An opportunity came and thus the chance to ‘spend’ 2 weeks with Nokia Lumia 800.

Here are my thoughts on it:

Likes:

- Design / Display / Battery / Grip
It seems that Nokia has once again embraced simplicity while giving it a sleek feel, esp. for the curved Corning® Gorilla® Glass. For someone who is constantly on 3G, it lasted longer than my other handset and i love the feel or grip for this phone, doesn’t slip and i don’t have to get additional casing for it. It comes with one slip-on cover, same color as the phone.

- Processing Speed
One of the fastest, compared to other OS phones, be it starting a new app or switching to another.

- Music
Allowing users to download lower quality free playlist from Music store, for easy listening. Although sound quality is inconsistent but I appreciate having such a function that doesn’t require mass data transfer.

- Social network
Easy link to social networks, e.g. Facebook and Twitter, allows fast updates and view of current info of friends.

Dislike:

- Charging point flap
I really do find this rather flimsy, was worried i would klutz and break it but thankfully, it didn’t. It would be nice if users could hide this flap in the phone.

- Camera
Definitely one main function i would scrutinize / compare with other mobiles. Much room for improvement for this, for i didn’t like how lacklustre the photos turn out, with default settings. Macro and other modes were decent but can’t impress with its default being as such.

- Operating System (OS)
It reminded me a whole load of Symbian OS and the near-endless scrolling for app… is just… urggh.  Now that I’ve tried all mobile OS (W7, Android and iOS), I realized W7 and Android both possess similar issue, unable to remove default account (eg. Live or Gmail) without a full phone reset, hmm.

*****

Well, tt’s great to know Nokia is coming back strong and seeking change in design and functionality, while taking in feedbacks from its users.
W7 OS will always be a challenge (a big one for me) but if mobile functions are on par with other mobiles in market, there’ll still be followers.

For those looking for a social networking phone, with decent music functions, email and basic mobile uses, Nokia Lumia 800 will fit your needs nicely.

For specifications and other info, check out Nokia’s website –> LINK

*****

Thanks to Nokia and pr agency for the loan set.

This will be one of few times, you’ll see me say / write – cost equates quality.

Sure, its price might seem too much for some, especially when it comes to a phone cover / casing.
Though at a higher than usual cost but it’s definitely an unique product to own, for iPhone users and photographers.

Lightweight case, clips nicely on to a iPhone 4S, with a pop out side for strap attachment.
Allowing users to connect it to its strap and on to tripods, giving one stability for photo snapping or hands free (when wearing case + strap on the neck).

Mock leather cover slip-proof the phone, more grip when placed on smooth surface and feels nicer when on palm.
And if you are like me, who loves spin turning your phone (do not try it, unless you are willing to damage phone), the mock leather makes it near impossible to miss (exclude ultimate butter fingers)

The soft and smooth strap allows users to wear their phones or cameras with comfort and is able to handle up to 15kg weight.
Well I’ve hooked it up to my DSLR and it’s able to handle the 2+kg (50D + 18-200mm), while stretching the strap a little.
I’m sure you wouldn’t want to overstretch it, so hook it up to your compact cameras or micro 4/3 instead.

Casing removal tip:
1) casing only: start from the top left hand corner and work your way down the left, to remove phone.
2) casing with strap: attached strap to the case tightly, press down lightly on the attached area (right side) to loosen phone from case.

SRP S$69.90 (casing) and $29.90 (strap), from Digitalhub.

Fun bits:
- smooth interface with Android version 3.2
- vibrant images, close to actual photo color and retains details from photos.
- comfortable spacing and sized screen keyboard
- browser view include number pad for keyboard, for ease in password input
- unique elevated design, easy to carry and doesn’t slip off hands (even without case)
- front and back cameras produced decent images for a tablet (though I don’t see a need for them, its not a phone nor a camera)
- ability to sync with other tv brands and doubled up as a working remote for tv (most fun derived from this function, for the pranker in me)
- fast detection on available wifi networks and fast switch between 2 network points (tested with home network)
- battery life, decent (around 6hrs) with non-stop wifi usage (note: review set was wifi set, not 3G)
- seamless connection with Xperia phone (tested with mom’s Xperia Arc)

Room for improvement:
- it will be better to be expand storage with microsd cards, more space for additional ports or functions?
- oddly, the underside of tablet vibrates a little when sound / music is running, perhaps a better position for sound output? preferably on the elevated point.
- the multi remote function is limited to tv sets, will not work with cable setup box. It’ll be good if future updates can touch on this and make it possible.
- software updates required for users to at least be able to do screen shots, a common question on forums.
- wasn’t able to charge with micro USB port, hmm… but not sure if it happens to normal sets.

Since it’s a wifi set, there were some limitations.

But I did enjoyed my time on it, especially for the current DrawSomething addiction, playing Angry Bird Space (which friends had a great time testing and loving the color quality and responsiveness) and video watching. All that, after my initiated frustration with apple to sony tethering.

It could be a good buy for home usage with home wifi setup, like mine.
For home entertainment, Internet surfing and android games to entertain the kids.

Not forgetting, Sony products ability to cross connect and share, eg. data on sony tablet, like photos or videos drag / send to Sony TV for view.

RRP S$748, for a 32gb wifi set.

For more details, check out Sony’s website — Sony Tablet

*****

Photos, to be included later.

Thanks to Sony and pr agency for the loan

For not wanting to ever be part of the annoying bunch again, I jumped at the chance to test/review the Logitech Ultimate Ears 350vi (iPhone compatible).

Comes in that small packaging (first photo) and accessories are as per shown in following photos (second and third).

First thought:
Light, fuss free and packs nicely in the mini case / box provided.

Design wise:
Usual design, in black  but with a touch of silver finishing. And a

On the left of the last photo, are different sizes of ear cushions to change and enhance user comfort. It does makes easier for us, since not everyone uses the same size and might need to buy specific ones. I ended up using the smallest (or XXS) but it wasn’t a perfect fit.

Maybe I need customized cushions, hmm.

The noise isolation bit, it will probably work well if the user is wearing a nicely fit ear cushion.
Since mine didn’t fit that nicely, I managed to hear slight muffled conversations and music from other passengers, on the same bus.

Music and comfort wise:
Since I’m no audiophile like my friends, I can’t give you a clear insight or good comparison or what’s really missing. In my honest opinion, I appreciated the clarity and balanced sounds (or so my ears gathered), no aching pain (which i usually do from pack-ins and substandard earphones) after wearing it for more than an hour. As for its known enhanced bass performance, it was okay… a little weak, definitely could do better.

Since it’s iPhone compatible, no review is complete without a phone conversation, right?
During 3 different phone conversations,  only the first call had the static interference (or sound cuts) and the rest, were clear. So I’m guessing it might be due to the area I was in, not directly due to the earphones.

As for the carrying case / box, the sturdy hard shell case protects the earphones and helps to ensure it doesn’t end up too curly or tangled.

*****

Personal thought:
After having it for a week, it felt odd and uncomfortable to go back to my old ones.
It’s a decent mid range earphones that delivers and reasonably priced, unlike others (hint: awfully red ones).

As for its price, it’s retailing at SGD$79.

*****

Specification (as obtained from Logitech):
Type: In-ear
Driver type: Diaphragm
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Impedance: 16 ohms, 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL/mW, 1 kHz
Noise isolation: -22 dB
Microphone frequency response: 200 Hz – 10 kHz
Microphone sensitivity: -58 dBV/Pa
Warranty: 2 years

What exactly was it on the screen, that got these guys’ attention?

Babes?
Nope.

Balls?
Kinda.

3D soccer balls, to be exact

They were watching / experiencing flying soccer balls from a 3D soccer trailer, projected by Epson EH-TW8000, one of the 3 projectors available that night.

The EH-TW8000 allows users to experience brilliant images, easy conversion of 2D movies or images into 3D for a cinematic experience (no loss in quality based on my experience), at the comfort of their living room. And of course, works as a projector for work purposes (doh! )

Not forgetting a comfortable 3D glasses (battery powered)(IMO), which proved much more comfortable than the ones we wore, at cinemas. As for how long is the battery life of the glasses, that’s something I would really like know. Pretty much on par, in terms of price, with those 40″ LCD TVs but definitely more portable.

Good for large family gatherings and soccer nights, eh?

As for Epson EB-435W, is made for ease of use for presentation in small meeting rooms and even classrooms. It can double up as an interactive whiteboard as well, which means you can doodle or write without having to bring markers everywhere. That means light, portable and less hassle.

And lastly, Epson MG-850HD, which happened to be some of our tech boys / guys’ favorite, as it’s an all-rounder projector (for work & home entertainment), with a docking system for Apple products (compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod).

Do i hear a ‘Yippee?!’

Not just presentations made easy, since you can just save everything on your phone or iPad, it works great for videos (decent sound quality) and photos too.

We tested it with Genghui’s iPad, viewing his Eclipse photos (enlarged by 12times, shifted to weird angles but adjustable and still projected clear images) and for video, Achmed the Dead Terrorist youtube video (based on quality of video, it was pretty decent and on board speaker was pretty good).

Oh and it’s light too, 3.9kg.
Tempting, tempting

Summary: all rounder and lightweight

*****

Many thanks to the friendly team from Epson Singapore and XPR, for the invite to their first Epson blogger engagement and photos for keepsake
And my apologies for this verrrrry late post :X

Photo credits – XPR