Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Earendil

Airport Customs

Earendil — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:23:54 +0800

I'm currently overseas and will be heading back to Malaysia with gifts and such. If I keep those items in their boxes within my luggage, will I get taxed?

[WTA] Attempting to assemble a rig

Earendil — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:16:27 +0800

Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz
GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Patriot G Series ‘Sector 5’ Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

Regarding the above setup, is there any comments? This is my first time trying to assemble a rig on my own so I'm not sure if my configuration is correct.

Anyway, for the GPU, is it better to get a single HD5870 or SLI HD5850, or if just one HD5850 would be sufficient?

I've no fixed budget, but let's just say around RM4k including a casing. Depending on the end price, I probably need to tone it down a bit

Getting from Subang Airport to Shah Alam

Earendil — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 02:39:37 +0800

Can anyone please tell me how I can get to Shah Alam Seksyen 17 from Subang Airport with public transport without resorting to taxi services? Thanks in advance

External Sound Card

Earendil — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:32:28 +0800

Hi, today my laptop's audio decided to die on me and after my diagnostics I assume it is a hardware problem. Well I suppose it might be fixable but I'm wondering about external sound cards. Are there any budget ones around RM100~RM200 range? Does Expresscard sound cards cost more than USB ones? I need suggestions and also prices. Thanks!

Dell Inspiron 1525 Audio Problem

Earendil — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:05:17 +0800

Today as per normal I switched on my laptop and connected my speakers' stereo cable to my laptop. However, my songs are continued to be played on the laptops' built-in speakers. I've tried figuring out whatever I can on the software part including removing and reinstalling all the drivers, using Windows native drivers instead of Sigmatel's and everything that I could think of. None of these worked and when I checked the audio devices the speakers weren't detected at all! Am hoping that it is not a hardware issue at all. Any ideas and suggestions would be very much appreciated

MP300 Service & Warranty

Earendil — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:35 +0800

First of all, I would like to complain against the servicing for my set of MP300. It has been undergoing servicing for the past 6 months and it is already under service for the 3rd time. The problem with the speakers is that one of the tweeter only produces static or nearly inaudible playback.

First time I went all the way to Kepong to send my speakers for repair from Shah Alam around July. Yes, that far. Then Inter-Asia requested 10 bucks for delivery back. However, the moment I plugged it in the problem still existed. So far for being "repaired".

Unable to go back that far, the next week I had my dad sent it back to the Kuching distributor, PC City Sdn Bhd, where I bought it cause he happened to come to KL. It's been there for over 3 months, claiming that the shipment of parts is delayed. Delayed for 3 months? That's enough to send a package around the world several times over. So okay, I got it back, they exchanged the tweeters, and still the original problem persisted. That was early November.

2 days later I sent it back for the 3rd time. Up till now, I have yet to receive words about the status of it. I e-mailed Inter-Asia, but all they say is they have sent out the parts for the subwoofer.

So okay. Fine. I have several times asked for 1 on 1 exchange, but definitely I got denied. For the 1 year I "owned" the speakers, half of it was spent being serviced. Then I being patient asked just for warranty extension. That I was denied too. What if the same problem recurs next month? My warranty period is already over and I held my speakers for barely 6 months.

Please look into the matter. All I am requesting is a warranty extension, not a brand new set of speakers. I do believe an extension of at least a couple of months is owed to me, judging by the overdue service term plus transport and delivery costs. I highly regarded Edifier speakers, but now I am having my doubts.

Chroma Keying

Earendil — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:59:43 +0800

I'm going to have to shoot a documentary for an assignment soon and I was thinking about using the chroma keying technique, either using my friend's EOS 500D or a Panasonic FZ28. This is actually the first time I'm using this technique. What I had in mind was to shoot the environment where the documentary is based. Then I'll shoot the narrator in a different video on a blue/green screen then combine it through chroma keying. The problem now is the lighting for the green screen. Is it possible to just use simple table lamps? Basically I'm on a VERY tight budget, possibly spending close to nothing if possible. Or is it possible to just project a blue/green background through a projector and use that? Thanks

[WTA] S500/W580 keypad

Earendil — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:54:45 +0800

Hi. I just want to ask if the replacement keypad for SE w580 can be used for s500i since both models are similar? Thanks

W.D. External HDD Power Adapter Problem

Earendil — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:23:28 +0800

Hi all. Somehow my W.D. Elements 500GB external HDD power supply adapter got busted. Is it possible to claim a new one from W.D. or can I buy a new one anywhere? Thanks!