Maxis Blackberry Playbook Workshop

I was invited to Maxis Blackberry Playbook Workshop at KL Convention Center back to few weeks ago. It was an awesome and fun experience with Maxis..not to mention with the Playbook that i been eye-ing for very long time!

During the whole workshop, Eric, from Brighstar take the role to tutor us from A-Z about Blackberry Playbook.

 

 * Eric from Brightstar *

 

* Daphne and Tianchad exploring the Playbook *

Later, an apps developer from Maxis showcase some of fun apps provided by Maxis that pre-install into Playbook such as Finder301, Maxis wifi Hotspot and etc.

 

* Cool apps pre-install by Maxis *

Game session was on after this. Everyone get a chance to compete with each other in Need For Speed : Undercover and Tetris game! Winner for both game won themselves a Jabra Bluetooth headset that worth RM200.

 

 * Need for Speed : Undercover! *

 

* All the racer racing with each other! *

So, you guys wanna know more on Playbook isn't? And why Playbook compare to other tablet like iPad or Honeycomb Tablet??

 

* Adapted from GSMarena.com *

Here are some key features of Playbook :

- True Multitasking : Oh yes i love this! I tried to open 20+ apps and it still running smooth. Not to mention, the apps still running simultaneously!


- QNX OS Technology : built to take advantages of multicore processing


- Native Adobe Flash Support : Unlike iPad who cant run Adobe Flash, Playbook able to do that!


- Portability and Power : Need me to explain? this tablet just 7" size! A perfect mate for me to bring travel to everywhere ;)

Blackberry Playbook was first tablet launch by Blackberry that packed with 1GHz dual core processor. In addition, it powered by QNX platform as OS. If you guys dunno, QNX platform was famous for the reliability and stable to use.

Besides, it has 5mp camera on the back and 3mp on front. User are given choices to choose 720p or 1080p for video recording! Isn't it awesome!? In addition, one of the main thing that attract me most would be the UI (User Interface) of Playbook.

It was customize till the level i like it especially, when the Playbook itself come with buttonless. All action are done by 1 finger, as they said "A finger to dominate a Playbook" LOLL

During the workshop, i tested to connect Playbook with my Blackberry devices using Blackberry Bridge and it work like charm! I get a bigger screen to BBM, email and even calender to jot down my daily appointment and etc.

If u guys dunno, Maxis is now offering a very affordable plan for Playbook with the lowest price RM990! WOW! with RM990 and u can have the "A finger to dominate a world Playbook"!

* For existing maxis BIS user *

 

* for non-existing maxis BIS user *

If u ask me what i like about playbook, here are the features i like :

- Portability! 7" still the best to bring around compare to my iPad. Not to mention it kinda light and thin!


- User Interface! When facing a phone or tablet, UI is very important to me in order i wun get bored easily LOL..Playbook UI was customize till perfectly and all command are done by 1 finger!


- Multitask! I am a multitasker! I love to do alot work in a same time etc play game, listen music or even surf web in the same time!


- Video Recording! The ability to record 1080p! I wan! To be honest i nv had a device tat can record 1080p HD :(


- Adobe Flash supported! This is important to me especially when i am surfing some flash site..or flash game maybe? :P


- Bigger Screen! When i said bigger screen i mean i can has bigger screen to BBM via Blackberry Bridge with my love 1 :P


- Android apps supported! If u guys dunno, QNX was a linux programming too and near future, or maybe coming soon all android apps will be able to port into Playbook! Awesomeeeeee! :D

For those who dunno, i am a iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab user. I possessed both iOS and Android devices. So why i need Playbook to replace both? Here are the reason!

- Multitasking! I have to admit the multitask was far better than Android OS! iOS? i dun need to mention this isn't? :P


- Adobe Flash supported! Eventhough Android support Adobe Flash too, however the experience with Playbook is much smoother and stable compare to Android. iOS? totally out.


- Portability! 7" still win my heart! Though my Galaxy Tab was 7" too, however Playbook was lighter and thinner! Once again, my iPad 2 is totally out..though it was thinner XP


- Android Apps supported! Well, if Playbook can run android apps, why do i still need Galaxy Tab? true? no? :P


- Dual core Processor! 1Ghz dual core Processor easily pawned my both tablet. FYI, my Galaxy Tab was running single core 1Ghz processor and iPad 2 was 900Mhz Dual Core Processor.

Thats all my POV of Blackberry Playbook. It was an awesome companion regardless work or leisure. I would love to own one and replace my Galaxy Tab if i could! :)

 

* Not only able to dominate the Playbook with a finger, with one palm also can! :P *

Finally, thanks again to Maxis and Nuffnang for the awesome workshop! I hope there will be more this kind of workshop as u all know, i am geek on phones and cameras! ;)

 

* Photo credit to Tianchad *

Bloggers without Borders! Apologize!

Just to say sorry for u guys :) i think the video explain pretty much!



Finally, thanks again for everyone support! Love u all so muchy! <3 <3

Bloggers without Borders!

Hey guys! I need a favor from you all! What? What favor?



......................



Shhhh…it is not save to write it out! Watch the video below I had made!!

I wanna go Philippines! So as I mention in the video, just SUGGEST anything and VOTE for me in the Bloggers without Borders contest and I’ll do according what u guys decide! Pretty cool rite!!??

 

If u ask me, I personally would love to get delicious local food from Philippines itself!!



For example Tapsilog, Pinakbet with Shrimp or one of their best dessert, Halo-halo

 

* Tapsilog *

 

* Pinakbet *

* Halo - Halo *

I don’t mind going some historical or interesting place in Philippine as well such as Greenhills Shopping Center, one of the metro's popular bargain places, especially for consumer electronics, clothing and other merchandise.

Philippine sound so awesome right!?? So pls pls pls make a SUGGESTION for me and start VOTING so that I can be there! :D :D





Courtesy of Hotlink Prepaid Data Roaming, I’ll be tweeting, blogging and posting every of my journey!

 

So dun wait! Start SUGGEST and VOTE for me here (http://www.nowyoucan.my/) now! :D

Nokia E7 Review

Courtesy of Simon, i am given a chance to review a Nokia E7, for 24 hours LOLL..Simon was reviewing it for Maxis10 and i am his guest blogger. Well, now what make u guys think i am qualify to review this phone? since i am such a android fan boy now ;P

A little bit about my experience on mobile gadget (opss), I am not a professional reviewer and all the review i wrote is based on my personal preference. I have been Nokia user since 2003 till 2010. Nokia phone that i have use b4 were 3310, 8250, 6600, forgot model, forgot model, forgot model, forgot model and finally, my last nokia phone was my belated N900 :( Nevertheless, i have been watching Nokia Symbian grown until today, so i am actually quite familiar with the UI and etc. Once hands-on on Nokia E7, i get to access all apps and menu very fast.

A basic specification for Nokia E7

* Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
* Penta-band 3G with 10.2 Mbps HSDPA and 2 Mbps HSUPA
* Anodized aluminum unibody
* 4" 16M-color ClearBlack AMOLED capacitive touchscreen of 640 x 360 pixel resolution
* Scratch resistant Gorilla glass display
* 8 megapixel fixed-focus camera with LED flash
* 720p video recording @ 25fps
* Symbian^3 OS
* 680 MHz ARM 11 CPU and 256 MB RAM
* Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
* microHDMI port 720p TV-out functionality
* GPS receiver with A-GPS support and free lifetime voice-guided navigation
* Digital compass
* 16GB of on-board storage
* Active noise cancellation with a dedicated mic
* DivX and XviD video support
* Built-in accelerometer and proximity sensor
* Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
* Stereo FM Radio with RDS, FM transmitter
* microUSB port with USB On-the-go
* Flash and Java support for the web browser
* Stereo Bluetooth 3.0
* Good quality audio
* Smart and voice dialing
* Office document editor preinstalled

This are suppose to be a standard package that come with Nokia E7. As i said previously, Nokia E7 was designed for business class man. The design was sleek and nice, sexy and hot plus, my favourite qwerty keyboard ;)

* Headset, Phone, USB Cable, Charger and 2 cable to USB-on-the-go and HDMI output *

A short comparison in terms of size and thickness for this phone with my BB and Tabbie to give u guys a better idea how sleek is E7 eventhough it packed with qwerty keyboard.

* Meet the Purpleberry, E7 & Tabbie - Amoled screen FTW!*

* Thickness comparison *

It is not reli hard to type though even ppl with fat thumb like me able to type fast. Mayb because i use too much qwerty on my belated Nokia N900 and current Blackberry. In the same time, the virtual keyboard button design kinda consistence and well arrange. I have no problem typing with it too.

The SIM slot was on the phone right side. It required to take off the small SIM holder and put it on it then slide in back LOL u need a long nail to pull d holder out though.

Next, Symbian^3 OS UI was change a little bit compare to previous version. It enable scrolling to left and right on the desktop but only limited to 3 pages. Like Android and Maemo, it enable to add widget or shortcut icon into the desktop but, u r not given freedom to arranged it d way u like.

The next thing i tested was the web browser. I dowan to compare it with my other devices but the web load kinda slow. It took around 2~3 mins to load my blog. Compare to my Tabbie who using the same wifi, it just took less than 20 second to load my blog. My blackberry? ok even hopeless LOL..nevertheless, Nokia E7 web browser was packed with Flash Lite 4.0. Which mean u able to view Youtube video on any website, but obviously kenot use it to play facebook game.

Another thing i love is the multi tab on web browser ;) I can open few windows in the same times.

Like most of the smartphone nowdays, it allowed to setup for email, or else it wun be a smartphone rite? LOL

The phonebook is pretty good since it allowed u to quick access to their social network, call, sms or even video call.

Now, the things i love most on Nokia is the OVI Map. They reli go offer very good service for GPS, 1 of the best offline Navigation tool beside Garmin. During my test on this set, it required me to connect to Data or Wifi, however, it still allowing for offline search and navigation. Obviously, it came together with voice assistance ;)

Tested with the sound and video as well. It is clear, solid and 1 of the best speaker ever :)

In addition, Nokia E7 was packed with 8mp camera, with fixed focus....This is a big disappointed for a photographer like me. During my test on this phone, i unable to capture a sharp image of my object thanks to the fixed focus (and i forgot to transfer out the pics from the phone to my pc T_T). Din get to test on the video recorder since i am not fans of video. I guess N8 still d best camera phone ever.

Another things i love on E7 is the cable for USB-on-the-go that allowed me connect any USB reader. I tested it with my memory card and surprisingly it able to view all the pics taken by my camera :D it will be useful for document, images and even music transfer directly to the phone ;)

Eventhough it came with 680 MHz ARM 11 CPU, the scrolling on the desktop wasn't smooth. Abit sluggish if u ask me. However i am glad that it doesn't affect some game performances. Tested it with Angry Bird and it is smooth like hell ;D

So overall, is this phone is good? Bad? I would like to conclude it with my point of view..You may skip d above and read here if u r lazy :P

This phone is good in terms of :

*Sleek Design
*QWERTY keyboard for those who hate to type on virtual keyboard
*Anodized aluminum unibody
*4inch size
*ClearBlack AMOLED capacitive touchscreen
*Scratch resistant Gorilla glass
*Good GPS AKA Ovi Map
*Good speaker and HD video display
*cable for USB-on-the-go that allowed files transfer between phone and other driver
*Symbian OS is user friendly. Even my dad know how to use it.

And this phone is bad because of :

*Symbian^3 still left behind if wanna compare with iOS and Android that stay strong on market nowdays
*OVI store dun have alot apps compare to Apple and Android market
*8mp camera with fixed focus is totally a joke. At least HTC Desire HD camera is better in my POV
*RRP for this phone is RM1995, too expensive though. Nokia N8 just cost +-Rm1.6k and other high end android devices cost almost d same.
*Battery is not user-replaceable, like iPhone :P

This is totally base on user preference when come to :

*No microSD card slot but the phone come with 16GB built in memory. Might enuf or might not for certain user especially those who love to download movie and watch it on phone
*680 MHz ARM 11 processor. A little bit higher speed than iphone 3Gs and low end android phone but totally out match with current High end Android phone that running 1Ghz single/dual core and iphone4 A4 processor that clock to 1ghz speed also. It might be better if they able to make it to 1ghz processor too and i m pretty sure the UI will smoother.
*Dun have much entertainment apps but if u can survive with it, y not?

Overall thats my point of view and conclusion on Nokia E7. I would said they launch it on wrong time..way too late to launch it. If they could launch it around mid last year, it might be everyone favorite.

Finally, thanks for Simon to lend me this phone to make a short review ;) My review not necessaries correct, but it was all based on my personal opinion. Sorry if it sound BIAS :P

Maxis Om Nom Nom Race - Route of Victory!

Om Nom Nom!! I seriously miss this race! It is fun and crazy ;D Courtesy to Nuffnang and Maxis, Team Naan of Mai Business manage participated this race and won 1st runner up! Woops! We are awesome rite? Not to forget thanks to our God of Naan! teehee ;P

* Suefei, me, Ken & Jieyi *

The race take starting point at Modesto's Capsquare. Yupz, this gonna b our ending point as well. We required to run into 5 places by the hint given and complete the task within 7 hours in total.

* Team registration *

* My Teammate *

* Breakfast before we depart *

Emcee of the race was Niki Cheong. This gonna be my first time seeing him to speak on stage. Next is the game master from maxis, YC brief us about the race, rules and point system.

* Niki Cheong *

* YC *

Basically, we need to find a marshal by the first clue given using GPS Coordinate. Once we found the marshal, we'll b given a riddle to solved it and the Restaurant name will appear after that. In addition, we were given a template that contain answer for the Marshal and the restaurant location. However by using the template, point will be deducted. We earn point by getting reach the destination, blogging, twitter and facebook. Pretty fair rite?

* A pic b4 we move! *

Each team was provided with a laptop and iPhone for our hunt. Sad to say the laptop and iphone given to us is pretty badly screw up. The laptop was hang like mad. We type few words hang, we click a folder or file hand, not to mention open a browser make the laptop even worst..sigh :( The iphone provided by us cant setup the finder301 apps, no data plan inside and causing us cant use GPS (thanks to God of Naan, Ken iPhone4 never failed us that day).

* iPhone 3Gs *

* Everyone setting up the Finder301 *

So by using a 1st GPS Coordinate given by us, we found the marshal at HSBC bank PJ and the restaurant was Strawberry Fields. We are the 4th group reach d location. Pretty good rite? :)

Click here to see what we said about this shop ;)

* Sago Gula Melaka *

* Thai Style Fried Meehon *

* Butter Cream Chicken Rice *

* Ken love the butter chicken so much! *

Remember i said d laptop failed us? thanks to tat alot group had overtake us by finish blogging and submit it to the crew and leave while we still struggling with the madness of hang. Thanks to God of Naan again the Strawberry Field was near Jieyi house and we went back to her house to collect her laptop. Yay! but we are left quite behind T__T

* Struggling with the lappie... *

Second place was inside Sunway Pyramid, which were totally unexpected. The restaurant was Tarbush. Seriously i pretty love their food here especially the lamb! Though d appearance looks kinda lose d appetite, but dun judge a book by it covers rite? ;) oh btw we're left behind since we're 10th group reach there :(

Click here to see what we said about this shop ;)

* Arabic Salad *

* Lamb Cubes *

* Cream Caramel! very nice :D *

* Err forgot what this called LOL *

* Jieyi eat like hungry nomster *

* While suefei busy blogging *

Third location was take place at Uptown Damansara, HJ Samuri Sate Kajang yo! I totally in love of sate :D and i ate quite alot in there. I bet Ken love it more than me since he can drink the sauce like drinking water..piff wtf..anyway we starting to catch up! We're 7th team that reach the destination ;)

Click here to see what we said about this shop ;)

* The best Sate Sauce ever *

* Chicken, beef, lamb & deer sate! *

* See i wasn't lying! He drink d sauce! slurrp *

Forth place was abit tricky and hard to find. It was located at Sri Damansara, a place i dun familiar at all. Not to mentioned the riddle given by us is totally kill our eyes. D restaurant name was scale until "mother also kenot recorgnize" - chinese idiom. But i guess i quite genius on that day, i manage to figure out the first 3 words is "THA" and we assuming it is THAI restaurant. Suefei manage to solved it all base on my guidelines and come to the conclusion it is ThaiBase Restaurant. Yay! We're 4th group to reach there since alot group dying solving the riddle ;P

Click here to see what we said about this shop ;)

* Pineapple Fried Rice *

* Butter Prawns *

Finally, we are in rush hour and manage to speed up to Bangsar Shopping Centre, our final location. We're 3rd group that managed to reach Dancing Fish Restaurant ;D..We're awesome rite?

Click here to see what we said about this shop ;)

* Cha Kangkung *

* White & Yellow rice combination *

* Ikan Seabass Bakar! The best! *

After done wif all 5 location, we actually left 20 min to back to Modesto's Capsquare from Bangsar. Surprise we actually manage to beat the jam and reach there on time ;) There was a individual game given during that time. We need to guess what are the ingredient inside the dish that served to us. Well, a guy who rarely cook like me gonna screw this up. Even my genius-city couldn't help it.

* No idea what is this *

* Figuring out what are d ingredients *

And next *drum roll* is time to announced the winner!! ;D













As u guys already know, my group, Team Naan of Mai Business won 1st runner up ;). Champion was grab by Team Food Brigade.

* 1st Runner up : Naan of Mai Business *

* Champion : Food Brigade *

Did u guys notice the champion team is exactly d same team from the photo when they doing registration in this post? LOL Dejavooo! Oh well..i wonder can v b champion if the laptop doesnt screw us up from the beginning? who know heh..but it doesnt matter ;) what most important is we enjoy the process, the race. And i enjoy the teamwork in this team! It is perfect ;) we manage to sync wif each other!

* Our Victory! *

p/s all pics above taken with Sony NEX-3..pretty nice rite? ;) Thanks to Karyan for borrowing me!