I have always been a fan of Paint Shop Pro software. Been using it for many years, long before Corel bought over the software from JASC long time ago.
I am still using X3 version (licensed, bought during their promotion period.). Today, got the mood to install and try the new X5 version (30 days trial), see if it is worth the upgrade cost of USD39.99 (promotion price at the moment).
Got the chance to try out Nikon D800 today, the new definition of MEGAPIXEL in Nikon DSLR. 36.3MP, yes, 3x more pixel than my Nikon D3s.
I am eager to know how well the sensor resolution really is…so I pull out one of the sharpest lens in Nikon, the AFS 60mm F/2.8 Micro lens.
Megumi full body shot. Resized, no editing.
This is a 100% crop from the above photo. No editing. Click to enlarge.
It is actually quite hard to image how much resolution Nikon D800 gained from the new sensor as compared to Nikon D3s. So I pull out my D3s and did some similar shots and compare them.
D3 Full Frame shot
100% crop, click to view in full.
Ok, it might be hard to imagine or compare the difference still, so let’s see the side by side comparison below for the two crops both at 100% size.
From the above, the D800 is really much more significant in resolution than D3s, and MORE than 3x the resolution in my opinion. I am eager to see how much improvement the file can deliver for a 24 x 36″ print.
Just received yesterday. Still trying to get uses to it.
It is a set that comes with a mouse, a nice mouse M705 model with forward / backward, free scroll…etc. buttons. I actually already have that mouse, bought separately few months ago for my notebook use. So, this new mouse is for my wife, as she wanted to have the back/forth button. They keyboard was actually for her, but I think her current one (Logitech Wave) is also very nice already, so she let me have this one.
It comes with a palm rest pad too at the bottom of the keyboard, which is nice and comfortable.
It has got a small LCD indicating some of the functions and battery life of the keyboard.
Next to my Dell monitor, I think they match nicely.
Can I type faster with the new keyboard? Hahaa…I don’t know…but the feel is definitely great!
The keys are soft touch type. Very different from my other Logitech keyboards. The keys are slightly smaller than the Logitech new touch wired keyboard. Just slightly.
Just bought one today. Am building a new PC for myself again (passing my old Intel Core 2 Duo PC to my staff), so decided to get a SSD for peace of mind data safe and also performance.
Price of SSD has dropped a lot recently. It used to be quite prohibitive, where a small capacity SSD can cost over RM1k. The Intel 120GB SSD that I bought today cost me RM359, and it comes with a 3.5″ desktop bracket. Yeah, can be mounted on desktop computer without the need of extra accessory or modification. (The salesman didn’t know that…and when I pointed that out as what written on the box, he kinda like twisting his language and said is not very stable…blah blah blah…why not just admit it that you overlook?)
120GB? Enough? I will use it mainly for OS and software installation, so should be good enough. Perhaps also for my temporary photo storage, where I want to view, browse and edit, should be faster than my current PC.
Not going for i7 processor (starting price at over RM900), as the price different is quite a lot from i5. With the third generation Ivy Bridge, i5 in my opinion is good enough, and the processor alone for i5 3570 3.40GHz is already RM623. There is another model i5 3570K at RM693, which allows overclocking (not going to do that, so I didn’t choose the 3570K version).
Am going to install at least 8GB RAM. Already bought 2 x 4GB Kingston DDR3 1333 at RM54 each. Since the motherboard I plan to get can accommodate 4 slots of RAM, I might go get another 2 x 4GB and making it 16GB in total RAM later. Sounds yummy!
Monitor? I bought a Samsung 23″ S23A350H LED at RM568. Not for myself, but for my staff. I still have my Dell 30″. Samsung monitors now mostly come with VGA and HDMI port. No more DVI, and they do not include any HDMI cable, but just VGA cable. Digital signal is so much better than analog, so must purchase HDMI cable separately.
The motherboard I plan to get is ASUS P8Z77-V LX. Read some good reviews of it online. RM419, quite pricey but is with VGA and soundcard built in, so should still be OK. I have bad experience with Intel motherboard, and am quite happy with my previous ASUS motherboard.
Not going to get DVD drive this time. The old computer DVD drive got broken after a year, and a replacement faults donno when again, and I rarely use it. Windows installation can now be done using USB, so no need for DVD ROM.
Keyboard and mouse. Will try look for a good and comfortable one this time. My old one is Logitech K260 wireless keyboard and mouse. They are good what they are meant for, but not superb. My wife said a mouse should have back and forward button, and the wheel should fly.
Just found what seems to be quite good choice. Logitech MK710. Around RM200. Will see how it performs.
By the way…Windows 8? Hmm…I will install Windows 7 64bit first.
The most popular classified site in Malaysia, for all sorts of item, including CAR. Quite a lot of listing, mainly posted by end user. Bad thing is that you can’t click to zoom / view larger product image.
One of the latest that I know of. Very well done interface, modern and easy to navigate. However, for it is quite new, the number of listing are limited but is growing fast, and most listings are latest ads that still have the cars available.
Was playing around with my wife’s Galaxy Note (white). Happened to found there is new firmware update for it. So just click download and update.
Took a few long minutes to download, as is big file at over 145MB.
After the first update, checked the firmware, yes is Android 4.04. Interface very similar to my Galaxy S III now. Great!
Then, there is another update. This time 99MB.
Then there is another update. This time is 26MB, said to improve stability.
Hmm…I guess it cannot be updated once directly and still preserve all original info. Anyhow, it is good to see that Samsung still care so much for the old phone (Galaxy Note 2 already in the market). The update makes the phone LIKE NEW again!
Note 2? Nah…I don’t think my wife will want that. Galaxy Note is still quite new, and is serving her well. Fast speed, great screen, no complaint from her so far. Maybe wait till Galaxy Note 3 if Samsung still rules.
Yes, finally received. After waiting for several days.
Opening the box experience…
Without SIM can still use the phone by connecting to WIFI internet.
Galaxy S III is using Micro SIM card, while my old Galaxy S is using Mini Sim.
No, no need to go to telco to apply for new SIM card. Can just CUT the old Mini SIM to Micro Sim size and then use it! There are many tutorial and template available in the internet. Just Google for “Cut Mini SIM to Micro SIM”.
Yes, is the Galaxy S3, Marble White! No, I didn’t checkout the Pebble Blue version. From photos, pebble blue doesn’t really look that nice. I think I like white more. I prefer my White iPad more than the Black iPad. White looks more contrasty than dark color.
I am currently still using the First generation Samsung Galaxy. Cost me RM2.5k when first bought on 24th July 2010. Two years 2 months and 8 days old…total 798 days…around RM3.13 per day costs. Hmm…quite expensive comes to think of it.
The reason I am hoping for an upgrade is because of the delay in my current Galaxy S in message viewing or call answering. Maybe too many games inside (actually not that many as still got lots of space left). I use my phone extensively for work, so I hope the upgrade (to Galaxy S3) can make doing tasks more efficient and less frustrating.
Galaxy Note is a fantastic phone, but not for me. My wife is using it, and I love the screen a lot but is TOO BIG for my pocket! No, I don’t carry purse. The screen is much better than the Galaxy S2 that I thought of upgrading last time, until I compared the S2 and the Note side by side. After considering Galaxy Note and Galaxy S2, both not suitable for me so I didn’t upgrade and continue using my Galaxy.
The current Galaxy S3 is just nice. Great screen, comfortable size, fast speed, cheaper price! I haven’t tried one in my Jeans, hopefully won’t get in the way.
No, not yet receive. Should be within these few days.
Almost bought the package just now, Samsung Galaxy S3 at RM1299 and tied with 24 months Digi Smart Plan 88 (currently 1 Malaysia promotion to RM68).
Sounds attractive? Yeah, and I saw a many people are buying. They only have white demo set, no pebble blue, so I decided not to commit until I check the pebble blue colour.
Went home, opened up my Digi bill online, and studied them.
Hmm…I have been overpaying in the last few years. I was subscribing to Digi50 and Digi Smart 58 (unlimited internet for RM58). Yeah…Unlimited internet access data download! But, when I checked my internet usage in the last 3 months, maximum usage is 600MB, while average is 300MB. I don’t need the 5GB quota from the Digi Smart Plan 88 (RM83 payment monthly), and the cheapest Digi Smart Plan 48 (1GB internet at RM43 monthly) is already more than enough for me!
Decided time for a change. Called up Digi service center, talked for 15 mins, and all done.
My previous monthly bill is often RM200+ for two lines (Main and Sub). That’s because the basic committed total amount is already (RM50 + RM58) + (RM30 + RM58) + (RM3 + RM2) x 2 (Itemized Billing + Standard Billing) + 6% Service Tax = RM207.76
During the call, I asked to terminate the Itemized billing and Standard billing as well. Convert to internet billing (PDF format send via email to me). Saves RM10 monthly (before tax).
Now my committed minimum payment per month is RM43 + RM28 + 6% = RM75.26
Of course there will be some call charges per month, estimated RM50 + Rm30 = RM80. Still, shall save RM50 per month, ideally. Shall monitor that in the next few months.
It is better late than never, hopefully will see some savings from next month onwards!
(Almost forgot about the topic. Shall I go for the Digi Smart Plan now? No. No saving based on my current new plans above.)
Posted by KhoKing on Friday Sep 21, 2012 Under Car
Yes, no longer the New Beetle, which was the last generation beetle. The new Beetle is now called The Beetle.
Despite long history, Volkswagen Beetle is only in its 3rd generation design. Yes, the 2012 Beetle is the 3rd generation beetle from Volkswagen. Surprise, huh?!
Passed by Volkwagen showroom today, made a sudden left turn and drove straight to it. Saw a black beetle parked outside the showroom, must be the test drive model.
Was quite late at 6.30pm, salesman didn’t bother to entertain me. Walked straight to one of them, and told him “I want to see the Beetle.“.
I actually saw a red one in the showroom, later the salesman told me it is actually a new owner’s car, waiting to be picked up. Already registered.
No test drive, as it was quite late already and traffic jam outside. I went to see the black one parked outside. Quite dirty, and black is no good that shows dirt easily.
Sit inside the car, quite comfortable. The car is not that low, not a sports car type of feeling like you DROPPED or SANK into a car when you sit inside. The seat is comfortable. Good padding and cushion. Black, hmm…a bit dull. The salesman told me is leather, but I am not sure what type of leather. Genuine or synthetic…
The car is SPACIOUS. Yes, really is spacious. I even tried the back seat, plenty of head room (I am 180cm), though leg room is limited (my legs touched the back of the front seat). Just need to adjust the front seats forward a little and the car is a very practical 4 seaters. No, no space for the 5th person.
No, I can’t associate the interior design of the car with the word “luxurious”. The interior design is quite simple. Maybe because of Black Color, it looks dull too. The sports steering is nice, small with some control buttons on it. The DSG gear shift stick looks good and elegant, 7 speeds DSG matched to a 1198cc TSI engine. Should be nice for city use.
The Beetle box is plasticky.
The LCD entertainment / info system looks OK. I don’t have time to try out the setting. Looks clear, good and huge on first impression. LCD not very big though.
The interior is best matched with colour like below, not BLACK.
Yes, it is a Beetle. Maybe because of the color, Black, I don’t feel particularly excited about the car. It should be an exciting car, and an exciting car should be in exciting color! Not Black for sure. Though it is metalic black, but still it looks dull with dirt (rain stains). The design is nice, OK, maybe I have seen too many photos of it online. The boot is spacious. The 16″ RIM design is normal, nothing exciting, wrapped in Bridgestone tyre. There is a space saver tyre in the boot, with Continental tyre wrapped.
No LED light in front, which is the biggest let down. I guess they want to distinguish the 1.2, 1.4 from the 2.0 easily, with only the 2.0Turbo has LED lights.
Did I mention a red Beetle inside the showroom? Yes, I went to check it out too. Just exterior only. Not nice to sit inside a brand new car that belongs to somebody already. Not metalic red, solid red only. So for me the color is a bit dull too.
Then, the salesman told me there is a BROWN colour available in their showroom too, as asked if I am interested to see. Sure!
He drove me to look for the car, yes, drove me with his car to look for that brown Beetle. It was parked at the back of their showroom, in the parking lot next to their workshop. Metalic brown, more like BRONZE color. Nice I must say. Better than the Black and Red. Very shinny eventhough it is parked outside with some dirt on it. Dirt is not very visible on the car. The interior is having the matching color as per the exterior. Is Brown an exciting color? Not for me, but I think it matches the Beetle well as an ANTIC CLASSIC.
(1.2TSI doesn’t come with spoiler at the back. No sunroof too.)
“The lucky owner just book the car on the 5th September 2012 and he already gotten the car now!“, told the salesman. Why so fast? Brown was not in their initial offering, hence no pre-order for it and they only start taking order for Brown when it is available. So some lucky buyers got to get the car immediately. Other colours waiting period is 3-6 months.
For me, I think the best color for the Beetle is YELLOW, followed by WHITE.
Price? RM139,888. OTR should be around RM145k. That’s for the 1.2TSI. 1.4TSI should be around 170k and 2.0TSI should be RM200k+.
No, I am not buying one. Still, it is fun to look at one.