Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Chronox

Travelling from Kota Kemuning to Tropicana Mall

Chronox — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:26:37 +0800

Planning to get a house at Kota Kemuning.

I went there to Kota Kemuning this morning and tried travelling from there to Tropicana Mall (where my wife works). It took us 1 hour and 50 minutes!!! I started my journey at 7.50am. I am not sure if that is normal, but I hope all of you here can let me know the best way to get there.

I took Lebuhraya Shah Alam - NKVE - exited at Damansara / PJ toll, and headed straight to Tropicana. Bottleneck was at the NKVE exit at Damansara / PJ.

Please let me know if there is a better road to take, and the travelling time during rush hour. Thanks.

Leakage on wall from neighbour upstairs

Chronox — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:18:03 +0800

I have a problem for the past 2 years, which I have yet to rectify. I have water seepage problem on my wall, and according to my plumber, it is coming from my neighbour upstairs. He said there is no need to remove any tiles or do any major repair works. He assured me that he can solve the problem by simply pumping certain liquid into the wall. I hope it can solve the problem. He is asking RM450 for the repair. Is this a reasonable price to pay?

Should I handover jack, spanner etc in selling car

Chronox — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:37:01 +0800

I am handing over my car to the used car dealer tomorrow as I am getting my new car tomorrow. I am wondering if I should handover some of the items below:

1) Jack
2) Spanner
3) Other tools that came for free from Proton when I bought the car
4) Proton service handbook

Thanks.

Do I hand my car to trade in dealer b4 payment?

Chronox — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:44:26 +0800

Dear all,

I will be trading in my car to buy a new car. I still have outstanding amount with my financier, but my dealer is telling me that he will take care of that, and give me a cheque for the balance. Question is, do I hand him my car and registration card even before he settles the sum with the financier, or should I just trust him and check with the bank later to make sure that he has settled the sum?

Thanks.

Should I delay registration of my new car to 2011?

Chronox — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:09:12 +0800

Dear all,

I will be paying balance deposit for my new car tomorrow, and should be getting my car on 31 December 2010. I am just wondering whether it makes sense for me to delay the registration by a few more days so that my car can be registered as 2011 car, hence enabling me to fetch better resale value in the future. What do you guys think?

Sungai Long 24 X 75 at RM350k

Chronox — Sun, 02 May 2010 23:19:00 +0800

Hi all,

I have just closed a deal to buy a double storey house 24 X 75 at Bandar Sungai Long (SL4) for RM350k. Condition is good although the unit is more than 10 years already. I am going to pay up my balance deposit soon. But before I do so, I would like to double check with you guys here to see whether I have secured a good deal.

Pros:
1) 20 minutes from my work place (Technology Park Malaysia)
2) Attractive interior design with plaster ceiling and new coat of paint
3) Spacious
4) Free hold
5) Nice environment with greeneries

Cons:
1) I heard it can take up to an hour to travel to KL during peak period (anyone can verify this?). Usually it takes only half an hour.

Could you please let me know if the price I secured is a good deal? And let me know if you have any other thoughts on the pros and cons.

Cheated by a handphone shop? Please help me.

Chronox — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:00:30 +0800

Dear all,

I would like to seek your advice on what are the options available in dealing with my case.

First issue: Battery and reception problem

I bought a new SE W890i in May 2009 and have been having problems with the phone since day 1. My first problem was captured in the thread below:

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1030487

As advised by many, as I still have the warranty, I went back to the shop to get my phone repaired. After waiting for over 1 week, I got back my phone. One problem was solved- the charger problem, but another problem was not solved- the poor reception problem.

Second issue: Reception problem persisted

After trying to survive with poor reception for a few weeks, I decided that I had had enough and sent the phone back to the shop for repair under warranty. I had to wait for close to 2 weeks to get back my phone, but according to the shop, I was being given a new phone. I am not sure if the shop was telling the truth that the phone given was new.

Third issue: Hands free problem

I experienced another problem with the “new” phone. I could not use my hands free kit. I sent the phone back to the shop, and the shop told me that they would get it done “within days”.

Fourth issue: Booting up problem

I had to wait for close to 2 weeks again, and when I got back my phone, I had immediate problem when I could not start the phone after booting it once. I went back to the shop, and somehow, it worked when the shop tried it.

Fifth issue: Key pad problem

I took it back home, but the phone gave me a problem again- the keypad did not respond to me. I had to manually take out the battery to reboot.

I decided to go back to the shop and return the phone back to him for good so that I could get back my money. The shop told me that they were giving me “warranty”, not “guarantee”, so I would not be able to get back my money. If I were to trade in, the phone would only be RM350, when I bought it at RM580.

Sixth issue: Key pad problem persisted

I got very upset, but gave it another shot a few days later. I told him to take back the phone, and repair it. After waiting for 2 weeks, he gave me back my phone, but the problem persisted. The phone’s keypad did not respond to me after a while. I gave him back and told him to repair.

Seventh issue: No replacement phone in stock?

Until now, after close to 2 weeks, the shop has not repaired the phone. I called just now and was told that they will be giving me a new phone, but currently they do not have the model in stock, and ask me to wait for a few days.

Please let me know what options are available.

By the way, the phone shop is on the first floor at Endah Parade, Sri Petaling. I am thinking of reporting this issue to the consumer protection group.

W890i problem with poor reception and battery

Chronox — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:17:36 +0800

Dear all,

I have bought a new Sony Ericsson W890i (AP set).

Would like to seek the following advice to my problems:

1) Reception
I am using Maxis. My phone will have only a few bars for emergency call when I am at home. However, my 2 other housemates using Maxis as well is not facing this problem. They have 3 - 4 bars. I have tried switching to both GSM / 3G mode and GSM only mode. No difference.

2) Battery
I usually charge my phone overnight when I sleep (usually from 1am to 7am). I talk for about an hour with my girlfriend in the day. Usually, by around 9pm the battery will go dead. When I charge using my charger, I cannot on my phone at all, so I am not sure if it is charging. I tried with my sister's charger, and it works very well, and I can charge the phone even if it is off, and there is an indication that it is charging. I suspect something maybe wrong with my charger.

Any advice to solve the above? I can of course return to the seller, but that will take me about 1 week to get back the phone.

What is the best camera with a budget of RM400?

Chronox — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:11:27 +0800

Dear all,

I would like to get a new camera with a budget of RM400. I have surveyed around and found the following models:

1) Nikon Coolpix L16 at RM399
2) Samsung S760 at RM399
3) Kodak C813 at RM399
4) BenQ C750 at RM369
5) Canon PSA470 at RM399

All of them are throwing in free memory. Some are offering free batteries with charger. All of them are using AA batteries to operate.

Could you please let me know which is the best model amongst those I listed above? If there is any other better option available, please let me know. I would like to get in built battery (Li-ion?) but none of the phone surveyed is within budget.

Thanks and regards.

Changing RM to Thai Baht

Chronox — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:50:49 +0800

I need to change RM to Baht.

1) Where in KL is the cheapest to change?
2) Will it be cheaper to change in Malaysia, or change in Thailand (Bangkok)?

Thanks.

Where can I find materials on Financial Modelling?

Chronox — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:56:15 +0800

I want to learn up Financial Modelling. Would appreciate it if anyone can refer me to a good website with good learning material. Thanks!

PhD vs CFA

Chronox — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:42:47 +0800

Dear all,

I do not know who to ask, and where to ask. That is why I am here to post this. I would like to seek your view on PhD vs CFA.

A little bit of background:

I have a degree in Business and Management from a UK university. I will be completing my MBA with specialization in Finance from a local university by May 2008. I have 2 years of working experience and am currently working for a media company in a department which specializes in doing business opportunities research, business valuation, deal structuring and A-Z on setting up the systems for new business ventures.

What I want to do in the future:

I would like to continue to be in the commercial world, and do not have plans to go into academics. 10 years down the road, I would like to have my own businesses in various industries.

I have been pondering for the past few months on whether to pursue PhD or CFA after completing my MBA. These are some of my initial thoughts which stand to be corrected:

Pros of PhD:

1) Improved image and perception from industry people, due to the added "Dr" title (typical Malaysian, but it's true). You can see more and more PhD people holding top posts in Malaysia and abroad. They are no longer confined to academics.

2) Specialized knowledge in area of research.

3) Improved thinking and researching skills.

Cons of PhD:

1) Have always been perceived as too theory-based and more relevant only for academics.

2) Takes a longer period of time to complete

Pros of CFA:

1) Recognised as expert in the finance field

2) Maybe able to learn more than PhD, as the learning is more structured.

Cons of CFA:

1) Too specialized in Finance, and not as famous as PhD, therefore may not be recognized by other professions.

2) Extremely difficult to pass

So your views are sought on the following:

1) A review of Pros and Cons from your perspective, and to subsequently make a recommendation from your view point.

2) Do you know of any scholarship available for PhD or CFA? I plan to do part time.

Will Proton BLM pull down Savvy's price?

Chronox — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:34:26 +0800

Dear all,

I have decided to buy Savvy, it's only the timing factor now. Many have advised me to wait for Proton BLM because:

1) I will have one more option to choose from
2) Price of Savvy will drop

I am not so much concerned about reason 1 above, as I have decided to go for Savvy no matter what.

For reason 2, some say price of Savvy will drop because BLM is built on Savvy's platform. It is exactly like Savvy, but with a buttock at the back. So in short, it is Savvy Sedan. Upon checking, I found that this assumption might be wrong because BLM is not exactly Savvy, because its engine is Campro, and it is to replace Saga.

It is like Persona. Persona was said to be Gen2 Sedan, and therefore Gen2 Sedan should be more expensive than Gen2 hatchback. But what's happening is the complete opposite. Persona (Gen2 Sedan) is priced lower than Gen2 (hatchback).

From another perspective, Proton might be tempted not to allow discount for Savvy upon the launch of Proton BLM because pricing Savvy lower might actually create a competition between Savvy and Proton BLM. In order to avoid this competition, Proton might create a gap of pricing between Proton Savvy and Proton BLM. If Proton is withdrawing all the discount, it might be better for me to get my car now, as it might be more expensive come January 2008!

In summary, I am not too sure if Proton Savvy's price will drop upon the launch of Proton BLM. Please give your view. Please support with historical evidence, if possible.

My first car--->Savvy?

Chronox — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:25:11 +0800

Dear all,

I have been contemplating for quite some time to get a car. As I am not cash rich, my budget is only RM35k and below. I want a car that can last me long and is reliable.

So after hunting around, Savvy caught my eyes. Then on came the Savvy Lite, the cheaper and more basic version of Savvy, which totally suits my budget nicely. So here goes my consideration:

Pros of getting Savvy Lite:
1) Fuel efficient
2) Powerful
3) Design looks nicer than most cars within my budget (Other cars are Saga, Kancil. Viva excluded because Viva's design looks nicer)
4) ZERO downpayment

Cons of getting Savvy Lite:
1) Too basic. Might need some RM2k to get all the other accessories.
2) Low resale value
3) EXPENSIVE PARTS / MAINTENANCE
4) Mini in size

I don't mind all the cons I listed above (well, please list more if you can find more to add). My only big concern is the Con number 3. The expensive parts/maintenance.

How true is this? I consulted my cousin brother who drives a Savvy. He said the car is perfectly perfect, except for the expensive parts and maintenance because of its Renault engine.

Please enlighten me. I don't want to make a decision that I will regret forever.

By the way, what's the cheapest Savvy Lite manual around? And what's the cheapest Savvy full fledged manual around?

Offer from Astro All Asia Networks

Chronox — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:54:25 +0800

Hi all,

I have been offered a job at Astro's business development unit. I would like to know a few more things about Astro in order to assist me in making decision. I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me on the following if you happen to know the answers:

1) Yearly increment-
What is the average yearly increment? I know that it is very much performance based, but what is the average? The best is if you could advise me on the average for business development unit. In my current firm, the average is about 10%.

2) Yearly bonus-
I know that Astro offers 2 months contractual bonus. On top of that, there will be performance based bonus. What is the average performance bonus? Do you really need to be superbly outstanding to be able to get the performance bonus? What is the average performance bonus of an average performer? Or they get nothing at all.

3) Career progression-
What is the structure like in business development unit? How long does it take to move from one level to another? I am from professional firm, so my career progression is well charted out. I know that I can move up as long as I perform up to the required standard of the next level. In some commercial companies, I know that the staffs have to wait until the higher level positions are vacated before they are given the opportunity to get promoted. How is it like in Astro, if possible, specifically to business development unit?

4) Culture-
General feel of working in Astro? How are the people? How are the working hours? How's the learning experience? What are the benefits given by Astro?

Thanks.

Looking for a fuel efficient car

Chronox — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:44:06 +0800

Hi all...

Need some advice from all you people here. I am thinking of getting a car, but my budget is only RM30,000. If I get a new car, I know I am limited to only a few choices of Malaysian made cars because of my budget. If I get a second hand car, I might have more options available. I am still not sure yet whether to get a new or second hand car. The following are my criteria for the car:

1) Must be fuel efficient (any car within my budget that can beat Kancil?)
2) Low maintenance cost (will this eliminate my option for second hand cars?)
3) Powerful (will this eliminate Kancil from the list?)

I am actually in love with Viva, but then, is it really worth buying?

Thank you...

Streamyx problem: Unable to connect (sometimes)

Chronox — Thu, 03 May 2007 11:37:31 +0800

Hi all,

I am having a problem with my Streamyx connection. Sometimes I can get connected without problem. Other times, I just can't get connected and the message says that the remote computer is not responding.

I accidently found a solution the other day. All I had to do when I cannot connect is to pick up the phone and put it back down after a while. However, sometimes when I am connected, the connection does not move at all. I won't be able to surf at all. So what I had to do is to disconnect, and reconnect after picking up and putting down the phone. This problem is very annoying.

Does anyone know what the problem is and the solution?

The most affordable MBA?

Chronox — Tue, 09 May 2006 17:43:35 +0800

Hi all,

WHICH UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE OFFERS THE MOST AFFORDABLE MBA?

I have just started working this year. I graduated with a Degree in Business Management last year. I plan to take up an MBA program. Having enquired several universities/colleges offering MBA, I found out that Unitar offers the most affordable MBA at a fee of RM18,375.

The reason why I am looking for the most affordable MBA is because my salary, as a fresh graduate who has just started working, is still very low. I tried looking for scholarships but was told by many that it is rare for MBA students to be offered scholarships, since MBAs are catered to working adults with income.

So my questions are:

1) Is there any University/College offering an MBA cheaper than RM18,375?

2) I would also like to know more about the quality of MBA offered by Unitar. Is there anyone who is currently studying for an MBA with Unitar? Please PM me...

Thanks everyone...