Preorders will begin the day before on Tuesday, 29th May 2012. For M1, the launch event is at M1 Shop Paragon on the 29th May 2012 from 9pm till 12am. StarHub will also start from 9pm on the 29th at their shops but only for customers who have indicated their interest with them previously.

At launch time only the Marble White will be available. The Pebble Blue will be available at a later date.

Samsung Galaxy SIII – Marble White

Samsung provided a live stream to the event but apparently the NDA for the Samsung Galaxy SIII of those major tech sites was lifted right before the event. So it is weird to see so much details of the phone even before the person went up on stage to officially announced it.

I am pretty disappointed with the design of the phone, is just doesn’t look nice (I think even my Samsung Galaxy Nexus looks better), but of couse the HTC One X is still the better looking one. Two colors will be available and they are Pebble Blue and Marble White.

The screen is huge at 4.8″ with HD Super AMOLE providing a resolution of 1280×720 which gives you about 306ppi (iPhone 4/4S is about 326ppi, iPad 3 is about 264ppi). Some other notable features include the use of microSIM as well as microSD expansion slot for up to 64GB of external space.

Similar to the HTC One Series, Samsung has partnered with Dropbox to provide extra 50GB worth of Dropbox storage for 2 years (worth USD$198) for the owners of the Samsung Galaxy SIII.

Samsung have a clone of Apple’s Siri but they called it the S Voice, and it even allows you to use your voice to pick up an incoming call. Samsung Galaxy SIII also includes a facial recognition feature to zoom and track a person’s face using the camera.

According to the press release, the Samsung Galaxy SIII will be available in Singapore from Q2 2012. I am guessing it will be available around End May 2012.

Highlights

• Features a 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED display for a vivid viewing experience and an 8MP camera and 1.9MP front camera which offer a variety of intelligent camera features and face recognition related options that ensure all moments are captured easily and instantly
• Powered by Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich to greatly enhance usability and practicality to make life easier
• Features ‘Smart stay’ which recognizes how the phone is being used i.e. the front camera identifies the eyes by maintaining a bright display for continued viewing pleasure
• Features ‘S Voice’, the advanced natural language user interface, to listen and respond to words, allowing information search and basic device-user communication through voice commands
• The ‘Buddy photo share’ function and the new ‘S Beam’ allow for instant and easy sharing of photos and videos among friends and family
• Features the ‘Pop up play’, which boost performance and the overall user experience by allowing users to play a video anywhere on the screen while simultaneously running other tasks, eliminating the need to close and restart videos when checking new emails or surfing the Web.

Specifications

• Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz3G (HSPA+ 21Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
• Processor: Samsung Exynos 4 Quad (1.4GHz quad-core processor)
• RAM: 1GB
• Display: 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED (1280×720) display
• OS: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Camera (Rear): 8 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Flash & Zero Shutter Lag, BSI
• Camera (Front): 1.9 Mega pixel camera, HD recording @30fps with Zero Shutter Lag, BSI
• Video Codec: MPEG4, H.264, H.263, DivX, DivX3.11, VC-1, VP8, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p)
• Audio Codec: MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AC-3, apt-X
• Additional Features:
  • S Beam, Buddy photo share, Share shot
  • AllShare Play, AllShare Cast
  • Smart stay, Social tag, Group tag, Face zoom, Face slide show
  • Direct call, Smart alert, Tap to top, Camera quick access
  • Pop up play
  • S Voice
  • Burst shot & Best photo, Recording snapshot, HDR
• Connectivity: WiFi a/b/g/n, WiFi HT40, GPS/GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0(LE)
• Sensor: Accelerometer, RGB light, Digital compass, Proximity, Gyro, Barometer
• Memory: 16/32/64GB internal storage options + microSD slot (up to 64GB)
• Dimension: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm
• Weight: 133g
• Battery: 2,100 mAh

Official Site (Singapore): Samsung Galaxy SIII

Samsung Galaxy SIII – Marble White

Samsung Galaxy SIII – Marble White (Back)

Samsung Galaxy S3 – Pebble Blue

Samsung Galaxy S3 – Pebble Blue (Back)

Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is a proposed industry standard for a mobile audio/video interface for directly connecting mobile phones and other portable consumer electronics (CE) devices to high-definition televisions (HDTVs) and displays. The MHL standard features a single cable with a low pin-count interface able to support up to 1080p high-definition (HD) video and digital audio while simultaneously charging the connected device.

It is essentially a Micro USB to HDMI cable. Since I could not find it in Singapore, I tried sites like Deal Extreme and Amazon. The MHL cables being sold at Deal Extreme cost about USD$15 with free shipping which is not exactly that cheap. I saw one from Amazon (Samsung MHL to HDMI Adapter – Data Cable – Retail Packaging for AT&T SGH-i77 & T-Mobile SGH-T989) which apparently is made by Samsung and it cost only USD$17.58 (at that time I bought it) and shipping cost an additional USD$11.99. Ended up paying USD$29.57 (SGD$37.20) for it.

Placed my order on the 17th March 2012 and I received it on the 29th March 2012.

Samsung has a huge presence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, much more than Apple. While I was in Kuala Lumpur for my birthday weekend, I went to the Samsung store in Plaza Low Yat and they are apparently selling it for about SGD$44.

The MHL cable comes with two ports, one for the HDMI cable and the other is a micro USB port for external power. For some reasons, the cable only works when I used the charger provided by my Galaxy Nexus package.

Once connected, your Galaxy Nexus will automatically be switched to landscape mode and your television will be mirroring the screen on your phone. Do note that the mirroring of your phone forces your television to use the resolution of your phone.

Samsung MHL Cable – Package

Samsung MHL Cable

Samsung MHL Cable – HDMI Port

Samsung MHL Cable – Micro USB Port

Samsung MHL Cable – Connected

Samsung MHL Cable – Connected To TV

I ported Li Xiang over from M1 to SingTel and she signed a 2-year 3G Flexi Lite contract which cost SGD$39 per month. After telecom subsidy, the phone cost SGD$488.

After playing with it for about a week, I kinda like the Galaxy Nexus which is powered by Android OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The interface is nice, smooth and quite consistent throughout the OS. Love the NFC feature which I use the app FareBot to check my EZ-Link card balance! Not forgetting I love the huge screen which makes my iPhone 4S screen looks small!

With regards to apps, Android Market is still not too bad, coming from an iOS guy, the only app (right now) that I wish they have it on Android (and Windows Phone 7) is Instagram!

Since Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012 is around the corner, and Samsung Galaxy S3 is expected to be announced during that period, you might ask why not wait for Galaxy S3?

The reason why I decided not to wait for it, is because I hate to wait for OS upgrade (Google’s phone is always the fastest) and hate to have an additional UI on top of Android (I never like TouchWiz, Sense UI or whatever crap UI that the manufacturer installed). Rooting is an option but I would like to avoid it.

Overall I am pretty satisfied with this phone. The previous Android phone that I used was HTC Desire.

Galaxy Nexus Specifications

• Network: HSPA＋ 21Mbps/HSUPA 5.76Mbps 850/900/1900/1700/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
• Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual Core Processor (OMAP 4460)
• Display: 4.65″ 1280×720 HD Super AMOLED
• OS: Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
• Main (Rear) Camera: 5 MP AF with LED Flash with zero shutter lag and fast shot2shot
• Sub (Front) Camera: 1.3MP for Video Call
• Connectivity: Bluetooth technology v 3.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/ 5GHz), NFC
• Sensor: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Light, Proximity, Barometer
• Memory: 1GB(RAM) ＋ 16GB Internal memory
• Size: 135.5,, x 67.94,, x 8.94mm, 135g
• Battery: Standard battery, Li-on 1,750 mAh

Galaxy Nexus – Box

Galaxy Nexus – Box Open

Galaxy Nexus – Box Contents

Galaxy Nexus – Front

Galaxy Nexus – Back

Galaxy Nexus

• World’s first smartphone running on Android™4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest release of the Android platform
• Features a 4.65″ HD Super AMOLED display at 720p resolution and an ultra-fast 1.2GHz dual core processor to take advantage of GALAXY Nexus’ enhanced multitasking capabilities
• Redesigned user interface with improved multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC support and a full web browsing experience
• Designed to provide a “pure Google” experience, GALAXY Nexus will be the first to receive software upgrades and new applications as soon as they are available

Official Link: Galaxy Nexus
Press Resource Link: Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy W – January 2012 – RRP: SGD$498

Galaxy W

• Ideal for those seeking a balance between style and performance
• Powered by a 1.4GHz dual core processor, the GALAXY W weighs just 114.7 grams
• Value-added features include Samsung’s Social Hub, Samsung Apps, Polaris Office, Android Market

Press Resource Link: Galaxy W

Omnia W – January 2012 – RRP: SGD$498

Omnia W

• First Samsung Smartphone based on the latest release of Microsoft’s Windows Phone, code-named Mango
• Sleek design with a metallic finish and a rich 3.7″ Super AMOLED display, ensuring photos and videos captured with the 5MP camera can be enjoyed with vivid clarity
• Enhanced Windows Phone usability including superior web browsing with integration of Internet Explorer 9 and Bing, and Office Hub that provides productivity on-the-go
• Samsung-exclusive productivity apps including Samsung AllShare that provides seamless content transfer between the smartphone and other DLNA-enabled devices such as HDTVs, monitors and digital cameras

Official Site: Omnia W
Press Resource Link: Omnia W

Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus – January 2012 – RRP: SGD$768

Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus

• With a 7-inch display and weighing just 345g and measuring only 9.96mm in thinness, GALAXY Tab 7.0 Plus provides enhanced portability and fits easily into a jacket pocket or handbag
• Offers voice and video call support, without the need for a headset, allowing users to catch up with friends and family from anywhere

Official Site: Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus
Press Resource Link: Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus

Galaxy Tab 7.7 – 11th February 2012 – RRP: SGD$898

Galaxy Tab 7.7

• World’s first tablet to feature the brilliant Super AMOLED Plus display technology that allows for a wider range of colours that make images incredibly vivid
• Powered by a 1.4GHz dual core processor, the GALAXY Tab 7.7 is one of the most portable devices available in the market, measuring only 7.89 millimeters in thinness and weighs 335 grams
• Samsung’s Hub Services – Game Hub, Readers Hub and Social Hub – offers easy access to content including games, eBooks and music; GALAXY Tab 7.7 is the first mobile tablet to include a pre-loaded Game Hub with easy social games delivered with lightning fast graphics

Official Site: Galaxy Tab 7.7

Samsub Galaxy Tab 8.9

Specifications

• Network: HSPA+ 21Mbps – 850/900/1900/2100, EDGE/GPRS- 850/900/1800/1900
• OS: Android 3.2 (Honeycomb)
• Display: 8.9″ WXGA 1280×800
• Processor: 1GHz Dual Core application processor
• Camera (Rear): 3.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash
• Camera(Front): 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
• Connectivity: Bluetooth technology v 3.0, USB 2.0, WiFi 802.11 (a/b/g/n)
• Sensor: Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Ambient Light sensor
• Memory: 16GB
• Size: 230.9 x 157.8 x 8.6 mm
• Weight: 453g
• Battery: 6,100mAh

Galaxy Nexus will be available in Singapore by January 2012 with a recommended retail price of SGD$948 (including taxes and without any telco subsidy).

Galaxy Note

Galaxy Note

Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy Nexus

Google announce Galaxy Nexus & Android 4.0 yesterday in Hong Kong. The Galaxy Nexus is made by Samsung and will be available sometime in November 2011.

Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy Nexus Specifications

• Network: HSPA＋ 21Mbps/HSUPA 5.76Mbps 850/900/1900/1700/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
• Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual Core Processor (OMAP 4460)
• Display: 4.65″ 1280×720 HD Super AMOLED
• OS: Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
• Main (Rear) Camera: 5 MP AF with LED Flash with zero shutter lag and fast shot2shot
• Sub (Front) Camera: 1.3MP for Video Call
• Connectivity: Bluetooth technology v 3.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/ 5GHz), NFC
• Sensor: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Light, Proximity, Barometer
• Memory: 1GB(RAM) ＋ 16GB/ 32GB Internal memory
• Size: 135.5,, x 67.94,, x 8.94mm, 135g
• Battery: Standard battery, Li-on 1,750 mAh

What’s New In Android 4.0

Beauty and simplicity
With Ice Cream Sandwich, our mission was to build a mobile OS that works on both phones and tablets, and to make the power of Android enticing and intuitive. We created a new font that’s optimized for HD displays and eliminated all hardware buttons in favor of adaptable software buttons. We also dramatically improved the keyboard, made notifications more interactive and created resizable widgets.

The desktop-class browser is significantly faster, featuring a refined tab manager and the ability to sync your bookmarks with Google Chrome. Ice Cream Sandwich also features the best mobile Gmail experience to date, with a new design that lets you quickly swipe through your inbox and search messages even when you’re offline. Calendar boasts a clean new look and you can zoom into your schedule with a pinch.

Connect and share
People are at the heart of Ice Cream Sandwich. We rethought how you browse your contacts with the new People app, which combines high-resolution photos and updates from Google+ and other social services. It’s also easier to capture and share your life with family and friends. Galaxy Nexus sports a high-end camera with zero shutter lag, automatic focus, top notch low-light performance and a simple way to capture panoramic pictures. Shoot amazing photos or 1080p video, and then edit and share them directly from your phone.

Beyond smart
Galaxy Nexus isn’t just a smartphone—it’s beyond smart. Ice Cream Sandwich gives you complete control over the amount of mobile data you use by helping you better understand and manage it. We’re also introducing Android Beam, which uses near field communication (NFC) to instantly share webpages, YouTube videos, maps, directions and apps by simply tapping two phones together. Face Unlock uses state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to unlock your phone with nothing more than a smile.

Links

• Official Site: Android 4.0 Highlights
• Official Site: Galaxy Nexus
• Official Blog Post: Unwrapping Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy Nexus
• Press Release: Samsung and Google introduce GALAXY Nexus
• Engadget: Samsung and Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich event liveblog!

Both HTC Radar (RRP: SGD$569) and Samsung Omnia W (RRP: SGD$498) will be the first Windows Phone 7.5 to be released in Singapore. The HTC Radar will be available next month (October 2011) while the Samsung Omnia W will be available sometime in Q4 2011.

The Mango release is available for free to all Windows Phone 7 customers. Microsoft will begin delivery of the update to existing Windows Phone 7 users from today and gradually ramp up delivery so that the update will be broadly available to most existing customers by the end of October 2011.

Based on the official site, Where’s my phone update?, both SingTel and StarHub are in the status of “Delivering update” which means:

Microsoft has started to send out the update. Important: To help ensure quality, software updates are typically sent out gradually and/or in batches, so it might take several weeks before you receive notice that an update is available for your phone.

Official Site: Windows Phone 7.5
Official Status Page: Where’s my phone update?
Press Release (Windows Phone 7.5): Microsoft Puts People First With The Launch Of The Latest Version Of Windows Phone In Singapore
Press Release (HTC Radar): HTC Unveils HTC Radar, HTC’s First Windows Phone 7 With Mango Update
Press Release (Samsung Omnia W): Samsung delivers a unique experience with Omnia W, a smartphone that puts people first

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Singapore, 19 August 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, the global leader in Android mobile devices, has launched its sales of GALAXY Tab 10.1 in Singapore.

Combining the GALAXY Tab’s ultra-thin form factor with a lightweight design, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 measures just 8.6 mm in thickness and at a mere 560g (WiFi) or 565g (3G) in weight, is the world’s thinnest tablet and will appeal to increasingly connected Singaporeans.

Powered by Android 3.1 Honeycomb platform, and featuring a 1GHz dual core application processor and HSPA+ network speeds of up to 21Mbps, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 offers a powerful multimedia and web browsing experience. In addition, with its surround-sound stereo speakers and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.3, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 delivers premium entertainment experience for videos, movies or games. Boasting a three-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front camera, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 also provides smooth transition and seamless 1080p HD video and Flash playback for a rich entertainment experience.

The GALAXY Tab 10.1 also offers superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation on Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface. Designed with a Live Panel menu for users to customise and display a variety of content on the home screen including digital pictures, favourite Web sites and social network feeds, the interface also includes an application tray of commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player for easy access.

The GALAXY Tab 10.1 with 3G (16GB) is now available at $848 (inclusive of GST), without line contract.

Official Site: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

24th June 2011 Onwards

Specifications:

• Network: HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps, EDGE/ GPRS Class 12, Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
• CPU: Dual-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A9 proccessor
• Mali-400MP GPU, Orion chipset
• RAM: 1GB
• Dimensions: 125.3X66.1X8.49mm
• Display: 4.27″ WVGA SUPER AMOLED Plus
• Memory: 16GB/32GB, MicroSD (up to 32GB)
• Camera: 8MP AF with LED Flash + 2MP Front
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, BT v3.0+HS, USB v2.0
• Connectors: MicroUSB, 3.5mm Ear Jack
• Battery: 1650mAh
• OS: Android Platform 2.3
• Message: SMS/MMS (OMA v1.2), Email (POP3/IMAP/SMTP, SSL/TLS), Exchange ActiveSync Email
• Audio: MP3, OGG, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, WAV, MID, AC3, IMY, FLAC, XMF
• Video: MPEG4, H.264, H.263, WMV, DivX, Xvid, VC-1, Recording & Playback 1080@30fps
• Image: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WBMP, BMP, AGIF
• GPS: A-GPS

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
On another note, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be available from July 2011 in Singapore. Pricing as follows:

Wi-Fi Only

• 16GB – SGD$668
• 32GB – SGD$798
• 64GB – SGD$928

3G + Wi-Fi

• 16GB – SGD$848
• 32GB – SGD$978
• 64GB – SGD$1,168

Official Site: Samsung Galaxy S II
Official Site: Samsung Galaxy Tab

Press Release

Singapore, 18 March 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading mobile phone provider and market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics today introduced the Nexus S, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android platform. Powered by Android 2.3, the Nexus S gives users a seamless experience in navigating through functions, applications and the web. With over 150,000 applications available at their fingertips through the Android Market, users are spoilt for choice.

Ms Irene Ng, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Samsung Asia Pte Ltd, said, “Samsung is pleased to deliver the best Android smartphone experience for consumers. The Nexus S is a smartphone that combines superior functionality and a stunning user-experience that will appeal to the increasingly connected Singapore consumers and meet their demand for entertainment and functionality on the go. With its innovative, intuitive user experience and its best-in-class technology, the Nexus S gives consumers the ultimate mobile performance in a single device.”

The Nexus S also features a four-inch SUPER CLEAR LCD screen that delivers a brighter viewing experience for enjoying games, videos and browsing the web. The Contour Display also features a curved design for a more ergonomic feel for greater user comfort. Powered by a 1 GHz Samsung application processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content.

Nexus S is equipped with a five-megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. The phone also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.

The Nexus S also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking, access to Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Voice Actions, Google Voice and YouTube, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market.

Nexus S specifications

• Network: 3.5G (HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps) / 3G (900 / 1700 / 2100 MHz) / EDGE / GPRS Class 12 / GSM Quad-band (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz)
• OS: Android 2.3.3 / Gingerbread
• Processor: 1GHz
• Display: 4.0″ 16M colours WVGA (800×480) full touch (C-Type) SUPER CLEAR LCD
• Camera: 5.0 mega-pixel Camera (2560×1920) + VGA front Camera (640×480), Auto Focus, Flash
• Video: HD(720p@30fps) video player (DivX, MEPG4, H.263, H.264, WMV), video recorder (720×480, H.263) up to 30fps
• Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR, AMR-NB, 3.5mm ear jack
• Value-added Features: Voice Dialer, motion sensor, multi-touch zoom, MS Exchange ActiveSync, Google Voice Search, Gmail, Google Earth, Google Latitude, Google Maps, Google Places, Google Search, Google Talk and Android Market
• Connectivity: Bluetooth technology v 2.1 + EDR, MicroUSB v2.0 (High-Speed), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (up to 600Mbps), Tethering and portable hotspot
• Memory: 16GB
• Size: 63 x 124.74 x 11.5mm / 140g
• Battery: 1500 mAh
• Talk time: Up to 14 hours (2G) / 6.7 hours (3G)
• Standby time: Up to 712.8 hours (2G) / 427.2 hours (3G)

The A.C. Ryan Playon! HD also supports NAS functionality and hence I will be off loading all my media stuffs into it from my NAS.

In terms of UI, it is simple and easy to use but I think the graphics element within the UI can be improved to make it more visually appealing.

The only complain I have so far with the Playon HD is the network only supports 10/100Mbps which makes transferring files to it extremely slow. The speed I am getting for transferring files to Playon HD is only 5MB/s. I may switch to using the free Wireless N Dongle that comes with the Playon HD, at least it supports up to 300Mbps which is 3x faster than the wired option.

Box Front

Box Back

Box Contents

Playon HD Front View

Playon HD Back View

Samsung HDD

UI

The Galaxy Tab will be available with SingTel’s existing 3G Flexi price plans and a range of SingTel’s home and mobile broadband plans.

Galaxy Tab will be bundled with a few SingTel Apps:

• De!ite – View a wide selection of Singapore’s most loved magazines. This includes popular titles such as Hardware Magazine, Australasia Scuba Diver and ZbBz
• AMPed – SingTel’s social music service
• MobileTV – SingTel’s video streaming service
• Roam Track – Monitor and alert your overseas mobile roaming expenses when charges have exceeded a pre-defined level
• GD121 – SingTel GlobalDial 121 service for overseas calls

For more information, please check out the press release link below.

Press Release: SingTel introduces a new category of mobile multimedia devices with the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Official Site: Samsung Galaxy Tab

*UPDATE*
SingTel has release the prices for the Samsung Galaxy Tab

3G Flexi Lite

• Galaxy Tab Price: SGD$538
• Monthly Subscription: SGD$39.00
• Free Local Outgoing Calls (anytime): 100 minutes

3G Flexi

• Galaxy Tab Price: SGD$298
• Monthly Subscription: SGD$56.00
• Free Local Outgoing Calls (anytime): 200 minutes

3G Flexi Plus

• Galaxy Tab Price: SGD$0
• Monthly Subscription: SGD$95.00
• Free Local Outgoing Calls (anytime): 500 minutes

For the above 3 plans, the bundled Free Local Data is 12GB and bundled Free Local SMS is 500.

Customers will enjoy a $50 early-bird discount off the price of the Galaxy Tab when they make their purchase with a 3G Flexi plan at http://www.singtel.com/tab before 13 Nov 2010. They will also receive a free Bluetooth headset and 16GB micro SD card, as well as a pair of tickets to an exclusive Galaxy Tab post-launch party.

BroadBand Package
SingTel also offers a broadband package for customers who wish to use the Galaxy Tab as an internet device for the home. The Galaxy Tab comes bundled with this package aka Free and you pay a monthly subscription fee of SGD$75.90. It comes with integrated wireless modem and 3G Mobile Data SIM card with free local data (30GB) for mobile broadband.

Media Launch

Samsung has partnered SingTel to launch the Samsung Galaxy S in Singapore. SingTel is the first telecom operator in the world to carry the Samsung Galaxy S.

Samsung Galaxy S

The Galaxy S is an Android 2.1 phone featuring a 4″ super AMOLED screen display and a 1GHz processor. The phone displays is less reflective yet able to retain the brilliance of colors and sharp clarity. It is amazingly responsive even when typing on the keyboard. It also have haptic feedback that indicates by vibrating when you touch on any virtual keys (Li Xiang is very amaze with this).

For Google enthusiasts, Galaxy S supports several Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail and Google Maps. Sign up 3G Flexi plans with SingTel, you will be able to enjoy services like MobileTV and Singtel AMPed bundle with this phone.

The fun part of Galaxy S, it has a 5 pixel camera and a front facing camera. Capabilities like Auto focus, Continuous shot, Self shot, Action shot, Add me, Cartoon shot, Smile shot, Vintage shot, Panorama shot, Anti-shake, Blink-detection and Auto contrast are part of the package. It allows HD video recording and playback too. Also, Galaxy S is expandable up to 32GB of external memory via microSD.

Super Junior

Samsung and Singtel are both very honored to fly Super Junior all the way from South Korea to be the ambassadors for Galaxy S.

Samsung Galaxy S Specifications

Network

• HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps
• 3G (900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz) EDGE, GPRS Class 12
• GSM Quad Band (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz)

OS

• Android 2.1

Display

• 4.0″ WVGA 16M SUPER AMOLED (480×800) with mDNIe

Camera

• 5.0 mega-pixel Camera + VGA Video Telephony Camera, Auto focus
• Continuous shot, Self shot, Action shot, Add me, Cartoon shot, Smile shot, Vintage shot, Panorama shot
• Anti-shake, Blink-detection, Auto contrast

Video

• HD video playing & recording (1280 x 720) up to 30fps
• Playback: DivX, XviD, H.263, MPEG4, WMV
• Recording: H.263 (.3gp format)

Audio

• MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA

Value-added Features

• Integrated Messaging “Social Hub” (basic)
• Android Market for more applications and contents
• FM Radio
• Augmented Reality with Layar Reality Browser
• 1 GHz Application Processor
• SMS/ MMS/ Email/ Exchange ActiveSync
• Sensor: Accelerometer, Proximity
• Offline & No SIM Mode, Handwriting Recognition: English & Simplified Chinese RSS Reader, Mobile Widgets

Connectivity

• Bluetooth Technology v 3.0
• USB v2.0 (High-Speed)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• AllShare (DLNA)
• Mobile AP (wireless Internet tethering)
• TV Out
• GPS

Memory

• 16GB internal memory
• 8GB external microSD slot (up to 32GB)

Size

• 64.2 x 122.4 x 9.9mm
• 118g

Battery

• 1500 mAh Talktime: 13 hours (2.5G), 6.7 hours (3G)
• Standby: 250 hours (2.5G), 200 hours (3G)

SingTel’s Galaxy 3G Flexi Price Plans

Galaxy 3G Flexi Lite

• Monthly Subscription: SGD$39
• Local Outgoing Calls: 100 minutes
• Incoming Calls: Free
• Local Data Usage: 12GB

Galaxy 3G Flexi

• Monthly Subscription: SGD$56
• Local Outgoing Calls: 200 minutes
• Incoming Calls: Free
• Local Data Usage: 12GB

Galaxy 3G Flexi Plus Plan

• Monthly Subscription: SGD$95
• Local Outgoing Calls: 500 minutes
• Incoming Calls: Free
• Local Data Usage: 12GB

Enjoy FREE 24 months MobileTV viewing on your Galaxy S! Basic Pack from these 4 channels

• Channel NewsAsia – An Asian TV news channel that provides news and information on global developments with Asian perspectives.
• Bloomberg TV – Real-time financial news from the world’s unrivalled financial authority.
• ETTV Asia – Taiwanese news channel specially designed for Asian viewers.
• Dragon TV – Leading Mandarin channel from Shanghai, offering news, lifestyle programmes and more.

Notes

• Data usage capped at SGD$30/month for unlimited usage
• Unlimited song downloads with no data charges from AMPed Music Store
• Extra 200 minutes free talktime when calling to SingTel and SingTel Mobile numbers for Family & Friends

Photos

Flickr: SingTel’s Media Launch of Samsung Galaxy S with Super Junior 06062010

Official Samsung Site: Samsung Galaxy S
Official SingTel Site: Samsung Galaxy S
Press Release: SingTel and Samsung bring to Singapore the “Smart Life” with Samsung Galaxy S
Press Release: SingTel and Samsung launch Samsung GALAXY S with Korean pop sensation, Super Junior

Written by Lester Chan + Li Xiang

Samsung sent me the Samsung Lapfit LD190G for review. Thank you Daniel =D

Box

There are currently 2 models/sizes available, the LD190G (RRP: SGD$239) and LD220G (RRP: SGD$339). The sizes are 18.5″ wide and 21.5″ wide respectively. For the LD220G model you are able to connect to multiple Lapfit monitors or any USB devices through the 2 extra USB ports at the back. You can connect up to a maximum of 4 monitors at a same time with a serial USB connection and 6 monitors with a parallel USB connection.

In the user manual provided, they recommend using USB cable to connect to the monitor if you need more than 1 display or multiple monitors in Plug & Play mode. On the other hand, they recommend using the VGA (D-SUB) cable if you are using a single display, playing 3D games or watching HD videos.

LD190G Specifications

• Screen Size: 18.5″ Wide
• Resolution: 1,360 x 768
• Brightness: 250cd/m²
• Contrast Ratio: DC 20,000:1 (1,000:1) (Typ.)
• Response time: 5ms
• Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 170˚/160˚ (CR>10)
• Signal Input Connector: D-Sub / USB
• Sync. Signal: Separate H/V, Composite, SOG
• Video Signal: Analog RGB, USB
• Power Power Consumption: 20.0W (TYP); 22.0W (MAX)
• Stand By Power (DPMS): ≤ 1W
• Features Plug & Play: DDC 2B
• Multimedia Speakers: No
• Optional Accessories: No
• Special Features: Magic Clear (Glare) Easy Connection (UbiSync) Image Size Touch Button Windows Vista Basic
• Dimension Product Dimension (With stand, WxHxD): 450.2 x 295.8 x 72.0mm
• Weight Product Weight: 3.6kg
• Stand Function: Tilt

Package Contents
The contents in the package is pretty straightforward as shown in the picture.

Package Contents

• 1x Samsung Lapfit LD190G
• 1x USB Cable
• 1x D-SUB Cable
• 1x Power Cord
• 1x Cleaning Cloth
• 1x Installation/Driver CD
• 1x Quick Setup Guide
• 1x User’s Guide

Features
According to the official website, it states that the Lapfit monitor uses 33% less energy than conventional monitors and hence as stated in the specification, it uses between 20W to 22W of power. The convention monitor stand and base is missing from the Lapfit. Instead it uses a Photo Frame-like stand attached at the back of the monitor in order to match the height of a laptop to provide a harmonious dual display and that explains why the Lapfit may look lower than the usual conventional monitor. The Lapfit is able to provide tilting of 10° to 40° degree to match the viewing angle of the laptop screen.

Lapfit Matches The Height Of The Laptop

My Thoughts
The monitor is finished in Piano Black and it is very glossy and hence no matter how I take the photo, it will always have a reflection of my hand holding the camera.

Front View

Back View

The monitor is slim and light weighing at 3.6kg and it is very easy to carry around as there is a groove at the top (where the ventilation holes are) for you to grip it as shown in the back view picture above.

Photo Frame-like Stand

The Photo Frame-like stand attached at the back of the monitor can be pulled till you hear a clicking sound (the 10° to 40° degree tilting comes after the clicking sound) and that will make you monitor stable when you place it on the table. At first I dare not pull it out too much as I afraid that it might break, and hence when I place it on the table, slight movement on the table, will cause the monitor to topple and I find it weird. I did not find anything that says about the clicking sound in the user guide, so I assumed that the user guide assumed that its consumers know about it.

Photo Frame-like Stand Rollers

There are 2 rollers which is attached to the end of the stand and that allows you to tilt the monitor easily without the need of hearing the screeching sound.

Rubber

There are also 2 rubber pieces attached at the bottom of the panel to ensure that it does not move easily.

3 Ports Only

There are only 3 ports at the back of the monitor for the LD190G model, 1 for the USB connection, 1 for the D-SUB connection and the last one is for the Power Cord.

Touch Sensitive Buttons

The buttons (including the power button) of the monitor are touch sensitive, only if you touch around the power button then the menu buttons will appear.

Using With Windows Laptop
The current latest drivers for Windows is v4.6.

Windows 7 Device

I am using Windows 7 RC1 on my laptop and apparently the driver does not work with Windows 7 yet. When I first plug the USB cable into my laptop, Windows 7 manage to detect it as Samsung UbiSync Monitor without the need to install the CD at all. But because nothing appears on my screen after that, I tried installing the drivers from Samsung Website and when i run the setup.exe, it states that my Windows is not compatible. I tried running it in backward compatibility mode as Windows Vista SP2, it still does not work. hopefully this issue will get fixed as soon as possible.

Dual Display

Single Display

Luckily there is still the VGA cable to fall back on, the moment I plug in the VGA cable and viola, it displays perfectly. Note that my laptop has a native resolution of 1024×768 (old laptop) and hence when I extend the monitor onto the Lapfit, it has the black area on the side because the aspect ratio is 4:3. Samsung called it the intelligent Image Size function which maintains 4:3 integrity on a wide screen and effectively eliminates image distortion and stretching.

Single Display

I tried it on my brother’s laptop which is running Windows XP SP3. Similar to Windows 7, Windows XP detect it as Samsung UbiSync Monitor without the need to install the CD. However to play safe, I downloaded the drivers from Samsung website again, and after running setup.exe, viola, my desktop extended to my Lapfit monitor.

Note that your Lapfit monitor is defaulted to Extended Monitor after you install the driver.

Using With MacBook/MacBook Pro
If you are using a Mac, you need to download the drivers manually from the Samsung Lapfit LD190G as it is not included in the CD. Do note that the file will be in rar and hence you may need WinRAR in a Windows machine to extract the DMG file.

MacBook Pro With LD190G

Once you installed driver, you will need to restart your Mac. After that just go to System Preferences -> Display and click on the Detect button and viola!

Limitations

• Because the USB monitor is recognized as a USB device, the DOS screen that appears for general monitors when a PC is booting up may not get displayed.
  In this case, you will need to connect the monitor using the VGA cable instead of the USB cable.
• USB monitor is not compatible to any software that requires 3D hardware acceleration. Such software includes most 3D games as well as programs based on DirectX.
• Because of the lack of a base and a proper stand, it might not be feasible to use it as your desktop monitor.

Conclusion
The monitor is not really a true plug and play monitor as it still requires you to install the driver on both PC and Mac (you just need to do it once). The software does make configuration the Lapfit much easier like whether to extend the monitor to the Lapfit or use it as the main monitor, etc. However, the thing I like about this monitor is that it is catered specially for laptops because it is designed in such a way that it almost the same height as your laptop screen when you place it side by side. Without the conventional monitor base/stand, it makes the Lapfit monitor very compact and does not occupy much space on your table. For those who are considering getting a monitor specially for your laptop, you might want to consider the Lapfit. The recommended retail price (RRP) for the LD190G is SGD$239, which is quite reasonable.

If there is a monitor bag specially designed for it, I think this would make carrying it around easier and Samsung can market it as a portable monitor for laptops.

Hopefully the driver issues for Windows 7 will be ironed out before Windows 7 is launched on the 22nd October 2009.

Links

• Samsung Singapore
• Samsung Singapore Monitors
• Samsung Lapfit LD190G
• Samsung Lapfit LD220G

PC Show 2009
For PC Show 2009, Samsung will be offering the LD190G at SGD$229 (SGD$10 off) and LD220G at SGD$309 (SGD$30 off).

If you are intending to get the LD190G or LD220G during PC Show 2009, please print the below e-coupon. You will receive an additional SGD$20 Takashimaya voucher when you present the e-coupon. If you bring a friend along to buy (maximum of 6 sets), both of you will received SGD$30 Takashimaya voucher instead.

After breakfast, immediately went to wait outside level 6 of the Suntec exhibition center. While waiting, there is this lady from MediaCorp Radio approaches us for interview. She talked to me in English first and then ask me whether I can do a Mandarin interview, I agreed since I got nothing to do. She ask some questions like what are you buying at the IT Show, how often you come to this type of fair and how much savings you can save. I am so handicapped in Mandarin. I have no idea how to translate laser, router, switch, wirless USB adapter to Mandarin!

Exactly at 12pm, the doors are opened and the security personnel got Zerg rushed! Went to the Ban Leong booth first as my brother wanted to take a look at Razor mouse as his is dying soon. As usual the promotion for Razer is nothing fantastic, I think you can get even cheaper outside for certain Razor products (eg: Lycosa Keyboard).

Went to the D-Link booth and asked if I buy above SGD$500 got discount, the sales guy said only if I pay cash he can give me 2% which I thought it is definitely not a good promotion at all. If I pay by credit card, I get free gifts as well as points! UOB is having some promotion, I think if you spend above a certain amount, they will give you some things free. I am aiming on the sure-win lucky dip if you spend more than SGD$850.

Damage at D-Link Booth

• D-Link DIR-855: SGD$299
• D-Link DGS-1008D: SGD$100
• D-Link DWA-160: SGD$119
• Total: SGD$518

After getting my networking stuffs, went to level 4 to Samsung booth to get my multifunction color laser printer. Saw Kelvin from Fuwell and Daniel’s Samsung colleague which I met at BlogOut! 2009. Fuwell is selling Samsung LCD Monitors whereas Harvey Norman is selling the Samsung printers. Samsung printers come with trolley but pushing the trolley though the crowd is no easy task! The printer box is quite bulky whereas the printer is quite small itself. The price for the CLX-3175N is still the same but this time instead of giving Abalone (during Chinese New Year promotion), they are giving a free black toner and you are entitled to buy additional toners at 20% off. Pretty good steal I would say.

Wanted to pay by UOB for my printer and toner but it got rejected! My mom literally max out every credit card when she is in Japan as well as for the down payment of the BMW. So end up paying with HSBC and there goes my sure-win lucky dip. Instead I got a SGD$5 Starbucks voucher for spending above SGD$350 for my UOB card. I kinda like the lucky draw form in IT Show 2009, every SGD$100 spend entitled you for one lucky draw form. I don’t really make an effort to get the lucky draw forms normally so I maybe a bit noob in this area. The lucky draw is carbonized, so you just have to write on 1 and it will be carbon copied to 4 other copies! Also the forms are short and sweet, just fill in your name, NRIC and contact number!

Damage at Samsung Booth

• Samsung CLX-3175N: SGD$698
• Samsung CLT-P409C: SGD$184 (Toner Value Pack)
• Total: SGD$882

After buying all the stuffs that I set out to buy, we went home to put the stuff before my brother send me to school for my Statistics tutorial at 3pm to 4pm.

D-Link Networking Products + Samsung 3-in-1 Multifunction Color Laser Printer And Toner

After my tutorial, went to the IT Show again with Kelvin and Hong Jun. Kelvin went there and got a ViewSonic 24″ monitor with built-in speakers and he helped his girlfriend to get an iPod Nano (Black). Saw Rayman : Raving Rabbids for Xbox 360 at the PlayCraft booth and I immediately bought it! Finally there is a “family” game on my Xbox 360 besides Bomberman to play with Li Xiang. I wished that Raving Rabbids 2 will also be out on Xbox 360, but I think that will not be the case.

Rayman : Raving Rabbids For Xbox 360

Damage at Playcraft Booth

• Rayman : Raving Rabbids (Xbox 360): SGD$49.90
• Total: SGD$49.90

Saw from Hardware Zone that the Ovation booth are selling Western Digital internal harddisk, so went there to get 1TB Western Digital Green Power for Li Xiang, but it is out of stock and the stock will be coming in at about 7pm.

Instead of waiting there till 7pm, the three of us when for dinner at Marina Square food court. Hong Jun, my family and I Just love the curry noodle there! Met up with my secondary school friends there as well. When they came, Hong Jun and Kelvin went home.

After dinner, I went to the IT Show the third time within the same day and immediately went to buy Li Xiang harddisk. This time it is so crowded that I could not even make a call out when I am in the hall! It seems that the base station has been overloaded either that of my iPhone 3G sucked.

Li Xiang’s Damage at Ovation Booth

• Western Digital Green Power (1TB): SGD$165
• Total: SGD$165

I injected SGD$1,449.90, Li Xiang injected SGD$165 and Kelvin injected about SGD$600+ into Singapore’s economy!

The 7 phones are C3050, Ultra^B, Ultra^S, Beat^Disc, Beat^DJ, Omnia^HD and the last phone which is the flagship product is the Ultra^Touch. They also announced 2 services, Share Pix and Online Widgets. The Share Pix is similar to Nokia’s Share On Ovi but in this case, the pictures are first uploaded to Samsung servers and then in turn the server will upload the pictures to the designated service that the user choose like Facebook or Friendster. The online widget is just an improved version of the famous Samsung Widgets that can be found in some Samsung phones. The online widget will allow you to retrieve RSS feeds as welll as create shortcut to websites.

More Information About The Phones

• Samsung C3050
• Samsung Ultra^B
• Samsung Ultra^S
• Samsung Beat^Disc
• Samsung Beat^DJ
• Samsung Omnia^HD
• Samsung Ultra^Touch

Winston also briefly mention about Samsung Blue Earth. The phone is made up of materials from recycled plastic extracted from water bottles. There is also a Solar Panel on the back of the phone which charges the phone. Accordingly to Daniel, you need to put the phone for 14 hours under the light or sun in order to use it to talk for 4 hours. I wonder will the phone battery melts first before that happens.

Samsung will be launching phones on the Android as well as on Windows Mobile 6.5 sometime soon as well. The Samsung Omnia^HD and Samsung Ultra^Touch will be out in Q2 2009.

Samsung Touch Event Gallery
I wanted to upload the pictures to Nokia’s Share on Ovi, but it feels weird. I wanted to upload to my own gallery but I am too lazy to resize the pictures. End up, I decided to upload to Facebook! I hate the stupid Facebook limit of 60 photos per album!

• Samsung Touch Event – Part 1
• Samsung Touch Event – Part 2

I think the most value for money are the memory cards, thumbdrives and portable hardisk. Kelvin and I got the SanDisk Ultra II (Class 4) 8GB SDHC for just SGD$33. Julian got the SanDisk Cruzer Micro Skin 4GB Thumbdrive for just SGD$12! I bought the exact same thumbdrive for SGD$19.90 at Giant Hypermarket a few months back!

I also got my brother a TravelPac Memory/SIM Card Reader for SGD$26.90.

I did not get for Li Xiang the Samsung 2233SW 22” widescreen LCD monitor because the images look squashed on the monitor perhaps due to the long width and short height and a weird resolution of 1920×1080 and an aspect ratio of 16:9 whereas widescreen monitors all have an aspect ratio of 16:10.

After Sitex 2008, we proceed on to Bugis to have lunch and then went to Sim Lim Square! Julian bought Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir for SGD$39.90, Weiquan bought the X-Mini Capsule Speakers for SGD$35 and Kelvin bought a memory card reader for SGD$12.

Judging from what we buy at Sim Lim Square, there is nothing much to buy at Sitex 2008 actually.

I am aiming for the D-Link DIR-655 wireless N router to upgrade my home network “infrastructure”, it is selling at SGD$139 during the special promotion but it is limited to the first 30 customers at 6.30pm yesterday. The usual price is SGD$229. Hopefully the next IT exhibition (IT Show 2009) on the 12th March 2009 will have better promotions for it.

Schedules for 2009 IT exhibitions:

• IT Show 2009: 12th March 2009 to 15th March 2009 (Suntec City)
• The PC Show 2009: 11th June 2009 to 14th June 2009 (Suntec City)
• Comex 2009: 10th September 2009 to 13th September 2009 (Suntec City)
• Sitex 2009: 26th November 2009 to 29th November 2009 (Singapore Expo)

Will be heading down to SITEX 2008 later at 12pm to hoot the Samsung 2233SW 22” widescreen LCD monitor for SGD$239 for Li Xiang. That is really a good buy. It boost a resolution nearly of a 24″ widescreen monitor of 1920 x 1080, an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a 5ms response time. Click here for the full specifications.

I will be leaving to Taiwan on the 14th December 2008 and coming back on the 31st December 2008. The first 6 days 5 nights will be a tour package and after that we will extend free and easy till the 31st December 2008. The flight is by Singapore Airlines (SQ). This will be my 2nd time taking SQ, the last time I took was to KL at least 15 years ago or so.

I think after I come back from Taiwan, my mandarin will definitely be improved!