I’m off to Xiamen, China with my dad for a sourcing trip. I really hope that we can find some viable designs for the brands that I’m handling. This will be a short trip and I’ll be back in Manila on the 28th Saturday.
I’ve never really paid attention to which factory I head to when on these trips well now that I’ve a GPS enabled device and more importantly maps for the place I will be going to I hope I can plot these points of interest. Previously on my HTC TyTN II, I used MapKing R12 and only purchased the map for Metro Manila [it was the only one available] now that I am using Garmin Mobile XT on my palm Treo Pro I was able to grab a more current map made by Pinoys from a forum.
I reckon I can use Google Maps as a backup to Garmin if the map I loaded is not enough for this trip [as I said I don’t pay attention to where we go]. I’ve loaded the map for Fujian, China it’s a province which includes Xiamen and Jin Jiang which I am told we frequent for the factories.
The 1st cellular enabled Windows Mobile [then Pocket PC] device I had was an i-mate JAM [codename: HTC Magician, manufactured by HTC] since then I’ve moved away from the brand because they really had no presence here in the PH. They’ve changed manufacturers when HTC started selling devices under their own brand and honestly I thought their device line ups became *meh*
Their ultimate line tickled my fancy for a few minutes but was quickly forgotten. At the recently concluded MWC ‘09 in Barcelona i-mate announced a new device which really piqued my interest. It’s the i-mate 810F. Here are some specs:
Cellular: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE = (850/900/1800/1900) & Tri-band UMTS/HSDPA = (850/1900/2100)
Display: 2.4in QVGA TFT touchscreen
OS: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional (with Internet Explorer Mobile 6)
Processor: Marvell PXA310 624Mhz
RAM/ROM/Storage: 128Mb/256Mb/2Gb
Camera: 2MP Fixed Focus
Others: WiFi 802.11b/g + Bluetooth 2.0 EDR + aGPS
Battery: 1200mAH Li-Ion
Dimensions: 111mm (L) x 66mm(W) x 15.5mm(T)
Weight: 150g
Formfactor: QWERTY bar
The specs are quite run of the mill for Windows Mobile devices. I would’ve liked to see a higher resolution display, 480x640 VGA at least. Again we see a fixed focused camera which seriously should be atleast auto focus. I don’t mind fewer megapixels as long as the optics are better and it has auto focus. The beefy processor is always welcome but I wonder how this will impact device uptime with it’s 1200mAh battery. I must admit that I am happy that this device is a front facing QWERTY bar. Less moving parts and you still get a full physical keyboard for text/data entry. It runs Windows Mobile Professional 6.1 an aging OS, fortunately i-mate is including the new version of Internet Explorer mobile. I do hope they anounce a free update to Windows Mobile 6.5 when this device is nearing launch.
The strength of the 810F is not in it’s run of the mill specs but in it’s construction. i-mate is claiming that the 810F has been built to military spec. The device has been made to withstand heat, cold, humidity, shock as well as dust & dirt. The company boasts that the device can withstand being driven over by cars and trucks as well as being submerged in water for 24 hours. I’m sure that people who use their devices under extreme conditions [or are extremely clumsy] will really dig this feature.
Pricing and availability are unknown as of this writing.
[Web - Map View]
[Web - Satellite View]
----
[WinMob – Map View]
[WinMob – Satellite View]
-----
It seems Google Maps for NCR at least is being updated with more data streets and POIs which is a good thing, sadly it isn’t uniform as you can see from the captures they have details reversed on the web and win mob application. Routing is not working yet but hey this is a step in the right direction.
Activating the service:
Send: ACTIVATE To: 2300
Don't have AutoConfig on your Windows Mobile device? Don't worry here's how to manually input the connection settings for both GPRS/3G and MMS on the Sun Network
--
For GPRS/3G
Well I just got home from Marc’s birthday dinner and I must say I had a lot of fun. Good friends, good food, GOLDEN SAKE… good times!
Tomorrow we’re going to Tanay, Rizal for some off road fun.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. I’ve packed most of my stuff and am really excited to test out my aquapac with the river. I really enjoyed swimming in the river primarily because it ain’t salty and I think it’s relatively clean. I will be leaving my 2ndary mobile [HTC S730 and my Sun SIM] because cellular signal is pretty weak there.
I am taking along my trusty IXUS50 but sadly I have to leave my all weather case since I haven’t had the chance to buy a replacement rubber gasket for it. I will also be bringing one of my toy cameras, the Vivitar IC100 and the colorsplash flash. The holga 135 is just to bulky, I’m packing 3 rolls of ISO200 film I think that would be enough for some fun shots.
I’ve loaded some podcasts and tunes on my 8Gb microSDHC card which resides in my Treo Pro and I’m bringing along some candy bars for the trip.
Call time is at 6AM, so I’m taking a shower, starting uploads of tonight’s pics then hitting the hay.
Well I’ve decided to delete some of the social networking / micro-blogging sites I’ve joined over the years.
So far I have removed the following Social Networking / Micro-blogging services:
hi5 / tagged / myspace / friendster / multiply / flixster / delicious / rummble / orkut / fireeagle / identi.ca
I am still undecided if I should keep plurk, brightkite, friendfeed
----
I will be maintaining my blog, facebook, twitter, last.fm, linked in, dopplr. Of course I am keeping all my content sites flickr, youtube, vimeo, deviantart, mobile9, mosh, picasa.
----
I am thinking of creating a new myspace account for music discovery and following artists. But 1st I have to cleanup my bookmarks and edit my mobile faves page hehehe.
HTC Touch Diamond2
Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional [FREE 6.5 Update when available]
ROM/RAM: 512Mb/288Mb
Dimensions: 107.85 X 53.1 X 13.7 mm
Weight: 117.5 grams
Display: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD 480 X 800 WVGA resolution
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz & HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz
TouchFLO 3D + Zoom bar
WiFi 802.11b/g
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
HTC ExtUSB
5MP AF / 0.3MP
FM Radio
G-Sensor
microSDHC
1100mAh
--
Say good bye to 4Gb internal storage and hello to microSDHC expansion, The main camera has more megapixels [still no flash], the screen is bigger physically and has a higher resolution display, higher capacity battery, still no 3.5mm jack
HTC Touch Pro2
Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional [FREE 6.5 Update when available]
ROM/RAM: 512Mb/288Mb
Dimensions: 116 X 59.2 X 17.25 mm
Weight: 175 grams
Display: 3.6-inch TFT-LCD 480 X 800 WVGA resolution
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz & HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz
TouchFLO 3D + Zoom bar
WiFi 802.11b/g
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
HTC ExtUSB
3.2MP AF + Flash / 0.3MP
FM Radio
G-Sensor
GPS
1500mAh
microSDHC
Slide out 5-row QWERTY keyboard
--
I like that they’ve brought back the slide and tilt form factor from the HTC TyTN II and slapped on a higher resolution display but it doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade from the Touch Pro it is set to replace.
HTC adds Straight Talk™ which they claim is crystal clear automated speaker phone, just flip your device over and lay it down on your desk and talk away.
Grab “Kyau & Albert’s Euphonic Sessions” monthly podcast:
As I am typing this post I am watching the live stream from Mobile World Congress [MWC09] Barcelona. Balmer and Lees, give us the low down on Microsoft’s next mobile OS.
--
Windows Mobile 6.5 is announced officially and some features are discussed.
New Lock Screen
New Today Screen
Honeycomb Interface
New Internet Explorer
New Services for Windows Mobile:
Microsoft My Phone – Sync to the Cloud
Microsoft App Store – App Store
Partners:
HTC:
Peter Chou, HTC’s CEO: mentioned that they are committed to Microsoft and the platform. He also mentioned that customers who buy their new devices namely the HTC Touch Diamond 2 and HTC Touch Pro 2 will get a free upgrade to the forthcoming OS.
LG:
Dr. Skott Ahn, LG’s CEO: 50 models are planned from now to 2012. Yes that’s 50 models from the Korean company. WOW!
Orange:
Yves Maitre, senior VP of devices Orange: Operator which doesn’t really mean anything for us here in the PH.
--
--
SkyFire Browser - right now it is still in beta but it is a pretty zippy and nice browser.
Adobe FlashLite – adds flash support to your device.
Microsoft Recite – searchable voice notes.
from MSMOBILES.COM
Reflekt – Need To Feel Loved96kbps 28sec stereo mp3
Ferry Corsten - Made Of Love
Natasha Bedingfield vs Chicane – Bruised Water
I’m sure a lot of Windows Mobile users will find this useful.
--
Here’s a quick and easy way to backup/restore your PIM DATA [Contacts, Appointments, Tasks] on your Win Mo device.
--
Backup:
Using your File Explorer browse your device and look for the file PIM.vol
now simply copy this to your Storage Card for safekeeping.
--
Restore:
Using File Explorer rename the PIM.vol [on device] to PIM1.vol
Copy the saved PIM.vol from Storage Card to the Device root [not in ANY directory]
Soft Reset and delete PIM1.vol
--
NOTE:
It’s best to sync your device to your computer using Activesync (XP) or Windows Mobile Device Center (Vista) and Outlook.
This will NOT backup contacts in the SIM card.
This DOES work across platforms [Standard to Classic to Professional]
This DOES NOT work across versions [a database from WM5 will not work on WM6 and vice versa]
This DOES NOT work across different devices i.e. WM to iPhone
Use this as a 2ndary backup method only, it is still advised to get and use backup software.
I’m back with another tone for your mobile.
Above & Beyond pres OceanLab ft Justine Suissa – On A Good Day (Daniel Kandi Mix)
96Kbps 28sec Stereo MP3
Enjoy your day… :D
More of those oldies but goodies!
Ian Van Dahl – Castles In The Sky
All tones 96kbps 28sec Stereo Mp3. Enjoy! Trust in Trance!
I posted way back about subverting data connections on your Windows Mobile device. Well I found an app that eliminates the need for digging thru your settings each and every time to disable or enable data.
The application is called NoData it’s up on MoDaCo, it’s free and it works on both Windows Mobile Standard and Professional devices. It’s great for keeping data costs down especially when you are overseas and roaming.
Once installed you just start the application and turn off the connections you don’t want to connect. Remember you have to enable them before you can use them again, keep this in mind if you have push email activated.
TIp: You may leave MMS on so you still get those goofy gifs :D
=================
=================
Microsoft introduced Threaded SMS [or chat style] in version 6.1 of Windows Mobile Professional and Standard Devices.
So What’s The Difference?
Threaded SMS Off, this is the *old* way WM used to handle messages. Each message from the sender appears on your inbox. If you’ve added a photo to the contact it will be displayed as well.
----
Threaded SMS On, this was introduced in WM6.1 messages received and sent to are contact a grouped together. It makes following conversations easier. This is the OS default.
Threaded SMS is great if you want to keep track of your SMS correspondence with a contact. However some people don’t like or require this. Here’s a quick and easy way to toggle between threaded and regular SMS.
Method 1: Notepad (PC)
Notepad
Fire up your notepad
Copy the code and paste to your note
Save and change from .txt to .reg
Copy to your device
Tap to make the changes work.
Turn Off Threaded SMS:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Settings\OEM]
"SMSInboxThreadingDisabled"=dword:00000001
Turn On Threaded SMS (OS Default):
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Settings\OEM]
"SMSInboxThreadingDisabled"=dword:00000000
Method 2: Registry Editor (On Device)
Fire up your Registry Editor
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Settings\OEM
Look for [or create]: SMSInboxThreadingDisabled
Edit the Value as needed: 0 = On / 1 = Off
I’ve also noticed that it is easier to search for individual messages and see the time stamps when threaded SMS off. If threaded SMS is on you only see the time stamp of the messages within the day, past messages will only have the date.
I hope you’ve found this tip useful.
I’ve been using a converged smart phone since 2003 and I must say it is a great way to work and play. I do buy a few feature phones each year but end up selling them after a few weeks, I just don’t get satisfied with feature phones anymore. I feel that this year we will see more people adapt smart phones. I think the iPhone has successfully made this notion palatable to the masses. So thanks Apple.
My mobile OS of choice is Windows Mobile. At the moment I have 2 versions of Windows Mobile. I have a Treo Pro running Windows Mobile Professional and a HTC S730 running Windows Mobile Standard.
Microsoft has been delaying Windows Mobile 7 because they are concentrating on their desktop OS. Windows Mobile 6.1 is due for a refresh. I think the UI needs a drastic overhaul to improve usability. It is really powerful but it really needs to be easier to use.
I am watching the development of Nokia Series 60, Google’s Android platform, Apple’s iPhone, and the latest entry Palm’s Web OS.
Before I hopped over to WM I was using Nokia Series 60. It wasn’t very mature or powerful at the time. I guess at the time it was more of a pseudo smart phone OS rather than a full blown OS such as it’s competition. I do think their devices look gorgeous the OS needs a bit more work.
Apple’s OS is really user friendly but the hardware is really turning me off. I am a hardware QWERTY keyboard person and the SIP on the iPhone just isn’t efficient enough for me. Simple things have been disregarded and marked us un-important even as it’s users clamor for it daily. I guess it’s an elitist OS that says use it or frak off.
Android and Web OS are the most interesting and exciting for me. Android has a lot of potential and with the Google overlords behind it I am sure it will reach that potential in a year or two. Web OS looks really slick… palm’s last stand seems to be a valiant one. I do hope that there are a few more Android OS and Web OS devices announced and shipped this year and that they reach our shores too!
I am waiting for the palm Pre in GSM, the next iPhone, the next Android device.
It is really an exciting time to be a mobility enthusiast. So what devices are you looking out for this year?
My friend’s dad is selling his 1 year old VAIO because he has crossed over to the dark side [read: he went APPLE]. Kidding about the dark side, serious about the VAIO. He’s taken really good care of it.
Color: Silver
15.4 inch 1280x800 Xbrite
Intel Centrino Duo
1Gb DDR II RAM
Intel GMA950
250Gb HDD
Windows Vista Home Premium
Webcam
=====================
Asking price is: 55,000.00 PhP
=====================
Product Information
JBL's Creature II three piece speaker system produces high-quality stereo sound for movies, MP3's, movies and gaming experiences.
Product MPN
MPN:
T9077LL/A
Key Features
Number of Speakers:
2 Speakers + Subwoofer
Max. Power Output:
8 Watt (Watts)
Connection Type:
Cable
Technical Features
Frequency Response:
50 - 20000 Hz
THD:
10 %
Front Speaker
Dimensions (W x D x H):
3 in. x 3 in. x 3 in.
Subwoofer
Frequency Response:
50 - 20000 Hz
Dimensions (W x D x H):
9 in. x 9 in. x 9 in.
====================
Asking Price is: PhP 2,000.00
====================
Here are some classic trance tones I’ve made.
Paul van Dyk – Forbidden Fruit
Planet Perfecto – Bullet in the Gun
All tones are 96kbps 28sec Stereo Mp3 and will work on most mobiles. Enjoy and remember to Trust in Trance!
This week’s tone is another trance gem from OceanLab. I made two versions… Enjoy!
Above & Beyond pres OceanLab ft Justine Suissa
Miracle - Above & Beyond Club Mix (ver. 1)
Miracle – Above & Beyond Club Mix (ver. 2)
96Kbps 28sec Stereo MP3
TinT - Trust in Trance
Had dinner with friends here yesterday. It’s located at Fox Square Building on Connecticut Street Greenhills [beside Capricciosa].
The restaurant was well lit and looked clean. I think they are on their soft opening. The service was not too good. I hope the management and staff get their act together.
[Nigiri Sushi]
I had sushi it was fresh and is way better than other mid tier Japanese themed restaurants [i.e. Teriyaki Boy or Tempura]. I then had Tempura Udon, the noodles were firm to the bite and the soup very savory. I would’ve liked less batter and more shrimp though.
[Salmon Roe, Unagi, Uni, Ama Ebi, Mackarel]
[Tempura Udon]
Pricing was not to steep.
*apologies for the crappy images.
I wonder what’s in stored for Windows Mobile, I’ve been noticing that manufacturers haven’t been announcing new devices as of late, especially for WM Standard.
Could this be a sign that MS will finally be merging Standard and Professional/Classic? Is WM Std going bye bye?
The buzz is that 6.5 will become official at MWC. I do hope that palm has the good sense to give us Treo Pro users an upgrade option.
