3,437 posts
since 2002
The Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview is out. Since the Developer Preview last September, which focused on the programming platform, Windows 8 has advanced on every front, from completing the touch, keyboard, and mouse experience to refining development and design.
I joined the bandwagon and ordered my Facebook Name Cards from moo.com. The 50 cards are free for now, though you pay shipping, which cost me US$15.75 to Singapore, arriving in two weeks. I like the box they come in.
I bought the white Galaxy Nexus from the SingTel Shop at ComCentre on 18th February 2012. The white was initially online-only via SingTelShop.com, but since I was at the store, I asked the officer and they had it.
Ubuntu for Android looks intriguing, and I expect more details and a live demo at Mobile World Congress 2012 next week. From the official site, it lets you dual-boot Ubuntu into Android 2.3 Gingerbread and above.
I spent about a week with the HP Folio 13, my first time with a Windows-based Ultrabook, and came away impressed. Normally, when friends ask for a MacBook Air alternative on Windows, I'd tell them to buy a MacBook Air.
Street Fighter players will recognise Akuma's Raging Demon move. Thanks to Benjamin's tip, I bought this Akuma's Heavenly Combo T-Shirt from GameScore for S$25. GameScore likely earns just a few dollars, since SplitReason sells the same shirt for US$19.95.
I bought my first Timbuk2 bag in Singapore, the Shagg Bag 2012, at Orchard Cineleisure for S$35. It's an accessory pouch that clips onto the straps of a Timbuk2 bag, holding an iPhone, earphones, keys, or coins.
I didn't announce that I got married in Las Vegas during my US holiday two months ago, only sharing it on Facebook, which feels more private than Twitter. It wasn't sudden, I'd proposed to Li Xiang on our 7th anniversary.
Li Xiang got me the Mohzy Loop Micro USB and Apple iPhone Cable from Taiwan, not sold in Singapore. It cost NT$390, about S$16.67, from Studio A. Magnets on both tips attract to form a wearable loop.
The Innergie USB Charger Duo Charging Kit (Home) sells at Challenger for S$50, or S$45 after a 10% member's discount, and I got mine from VivoCity's Challenger. There are two versions, home and car, with the car kit slightly lower.
The Innergie Magic Cable Trio and Duo are Innergie's priciest USB cables, each retailing for S$29 at Challenger, or S$26.10 with a 10% member's discount. I went for the Trio, which has three tips, Mini USB, Micro USB, and Apple.
I bought the Innergie Magic Cable Multi-Tip USB Cable from Plaza Singapura's Challenger for S$13, or S$11.70 with a 10% member's discount. I'd wanted to try Innergie, known for its well-designed if pricey gear, famous for its universal laptop adapters.
Google Chrome for Android, in beta, is now available in the Android Market. The catch is that it requires a phone or tablet running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Engadget has a hands-on if you'd like a closer look.
With Valentine's Day next Tuesday, if you're after flowers for your partner, I'd thoroughly recommend Far East Flora at FEF.com. I've ordered from them many times and never been disappointed with the quality, unlike some other florists I tried.
Targus Blue Trace is its take on Microsoft's BlueTrack, letting a mouse work on virtually any surface, glass included. Targus offers two Blue Trace mice: the Wireless Blue Trace at S$29.90 and the Compact Blue Trace at S$18.90.
I bought the Crumpler Dry Red No. 3 from Crumpler at ION Orchard. It retails for S$299, or S$269.10 with the 10% American Express discount. It's carry-on cabin luggage that fits the overhead cabin exactly.
I got my Timbuk2 bags in San Francisco last December. A reader wrote in with a few questions about the Timbuk2 Q Backpack 2011, so rather than reply by email, I'm sharing. I bought the gunmetal/blue/black Q Backpack for US$99.
Today marks two full years at mig33 and the start of my third. I've just returned from mig33 Kopnas 2012 in Jakarta, the yearly gathering of mig33 users in Indonesia. Kopnas, from 'Kopi' and 'Nasional', means a national coffee gathering.
I bought the Apple TV (2nd Generation) from San Francisco's Apple Store for US$99, or US$107.67 after tax. I wish it were sold in Singapore, but without an iTunes movie and TV rental here, I doubt it will be soon.
Today is the eve of Lunar New Year, the last day of the Rabbit year, with the Dragon year beginning tomorrow. Expect plenty of babies, as the Chinese adore a Dragon year. I wish all a Happy Lunar New Year.
The Sony Tablet S (3G/16GB) is finally available in Singapore as of 13th January 2012 for S$798. Its arrival has also cut the Wi-Fi-only prices, now S$618 for 16GB and S$748 for 32GB. The 3G model runs Android 3.2.
The Motorola XOOM 2 (3G/Wi-Fi, 32GB) is now available in Singapore as of 13th January 2012, at a recommended S$978. It runs Android 3.2 Honeycomb on a 10.1-inch 1280x800 Gorilla Glass display, with a splash-guard and flattened edges.