Blog Today is Thursday, 20th June 2013

Alienware, the pioneer in specialty high-performance PC gaming systems, announced its latest and most powerful gaming laptops, the Alienware 14, Alienware 17 and Alienware 18. The laptops feature all new performance graphics, processors (Intel 4th Generation Core Processors) and components engineered for extreme performance.

They also introduce a new range of Alienware laptop bags named Alienware Vindicator Laptop Bags specifically designed to house the new Alienware 14, Alienware 17 and Alienware 18 laptops. The series includes a backpack, messenger bag and slim carrying case, while their styling reflects a fusion of urban and military influences. The bags feature sturdy, weather-resistant materials and reinforced handles or straps for comfort and durability, and have smartly-designed, dedicated compartments that allow for organization and protection of essential accessories.

Alienware 14, 17, 18 Family Shot

Press Release

The new laptops include the Alienware 14 for the enthusiast gamer who requires a laptop that provides enough performance for any task, yet is mobile enough to fit into a backpack; the Alienware 17 for an immersive, graphics-intensive experience with the latest technologies for desktop-grade performance; and the Alienware 18, the ultimate gaming laptop that commands respect among top gamers for its unparalleled performance and construction.

All three laptops feature a new, iconic, angular design that takes its cues from jet engines and stealth bombers with an anodized aluminum shell and magnesium alloy body. The latest laptops are exceptionally durable, with over 60 percent of the main mechanical components made of various metals. The keyboard is protected by a reinforced plate to ensure a solid typing experience, while the travel and responsiveness is specifically designed with gamers’ needs in mind. Based on customer feedback, the new Alienware 14 now features an anti-glare LCD display with wide viewing angles for reflection-free gaming in nearly any lighting condition, including a premium Full HD panel option with IPS. For 3D gaming enthusiasts, the Alienware 17 has an optional 3D panel for an immersive visual experience, while the Alienware 18 will feature a Full HD display with PLS wide viewing-angle technology.

Along with the new design, the laptops also feature a number of components that when combined create a superb PC gaming experience. The laptops sport full voltage, quad-core 4th generation Intel Core i7 processors, and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics. DDR3L memory provides exceptional bandwidth with lower voltage requirements designed for increased battery life, and the laptops now provide support for up to three storage drives on the Alienware 14, and up to four storage drives on the Alienware 17 and 18. For the first time ever, the Alienware 18 will feature NVIDIA SLI dual graphics technology as standard, and the laptop will offer an overclocked CPU option with a maximum speed of 4.3GHz. The laptops all feature Ethernet technology by Qualcomm’s Killer networks, Klipsch speakers and Dolby Home Theater v4 audio.

The updated Alienware Command Center software provides intuitive, user-friendly access to Alienware-exclusive applications and controls in one centralized hub. Command Center includes the exclusive AlienFX lighting control system which allows users to create their own custom lighting themes and special effects. The new laptops have up to 20 colors to choose from across 10 different lighting zones, totaling to over 10 trillion lighting combinations. Alienware has worked closely with game developers to incorporate AlienFX in over 60 game titles, including cross-platform titles like Anomaly2, to PC-exclusive titles like SMITE and Neverwinter, for an immersive experience that can only be found on an Alienware. Whether healing, taking damage, or completing missions, AlienFX lights are an extension of the game play. Alienware Command Center also features AlienAdrenaline, a custom configurable game and application automation tool, the new Accelerator dynamic performance optimizer, and a new performance monitoring tool.

“The new laptops and matching Vindicator bags are the latest culmination of listening and learning from our customers since we delivered our first gaming system back in 1996″, said Frank Azor, General Manager of Alienware. “We spent countless hours meticulously thinking through every detail of these new products to ensure they would be the most amazing line-up we’ve introduced yet.”

Alienware 14 starts at SGD$2,299, Alienware 17 starts at SGD$3,099 and the Alienware 18 prices will be announced in the coming weeks.

Technical Specifications

Bought the 4A AC Power Adapter 6-Port USB Travel Charger from TrendsMobile which is located at Funan for SGD$29.90.

It has an output of 4A, but unfortunately it is shared with the 6 USB ports, I wish it says what is the maximum output per USB port. But nevertheless, I still think it is a pretty useful charger to have if you have plenty of USB devices to charge.

I am still waiting for the Griffin’s PowerDock 5 which has 5 USB ports and each port is able to produce 2.1A!

6-Port USB Charger – 6 USB Ports

6-Port USB Charger – 6 USB Ports

6-Port USB Charger – Specifications

6-Port USB Charger – Plug

6-Port USB Charger – With UK Plug

6-Port USB Charger – Charging

Specifications

• Current Output: 4A
• Input Type: AC 100-240V
• Output Type: DC 5V
• Plug: US/UK/Euro/AU
• Dimensions: 72.7mm x 104.4mm x 29.5mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 154g

I sleep in an air-condition room almost all the time and ever since my LASIK, I am more conscious about the dryness of my eye as I don’t want my degree to regress. When I sleep, my eyelids are not fully close (I have no idea why) and I get extreme dry eyes when I wake up the next morning.

My LASIK doctor had already prescribed me with Duratears for me to apply everynight before I sleep and to wear an eye goggle.

I went the extra mile and gotten the OSIM uMist to humidify my room. OSIM is having sale now, the OSIM uMist is now selling for SGD$88 (the usual price is SGD$128). Got my set from Best Denki at VivoCity.

The reason I got the OSIM uMist is because it is slightly cheaper and OSIM is a more established brand.

Using the OSIM uMist is pretty straight forward, you only have to set the level of mist to be produced (Low, Medium or High). There is also an optional timer (2hrs, 4hrs, 6hrs or 8hrs) that you can set to automatically switch off the device when the time is up. 1 full container of water on low can last you about 24 hours while on high can last you about 14 hours.

The recommended humidity level for a room is about 50%, in an air-condition room, the humidity level will drop to about 20%.

OSIM uMist – Box Front

OSIM uMist – Box Contents

OSIM uMist

OSIM uMist – Base

OSIM uMist – Water Container

OSIM uMist – Water Filled

OSIM uMist – Mist Produced

OSIM uMist – Controls

Launched last month, the Logitech UE BOOM is a 360° Bluetooth wireless speaker which is water resistant and even shock proof. It is out in stores retailing for SGD$299 and available in 4 colours (Blue, Red, Black and White).

Logitech UE BOOM – 4 Colours (Front)

Logitech UE BOOM – 4 Colours (Back)

My first impression of Logitech UE BOOM is the sound is loud and the bass is pretty good, the only downside is that it is a little pricey.

The design inspiration for the Logitech UE BOOM comes from a water tumbler.

You can use 2 Logitech UE BOOM to double the volume of the sound or making them into a left and right speaker and thus producing stereo sound using the UE Boom App which is on the AppStore and Google Play. The app also let you do some basic configuration to the speaker like setting the language.

There is NFC support for the Logitech UE BOOM though it is not listed in the official technical specifications. So basically if you are using an Android or Windows Phone (not tested) that has NFC, you can tap on the Logitech UE BOOM to initiate the pairing of Bluetooth and you are ready to stream your music via Bluetooth to the speaker. This is similar to how Nokia use it to pair with the Nokia Play 360 speaker.

Logitech UE BOOM – Top View

Logitech UE BOOM – Bottom View

Logitech UE BOOM – Packaging

Technical Specifications

• Wireless Capabilities
  • Pair up to eight Bluetooth-enabled devices
  • Connect up to two devices at the same time
  • Wireless range of play up to 50 ft.
• Audio
  • Maximum sound level: 88 dBC
  • Frequency range: 90 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Drivers: Two 1.5-inch full-range drivers; two 2-inch passive radiators
• Power: Micro USB rechargeable battery, with up to 15 hours of battery life between charges
• Diameter x Height: 6.5 cm x 18 cm
• Weight: 538g
• Colour: Blue, Red, Black and White
• Compatibility For Audio Playback: Smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth wireless audio profile [Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)] or 3.5 mm audio output.
• Compatibility For Phone Calls: Phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP1.5)
• Warranty: 2-year limited hardware warranty

Amazon now ships to Singapore for free if your orders are above USD$125 through its new initiative called AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping.

AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping

About FREE AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping
With FREE AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping, you receive free shipping to India and Singapore if your order includes at least USD$125 of qualifying merchandise, excluding the Import Fees Deposit, gift-wrap charges, duties, and taxes. Most products shipped using the AmazonGlobal Program that are sold by Amazon.com are eligible for AmazonGlobal Saver. Items 20 pounds (9kg) or more, certain oversize items, e-documents, software downloads, music downloads and gift cards don’t qualify.

Canceling items, combining orders, or changing your shipping address, speed or preference might affect your order’s AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping eligibility.

If your order doesn’t qualify for AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping:

• The order may contain ineligible items.
• A special product, order, or handling fee may still apply.
• An eligible item that was canceled brought the total below USD$125

To take advantage of FREE AmazonGlobal Saver

• Place at least USD$125 of eligible AmazonGlobal Saver products, excluding the Import Fees Deposit, in your Shopping Cart. All products shipped using the AmazonGlobal Program that are sold by Amazon.com are eligible for AmazonGlobal Saver, except for products weighing 20 pounds (9kg) or more and certain oversized products.
• Proceed to checkout.
• Ship your items to a single address in India and Singapore.
• Select “Group my items into as few shipments as possible” as your shipping preference.
• Select AmazonGlobal Saver as your shipping speed. Your order will be delivered within 11-14 business days after all of your items are available to ship (including pre-order items).
• Place your order, and enjoy the free shipping!

Source: AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping