Gadgets

New Asus N Series notebooks launched plus Eee Pad Slider

ASUS Philippines launched their latest N series notebooks to address the growing demand of multimedia enthusiasts. The new N series notebooks now sport a new audio system from Bang & Olufsen ICEpower which was only available on their high-end notebooks before.
Designed by David Lewis plus an enhanced version of SonicMaster Technology co-developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower, the new N Series notebooks will also ship with a bundled sub-woofer. Another new feature which I guess I have to credit the Asus rep. for not failing on the live demo was the Instant On — within two seconds, the notebook can resume from sleep mode. A 15-day standby power, USB Charger+ wherein a USB-powered device will charge even with the notebook turned off, the latest 2nd generation Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and superfast USB 3.0, help the new N Series notebooks provide users with a more incredible multimedia experience than ever before.


 During  the launch, the Asus N series notebooks were used by the acoustic duo - Johnoy and Kakoy who performed live; all their musical equipment were connected and amplified by the Asus N45SF and N55SF.
The new N Series will be available in November and will be priced at Php42,995.00 and Php44,995.00 respectively.

Asus Eee Pad Slider

The brother of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has finally arrived, the Asus Eee Pad Slider was also introduced during the launch. This new tablet has a built-in slide-down keyboard which definitely added to the weight but also gave it a USB port.

Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core processor, the ASUS Eee Pad Slider is responsive whether you’re browsing the web, watching HD movies, listening to music, or doing all of the above at once. HD video playback and surround sound system are supported so users can easily view media from their Eee Pad Slider on their home entertainment system.
The Eee Pad Slider has an ultra-wide 178-degree viewing angle and is also protected by a layer of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. Retail price for the Asus Eee Pad Slider will be at Php26,995 when it comes out soon.

 

No iPhone 5? No problem. iPhone 4S saves the day.

Everybody who’s not working for Apple were expecting for the iPhone 5 announcement in today’s Apple keynote but all we got is the iPhone 4S. Yep, the highlight of the keynote is the iPhone 4S after recapping what was announced in WWDC last June, a bunch of so-so updates on the iPod nano and iPod Touch. No iPhone 5.
No iPhone 5 news didn’t really mean that the iPhone 4S announcement was a letdown. Well in a way, yes, but still the hardware upgrade they did on the iPhone 4S is something that’s worth talking about. There’s nothing different physically with the iPhone 4, the magic happens on the inside.


The iPhone 4S is powered by the new A5 chip dual-core processor and its dual-core graphics which is said to be  seven times faster as that of the iPhone 4. Good news for the gamers who enjoy playing 3D games on the iPhone.
Then there’s also the much-improved camera. They really did quite a number here. The iPhone 4 was already a good camera on its own but the iPhone 4S will going to kick things up a notch or two.



Apple bumped the megapixel count from 5 to 8 but we all know higher megapixel doesn’t really equate to better picture. So Apple also changed the sensor to a backside illuminated CMOS so more light (73%) could come in and it’s now faster too. Then they included a hybrid IR filter for better colors and upgraded it to what they call a five-element lens which gives you more sharper photos and a f/2.4 aperture. Hello indoor shots. Apple also designed a new Image Signal Processor for face detection and better white balance. Basically, the camera on the iPhone 4S will rock!
Other upgrades include better battery life, improved wireless performance including support for both GSM and CDMA for the frequent travelers out there. iPhone 4S will also have 1080p HD video recording and of course, the highly-anticipated iOS 5.
Lastly, Apple demoed Siri, the amazing personal assistant for the iPhone 4S. It intelligently responds to a lot of voice commands that are spoken naturally. You can say “Wake me up at 6AM” and Siri will set your alarm clock for you. Ask for the weather forecast to a certain place or the time in a different country and Siri will have the answer for you.



It’s really, really impressive based on the demo they did. You can have Siri send text messages for you, create or cancel appointments, search the web, play a certain song, read your message or e-mail, look for Greek restaurants or gas stations nearby.
If there are three things that you would compel you to get the iPhone 4S, it’s the faster chip, better camera and Siri in any order. It’s not the iPhone 5 that we expected from this keynote but the iPhone 4S is still impressive on its own right. The iPhone 4S will either come in black or white and at 16GB, 32GB and 64GB version. Will keep you posted with local pricing and availability once we have them.


Samsung Galaxy SII hits 10 million in global sales, still not yet done
The consumer electronics juggernaut that is Samsung is being championed by its Galaxy SII as it becomes the fastest selling Android phone in the world with over 10 million units sold globally.



This dual-core superphone which was launched late April reached the 5 million mark at the end of July. Already impressive on its own right but in just eight weeks, Samsung doubled that sales figure of their Galaxy SII. It’s important to note as well that the Galaxy SII is not yet widely available in North America so we’ll be seeing some more impressive numbers by year’s end.
"In just five months the GALAXY S II has seen tremendous growth, reflecting its tremendous popularity with customers around the world, who in selecting the GALAXY S II as their device of choice have driven the device’s strong market position globally."


Toshiba introduces super slim Portégé Z830 Ultrabook

Finally I was able to see, feel and touch an ultrabook a couple of days ago at the Toshiba launch and boy it was one fine-looking laptop. The Portégé Z830 is Toshiba’s first ultrabook powered by a 2nd generation Intel Core processor.

 
This 13-incher weighs only 1.12kg and is relatively thin at 15.9mm, a huge improvement in size and weight from last generation ultraportables. Despite the size, the Z830 doesn’t lack in speed and power with the latest 2nd gen Intel Core processor, 128GB SSD and up to 6GB DDR3 RAM. Because of the thin form, most of the ports are located at the back.
 
The Portégé Z830 was built to last with a a light, yet durable magnesium alloy casing that is reinforced with an enhanced Honeycomb Rib design and new internal structures that provide shock absorption and increased rigidity. It also has a full-size spill resistant tile keyboard with backlight and a large multi-touch touchpad.




According to Toshiba reps, we can expect the Portégé Z830 to be available in a couple of months. No local pricing announced but knowing Toshiba’s premium pricing and how other ultrabooks are priced, don’t expect this to go below $900. One thing’s for sure, once you see the Toshiba Portégé Z830, you’ll need something to wipe the drool off your face.
Sorry for the crummy shots. This thing looks wayyy better than in the photos.

Toshiba Portégé Z830 Specs:

  • 2nd generation Intel Core processor
  • up to 6GB DDR3 RAM
  • 128GB SSD
  • 13.3″ HD display, 1366 x 768
  • WLAN, Bluetooth 3.0
  • 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, card reader, VGA port, HDMI port
  • Matte A4 tile keyboard, large multi-touch touchpad
  • 1.3 megapixel webcam
  • Stereo speakers enhanced with Toshiba Audio Enhancement technology

 

 



    Get the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY for only Php17,990

    For those of you who are waiting for the real gaming phone, the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, we just got word that SE will be releasing it on the 30th of September. The official launch will be this Wednesday but it will be made available to stores this Friday for Php19,990.

    Now if you’re really after this phone, you can reserve for one from any Sony Ericsson concept stores and when you get it on the 30th, it will only cost you Php17,990. Afterwards it’s back to  the regular Php19,990 price.



    In a nutshell, the Xperia PLAY is a 1GHz phone phone running on Android Gingerbread 2.3.4. It has a 4-inch display and a slidedown PlayStation certified game controller. As for games, aside from your Android Market games, you will also have access to top-quality games from other publishers including PlayStation ones. The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY will be locally released pre-loaded with six game titles, namely:  Bruce Lee, Crash Bandicoot, FIFA 2010, Madden NFL 11, Star Battalion, and The Sims 3.
    Aside from the usual cables and stuff, the Xperia PLAY Kit comes fully loaded. It includes: Stereo portable handsfree, 8 GB microSD card, screen shield, car charger, and leather pouch. Oh it comes with a one-year warranty as well.
    So who’s getting one? Check the Sony Ericsson Philippines Facebook page for more details.

    Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Specs:

    • 1GHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 205 GPU, Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon
    • Android OS, v2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
    • 4-inch screen (480 x 854 pixels), 16 million colors
    • PlayStation certified game controller
    • 5 MP, 2592х1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
    • 720p Full HD video recording
    • VGA front camera
    • 400 MB internal storage, 512 MB RAM, 8GB microSD included
    • HSDPA, HSUPA
    • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
    • Bluetooth 2.1
    • Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
    • SRP: Php19,990


    ZTE MF30 Pocket Wi-Fi Spotted

    While having brunch at McDonalds in Paseo Center together with a client; he showed me a rather familiar Pocket Wi-fi device which is exactly similar to Huawei E5. It’s ZTE MF30 which is bundled with Smart Prepaid Broadband available at P3,800.00 for subscribers.
    ZTE MF30 Wi-Fi router is good for 3G mobile Internet with which can be used as an access point (AP). It also acts as a WiFi router so that WiFi enabled devices such as iPad, iPhone, iPod, netbooks, laptops, PSP and your Wifi enabled phones can connect to the internet from it.


                                                            Here are exclusive photos taken by Digitalspidey.


     
    This is also offered as a postpaid plan for P450 a month which is good for 50 hours a month with a lock-in period of 24 months.
    The prepaid price compared to E5 is really enticing. The Huawei E5 is used to be available for about P5,999.00 (Openline). The prepaid version which can be purchased from telcos is about P4,500.00. The catch is, if you buy it from the telcos, it is locked; you can not interchange SIM in case you’re having difficulty getting signal in an area.
    The ZTE MF30 can also serve up to 5 wireless devices like the Huawei E5. The only difference from Huwaei E5 is that MF30 comes with a charger while the E5 only has a USB cable.
    Here is a side by side photo of ZTE MF30 and Huwaei E5.

     
    More photos of MF30 are here. There is a back to back post at DigitalSpidey


    Archos 70 Android tablet can fit all your TV series videos… probably

     I’ve known the Archos brand way before they were still making portable media players. Well, they’re already in the Android tablet business but I wasn’t aware of one particular model from their line-up that really stood out (shame on me).


    The Archos 70 looks just like your ordinary 7-inch Android tablet but there’s one specific model of this tablet that you couldn’t see elsewhere. The Archos 70 comes in either an 8GB version or a 250GB version. That’s not a typo, this tablet has a hard disk inside. It’s a bit chunkier and a slightly heavier than your typical 7-inch tablets but still that’s a whole lot of space for all the videos you need for a very long trip.
    It even has a built-in stand so you don’t have to hold the device all the time. Dual speakers on both sides make this a very handy portable video player, just what Archos is known for. Oh and you can also plug this on the big screen to watch your HD videos. Of course, it’s also a WiFi Android tablet so you get all the goodies of an Android 2.2 device. Google integration, E-mail, internet browsing, social network, games… and anything you can get your hands from the Android Market.


     
    This is not a new tablet by any means but I still think there are lots out there who don’t know that such a device exists, an Android tablet with 250GB internal storage. Oh yeah.
    The price on this Archos 70 with 250GB storage is now at Php14,999 from P17k early this year. If you want the 8GB version, it’s priced at Php12,999.

    Android 70 250GB Specs:

    • 7″ display @ 800×480 pixel capacitive screen
    • 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU
    • Android 2.2
    • 720p HD video playback
    • VGA camera
    • miniHDMI port, microUSB port
    • 250GB HDD model
    • WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
    • Bluetooth 2.1
    • SRP: Php14,999

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