results of Project Butter.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Galaxy Note</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dlhuPGwapcw/UFRfHxm0hRI/AAAAAAAAVto/z-zRWJooL9k/s1600-h/IMG_07614.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0761" border="0" alt="IMG_0761" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rw1feCDoVms/UFRfJ_3tTXI/AAAAAAAAVtw/-tcHCf5BT5I/IMG_0761_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5_lPF5gphM4/UFRfNxobQsI/AAAAAAAAVt4/z2Uv-tiWUB4/s1600-h/IMG_07624.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0762" border="0" alt="IMG_0762" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cpdkDXyhcX4/UFRfP1UuEbI/AAAAAAAAVuA/_Wztpxi6qgA/IMG_0762_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667" /></a></p> <p>Monstrous.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Galaxy Tab 2 10.1”</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TU3Vh0dp3Cs/UFRfS9_jRhI/AAAAAAAAVuI/NKFGT8wlI0k/s1600-h/IMG_09063.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0906" border="0" alt="IMG_0906" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AnwTFBc5UwQ/UFRfUteqiDI/AAAAAAAAVuQ/ObfVJPZoAwE/IMG_0906_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>In the photos I’ve seen on the Internet, it looks ugly. In real life though, the side grilles don’t matter at all. In fact, the Tab feels nice in your hands.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfR1cFVIoTU/UFRfXHbANRI/AAAAAAAAVuY/7E53xEekFqg/s1600-h/IMG_09093.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0909" border="0" alt="IMG_0909" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rjn_6abUQ_w/UFRfY7lBXMI/AAAAAAAAVug/Zk9ouUhF_Bc/IMG_0909_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>& when you’re playing a movie on that gorgeous screen, those speakers really, well, shine. The only downside is Android. There aren’t many built specifically apps for tablets. Hopefully, that’s set to change with Jelly Bean.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TPdvF8pfQuA/UFRfbUnwKCI/AAAAAAAAVuo/i8Wf85959OU/s1600-h/IMG_09113.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0911" border="0" alt="IMG_0911" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IhMSst9AZwY/UFRfdKTF9OI/AAAAAAAAVuw/gkK7yQqBPQU/IMG_0911_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>After several tries, I got the Wifi working and managed to load a page. I love the desktop-like browser experience here. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_IJW99uQBrA/UFRfe8ENYkI/AAAAAAAAVu4/yNoWnPTUjKQ/s1600-h/IMG_09073.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0907" border="0" alt="IMG_0907" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Xx6KyArV3M/UFRfgb9x77I/AAAAAAAAVvA/qL7QuV2tiNM/IMG_0907_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480" /></a></p> <p>Best product info display ever!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://carrotmadman6.deviantart.com/art/Infotech-2012-327134710" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0792_stitch_3" border="0" alt="IMG_0792_stitch_3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UfL2nJyflQI/UFRfiId_rVI/AAAAAAAAVvI/P64xJCv3Jx4/IMG_0792_stitch_34.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="250" /></a></p> <p>So here ends my visit to Infotech 2012. It wasn’t quite as boring as I expected it to be and in the limited time I had, I discovered enough stuff to make my visit worthwhile. I couldn’t record any product videos as my new camera was too big to multi-task. :(</p> <p>The only thing which I think was missing at Infotech was a certain ISP working on FTTH. Are they really serious about launching their product? Infotech would have been the perfect place to demo the new tech they’ll be using and gain so many new customers. Although I don’t want this to happen, this smells like failure… </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Noulakaz - <a href="http://www.noulakaz.net/weblog/2012/09/13/infotech-2012-feels-like-an-empty-box/" target="_blank">Infotech 2012 feels like an empty box</a> </li>
<li>Clever Dodo - <a href="http://blog.cleverdodo.mu/post/31528359602/infotech-2012">InfoTech 2012</a></li>
<li>Island Crisis - <a href="http://www.islandcrisis.net/infotech-mauritius-2012-noobtech/">Infotech Mauritius 2012 = Noobtech</a></li>
<li>Yashvinblogs - <a href="http://www.yashvinblogs.com/infotech-2012/">What are people saying about Infotech 2012?</a></li>
<li>Muzzammil15 - <a href="http://muzzammil15.blogspot.com/2012/09/infotech-2012.html">Infotech 2012</a></li></ul>
<ul><li>L’Express - <a href="http://www.lexpress.mu/story/42685-infotech-pour-rester-branches.html" target="_blank">Infotech : Pour rester branchés</a> </li>
<li>Defimedia - <a href="http://www.defimedia.info/defi-plus/dp-actualites/item/18768-les-derni%C3%A8res-innovations-hi-tech-sous-un-seul-toit.html" target="_blank">Infotech 2012 : les dernières innovations hi-tech sous un seul toit</a> </li> <li>Defimedia - <a href="http://www.defimedia.info/defi-quotidien/dq-actualites/item/18708-infotech-2012-nous-met-plein-la-vue.html" target="_blank">Infotech 2012 nous met plein la vue…</a> </li> <li>Defimedia - <a href="http://www.defimedia.info/live-news/item/18601-t%C3%A9l%C3%A9communication-%E2%80%93-emtel-lance-la-4g-et-son-nouveau-visuel.html" target="_blank">Télécommunication – Emtel lance la 4G et son nouveau visuel</a> </li> <li>Defimedia - <a href="http://www.defimedia.info/defi-plus/dp-actualites/item/18420-internet-alice-nouvel-op%C3%A9rateur-4g.html" target="_blank">Internet : Alice, nouvel opérateur 4G</a> </li> <li>Le Mauricien - <a href="http://www.lemauricien.com/article/nouvelles-technologies-alice-au-pays-du-4g" target="_blank">NOUVELLES TECHNOLOGIES: ALICE au pays du 4G</a> </li> <li>TechRadar - <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/acer-iconia-w510-936986/review" target="_blank">Acer Iconia W510 hands-on</a> </li> <li>TechRadar – <a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/acer-iconia-w700-1094348/review" target="_blank">Acer Iconia W700 hands-on</a> </li> </ul>
<ul><li><a href="http://carrotmadman6.blogspot.com/2011/11/infotech-2011.html">Infotech 2011</a></li>
<li><a href="http://themediaguru.blogspot.com/2010/08/infotech-2010-intelligent-mauritius.html">Infotech 2010</a></li></ul> carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-91257244751024052012012-06-21T20:26:00.001+04:002012-10-21T18:31:44.140+04:00Orange Mauritius launches 4G LTE!<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AA4UoUDGuos/T-NLEiBSBiI/AAAAAAAAUc4/6oB4A1QYcUo/s1600-h/338864_444213758942188_1259336625_o%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="338864_444213758942188_1259336625_o" border="0" alt="338864_444213758942188_1259336625_o" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pYaio2pyFHg/T-NLGq7WMTI/AAAAAAAAUdA/RID-K-HWUMU/338864_444213758942188_1259336625_o_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="536" /></a></p> <p>In a publicity stunt worthy of a <strike>Michael Bay</strike> James Bond movie, Orange Mauritius officially launched 4G LTE in Mauritius.</p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wG3-s-hhKCE/T-NLJav69VI/AAAAAAAAUdI/NZTajURkblg/s1600-h/emtel4G_promoL%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="emtel4G_promoL" border="0" alt="emtel4G_promoL" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ipyFEEBkEQ/T-NLLN5_-pI/AAAAAAAAUdQ/1zg7kBEVwp4/emtel4G_promoL_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="566" /></a></p> <p>But wait, didn’t Emtel launch 4G a month ago? Actually, that was a soft launch, not a commercial launch. Emtel will release their 4G sticks and offers next month.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">So what’s 4G?</font></strong> </p> <p>4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is the successor to the 3G (UMTS) & 3.5G (HSPA) networks, with speeds of up to 300Mbps download and 75Mbps upload.</p> <p>Your existing 3G/3.5G devices are not compatible with 4G. It will only work with devices equipped with 4G LTE antennas.</p> <p>Like the iPad 3, Lumia 900 LTE, HTC Evo 4G or Galaxy SIII LTE? Unfortunately, these devices will work only in the US. The reason is that the US uses different 4G LTE frequency spectrum bands than the rest of the world.</p> <p>In the US, 4G LTE uses 700, 800, 1700 & 1900 MHz. The EU uses 800, 1800 & 2600 MHz. Because Mauritius follows the same bands as the EU, only LTE devices compatible with EU bands will work.</p> <p><b>Update:</b> I've been informed by <a href="http://twitter.com/Sailesh28/">@Sailesh28</a> that Orange Mauritius supports the 1800MHz band alone.</p> <p>As it stands, the following devices are compatible with Orange’s network:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_II" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy SII LTE</a> </li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_Tab" target="_blank">Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE</a> </li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_One_XL" target="_blank">HTC One XL</a> </li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_Titan_II" target="_blank">HTC Titan II/HTC Titan 4G</a> </li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Htc_velocity" target="_blank">HTC Velocity 4G</a> </li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_SIII" target="_blank">Galaxy SIII - GT-I9305</a> </li> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone_5" target="_blank">iPhone 5 - A1429</a> </li></ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Orange 4G</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RqY7FNdxYEQ/T-NLOxOatZI/AAAAAAAAUdY/vDUomRiomJ0/s1600-h/Orange_4G%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Orange_4G" border="0" alt="Orange_4G" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5I1bOvWLJrE/T-NLQm3ez_I/AAAAAAAAUdg/p8UD9sbaiT0/Orange_4G_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="708" /></a></p> <p>Orange will be providing 4G Internet Everywhere packages with speeds of up to 100Mbps. The dongle used is the <a href="http://www.huaweimodems.com/E398.htm" target="_blank">Huawei E398</a>, which supports 3G/HSPA/4G & has a microSD slot. </p> <p>Currently, only Port Louis & Bagatelle have 4G coverage. If you move out of these regions, the connection will fall back to 3G (75% island coverage) & then EDGE.</p> <p>Price of USB modem – Rs 8000 (VAT included)</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.orange.mu/internet/pdfs/ORANGE_4G_LAUNCH.pdf" target="_blank">4G offer</a> is only available with the 5GB package at Rs 1300 (valid for 30 days) & Rs 3/MB excess.</p> <p> </p> <p>& here are the videos of the Spiderman Alain Robert climbing the 110m Telecom Tower with this “<a href="http://www.defimedia.info/live-news/item/14344-video-l%E2%80%99homme-araign%C3%A9e-%C3%A9merveille-les-mauriciens.html" target="_blank">bare hands</a>.”</p> <p align="center"><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gKyOSK_-c08?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p align="center"><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z_sIIv3RMQ0?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Related:</font></strong></p> <ul> <li>Orange.mu - <a href="http://www.orange.mu/kinews/dossiers/business/311999/orange-mise-en-service-commercial-du-premier-reseau-4g-a-maurice.html" target="_blank">Mise en service commerciale du premier réseau 4G à Maurice</a> </li> <li>Orange.mu – <a href="http://www.orange.mu/internet/pdfs/ORANGE_4G_LAUNCH.pdf" target="_blank">4G</a> </li> <li>Wikipedia – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_%28telecommunication%29" target="_blank">4G LTE</a> </li> <li>DéfiMedia - <a href="http://www.defimedia.info/live-news/item/14344-video-l%E2%80%99homme-araign%C3%A9e-%C3%A9merveille-les-mauriciens.html" target="_blank">VIDEO : l’homme araignée émerveille les Mauriciens</a> </li> <li>DéfiMedia - <a href="http://www.defimedia.info/defi-quotidien/dq-economie/item/12911-l%E2%80%99internet-%C3%A0-tr%C3%A8s-haut-d%C3%A9bit-%E2%80%93-emtel-lancera-la-4g-en-juillet.html" target="_blank">L’internet à très haut débit – Emtel lancera la 4G en juillet</a> </li> <li>L’Express - <a href="http://www.lexpress.mu/story/38740-emtel-lance-la-quatrieme-generation-de-telephonie-mobile.html" target="_blank">Emtel lance la quatrième génération de téléphonie mobile</a> </li> </ul>carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-55967707179234160832012-06-21T08:35:00.001+04:002012-06-23T22:17:35.836+04:00Featured on Scope Magazine<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eVhORtrnOnI/T-KkU11y6eI/AAAAAAAAUb0/StR09HMHz3M/s1600-h/DSCN5973%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5973" border="0" alt="DSCN5973" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CVfsX4_zFGo/T-KkXQwAqmI/AAAAAAAAUb8/_D-xkn9bKWw/DSCN5973_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>Umm, so yeah. Me, Yashvin & some bloggers were interviewed and the article has now been published on this week’s Scope Magazine.</p> <p>So if you are new visitor here, let me redirect you to my other, more interesting blog – <a href="http://carrotmadman6.blogspot.com" target="_blank">carrotmadman6.blogspot.com</a></p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kxQjei0Utkg/T-KkbsoF97I/AAAAAAAAUcE/UfQj_04jQHQ/s1600-h/DSCN5976%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5976" border="0" alt="DSCN5976" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rcv9Z1hvYeI/T-Kkd1-R5LI/AAAAAAAAUcM/SSl3-Q3lGEY/DSCN5976_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c3kCLpgZZVM/T-KkfFOXCzI/AAAAAAAAUcU/wuXObSdxhm4/s1600-h/happy-oh-stop-it-you%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="happy-oh-stop-it-you" border="0" alt="happy-oh-stop-it-you" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xabxMd8EELc/T-Kkg5Nf0jI/AAAAAAAAUcc/AVer6VTlaPs/happy-oh-stop-it-you_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="300" height="250" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4P1x3tkachQ/T-KkmMStfnI/AAAAAAAAUck/p748P6WvzO4/s1600-h/DSCN5977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5977" border="0" alt="DSCN5977" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qvp_rSWxZvc/T-KkoCincTI/AAAAAAAAUcs/aLxkJArVzOI/DSCN5977_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The other (active) Mauritian bloggers:</p> <ul> <li>Yashvin - <a href="http://yashvinblogs.com">http://yashvinblogs.com</a> </li> <li>Avinash Meetoo - <a href="http://www.noulakaz.net/weblog">http://www.noulakaz.net/weblog</a> </li> <li>Siganus Sutor - <a href="http://mauricianismes.wordpress.com">http://mauricianismes.wordpress.com</a> </li> <li>Kurt Avish - <a href="http://www.islandcrisis.net">http://www.islandcrisis.net</a> </li> <li>Alexandra Isaacs - <a href="http://stylemauritius.blogspot.com">http://stylemauritius.blogspot.com</a> </li> <li>Nawsheen Hosenally - <a href="http://nawsheenh.blogspot.com">http://nawsheenh.blogspot.com</a> </li> <li>Inf - <a href="http://www.geekscribes.net/blog">http://www.geekscribes.net/blog</a> </li> <li>Ashesh Ramjeeawon - <a href="http://asheshr.com">http://asheshr.com</a> </li> <li>Prerrna Mirchi - <a href="http://inspiredtobake.wordpress.com">http://inspiredtobake.wordpress.com</a> </li> <li>Teenuja - <a href="http://www.veganlovlie.com">http://www.veganlovlie.com</a> </li> <li>Aniisah - <a href="http://aniisah.wordpress.com">http://aniisah.wordpress.com</a> </li>
<li>Yadhav - <a href="http://yadhav.tumblr.com">http://yadhav.tumblr.com</a> </li> </ul> <p>The only thing which wasn’t mentioned was that this very active Mauritian bloggers community do meet-up at least once every 2 years! & when they do, it’s something quite epic -  <a href="http://carrotmadman6.blogspot.com/2010/07/black-river-gorges-national-park-part-1.html">http://carrotmadman6.blogspot.com/2010/07/black-river-gorges-national-park-part-1.html</a> :)<b></b></p> <p>So go & grab your Scope Magazine! I’ll link to it once it’s available on LeMauricien.com </p>
<p><b>Edit:</b> I don't think it'll be posted on the website, so here it is:</p>
<p><a href="http://imgur.com/Cwh7v.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Cwh7vs.jpg" title="Le Phénomène des Blogs - Page 1" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://imgur.com/qDUC6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/qDUC6s.jpg" title="Le Phénomène des Blogs - Page 2" alt="" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Related:</b></p>
<ul><li>Veganlovlie - <a href="http://www.veganlovlie.com/2012/06/pleasantly-surprised-veganlovlie.html">Pleasantly Surprised: Veganlovlie Featured on Scope Magazine!</a></li>
<li>Yashvinblogs - <a href="http://www.yashvinblogs.com/blog-weekend-scope/">“Le phénomène des blogs”, à lire sur Weekend Scope</a></li></ul>carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-11256465610780697742012-06-18T20:00:00.001+04:002012-06-18T20:03:52.067+04:00Drive<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w9Je3TNrto0/T99QXyAGisI/AAAAAAAAUbQ/E7peQlr7m-s/s1600-h/drive-poster1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="drive-poster1" border="0" alt="drive-poster1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6sQhZrVu5k0/T99Qa4f0whI/AAAAAAAAUbY/m_h4-4nviIw/drive-poster1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="596" /></a></p> <p>Fantastic.</p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>It’s not often that I watch a film that is so good that it redefines a genre for me. & Drive made me realise what’s wrong with all the action movies.</p> <p>Take any typical blockbuster. Say, Clash of the Titans, which I watched recently. CGI fighting scenes, tons of characters, a very loud metal score, unbelievable camera angles and a barely understandable plot. </p> <p>I didn’t realise I hated all these until I watched Drive. A very toned-down action film, which reminds me of the Westerns I used to idolise. A return to the basics.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-61l14GtB_s8/T99QdJFK7AI/AAAAAAAAUbg/bw24R17jMbU/s1600-h/Drive_cover%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Drive_cover" border="0" alt="Drive_cover" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MEqdtHcD7jg/T99QfyZwdJI/AAAAAAAAUbo/TtMgtbRMxuY/Drive_cover_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="450" /></a></p> <p>I usually judge movies on several things – the plot, the acting, the cinematography and the score. The straight-forward plot & the few characters keeps everything simple.</p> <p>A silent flawed hero, like Clint Eastwood. Instead of the incessant clichés diatribes, it’s the acting that conveys the emotions.</p> <p>The cinematography. The intro with that first-person view of the car. That was wonderful.</p> <p>The score. I didn’t know I loved that kind of retro music (French House) until I watched Drive. Thanks for that. & rarely do you get to hear music that fits in so perfectly with the scenario. I simply can’t get it out of my head.</p> <p align="center"><iframe height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-DSVDcw6iW8?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p>When the Driver was stabbed, and the camera panned on him, I was genuinely pissed off. & then that perfect song comes in & he drives off over the horizon. Just like in the Westerns.</p> <p>Clearly my tastes have evolved & I’m now appreciating those non-mainstream movies which I previously disregarded. Between Midnight in Paris & Drive, I can’t figure which is my favourite movie of 2011. Why don’t they make more movies like this?</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">9/10</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Wikipedia – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_%282011_film%29" target="_blank">Drive</a> </li> <li>IMDB – <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/" target="_blank">Drive [8/10]</a></li> </ul>carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-4811374051637177622012-06-02T19:20:00.001+04:002012-06-02T19:23:28.573+04:00Mobile Tripod Holder<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6lQlzoO9I-U/T8oukBMczDI/AAAAAAAAUZY/2weV0qODD94/s1600-h/DSCN5842%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5842" border="0" alt="DSCN5842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hrdhJH4pIdg/T8oum6zWgLI/AAAAAAAAUZg/azXtxWME57o/DSCN5842_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p><em>Good partner for camera phone. Make your photography better!</em></p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cq-JyvRt_AY/T8oupvCT_2I/AAAAAAAAUZo/7wqOoMXVw5g/s1600-h/DSCN5843%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5843" border="0" alt="DSCN5843" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0p5Ktk_lESQ/T8outbHjx-I/AAAAAAAAUZw/rjbbxPCrN30/DSCN5843_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bAxI3LHrfGo/T8ouxMk5iDI/AAAAAAAAUZ4/b5dMPq3eyMQ/s1600-h/DSCN5844%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5844" border="0" alt="DSCN5844" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ca5dCZQfXEE/T8ouzYO-kyI/AAAAAAAAUaA/QDQtXaRpRx4/DSCN5844_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The package with the very weird descriptions.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wKEXzvhXo38/T8ou2Sn6I2I/AAAAAAAAUaI/EgzemXm0mtA/s1600-h/DSCN5845%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5845" border="0" alt="DSCN5845" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j8AU-_uPVrQ/T8ou4kWWj5I/AAAAAAAAUaQ/-wlBAVALJcw/DSCN5845_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>Since some time I’ve wanted a mobile tripod holder because my <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_dYvBb8Eao/TvoMTNqF2iI/AAAAAAAAQH8/heg9fSwg1BQ/s1600-h/DSCN9570_2%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank">makeshift polystyrene solution</a> wasn’t very practical. So I went ahead on eBay and bought this.</p> <p>It’s a mini tripod paired with a mobile phone holder. The same $1 tripods with 360º rotation, extensible legs and which can’t support the weight of your point-&-shoot.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hJbTVDpK1gE/T8ou9h153BI/AAAAAAAAUaY/QdbXB_2s-eU/s1600-h/DSCN5846%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5846" border="0" alt="DSCN5846" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3BnEuzaa_8M/T8ou_nBtrtI/AAAAAAAAUag/qzK22Zq-6z8/DSCN5846_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="666" /></a></p> <p>The mobile phone holder consists of a spring-loaded clamp and a bracket for holding the phone. There are rubber pads inside for better grip.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6o9w9j5UYEA/T8ovCu-3XsI/AAAAAAAAUao/KXI5GjiiMiU/s1600-h/DSCN5847%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5847" border="0" alt="DSCN5847" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7TfpeE2nl2k/T8ovEYkSxLI/AAAAAAAAUaw/Ult58F_n_tA/DSCN5847_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The bracket when retracted is 7.2 cm and when fully extended is 8.8 cm. The clamp has minimum extension of 4.6cm and maximum extension of 6.3 cm. So whatever phone you’ll be using must be less than 6 cm in width. Both the N900 (59.8 mm) and N9 (61.2 mm) fitted in tightly. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G9i1m1gzJRw/T8ovIxi4iXI/AAAAAAAAUa8/5OiNZb8Z-kc/s1600-h/DSCN5851%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5851" border="0" alt="DSCN5851" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e5X8HY1DjZ0/T8ovKkCMYlI/AAAAAAAAUbE/ZFZruMXiXbM/DSCN5851_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>Yes, the plastic is cheap. The mini tripod is useless. But with the holder being just a screw-on (with a 1/4-20 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Thread_Standard">UNC</a> thread), you can use your own tripod with it. & at $4 (Rs 120), it’s definitely a steal. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Score - 7/10</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related:</strong></p> <ul> <li>eBay – <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=mobile%20tripod%20holder&_sop=15&_clu=2&_fcid=134&_localstpos=&_stpos=&gbr=1" target="_blank">Mobile tripod holder</a> </li> <li>Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Tripod-camera-Holder-Cellphone/dp/B0042J6VUS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338648233&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Mini Adjustable Tripod+camera Holder for Iphone and Other Cellphone</a> </li> <li>AllAboutSymbian - <a href="http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Mobile_Phone_Tripod_Holder.php">Review: Mobile Phone Tripod Holder</a></li> </ul>carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498601100088333138.post-24248767354885009532012-05-13T22:18:00.001+04:002012-05-13T22:18:30.781+04:00Scosche solBAT II Solar Charger Review<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DxPbUUT7Sgw/T6_5fZIzmFI/AAAAAAAAURs/-NGJ-UH7qIg/s1600-h/DSCN51293.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5129" border="0" alt="DSCN5129" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WX9CzGZXKBQ/T6_5iSzfMKI/AAAAAAAAUR0/3KJu9ehqM1M/DSCN5129_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>A review of the <a href="http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/scosche-solbat-ii-solar-powered-battery-pack-p28957.htm" target="_blank">Scosche solBAT II solar powered battery charger</a>.</p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0c1gU8G-zMM/T6_5mxt52YI/AAAAAAAAUR8/qXn4XHxkBxg/s1600-h/DSCN51323.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5132" border="0" alt="DSCN5132" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ya6i2dNR9LU/T6_5q7uak-I/AAAAAAAAUSE/CenFs_deXKU/DSCN5132_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>If you are a heavy smartphone user, running out of battery is a situation you’re familiar with. & unless you have a spare battery or an electrical socket nearby, you are essentially cut off from the world. The solution is an external battery pack. How about a greener solution - a solar charger?</p> <p>According to the package, the solBAT II has an internal 1500mAh battery with recharge times of <em>approximately</em> <strong>18 hours using solar</strong> and<strong> 2.5 hours using USB</strong>. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lxr4a32QgPo/T6_5vsiE_FI/AAAAAAAAUSM/XijSb8knANo/s1600-h/DSCN51343.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5134" border="0" alt="DSCN5134" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_vL91ZuGiDo/T6_5yopjBzI/AAAAAAAAUSU/S1i_n4jqskk/DSCN5134_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>These are the package contents. & within the manual, this:</p> <p><strong>Full Charge (USB): 5 hours</strong></p> <p><strong>Solar Charge: 4-5 days</strong></p> <p>I hate false advertising.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o0BwmdHKg-M/T6_54WgJLpI/AAAAAAAAUSc/5_WZs0keoWQ/s1600-h/DSCN51353.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5135" border="0" alt="DSCN5135" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9CnHwmF_BW8/T6_58JgIH-I/AAAAAAAAUSk/qwA-xQs7WU8/DSCN5135_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>You get only one very short USB cable. These days, all smartphones come with USB charging and if you have an older device, you’ll need to purchase a USB adapter. Surely, they could have included some of the cables.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dyceYsZZV_g/T6_6Alf4PdI/AAAAAAAAUSs/jOwhFKfTEHw/s1600-h/DSCN51403.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5140" border="0" alt="DSCN5140" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Mo6voRe37E/T6_6DhtG7uI/AAAAAAAAUS0/NflfIqZPgPo/DSCN5140_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_OTr7oHYYJE/T6_6JUhqfEI/AAAAAAAAUS8/9yBQvLWBBMQ/s1600-h/DSCN51523.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5152" border="0" alt="DSCN5152" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WFmEc5eKLyQ/T6_6NxXmuqI/AAAAAAAAUTE/LDohV4oQyDs/DSCN5152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The mounting cradle and suction pads, used for mounting the solar charger to a car’s windshield. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-83va6Wx6fM4/T6_6TBqJxGI/AAAAAAAAUTM/4gdCL4oFy5Q/s1600-h/DSCN51533.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5153" border="0" alt="DSCN5153" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w8iyX9ILB90/T6_6WCpBICI/AAAAAAAAUTU/PRPHDKViNWA/DSCN5153_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The carabiner is used to clamp the solar charger to a backpack so it can be charged while hiking. That might be useful <a href="http://carrotmadman6.blogspot.com/2011/11/cascade-500-pieds.html" target="_blank">for me</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-07NtP7snrVw/T6_6aYL2dZI/AAAAAAAAUTc/JdY5-WO110M/s1600-h/DSCN51473.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5147" border="0" alt="DSCN5147" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N6pgXzW0fLs/T6_6dwGR4rI/AAAAAAAAUTk/WDVuPBqrqAw/DSCN5147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The solar powered charger’s best feature is its portability. It’s very light and made of a hard plastic designed for rough handling. It has two USB ports – one standard USB port for charging devices and one microUSB for charging itself.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-diXe33XXVrc/T6_6hpAvvzI/AAAAAAAAUTs/vdTdB-0Us6k/s1600-h/DSCN51433.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5143" border="0" alt="DSCN5143" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZzEpEHJabf8/T6_6kUkSzuI/AAAAAAAAUT0/h-bkW1WYuGQ/DSCN5143_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>You can check the battery level on the charger by pressing a button and LEDs will light up giving you an approximation of the percentage charge. There is also a red LED which lights up when being charged and a green LED when charging other devices.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">How does the solBAT II fare in real life?</font></strong> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e2p0Nsd-sMk/T6_6pbtsjtI/AAAAAAAAUT8/6haz-2EdnYI/s1600-h/DSCN51503.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5150" border="0" alt="DSCN5150" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cdi9okYy1ec/T6_6sZ4qFAI/AAAAAAAAUUE/z9cXFwKKDgg/DSCN5150_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The expected scenario is that you would charge it with the sun or from USB and then take it with you to supply some extra juice when needed.</p> <p>Charging the charger? Just as the manual stated, it took 5 hours from a standard USB 2.0 port. I was tempted to use my 900/1100mAh AC chargers, but I’m not sure it would be able to handle that. </p> <p>Solar charging? 4-5 days according to the manual (more than a week according to the web reviews). I didn’t test that but given the small area of the solar cells, it was to be expected. I should add that solar charging emits a whining noise from the power electronics circuit in the charger.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Charging?</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PCokmcpMuKs/T6_6xYHfETI/AAAAAAAAUUQ/hSphLzYeFWk/s1600-h/DSCN51883.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5188" border="0" alt="DSCN5188" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wt2DtsChkdI/T6_60huL3kI/AAAAAAAAUUY/L52TJpqRmw8/DSCN5188_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>Well, it won’t charge my N900 and when I connect it to my N9, this message pops up and then it starts charging. According to the manual, the solar charger outputs 500mA at 5V. Given the error message, I reckon it’s much less than that.</p> <p>Charging time? My N9 comes with a 1450mAh battery and the solar charger should be able to sustain 1 full charge with its 1500mAh battery. Well, it doesn’t. </p> <p>First, because the output is so low, it cannot bring the phone out of a completely dead battery state. So if the phone is dead, the solar charger is useless.</p> <p>Second, it takes a massive amount of time to charge devices. 1 hour to charge 7% of battery. I started charging at 6% and some 12 hours later, I found the phone at 75% with the solar charger’s battery depleted. After looking on the web, I found that it does have 1500mAh, but rated at 3.7V. At 5V, that’s 1100mAh. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Conclusion</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5H0CRxnyXJ8/T6_657vuyxI/AAAAAAAAUUg/M8fijNQIkbQ/s1600-h/DSCN51903.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5190" border="0" alt="DSCN5190" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-86O6Yl55Y_Y/T6_68oMgzMI/AAAAAAAAUUo/WDQOJKqVPdY/DSCN5190_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450" /></a></p> <p>The solBAT II is useless then? Not really, because I found that when I charged my N9 while leaving the charger in the sun, the charging rate was more acceptable. Situations where this might be handy is when trekking on mountains or sunbathing at the beach or going on road trip on a hot summer day. </p> <p>Its reliance on the sun for maximum efficiency means it’s not very practical in regions with few hours of sunshine. As a stand-alone charger, it’s extremely slow at charging smartphones. Thus I cannot recommend it when you can get a portable charger with more capacity and faster charging or even an extended <a href="http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/cat/Mobile-Phone-Batteries.htm" target="_blank">mobile phone battery</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Score – 3/10</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related:</strong></p> <ul> <li>AllAboutSymbian - <a href="http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/12869_Scosche_solBAT_II_Solar_Powere.php" target="_blank">Scosche solBAT II Solar Powered Battery Pack</a> </li> <li>Scosche - <a href="http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1905" target="_blank">solBAT II - Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger</a> </li> <li>YouTube – <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=scosche+solbat+II" target="_blank">solBAT II video reviews</a> </li> <li>Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Powered-Battery-Charger-Players/dp/B0036ORMS0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336910875&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Scosche SolBAT II Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger</a> </li> </ul> carrotmadman6http://www.blogger.com/profile/15124518018918457421noreply@blogger.com4