Tag: gadgets

Almost Perfect

Even though I’ve just upgraded my cell phone to Sony Ericsson Z600 less than three months ago, this Audiovox PPC 4100 is tempting me to upgrade once again! It has the right features and functionality while the price is more than half of the Sony Ericsson P900 PDA phone that I was considering (and actually cost less than my Z600!).

I described the Z600 as almost the perfect phone and I still think it is. However, Leah took my Sony Clie to the UK and I suddenly found myself using the organiser feature of my Z600 more. I found it very basic and lacking some very fundamental calendar and to-do list features.

Even though the Audiovox runs Windows Pocket PC, which I am no big fans of, I know from my colleague’s Motorola MPx200 that the OS is actually pretty decent now. The only problem is to get synchronisation functionality for my PowerBook. Missing Sync should support the PPC 4100 as Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC edition (which the PPC 4100 runs) is listed as supported.

Now I just need to pop down to the AT&T shop and play with it for a bit…

[Posted with ecto]

3

18% vs. 0%

The Canon 10D arrived yesterday and I only got to play with it this afternoon (Leah and I went out to comedy show with a friend last night). Within couple of hours, I’ve already learnt many things about new digital photography.

The most important one concerns exposure. All the initial test shots came out underexposed by at least 1 stop. I was puzzled as the metering in the 10D is (or should be) very similar to my EOS 30 film SLR, and I have no problem getting good and accurate exposure from that camera using slide film.

After playing with pre-set white balance settings for awhile, I went online to read some more. There I found out that with digital sensor I should be basing my exposure off white (0%) instead of the 18% grey! And the most accurate way to achieve this is to shoot a white card in the correct lighting then based apply a custom white balance off that white image. As it was getting dark by that time, I will have to test this out tomorrow.

The battery grip, the 512MB CF card and the Firewire CF card reader should arrive on Monday. Can’t wait to have all the gear in my camera bag! Leah and I are planning to visit the Bronx Zoo at the end of this month when the weather improves.

[Posted with ecto]

5

Computer vs. Art

I’ve always known that my W-4 was inaccurate and I always get a tax refund from IRS every year. So even before knowing how much the refund will be for last year tax return, I was already thinking what I can use those money for (apart from saving it).

Initially, I was biasing towards getting a new PC laptop. I know, I should get a G5 but my blogging software, TypeWriter, is acquiring interests from important quarter. So I have been, and will be, doing a lot of development work on my PC laptop. And thus a new laptop make sense and will make my life easier.

Then came the Weblog Review on this blog. It gave me pauses to think about my priority with regard to my hobby. Photography has been my hobby for a few years now but I have not been able to do that last year due to the unpredictable work schedule. However, with my new job and its stability, I can renew my photography hobby again.

Along with ample encouragement from Leah, I’ve decided it is the right time for me to start again and getting a digital camera will be the first step. I’ve been resisting the urge to go digital for a long time. I’ve even bought a film scanner couple of years ago so I’ll have a way to digitise my slides/negatives. But now the technology has finally matured to the point that I feel my investment won’t be wasted.

So the new PC laptop is replaced by a DSLR. Since I’ve already owned three lenses from Canon naturally I am considering Canon’s DSLR. First on my list is the EOS-10D, which has all the features and functionality that my film body, EOS30/Elan7E has. This means it will take me no time to learn how to use the 10D and exploit its potentials.

I’ve also researched into the EOS Digital Rebel/300D which has the same 6MP sensor that the 10D has. However the build, feature, and functionality set the Digital Rebel has really doesn’t match up with my expectation despite the price.

Now, all I need to do is pluck up my courage and order it from Amazon…

[Posted with ecto]

3

CTU and Z600

One thing I have not blogged about yet is that I’ve gotten my Sony Ericsson Z600 cell phone over a week ago. It is arguably the best cell phone I’ve had and I had a few (nine since 1992). Granted it is not the P900 but as cell phone goes Z600 is pretty much it.

And tonight I’ve found the coolest ringtone for my phone, 24 CTU. Now all of my normal incoming calls will trigger this ring unless I’ve specified a particular ringtone for a number (e.g. Leah has “Final Countdown”, and “Star Wars: Imperial March” for anyone from work).

[Posted with ecto]

1

Surround me…

After over 3 years without a surround sound home theatre system, I’ve finally purchased one last week and it was setup last night. Instead of the separate systems that I had in Britain before I moved to U.S., this time I opted for a all-in-one systems, the Panasonic SC-HT900. It is pretty stylish in metallic silver and the slim, tall speakers are non-intrusive (a big complain from Leah for my last ‘proper’ systems). The DVD video output is more than great with its components video signal. The sounds are good for its price and although the subwoofer doesn’t rock the whole apartment, it’s subtlety is more pleasant to the ears. All in all, a pretty good purchase.

Next on the gadget list, Sony Ericsson Z600 cell phone.

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