Zen netbook - Don't be fooled into buying this!

Shopwise recently had a promo wherein if you bought groceries costing at least Php 3,000, you would be eligible to purchase a ZEN netbook for only Php 5,000 (US$100). Here are the (fail) specifications of the netbook (if this should even be called a netbook!)

Screen: 7 inch (16:9)

Resolution rate: 800 x 400

CPU: ARM AK 7802 260 MHz 32-bit

Operation System: Win CE5.0

RAM Capacity: 128 MB

HD capacity: 2GB NAND Flash

Lane: 10/100M Ethernet Access

Wifi: 802.11b/g

USB port: USB 1.1 x 3.0

Compatible with SD card

Build-in stereo speaker

Support USB port mouse

Built-in battery: 2100MAH

My younger brother was given this portable computer as a birthday gift, so I was able to test it and take pictures. It is SUPER SLOW, and my dad proved this by finishing an entire cup of coffee while waiting for his Yahoo Mail to finish loading. The keys are very uncomfortable to type with, and makes a loud sound whenever you press a key. According to a Shopwise salesperson, 500 of these units were actually sold.

Its operating system, Windows CE5.0, is used in smart phones such as PDAs. I wanted to take screenshots, but I was unable to because the Print Screen button doesn't work.

This is obviously China-made, and what's also strange is that there is no website on this device. This is the reason why I'm blogging about it. Please, DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO BUYING THIS. Read the specs first on the box.

Fortunately, my brother was able to get a refund on this, and instead used his Php 5,000 for a more worthy device - an LCD monitor.

Read more...

New DisOVIries contest from Ovi by Nokia!

Here's a chance to win a 1000 pesos Ayala EGC from OVI by Nokia!

I saw this contest from the Nuffnang website, and all Nokia users are welcome to join.




Mechanics:
1. Write your best tech/gadget/game discOVIry to techdiscOVIry@ovi.com.
2. If you do not have an Ovi Mail account, open one at www.ovi.com
3. Submit the following details in your email entry: (a) Name, (b) Address, (c) OVI Mail Address, and (d) Mobile Phone Number.
4. Contest period is from October 27 to November 20, 2009. 10 winners will be awarded.

Let me know if you joined! I'd like to hear from you. I think I'll join myself. :D Read more...

Nook eBook reader, possibly a big player?

Barnes & Noble has just announced that they will be selling an eBook reader called the Nook. Priced at US$259.00, it's got some awesome features that is "shaking up" this niche industry. Here's what's cool:

• The first eBook reader using the Android platform
• 3G and Wi-Fi capable (powered by AT&T)
• Comes with 2GB memory, with expandable MicroSD slot
• Plays MP3 audio, with built-in speaker
• It's got a 3.5" color touch screen at the bottom for easy navigation of books
• Personalized screen saver

The big advantage of the Nook over Amazon's Kindle is its Barnes & Noble storefront. The bookstore will offer free Wi-Fi at all Barnes & Noble branches, and discounts of e-books when you visit the store. Visiting the bookstore has never become more interesting until now. Maybe this will be the start of a Nook Club.

I think the Nook can revolutionize the way you experience in visiting a bookstore. Imagine this: going to a bookstore with your eBook reader. Then you go to the "eBook reader area" exclusively for Nook Club members. It's got plush couches, maybe even lazyboys. As a Nook Club member, you get to have access to many more books at a super discounted price. This membership can have fees, given the luxurious benefits to members. There's just so much potential with this Nook.

Sadly, there's no Barnes & Noble in the Philippines. I do not even want to hope our bookstores here like Powerbooks and Fully Booked will have their own eBook readers. Instead, they can be a storefront partner for the Nook.

What do you guys think of the Nook? I still think $259.00 is kind of a high price to pay for an eBook reader. Read more...

Windows 7 is netbook-friendly, but is it accessible to current netbook owners?

A lot of netbooks and notebooks can now be pre-ordered with the upcoming release of Windows 7 by Oct. 22, and if you want to see a list, check here. Windows 7 looks good and I'd like to try it (if I can afford $199.00) on my current netbook with Windows XP. But how to install? Since netbooks do not come with DVD-drives, does this mean having to purchase an external DVD-drive?

Here's a tip for Windows 7 retailers --> offer free installation of Windows 7 to netbook owners or for notebook pc owners with no dvd-drive.

I wonder how much it would cost in the Philippines, and would price still be at least $199? It's so expensive, huhu. :-( Read more...

Using Joikuspot on my Nokia E71

As mentioned in my previous entry, JoikuSpot shares your phone's 3G internet connection over WiFi (WLAN) to laptops and other WiFi devices. I made use of Joikuspot during last Thursday’s power outage at home, and it proved very useful. Fortunately, I still had around an hour’s worth of battery power on my netbook, and with Joikuspot, I was able to use my phone provider’s (Sun Cellular) 3G HSDPA internet connection on my netbook! It’s fast enough for checking email and surfing. I only encountered a problem when using YM, I couldn’t sign-in. Nonetheless, it’s still great since Gtalk is available and there are web-based IMs such as Meebo if you want to really access Yahoo Messenger.

It’s very simple to set-up Joikuspot:
1. Download and install the Joikuspot software to your phone. You can get it at the Ovi Store.

2. Open the Joikuspot application on your phone. Choose “Yes” when it asks you to allow sharing your internet connection with external devices. Then choose your phone’s access point (in my case, it’s Sun INTERNET).

3. Joikuspot should now be running. Now, turn on your laptop or WiFi device you want to use for accessing the internet.

4. On your WiFi device, check for wireless networks available. Connect to Joikuspot when it appears. And you’re now connected!

Note: The rate for using Sun Internet is PHP 10.00 for 30 minutes, which can be used within a period of 2 hours (in case you disconnect and reconnect). I think this is the standard rate for mobile internet with other providers.

If your phone is capable of 3G internet, I suggest you try this if you have other WiFi devices. :D
Read more...

Getting started on the Nokia E71

I finally have a smart phone! I recently bought a Nokia E71 (in steel and gray) and being a newbie to Symbian phones, I immediately wanted to customize my phone to make it useful for me. I had to read different blogs and websites just to find out the cool applications to install, so I’ve decided to write this entry for newbies like me. I will mention some useful applications and themes, and where to get them. But before I mention those exciting stuff, my first initiative was in making the E71 more feminine-looking.

“Feminizing the E71”
The steel and gray color of the Nokia E71 is just too masculine-looking for me. The solution? I bought a pink jelly casing in Metrowalk for only Php 100.00 (~US$ 2.00). It fits snugly on the phone and gives it protection against scratches.

For the guys out there, there is a gray jelly casing available. My brother also has an E71 with a black hard-casing (Php 100.00 also), pictured below.

1. CUSTOMIZING THE HOME SCREEN
The home screen is the first screen you see when you turn on your phone. There are icons of applications across the screen, and this can be changed. They serve as shortcuts to the applications you will use the most.

The applications on my phone include (in order from left to right):
1. Messaging
2. Opera Mini (web browser)
3. Slick (instant messaging)
4. Quick Office
5. Gallery
6. Calcium (calculator)

To change the home screen applications, click on the following:
Menu -> Tools -> Settings -> General -> Personalization -> Home Screen -> Mode Settings -> Home screen applications -> Application shortcuts -> Start setting the applications!

2. REGISTER AT THE OVI STORE!
Ovi, by Nokia, allows Nokia users to download free mobile applications and themes. Once you login, the applications displayed will be those that are compatible to your phone model. Since these applications come from Nokia, you can be sure these are official and up to date.

What I like about Ovi is that you do not need a data cable or bluetooth to install the applications because Ovi can send you a link via SMS that will direct you to the Ovi site on your phone.

Some useful applications:
Fring – this application allows you to connect to Google Talk, Yahoo!, MSN Messenger via Wi-Fi. I installed Fring so I can make voice-over-IP calls via my mobile phone. Which means I can make free calls to someone who has Fring installed (like my boyfriend!), in case one of us is out of town or in an area with low cellular reception. It's a good alternative.


JoikuSpot – JoikuSpot shares your phone's 3G internet connection over WiFi (WLAN) to laptops and other WiFi devices. I’ll share my experience on this application in a separate entry.




You Tube – watch You Tube videos on your phone!



3. OTHER USEFUL APPLICATIONS

Opera Mini 5 – the best mobile web browser!

Slick – instant messenger that supports ICQ, Yahoo, Google, AIM, MSN, and Jabber.

ScreenSnap – enables you to capture screenshots on your phone. I use this software to show the screenshots in this entry.


Calcium Calculator – I got this because it’s easier to use than the built-in calculator. This is great for simple calculations. Download the S60 3rd edition for your phone.






4. THEMES
To change your theme, go to:
Menu -> Tools -> Settings -> General -> Personalization -> Themes -> General -> choose a theme

Aside from the Ovi Store, here are some websites where you can get free themes: http://www.tehkseven.net/theme/nokia-E71-themes.html
http://www.symbianthemes.us/nokia_e71/
http://www.themes4urmobilephone.com/nokia-e71-themes
http://www.mobiles24.com/downloads/nokia-e71-themes
http://pizero.net

5. GAMES
I love playing games on my phone! I play Text Twist, Casino games, Bubble Bash, and Smarter than Average Joe (trivia game). Since this can be a lengthy discussion, I shall post this in a separate entry. :) Read more...

Sun Cellular's latest: Mobile and Landline in ONE SIM & PHONE

As a loyal Sun postpaid subscriber of Plan 350, I receive email from The Sun Shop on the latest services and promos. This evening, to my surprise, I received an email from Sun that it is now possible to turn my phone into a mobile landline! My initial reaction?

"Yes, finally a competitor of Globe Duo!!!"

PRICE
From the ad, I just have to pay an additional PHP 249.00 on top of my current subscription plan at PHP 350.00/ month. That would be a total of PHP 599/mo. for a mobile and landline subscription...not bad at all! This is a lot cheaper than Globe Duo, which asks subscribers to pay an additional PHP 399.00/ month.

WHO CAN AVAIL?
Those who are Sun Cellular Regular Postpaid Subscribers and Group Plan subscribers.

HOW TO AVAIL?
Dial *738# or Text SDU ON to 2738.

And then in tinier red font on the ad, it states,

Subject to a 6-month subscription contract.

Ummm what does that mean? I have to be a postpaid subscriber for at least 6 months to enjoy the service? Or is there a lock-in period of 6 months once I have availed of this new version of Sun's Double Unlimited?

There's no information from the Sun Cellular website, I hope they post details soon. I'm wondering, will the unlimited landline service be limited to Digitel-to-Digitel calls? I hope not, because most landlines I know are on PLDT.

On the subject of PLDT, will we see something like this with Smart-PLDT?


Read more...

A study on e-book readers

Since I've been blogging about e-book readers, I thought I'd share this article from CNET. A study was made by In-Stat who surveyed 1,529 high-end consumers who typically adopted to new technology.

I've summarized some of the findings:

• Only 5.8 percent owns an e-book reader

58 percent of these owners use Amazon Kindle; 9 percent use the Sony E-Reader
45.5 percent spend between $9 - $20 a month on e-books

• 11 percent plans to buy an e-book reader in the next 12 months
• 40 percent are potential buyers, and are willing to pay for $200 - $299 for an e-book reader

From another study by Forrester, it was found that consumers find E-book readers too expensive. Among the 4,706 U.S. adults surveyed, 65 percent would consider buying an e-book reader if the price were $98 or less.

If I answered that survey, I would actually consider buying if it were between $100 - $150.

E-book readers will never become a very big player in the electronics industry, that is for sure. I even think E-book readers would eventually be non-existent. Why? Because of how technology is positioned towards convergence. The electronic paper screen of e-book readers could be a stable feature to cellphones, mp3 players, and even lcd monitors. It's like beepers/pagers, it's a thing of the past.

Let me know what you think! Would you buy an e-book reader? If yes, how much are you willing to pay? Read more...

Bringing the inner child in me: PLAY DOH

I recently bought a set of four colors of Play Doh just for fun. I was in Toys 'R Us in Robinson's Galleria with a friend and reminiscing our childhood toys and comparing them to the toys of today's generation. Then at the Play Doh section, I saw that one set of four colors only costs PHP 130.00 (~ US$ 2.70). It's really inexpensive now compared to before, and I'm guessing because it's China-made now.

I also recalled that I played with Play Doh at my cousin's house last month, and had so much fun that I figured I should buy my own!

And last night, me and Borgy had fun playing! Check out our creations:


Set of roses and cement truck (by me):




Borgy's netbook, named Xor and my netbook, named Rox (by Borgy):



Read more...

Coming soon: Asus Eee Reader!!!

Hooray for another e-book reader is coming out - the Asus Eee Reader! For the full story, read it at the London Times

Listed below are some if its features, with my comments of course. :)

1. It's more affordable than the Sony E-Reader and Amazon Kindle! It will cost ~£100 (~US$ 145 / ~PHP 7,000). This could become the cheapest e-reader in the market. Can this spark a price war for e-readers?

2. It has two screens and folds like a book. This makes the reading experience more natural, as if reading from a printed book. Love it!

3. Full-color screen, unlike the monochromatic screen of its competitors. Does this mean it will have a screen similar to a laptop? I wonder, is it possible to switch to a "reading mode" (monochromatic) screen?

4. Size of the screen has not yet been revealed. But based on the picture, it looks pretty big, as large as a 10" screen netbook. As a reading device, this is quite large to carry around, but I think Asus envisions this device to be multi-functional.

5. One of the screens can function as a virtual keyboard, hence the device could be used as a laptop that enables one to surf the Internet, etc.

The Eee Reader does not mention of a stylus included, and I hope there is because I think a stylus is essential for all e-readers. Let's just wait and see for the official announcement from Asus, this initial announcement is exciting book geeks like me. :)

Read more...

A netbook bag that's easy on the wallet

The netbook bag pictured here from Save On Surplus is only PHP 290.00 (~US$ 6.00). Borgy bought it in Megamall for his Eee PC netbook. I think it's a very good deal if you're looking for an inexpensive bag that looks (and hopefully is) sturdy, a really great value for the price. It looks plain from the picture, but the color of the bag is actually a nice shiny gray.

Two things I like about this bag:

1. The bag handle includes a thick strap that makes it easier to carry around, pictured below:

2. There are pockets inside the bag to store your battery charger, and maybe even a mouse.


Save on Surplus also sells netbook bags and sleeves in different colors and designs. I'm actually tempted to buy one of these bags even if I already have a bag, because my bag is too big for my 10" netbook. Or maybe a sleeve instead because the MSI Wind sleeve looks boring. :p Read more...

The Perfect Cookie Jar

I'm just so proud of this purchase that I'm showing it off!

It's not exactly a container made for cookies, it just is in my mind. I bought the jar at this retail store called Saizen at Robinson's Galleria, wherein all items are sold at PHP 85.00 (US$ 1.70) a piece.

The jar can stand in two ways, from the side and from the bottom:

At my excitement, I've baked chocolate chip cookies this afternoon. I am definitely going back to Saizen and buy more of those jars because it can be used for storing other things such as powdered drinks, candies, or whatever! It's so functional. Read more...

The Potential of E-Book Readers

Sony's announcement of two e-book readers, the Reader Pocket Edition and the Reader Touch Edition (picture on the left), has caught my attention today. This is tough competition for Amazon's Kindle DX, due the following features of the Reader Touch Edition:

1. Touch screen that comes with a stylus that enables users to highlight and write on the "pages" of an electronic book. This feature is useful for bookworms like me.

2. SD memory card slot. Amazon's Kindle does not come with this feature (it has a 4GB internal flash memory). More memory, the better.

3. Nice design, it is sleek and simple. It looks a lot better than the Amazon Kindle (I don't like the many buttons).

Of course, it also comes to mind that the success of e-book readers is dependent on the accessibility of the e-books. From my brief research, the e-books are only available for purchase via online sites that sells for ~$8.00 per e-book (this is expensive for me!). Sony has also announced that you can load e-books "loaned" from local libraries. I don't clearly understand the mechanics of Sony's, but I see this as an opportunity for different ways the e-books can be sold. Here are some ideas:

1. E-books can be purchased on-loan, meaning it would expire after a certain number of days. After the expiry date, the customer can have the option to extend the validity of the e-book in case he/she has not finished reading it, which comes with a price of course. Expiry dates may vary depending on the length of the book, or on the number of days the book will be loaned. This will make e-books more affordable than the current $8.00 per e-book.

2. Book publishers can give special support for e-books by releasing e-books ahead of the physical book release. Of course, this comes with a special rate.

3. In countries with lower online purchase rates such as the Philippines where I'm from, e-books can be made available in bookstores in the malls. I think tie-ups with bookstores are essential even in other countries.

4. The e-book readers can include a SIM slot for 3G Wi-Fi access. There can be special websites designed for browsing via e-books (most likely these are e-book online stores).

I have this other random idea: What if these e-book readers function as an mp3 player too? I sometimes like to listen to music while I'm reading. Hmm Apple E-Reader? :D

I'd hope this entry has sparked your interest and possibly, for more ideas. Please feel free to comment, I'd like to hear your thoughts. :) Read more...

Unboxing pictures of the Acer Aspire One D250

Borgy's Auntie bought an Acer Aspire One D250 in red around two weeks ago. Check out the pictures Borgy took!

The box and the Acer Aspire One closed:


The netbook sleeve and the Acer opened:


A closer look...



Specifications:
Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz
1GB RAM
160GB Hard disk
10.1" screen
Intel 945GSE Express graphics card
Windows XP Home
6-cell battery
Acer InviLink 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED network connection

Read more...

New York in 1872 vs the Present

I'd like to share you this link from National Geographic that shows an interactive map of New York City's landscape in 1872 to the present. Check it out, it's very interesting!

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/09/mannahatta/mannahatta-animation

Notice the land reclamation made on the edges of Manhattan when you scroll between the 1872 and present map.

Thanks to Camille for sharing this! :)

Read more...

Before the Fallout by Diana Preston

--- This is not a book review! ---

"Before the Fallout" is one of the most impressive non-fiction books I've ever read and I revere Diana Preston's extensive research for creating this masterpiece.

The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was such a defining moment in history and this book somehow goes "behind-the-scenes" of it all. Before reading this book, I must admit that I was naive and have often wondered how mankind can be so evil to have created such a destructive weapon. People back then didn't simply decide, "let's drop a bomb to end the war". Such a bomb did not exist back then.

To quote from the author, "The destructive flash that seared Hiroshima into history was the culmination of fifty years of scientific creativity and more than fifty years of political and military turmoil. Generations of scientists contributed to that moment in physics." Before the Fallout, containing 340 pages, tells the story behind those two sentences.

Marie Curie, Ernest Rutherford, Niels Bohr, Albert Einstein, Werner Heisenberg, and Robert Oppenheimer were among the brilliant scientists featured in the book.

I'd like to share some of the interesting stories and anecdotes:

1. During World War II, Niels Bohr and his son Aage Bohr were invited to become part of the top-secret Manhattan Project (the organization tasked to create the atomic bomb). They sailed to the United States from London under their assumed names of Nicholas and James Baker. As they disembarked, the FBI agents who met them were horrified to see "NIELS BOHR" written in large black letters on the suitcase of "Nicholas Baker".

2. In 1910, there were rumors that Marie Curie (widowed at that time) and Paul Langevin (a married man) were engaged in an affair. The letters they wrote to each other were most likely stolen by Langevin's brother-in-law, Henry Bourgeouis. There was even evidence that Henry was paid blackmail money by Marie to prevent the letters' disclosure. In 1911 when Marie Curie had been awarded a second Nobel Prize for Chemistry, these issues surfaced again when Gustave Tery, an editor of the weekly L'Oeuvre, published extracts from the Curie-Langevin letters. This prompted Langevin to challege the editor to a duel. Nothing happened to the duel since both men did not raise their weapons.

3. Los Alamos was the location for the Manhattan Project. Houses were setup for the scientists and their families to live. Many babies were born in Los Alamos during this time as many couples decided to start families there. However, there was one problem: there was the perennial shortage of diapers. Some of the scientists blamed Leslie Groves (military leader of the Manhattan Project), believing he had arranged for this on purpose.

4. Niels Bohr and Ernest Rutherford have something in common. They both liked to disassemble clocks as a child. Read more...

How to enable LAN and Wi-Fi on the Asus Eee PC (on Linux)

If you are using Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) and its derivatives, you may find out that Wired LAN and Wireless is not supported out-of-the-box for the Asus 1005HA and 1008HA (both are Seashell) Eee PC. Borgy has solved this problem on his Asus 1005HA and has listed down the instructions below. We see many netbook owners that installed Linux out there with this problem, and we hope these instructions will help. :)

To start, use another computer with Internet access.

1. Enabling LAN
What you'll do here: Download the appropriate drivers from Atheros' site and install them.

How to download the drivers:

Step 1: In your second computer, go to http://partner.atheros.com/Drivers.aspx. Download the file AR81Family-linux-v1.0.0.10.tar.gz

Step 2: Save it to a folder whose name DOESN'T contain any spaces. Spaces will bork up the compilation process.

Step 3: Open a terminal, and navigate to the folder where you saved the file. then type:

tar -xzvf AR81Family-linux-v1.0.0.10.tar.gz

Step 4: -a /src folder will be created if all goes well. Navigate to that folder then type these:

make
sudo make install
sudo insmod atl1e.ko


Now you will have wired LAN enabled.

Note from Borgy: I've read that everytime you do a kernel upgrade you will need to re-do the last command to enable LAN again. However, I've upgraded my kernel to version 2.6.30.4 and found out that I didn't have to do this anymore, meaning that LAN should already be enabled by default on that kernel version. I came from kernel 2.6.28.14.


2. Enabling Wireless

Now that wired LAN is supported, you will connect to the Ubuntu repositories and download the backport modules so that Wi-fi is enabled. You will need to connect your EEE PC to the Internet via wired LAN.

How to download the backport modules:

Step 1: Open a terminal, and type:

sudo apt-get install linux-backports-modules-jaunty

Step 2: Once the download and install process is done, reboot.

If all goes well, after rebooting your Wi-Fi should be working! Read more...

Asus Eee PC 1005-HA: The Positive & Negative

Since it's been two weeks when Borgy has purchased his Asus Eee PC Seashell netbook, I asked for his feedback. Read on why it's a good purchase and the problems he encountered (so far).

The POSITIVE: Why the Asus Eee PC 1005-HA is a good purchase:
1. Long battery life. It lasts for 6.5 hours on Linux; 8.5 hours on Windows.
2. Keyboard size is large at 92% full-sized.
3. Good design, slim
4. Fast and responsive
5. Glossy screen makes for crisper display (but can hurt visibility when outdoors due to glare)

The NEGATIVE: Problems encountered
1. The following are not supported out of the box after installing Linux:
a. LAN
b. Wi-Fi
c. Hotkeys


2. Touchpad is too sensitive that it would activate while typing.
3. It is heavier than most netbooks (but he doesn't really mind).

Instructions on how the the LAN, Wi-Fi, and hotkey problems were solved will be posted by Borgy in a separate entry, coming soon! :D
Read more...

Unboxing pictures of the Asus Eee PC 1005-HA (Seashell)

Borgy bought an Asus Eee PC 1005-HA (in black) and I took pictures while we "unboxed" his new baby. He bought it at the E-Hub at Shangri-la Plaza for Php 21,700. It was a pretty good deal because he got some discount vouchers for some electronic items (Linksys router), and got a free 1GB USB.

I'll give feedback on this from Borgy on my next entry. :)

Meanwhile, check out the pictures!


From the box:



The Seashell when closed:



Sideview:



Front view with keyboard:



The power cord and the sleeve (the sleeve is made of felt, not so good because it picks up dirt):


Specifications of the Asus Eee PC 1005-HA

Intel Atom 280 processor
1GB of DDR2 RAM
160GB hard drive
10.1-inch LED-backlit display (1,024 x 600 resolution)
802.11n WiFi
1.3 megapixel webcam
Bluetooth 2.1
Three USB 2.0 sockets
Multicard reader
Audio in / out
VGA output
Windows XP Home
Available in white, black, pink and blue

Read more...

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince movie

--spoiler alert!--

Last month, I watched Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and of all the Harry Potter movies ever made, this has got to be the most disappointing for me. From the past HP movies, I have already prepared myself not to set high expectations. What disappointed me was how the movie failed to show the importance behind Dumbledore's mission in his quest for the Horcruxes, which was crucial information that he passed on to Harry in book 6 that became key in his victory against Voldemort later on.

Instead of ranting my disappointment, I would like to recommend on how it could have been a better movie:

1. The main characters, especially Harry and Dumbledore, could show more emotions because I felt kind of detached from them. Surprisingly, the lesser characters in the movie that showed more depth were Draco Malfoy and Professor Slughorn. I am saying this because when Dumbledore died in the movie, I just didn't feel it.

2. Less emphasis on Malfoy's vanishing cabinet. There were too many scenes showing this to the point that it bored me, especially when Malfoy placed a bird in the cabinet to test if it worked. Not important!

3. The Ministry of Magic could have shown more presence. I understand why this can be omitted in the movie, but it could introduce that there was a new Minister of Magic (Rufus Scrimegeour). Since the Ministry played such a big part in the 5th movie, I just thought it should still show its presence in the 6th movie.

4. Provide more explanation on the Horcrux. Dumbledore should've explained the significance of the locket, that it was a Slyltherin heirloom. And that the diary in the second Harry Potter movie was a horcrux, along with other objects such as the ring that caused Dumbledore's hand to burn. The movie kept showing Dumbledore's burnt hand with the ring, yet it didn't explain how it happened.

On a positive side, I liked the cave scene at the ending. It was exactly how I imagined it would be like in the movie.
Read more...

My new earphones: Pioneer SE-CL20U

I bought new earphones because I have been having difficulty with using the earphones that came with my iPod Nano. When I use the iPod earphones for long, it hurts my ears.

There is no particular reason why I chose these earphones. I just figured Pioneer is a good brand and it was reasonably priced for the brand at PhP 990 (less than $20). It's the kind of earphones shaped like a bullet that fits snugly in your ears.

Testing the earphones, it works well, meaning, the music I hear sounds just right and is faithful to how it should sound. It's not spectacular earphones, but it will do for me while I'm at my desk in the office. I also bought an extension cable for my earphones because my PC in the office is under the table. This will enable my earphones to reach the PC. :) Read more...

Solving the MSI Wind Wi-Fi problem on Linux Mint 7

The first thing I noticed when I first used my newly-installed Linux Mint 7 on my MSI Wind was that my Internet connection was noticeably slower and I kept getting disconnected. I thought it might have had something to do with my Internet service provider or our super old router at home, but this problem also occurred at other places.

While searching at Google, I found that there were many ways to solve the problem. Apparently, the Realtek Wi-Fi card installed on the MSI Wind is really problematic on the Linux Mint. I tried three solutions, and the last solution was the only one that worked. I will refer to these three solutions as actions.

First Action: Updating the Wi-Fi Driver
1. I checked the model of my Wi-Fi driver by typing this in the Terminal:

lspci | grep Wireless

This is what came out:

02:00.0 Network controller: Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. RTL8187SE Wireless LAN Controller (rev 22)


2. I opened the Package Manager (from the Menu) and used the search function to find the Realtek driver. Check the package that has the rtl8187se-modules and click "Apply". Updates for the Realtek driver automatically installed.




Second Action: Blacklisting the Drivers
Borgy had a hunch that Linux Mint might be loading the wrong driver for the wifi card at startup, so we blacklisted (meaning: prevented Linux from loading those drivers) some drivers that might possibly be used in place of the correct wifi driver. How this was done:

1. Check the list of all drivers installed by typing this in the Terminal:

cd /lib/modules/2.6.28-11-generic

2. Find the drivers listed below which contains: . -name rtl\*

3. Blacklist the drivers that do not contain "rtl8187" by typing this in the Terminal:
sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

Third Action (this one worked): Installing WICD

WICD, which stands for Wireless Interface Connection Daemon, is an interface to connect to networks. The default network manager of Linux Mint 7 is the GNOME Network Manager. Maybe the GNOME Network Manager doesn't work well with the Realtek Wi-Fi card, but for some reason replacing this with WICD worked.

1. To download WICD, type in the Terminal:


sudo apt-get wicd

2. This will allow the Network-manager and the GNOME Network Manager to be removed and WICD will be installed.

3. Restart your computer.

You may also download and install WICD from the Package Manager.

One drawback for using WICD is that I have to manually connect to the Internet every time I turn on my computer. This is done by clicking the WICD icon located beside the date and time on the bottom right part of the desktop. If there is a way to automatically connect, please tell me!

Here's how the WICD window looks like:
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Linux Mint 7 - my first Linux experience

My MSI Wind U100+ came preinstalled with Windows XP, which I have been faithfully using for around 6 months, until two weeks ago when Borgy showed me screenshots of the Linux Mint 7. The Linux Mint 7 is based on the Ubuntu 9.04 and uses the GNOME desktop, which makes it easy to use for Linux beginners like me who are not familiar with Linux commands.

Image below is the Linux Mint 7 GNOME desktop:

These are the reasons why I've decided to switch to using Linux Mint 7:

1. The Menu. I instantly fell in love with the Menu because I like how the applications are grouped together. I could not get a screenshot of the menu, it wouldn't work (I don't know why), so I found some screenshots from other websites.

I got the screenshot above from http://www.linuxmint.com/img/screenshots/gloria/22.png

Mint Menu screenshot 2 from http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-7-gloria-p2

2. The Terminal and its Cowsay Fortune. The Terminal is the Windows command prompt counterpart of Linux. I like the animal ascii drawings with its quotes. I'll write in more detail on Cowsay in a separate entry. :)

3. The virtual desktop/ workspace. This is useful if you have many applications on the taskbar but don't want it cluttered on the current taskbar. It allows you to place applications on what seems like "another" desktop, but is actually the same one. I like the transition effect to the next desktop, made by Compiz, because it makes the desktop look 3D.

4. No virus on Linux! When I learned of this, I became convinced I wanted to use Linux. My netbook is always getting viruses and malware/ spyware, so every few days I always run my NOD32 anti-virus and Ad Aware.

5. There are applications that already come installed with the Linux Mint 7, which makes it easier to switch to a new OS. There is no Microsoft Office, but this is replaced with the free OpenOffice.org. Microsoft Office 2003 documents are compatible with the OpenOffice.org. Other applications include Java, GIMP image editor, Pidgin Instant Messenger, Rhythmbox Music Player, Firefox web browser, and many more.

I like the simplicity of the Linux Mint. I've tried the beta version of Windows 7 and it didn't really appeal to me. Sure it looks cool but I found it hard to navigate, especially the menu which just confused me. Function must rule over design.

I still retained my Windows XP in case I need to use programs that require Windows XP, like the Nokia Manager. Thanks to Borgy for installing Linux Mint 7 here on Rox (the name of my netbook). He installed it by "dual boot" with Windows XP, how he did it, I do not know. Thanks again! :)

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