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Monday, 16th April 2012Monday, 16th April 2012
Dell UltraSharp U3011 30″ Monitor Review
Posted by Lester Chan at 08:31 in Review

Thanks to Dell Singapore, I have a chance to play with the Dell UltraSharp U3011 30″ Monitor for 2 weeks. The Dell UltraSharp U3011 30″ Monitor is retailing for SGD$1,509.

Monitor is like a computer, once you upgrade, you will never look back. Few years ago, 17″ monitor is the norm, now is 24″ and in a few years time 27″/30″ will be the norm.

I am currently using the Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP 24″ monitor which I bought back in April 2008 for about SGD$920, now the successor to the monitor, Dell UltraSharp U2410 is only retailing for SGD$699.

When it comes to monitors, I prefer Dell, Samsung or Apple. But right now only Dell is offering the 30″ monitor with 16:10 aspect ratio (2560 x 1600) while Apple and Samsung are offering the 27″ with 16:9 aspect ratio (2560 x 1440).

Dell UltraSharp U3011 uses an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel which supports up to an impressive 1.07 billion displayable colors and a maximum of 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It has an average of 7ms (gray-to-gray) response time.

It does not come with in-built speakers but it has support for Dell Soundbar, which is retailing for SGD$69.

All Dell’s UltraSharp monitor comes with Dell’s Premium Panel Guarantee, which means you will receive a panel exchange even if there is only one bright defective pixel on your monitor during the limited hardware warranty period which is 3 years. I have been using the Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP for 4 years and counting and have zero defective pixels, so you have nothing to worry about.

Dell U3011
Dell U3011

Specifications

  • Diagonal Viewable Size: 30″ (75.6cm)
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (16:10)
  • Panel Type, Surface: IPS (In-Plane Switching), anti glare with hard coat 3H
  • Optimal Resolution: 2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz
  • Contrast Ratio: 1000: 1 (typical), Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 100,000:1 (Max)
  • Brightness: 370 cd/m2 (typical)
  • Response Time: 7ms (gray to gray)
  • Viewing Angle: (178° vertical / 178° horizontal)
  • Color Support: 1.07 billion colors
  • Pixel Pitch: 0.2505mm
  • Display Type: Widescreen Flat Panel Display
  • Connectivity:
    • 2 High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
    • 2 Digital Visual Interface connectors (DVI-D) with HDCP
    • 1 DisplayPort (DP)
    • 1 Video Graphics Array (VGA)
    • 1 Component Connectors
    • 1 USB 2.0 upstream port
    • 4 USB 2.0 downstream ports
    • 7 in 1 Media reader
    • DC power connector for Dell Soundbar
  • Color, Size & Weight:

    • 481.3 mm (compressed) ~ 571.3 mm (extended) x 694.5 mm x 211.3mm
    • 18.95 inches (compressed) ~ 22.50 inches (extended) x 27.34 inches x 8.32 inches
    • Dimensions without stand (H x W x D): 453.3 mm x 694.5 mm x 94.4 mm (17.85 inches x 27.34 inches 3.72 inches)
    • Preset Display Area (H X V): 641.28 mm (25.25 inches) x 400.8 mm (15.78 inches)
    • Weight (panel only – for VESA mount): 9.3 kg (20.40 lbs)
    • Weight (with packaging): 14.46 kg (31.88 lbs)

Read More (357 More Words, 9 More Images, 1 More Video)

Saturday, 14th April 2012Saturday, 14th April 2012
Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable
Posted by Lester Chan at 11:06 in Cable

When I first saw the Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable (Amazon.com link), it was at Challenger in VivoCity last year, but when I wanted to get it, it was out of stock and hence I settled for the 3-in-1 Retractable Charging Cable from Deal Extreme.

During my vacation in Thailand, I spotted it again in Power Buy, a shop located in CentralPlaza Bangna shopping center. It cost 390 Baht (SGD$16) and of course, it goes without saying, I bought it. In fact, it is the only thing that I bought in Thailand during my 4 days vacation over there.

When I did the unboxing, I realized that it is the exact same retractable cable inside the Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable (SGD$16) expect that it comes with an additional Apple’s 30-pin adapter to charge the iPhone/iPad.

Innergie Magic Cable - 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable - Box Front
Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable – Box Front

Innergie Magic Cable - 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable - Box Contents
Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable – Box Contents

Innergie Magic Cable - 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable - Extra Apple 30-pin Adapter
Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable – Extra Apple 30-pin Adapter

Innergie Magic Cable - 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable - Attached
Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable – Attached

Innergie Magic Cable - 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable - With iPhone
Innergie Magic Cable – 3-in-1 Retractable USB Cable – With iPhone

Friday, 13th April 2012Friday, 13th April 2012
Samsung MHL Cable
Posted by Lester Chan at 08:48 in Cable

I have problems finding MHL cables in Singapore for my Galaxy Nexus. MHL stands for Mobile High-Definition Link and here is the definition from Wikipedia:

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 – Package

Samsung MHL Cable
Samsung MHL Cable

Samsung MHL Cable - HDMI Port
Samsung MHL Cable – HDMI Port

Samsung MHL Cable - Micro USB Port
Samsung MHL Cable – Micro USB Port

Samsung MHL Cable - Connected
Samsung MHL Cable – Connected

Samsung MHL Cable - Connected To TV
Samsung MHL Cable – Connected To TV

Thursday, 12th April 2012Thursday, 12th April 2012
Chef Sleeve For iPad
Posted by Lester Chan at 08:39 in Case, Dock & Bag

I was sent the Chef Sleeve (for iPad) for review all the way from the US. The Chef Sleeve is essentially a transparent plastic bag that you can place your iPad in when you are using it in the kitchen when cooking or baking.

This ensure that your iPad will not be dirtied by the grease on your finger or flour on the table when you need to use it in the kitchen (for checking recipes online or even watching YouTube for cooking/baking tutorial).

Li Xiang even mentioned that it is good for girls who use their iPad on the makeup table (watching their favorite Korean videos on YouTube while having their makeup on). The Chef Sleeve will ensure that their makeup powder will not dirty the iPad.

Some other use cases includes hospital & clinic, car workshops and you can even bring your iPad to the beach without worrying the sand getting into the ports of your iPad.

The Chef Sleeve will work for all generations of iPad.

Some of the Chef Sleeve features:

  • Effortless Protection – A re-sealable strip makes it easy to close the sleeve. When you’re done making a mess, just dispose or recycle. It’s as simple and worry-free as that.
  • Ultra-Clear Material – Unlike other plastic bags, you will hardly know Chef Sleeve is there.
  • Touch Sensitive – You can still use all your favorite apps while making a mess. Your iPad’s touch screen works perfectly under the thin protective film.
  • Designed Specifically for the iPad – The sleeve fits perfectly, allowing you to easily grip your iPad while providing coverage for all output/input ports.
  • Packaging Doubles as a Stand – The sturdy packaging has a trick up its sleeve. It can be used as an iPad stand.
  • 100% Recyclable – Chef Sleeve is good for your iPad and the environment.

If you are living in Singapore, you can get the Chef Sleeve for SGD$35 per box at Hip Product Factory. If you order online, do remember to quote my name “Lester Chan” and you will get SGD$5 off =)

Alternatively, you can get it from Howards Storage World located in Harbourfront, Millenium Walk and Parkway Parade. It will be available soon at other stores such as Sprint-Cass (Changi Airport), iStudio, Juzz1, Takashimaya, etc.

If you live in the US, the Chef Sleeve will cost about USD$20 and you can get it at the following locations.

Facebook: Chef Sleeve – Singapore

Chef Sleeve - Box
Chef Sleeve – Box

Chef Sleeve - Box
Chef Sleeve – Box

Chef Sleeve - Box As Stand
Chef Sleeve – Box As Stand

Chef Sleeve
Chef Sleeve

Chef Sleeve - With iPad (Front)
Chef Sleeve – With iPad (Front)

Chef Sleeve - With iPad (Back)
Chef Sleeve – With iPad (Back)

Wednesday, 11th April 2012Wednesday, 11th April 2012
Nokia At Mobile World Congress 2012 – Summary
Posted by Lester Chan at 08:47 in Event, Gadget

Before the summary, lets check out some of the videos that is filmed during Mobile World Congress 2012 by Nokia Connects featuring a skateboarder, free runner and BMX rider using the social features of the Nokia Lumia 900!

  • Pip Andersen free running Barcelona with the Nokia Lumia 900
  • Jed Cullen skates Barcelona with the Nokia Lumia 900
  • James Ivett BMX in Barcelona with the Nokia Lumia 900

Summary

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