Upgraded to Streamyx 4MB/s package line recently. RM140 per month. Finally I can enjoy smooth YOUTUBE video…and smoother work at my computer. Used to be 384kb/s (RM60) package. Initially the 384kb package was fine, but in the last few months it has become too slow or painful to use. So finally have decided to upgrade.

Used 3 independent internet speed test website to confirm my current internet speed. All of them showed above 4MB/s download, though upload is very slow at only around 400kb/s. Anyhow, I am satisfied with the performance of the internet BB right now. Let’s hope the speed will NOT degrade after the 2 weeks “trial” period (the guy who came to set up my line told me that he is responsible / guarantee for 2 weeks services if anything goes wrong).

http://www.speedtest.com.sg/speedtest.php

http://speed.p1.com.my/

http://www.speedtest.net/

My old phone…Softbank X01HT. It was an exciting phone when I first got it. Saw my friend using it while I was in Japan, and I have to go get one too. (That was before iPhone came out. My friend later upgraded to iPhone…)

Using Windows mobile OS, installing apps is a pain…which I still not sure how to do it even by now. So my phone becomes a white elephant to me.

The keyboard is really good I must say. Typing sms is fast and furiuos.

Respond of the phone is slow, even though I didn’t install any apps. Really a put off…and have to use stylus to point, or fingernail. Yes, fingernail, not finger as it will not detect if you use finger touching the screen.

It is more than a cm thick…in today’s standard, that’s called a BRICK. Can be a good weapon when thrown at bad guys…knock the head sure fainted…

Now this is my new toy…time flies…technology advances so fast. Samsung Galaxy S.

Using Adroid system. Installing apps is just click and click. No complication.

Even though the phone comes with 1Ghz processor, I must say that it is still not ultra smooth in respond. Sometimes the screen does delay by a second or two, and the back button on the phone (lower right), can be like no respond. I don’t like the lower middle button design, it can be improved more. Dirt tends to go in between the edges of that button.

Ok, that’s all for now. More in future after I use the phone more.

After using the Samsung Galaxy S for a few days, I must say that the purchase is really a no regret and a satisfying one. Very sleek design phone, and very good software installed! Browsing and using the phone is responsive and smooth. When compared to my old HTC phone, it is like comparing a Window 98 with a Windows 7. No more stylus and the digital keyboard is very easy to type (in horizontal mode).

Now…before I got the phone I already knew that consistence internet connection to the phone is a must if I were to use it to its full potential. Digi internet connection is expensive for the on demand type (RM0.10 per 10kb,or RM10 per MB). Streaming a youtube will cost you a few RM already…that’s crazy I would say.

So, I check out the Digi Unlimited Internet plan, and my friend told me that there is a promotion or price slash by Digi recently…from RM88 to RM58 for the 3GB bandwidth unlimited internet 3G package! RM58 seems quite affordable, but I was in doubt of the “Unlimited” and the “3GB” cap. Called up Digi and able to get it clear out. There is a fair usage of 3GB per month for all, but after 3GB bandwidth is reached, internet connection will still have just that the speed is much slower than around 100kb/s (from originally 700kb/s). Fine with me so I subscribed. Can do the subscription via phone call or sms. I use the phone call type.

Now…the louzy part. Have to wait 24 hours before using. Though you can still use, but you will not be sure if you are still being charged to the old “On Demand” bill or the new “Unlimited fixed RM58″ bill. Called up Digi to check but their answer is crap. Not sure, to be safe, wait lah.

http://www.digi.com.my/internet/3g/pricing_58.html

Ok, I waited and waited, finally reached the 24 hours safe zone and start testing out youtube. Wow…really is FAST! I think it is 10 times faster than my current house Streamyx 384kbs “so called broadband”.

For Android phone, if you kept your APN ON all the time, it will connect to your internet provider all the time and data will be uploaded and downloaded all the time. This is quite “unsafe” in my opinion, and of course it consumed MUCH battery power. My Galaxy S can only last few hours with 3G connection browsing internet. There is no easy way to turn off APN by default in Android, but the beauty of Android is the open source and free support / widgets by many! Go download “Quick Settings” from the Android market and you are good to go. Can turn ON and OFF APN easily. There are many other features (GPS, WIFI…etc.) to be turned ON or OFF in “Quick Settings” too! Great add-on! Must for me.

Got my new toy today.

Called Samsung Mobile shop in Johor, they said no stock and most probably new stock will only arrive today last afternoon. I told them to call me when it arrived.

The Samsung blue…

Got a call at around 3pm, then straight away I drove to Jusco Bukit Indah and got some cash from the ATM machine there and walk to the shop at third floor. It is at the right wing if you enter from the main door of Jusco Bukit Indah.

This is NOT the first time I see a Galaxy S. The first time I saw it was like 2 weeks back, at PIKON PC Fair in JB. I was not impressed with it, find the interface to be quite dull and boring. I am undecided between iPhone 4 (which don’t know when will be available…), HTC Phone (Legend or Desire) and Samsung Galaxy S.

I decided to drop iPhone from my list, as I don’t like to stick to iPhone Tune or iPhone software. Yes, I have a macbook myself, which I hate when I first received it, but later can accept but still not loving it. (the HDD in the macbook died on me, and I lost quite a lot of important data)

HTC Legend…kinda out dated a bit…so out.

HTC Desire…I kinda like the rubberised body. My last phone was a HTC, and I kinda hate it for its slow in respond. Yes, a touch screen HTC, early model I guess and was quite expensive back then.

Yesterday I spent quite some time checking and reading reviews online on HTC Desire versus Samsung Galaxy S. From what I read (never believe everything you read)…HTC seems to be better on the software while Samsung is better on the hardware. HTC is using AMOLED and Samsung is using Super AMOLED. Samsung screen is 4″ while HTC is 3.7″ (Since I hope to use the phone often as a WIFI device, so the bigger screen size does sounds attractive to me). From some reviews online, Galaxy S seems to be faster on WIFI than Desire too.

HTC Desire is RM2199 while Samsung is RM2599. RM400 difference.

Finally, set. I am hoping that Samsung can improve on the software part later, and using Android system…that is quite possible (though many said Samsung support sucks…).

I paid RM2500 nett today for the Galaxy S. No free gift except a small cheap cloth pouch (worth less than RM10). Ok lah…at least I can still use it to protect my Galaxy S when putting it in my pocket. Avoid coins and keys scratch my “expensive” phone. RM2500 is quite a lot, but since I will be using it daily…so I think (or hope) the investment is worth while.

Got home…played with it a little, connected to my house WIFI. Samsung Aps sucks. Only one game there (car racing…quite nicely designed). In total only 8 Apps at the moment. Went to Android Aps, wow…a lot! Many free one too! Powered by Android (or Google) seems like a brand now…

Try downloading them…”Download Unsuccessful”. All the time…got fedup…google for answers…seems like a common problem that many have experienced with Android phone (not just Galaxy S). Found many suggestions…finally this one solved it.

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=71fc08c34b0a48dc&hl=en

SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS > MANAGE APPLICATIONS

Once in manage applications, click the menu button and select filter and filter by all.

Now delete the data AND cache for the following applications (if you only get the option to delete one or the other, then do what is available):

Download Manager
Google Apps
Google Talk Service
Google Talk Storage
Internet
Market
Talk

Apps can be downloaded and installed successfully!

There is NO accessories for Samsung Galaxy S in that Samsung shop. The supplied accessories are earphone, USB cable and USB 3-pins charger. Got the free pouch.

Youtube is brilliant on the phone. Very clear movie and very good sound. I haven’t used it for talking yet…

Ok…that’s all for the rambling on my new toy…it is more than a phone (I hope) and hopefully can work well for what it is, a phone.

Got the following from Google today…simply AMAZING!!!

Google storage update: More space for your photos and email

Hi,

We wanted to let you know about some exciting changes to your Google paid storage plan. While storage costs have dropped naturally in the past few years, we’ve also been working hard to improve our infrastructure to reduce your costs even further. On Tuesday, November 10th, we increased the size of each of our tiers to make storage even more affordable and accessible. For the same $20.00 per year, you’ll now get 80 GB, 8 times as much storage as before. Your current plan will be automatically upgraded and your new quota will automatically show up in your account in the next 24 hours.

We hope you’ll like the extra space, but if it’s more than you need you can always change your storage plan or renewal preferences for next year in your Google account settings: www.google.com/accounts/purchasestorage. Feel free to visit our Help Center for more information.

Thanks,
The Google storage team

I have been using Google gmail for many years (4-5 years), and storage space has exceeded the Free storage space (around 8GB). Hence I have paid to upgrade to the bigger storage space (extra 8GB per US$20) few months ago. It is amazing that Google now upgrade my account for free to over 80GB!!! I guess I will not be running out of space in the next few years! (of course still need to pay US$20 per year for the space).

Google is simply Amazing!

I just received my Digi bill today, and the payment due date is tomorrow. So, I have to immediately do online payment to them.

Few minutes ago, my friend called me and complaint about his digi phone bill. Then only I realized that Digi actually charges May and June and July calls to ONE bill! This is crazy and unfair to those who have subscribe to the Max Usage plan.

Why?

Let me explain. If you subscribed to Digi Max Usage 50 plan, you are entitled to get RM50 rebate maximum for all the call charges you made in that particular month. Say for example if you called RM40 in June, you will need to pay RM50 for the Max Usage 50 plan. However, if you called RM70 in June, then you will have to pay RM70 that month.

Now the unfair part. Since Digi forwarded all the charges of my June calls to July, that makes my June calling bill less than RM25 only but I still have to pay RM50 for it. And, since the call charges is brought forward to July now, the total amount of calls for June and July is RM95 and I have to pay the total of RM95 for it. If June calls was charged in June, then I would have been able to save the RM25 in my Max Usage 50 plan.

This is cheating and unfair to customers! Beware! Go to Digi center and bring your May, June and July bills and complain!

Got a new toy, free gift when I bought a Sony LCD TV few weeks ago.

Sound is good, but FM receiver not so clear, or poor I would say. Maybe my area not so good in receiving.

This is what I get for my Celcom wireless broadband RM98 package per month. It is even worse than the dial-up that I used to have!

Paypal is cheating AGAIN! This time is the CANCELLED FEE!

When you cancel a payment made by someone to you, which you DO NOT want to accept or decided to refund the money, PayPal starting from DON’T KNOW WHEN will charge you a “Cancelled Fee”, which is equivalent to the exact commission that the payee paid to you! So, although you do not receive any payment at the end, you will still be charged for the MONEY! PayPal wins and takes your money no matter what!

I received no email notification of that policy change, and I remember clearly that refund of money to payee used to be FREE within the grace period (60 days). I am shocked when I checked my PayPal account just now, which the so called CANCELLED FEE in every refund that I made to my customers starting from June 2009!

PayPal, really sucks!

Only last night that I noticed that PayPal has changed their fee structure by imposing fee to all PERSONAL ACCOUNT now for receiving money. It used to be FREE for personal account to receive money, but no more now.

PayPal NEVER inform their members about the change of fee structure. I googled around and noticed complaints from many for such change without informing them. What a shame for PayPal to secretely put fee to Personal Account but never inform their customers.

When checking the Fee Policy page, Singapore is still listed as ZERO fee for personal account receiving money from ready PayPal fund. However, that is NOT TRUE (should I call it a LIE?!). You can see their fee policy at (login required):

https://www.paypal.com/row/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/ua/policy_fees

Here’s the print screen of the Personal Account fee structure:

Again, what a shame for PayPal such a big company to change their fee policy without informing their customers, and also telling LIE as what stated on their Fee Policy page.

How much is Googlebot in indexing my blog?!

Out of curiousity, I went to google search a post that I have just posted few minutes ago, and to my surprise, Google has already indexed it and showed the result as No. 1 on the first page!

My search term (obviously the title of my blog topic):

Indonesian Workers Got Cheated by Money Changer in Jaya Jusco

and the result:

http://www.google.com.my/search?q=Indonesian…

See the time-stamp there, the post was posted 15 minutes ago and Google has already indexed it!

Googlebot, amazing and respect! Definitely the BEST SEARCH ENGINE in my dictionary!

Update:

This post has now been indexed by Google within 37 minutes after posted. Search topic “Google Indexing Speed, WOW!“.

Yes, current LCD TV can be used as a computer monitor, by connecting to your CPU or notebook directly via a VGA cable.

However, is it really workable and able to replace your REAL computer LCD monitor?

Not really. When I connect my Dell D800 to my Sony 40″ LCD, the highest resolution that it can support is only 1024 x 768px, which is pretty low and not the highest resolution my D800 can deliver (1280x 800). The screen size also does not go full to the Sony TV.

Refresh rate wise, not really sure but I can see lines flicker around the TV. I supposed it might be less than 60Hz.

So, my simple conclusion is…you can connect your LCD TV to your computer, but it can’t replace your computer LCD monitor or exisiting monitor on your notebook. It is good to watch movie, simple internet accesss, relax work, but definitely not for the serious work.

Went to the nearby computer shop with my housemates after dinner, they want to buy something, I just follow them. I was there already this afternoon, but did not buy anything.

I was toying with the idea of connecting my Dell D800 notebook (LCD spoilt) to my Sony LCD TV and use cordless keyboard to control it, have managed to connect the notebook to my Sony before I went out for dinner. So while I was at the computer shop, I tried to take a look at Logitech cordless keyboard.

Found this keyboard “hiding” among other stuffs. Does not seems to be that popular, maybe due to the high price tag. RM290.

My wife has been complaining about my computer mouse, cord type. She is so used to “her” Logicool mouse now (used to be mine, Logitech or Logicool in Japan MX Revolution), so I thought instead of getting just a laser mouse, why not the full set? Since Logitech cordless laser mouse is already costing RM175.00.

So, brought this back home tonight…

Nice packaging I must say.

Pulling out from the box, with a plastic protective cover.

Full set, 3 items. Keyboard, Mouse, Receiver (USB). Wave technology.

Tested to be nice and fine.

On my HTC X01HT phone, there is NO auto configure setting. So I went to Digi website to look for guidance. Below is what I got:

1. Press “Start“.
2. Scroll to and select “Settings“.
3. Select the “Connections” tab and press “Connections“.
4. Press “Add a new modem connection” in the top section. and enter DiGi Internet.
5. In the drop down list “Select a modem:“, scroll to and select “Cellular Line (GPRS, 3G)“.
6. Press “Next” and enter diginet.
7. Press “Next“. Select “User name:“.
8. Enter (No input required. Please disregard this step and continue).
9. Select “Password“
10. Enter (No input required. Please disregard this step and continue).
11. Press “Done“.
12. Make sure DiGi Internet is selected.
13. Press “OK“.
14. Press the “End call” button to return to the main screen.
15. Your phone has been configured.

Follow the above instruction and tested on my phone, internet working fine now. Now I can internet and access my email on the go!

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Sign up at:

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Bought my 2nd Viewsonic monitor, VX2262WP. My first Viewsonic monitor was VX2233WM, which I am very satisfied and is currently using by my wife.

I wanted to get the same model, but according to my supplier it is no longer available. Instead he only has VX2262WMP which is of higher price by around RM50 more than the VX2233WM. I paid RM590 for the VX2262WMP model.

VX2233WM has viewable area of 21.5″, but is having FULL HD resolution (1920 x 1080).

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktop-monitors/lcd/x-series/vx2233wm.htm

VX2262WMP has viewable area of 22″, but only has 1680×1050 resolution.

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktop-monitors/lcd/x-series/vx2262wm.htm

I want a full HD monitor actually, didn’t know the VX2262XMP only has such resolution until I brought it back. After checking some specs and reviews online, I decided to keep it. Since there is no way for me to get the VX2233WM monitor.

My experience with Viewsonic has not been a pleasant one. When buying my first VX2233WM monitor, the first monitor has a dead pixel in RED on the upper right corner. I brought back to the shop for exchange. Officially it is not changeable for ONE dead pixel, but I have been a frequent customer to the shop, so they allowed me to change to another piece.

Then my 2nd monitor, VX2262WMP. The first unit that I brought back 2 days ago has a defect on the upper right corner. This time it is not dead pixel, but a dirt (blue colour). The dirt is INSIDE the screen, can’t be clean. So again I brought it back for exchange.

I no longer confident in Viewsonic quality control, as the two units that I bought both have defect. Maybe I am unlucky, but I sure will not buy the monitor from any store that does not allow exchange when there is a defect.

Overall, I am happy with the monitor. Bright, wide, built in speaker, at only RM590 for a 22″ monitor it is a bargain!

By the way, 3 years warranty!

Canon Hong Kong has produced an interesting gadget recently, a 4GB USB thumbdrive made with Canon EOS 5D Mark II shape, pulling the lens out and it is a thumbdrive by its own.

Personally I would say it is very cute and attractive. Currently selling at ebay for around US$100 closing bid, which is around RM370. Wow…that is really expensive for a 4GB thumbdrive in today’s standard! You can get a 4GB thumbdrive from any computer store for around USD10-15 at max nowadays! That Canon 5D2 USB drive is 10 times the price after posting at ebay…

From what I heard, this miniature Canon 5D Mark II can be bought from Canon Singapore or Canon Hong Kong at USD15 per piece. Now can someone mass order 100pcs for me so that I can turn my US$1500 into US$1,5000?!:D

I got parts for my new PC yesterday, including a new Seagate 1TB hard disk drive.

After setup everything (hardware), I then started to install Windows Vista (original licensed). Immediately I noticed the hard disk is NOISY. It has the tatata sound whenever there is an activity to the hard disk (read or write).

Today, I can’t stand the sound anymore. Though not very loud, but it is really annoying. I asked a few friends of mine regarding this issue. One said normal, one said faulty. Anyhow, I really hate the loud sound, so I went back to the shop where I bought the HDD, and asked for an exchange.

After some thought, I decided to get TWO 500GB instead of ONE 1TB. Why? If a 1TB HDD failed, then all my data will be gone. For TWO 500GB HDD, the chance of both died on the same time is slim. Brand? My friend recommend me Western Digital, and since I have lost confidence with Seagate, so chose two WD 500GB HDD.

Just installed it, quiet and quiet. No more irritating tatata…sound when the HDD is running. This should be how a hard disk works.

I am not sure if the Seagate that I bought is FAULTY or it is the nature of its design, but I am not going to take the chance with another Seagate, as I might not be able to get an exchange if the exchanged unit is still the same (nature of its design).

Am glad with my WD HDD now.

Just read the news today. IPhone has finally landed in Malaysia, under Maxis exclusive plan. Sorry, no other line provider in Malaysia will have iPhone from Apple.

How’s the rate / price? Not cheap…check it out at:

http://www.maxis.com.my/iphone/rateplan1.asp

Am I going to get one? Nah…not a fan of iPhone after playing with it briefly.

I tried the Denon AH-D2000 in Japan. Got hook to it. Was around JPY30k (RM1k) last year. Did not get it as it is quite expensive for a headphone. I tried quite a number of headphones. Denon AH-D2000 stands out among them. Clarify is superb, even better than those more expensive Sony, Audio Technical or Pioneer headphones. I tested the same song with various headphones, Denon AH-D2000 delivered the best quality, clarify and stable sound.

Read about the Denon AH-D7000 in the internet, best in the series. Ok, I will put it as my dream toy now. RM4k for a headphone. I will need to stick it to my head all the time.

AH-D2000 on the other hand seems more down to earth and affordable…will get one when the chance come.

Last week has been a hectic week for me. The recent slow internet connection of Streamyx to oversea server (especially US servers) has brought forward my plan of migrating the data of my USA server back to Malaysia.

There were over 11GB of data that needs to be transferred, for ShaShinKi.com alone. With the slow internet connections, it is quite impossible for me to use FTP or even SSH to do the data transfer via Streamyx line.

With the assistance from my Malaysia server provider (www.ipserverone.com), all ShaShinKi data was migrated successfully! Lee and Lee (Kenji) from IPServerOne have been of great help, assisting without asking for a cent! I have a dedicated server with them, but that does not warrant this kind of support from them. They do it volunteeringly, which really touches my heart. My server provider in USA on the other hand is money minded. Unmanaged server. Server rental cost has increased for at least 2 times, over 50% increment in the last 3 years. I can get a Intel Xeon powered server with RAID setting from IPServerOne for the money I paid to my US server provider.

Did I mention how fast is the server I have with IPServerOne now? Yes, VERY FAST! Accessing files on my server is like accessing files on my local hard drive (Ok, maybe a little slower). This is miles improvement as comparing to accessing my files on my USA server. My e-commerce site (http://shashinki.com) now flies! Yes, even on the slowmix line!

Photo / picture loading time has been extremely fast and smooth as well. I am glad that I have made the migration earlier, though the USA server I have paid the rental till Oct 2009 (can’t get back the money), but still it is better for me to move now than later.

I still have some of my sites in my USA server, eg. PentaxWorld.com. As that is an international site with members mostly from oversea, so I think it is better for us to continue having it on my USA server than moving it to Malaysia. Perhaps after Oct 2009, before the next bill of my USA server.

Hope you enjoy the fast loading speed of ShaShinKi.com!

I have been using Adsense for over a year, on the biggest photography forum in Malaysia – www.photomalaysia.com.

Performance of Adsense has been quite disappointing to me. There are less than 50 clicks per day (we have around 7000-9000 unique visitors per day). No, publisher is NOT allowed to invite his/her members to click on the ads, that will lead to your account being terminated.

I have heard story of bloggers getting USD1000 or even more per month from Adsense. I only get about USD120 per month. What went wrong?

I am still experimenting different ads banners and locations. Recently I introduced 250×250 px square banner to my forum and I noticed some increment in clickthrough. I need to experiment more…but if you have some tips or experience to share, please post a reply. Thanks!

I can’t stand my Microsoft optical mouse that I use on my Macbook anymore. So yesterday, I went to bought a Laser mouse:

Logitech V150 Laser Mouse for Notebooks

The one I got is dark blue, matte blue. Very nice.

My Microsoft optical mouse can’t read on my table or even book surface, which is very frustrating. The new Logitech Laser mouse that I got is only RM42, very smooth and fast and accurate! Cheap lah at that price…

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More info at:

I am really disappointed with the Celcom wireless broadband service that I subscribed since last year. It is slow, slow and slow. I paid for the RM9x package, which is supposed to be the faster service at higher price. I opt for this so called “faster package” so that there will be no excuse when the speed is slow.

No excuse? The service has brought me a lot of frustration.

In you are in a big city, then you will NOT want to have this wireless broadband service. Streamyx on the other hand although is slow…but when compared to Celcom wireless broadband, Streamyx is like light years ahead!

I have enjoyed the luxury of wireless service by using the Celcom wireless broadband that I have when I was in Sabah, PWTC…etc., where wireless service is hard to get. Although speed is slow, but still it is better than not able to go online.

In the last few days…or weeks, I seldom use the Celcom due to the very slow speed and most of the time it won’t send or receive any data at all. It just makes me frustrated with the monthly RM9x fee that I have to pay, but not getting the service right. This is really a rip off, and cheating consumers money.

Disappointed with the Celcom wireless broadband.

I just bought a PC recently, not for myself but for my staff. After coming back to Malaysia, I have bought a Dell PC (few months back). This time I decided to go for DIY (I have assembled PC before, but that was many years ago).

Cost = Around RM2500, buy parts and DIY.

Specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.6Gz (RM425)
• Seagate 500GB Sata 3 32MB (RM185)
• Kingston 2GB x 2 (RM65 x 2)
• Intel DQ45CB Mainboard with 2 DIV output (RM350)
• Viewsonic 22″ VX2233WM monitor (built in speaker, full hd 1920 x 1080 resolution, dynamic contrast.) RM545, very worth buying.
• Logitech laser mouse (RM45)
• Logitech keyboard (RM25)
• I-Cute Casing (RM230)
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (RM259)
• Kaspersky Internet Security (RM70)
• PK AVR (RM59)

The above system is fast…very fast indeed. You don’t need the best specs in the market, but above average is already able to give you very satisfying performance. The key is DO NOT install rubbish software, make your computer simple and install only what you are using. Install and uninstall will still slow your computer down, so do not use your working machine as a software testing machine.

Three out of 4 cables in the Middle East connecting to the world has been cut off for unknown reason. No ship activity has been detected around the area during the cut off. The cut off remains a mystery to many…but I believe the authorities should have some insight info that is not for the public to know…

Here’s now the cable looks like:

1 Polyethylene cover
2,4 Stranded steel armour wires
3,5 Tar-soaked nylon yarn
6 Polycarbonate insulator
7 Copper sheath
8 Protective core
9 Optical fibres
Not to scale

“For this to happen twice in one year, on the same cable, is a serious cause for concern.”   Jonathan Wright, Interoute

In Malaysia, we do not feel much different, unlike the early year disruption/cut off which have severely affected the internet connection to the west. Still, there should be some network congestion or slowness around the globe till end of this year. Full service should be resumed by 31st December 2008, before the new year of 2009.

More news at:

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7792688.stm

Yeah…I have went wireless today. Just subscribed to a Celcom 3G broadband plan of HSDPA package, costs RM99.00 per month and bought a USB modem at RM499.00 with one year contract with Celcom 3G.

There is a cheaper package of RM69.00 per month with 384kbs speed, which I have seriously considered. There is no comparison for me to try the 3.6MBs package with this 384kbs package, so I have to make a decision on the spot. With the one year contract, I must make the correct decision as there is no way for me to upgrade later if the 384kbs package is too slow for my usage. With RM30 difference monthly, or RM1.00 extra per day…I decided to go for the 3.6KBs package, as I do not want to regret later and got stuck one year with snail internet connection.

In Japan, I was using 4MBs package, the cheapest package, which has served me very well!

If one do not want to bond with the one year contract, then he/she can buy the USB modem at RM699.00, which is RM200 extra. Since there is either Maxis or Celcom in the market for me to choose, clearly I am going to use either one for the next one year…so no point for me to pay the extra RM200 for the modem just because of the contract. I have heard bad stories about Maxis, my friend recommended me Celcom, so I decided to give it a try. Not that I have many choices anyway…

My wireless 3G not yet functioning…just registered few hours ago…shall get activated tonight or tomorrow, then I will be able to test the speed, hopefully not too bad.

I have just installed firefox 3 on my Macbook, was using FF2 until I accidentally deleted the install file. No problem, download FF3 and installed within just a few minutes.

Actually I have forgotten and didn’t realized that I was still using FF2 until I installed and opened up FF3 browser. Wow…it is FAST man! Loading time is much faster than FF2 and pages appear smoothly in short time!

I have been a big fan of Firefox browser, using it 99.9% of the time since many years ago. I have been using FF3 in Windows XP for many months, but only now installed to my OSX. No regret, great software, great upgrade!

The best thing…IT IS FREE!

Went to Dell Malaysia website just now…looking for good bargains, found the Dell Inspiron 530s to be of good value and interesting.

After 30 mins, ordered one.

Highlights (the one that I ordered)

• Intel(R) Pentium(TM) Dual-Core Processor E2180 (2.0GHZ, 1MB L2 CACHE, 800MHZ FSB) - I have never been a fan of super fast processor. As long as it is fast, then enough. You don’t have to waste or allocate most budget into the processor.
• Dell(TM) SE198WFP 19″ Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor - Good enough, wide enough for normal use
• Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Basic 32 bit SP1 Edition (English) - Too bad Windows XP no longer available…
• 2GB (2X1GB) NECC Dual Channel DDR2 667MHz SDRAM Memory - will add more memory when needed, cheaper to buy memory outside than Dell
• 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive with Native Command Queuing
• 16X DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer Write Capabilities -It has been a long time that I did not copy or burn DVD…
• Integrated Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 - Since no PC game for this computer…so an integrated is good enough…
• Integrated Sound Blaster(R) Audigy ADVANCED HD Audio
• Dell(TM) AX210 USB Stereo Speakers
• Dell(TM) USB Quietkey(R) Keyboard with Silver Trim (English)
• Dell(TM) Optical USB Mouse
• 56K PCI Data/Fax Modem - Thanks to Streamyx…
• Integrated Fast Ethernet 10/100 - must have…again, thanks to Streamyx…
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 (Does Not Include Microsoft(R) Office 2003/2007 Software) – OEM-Word Processor/Spreadsheet/Database/Calendar/Powerpoint viewer/Email Tools - Original software is good, don’t use pirated one.
• Dell Inspiron Desktop(TM) Slim Tower - I love the small clean design tower!

I have just seen a very nice Dell computer in a local store in Japan two days ago, yes, the same Inspiron 530s slim tower type that I ordered just now. Dell really makes very nice computer, clean and sleek design, much better than those DIY CPU casing that I have seen out there. Yes, I have been a fan of Dell computer, my current notebook (use by my wife) is a Dell as well (Latitude D800).

Yes, I added a Data / Fax modem to the system, as with the unreliable streamyx service in Malaysia, better get a dial up as backup. Internet is essential to me/my wife.

Total damage? RM2139.00, charged to credit card. I think that is a very reasonable price! I have not follow PC pricelist for a long time, but I think DIY a computer with 19″ LCD monitor will not be that much far off from the specs and price above. This one, you get Dell service and warranty for one year, better for the peace of mind.

The above system is not for me, but more for my wife. I will get a better PC when I reach Malaysia in Oct.