Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by johnliew

My Motorola Q9h Impression

johnliew — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:39:34 +0800

Palm 500v

johnliew — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:35:59 +0800

In case you all are wondering, I found that you can find this phone at ground floor, Low Yat, PDA Experts. Another one is the shop in front of the main entrance (sorry forgot the name). Both selling standard price of RM1588.

Don't bother with Blue Cubes. They don't carry it. Contrary to what this says => http://www.palm.com/my/products/smartphone...500v#wheretobuy

They even don't know what is a Palm.... they tried to shove me a Crackberry instead...

Vostro 1200 Battery Life Issue?

johnliew — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:37:09 +0800

Hey all,

One of the first few Vostro 1200 owner have observed that the battery life of 2 hours (plus minus) only. http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/608278

Vostro 1200 users please post your esteemed comments and observations on the battery use? If possible, state LCD brightness level, and typical usage...

Dell Inspiron 1525 Is Here!

johnliew — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:16:49 +0800

Hey guys,

Check out Dell web site today, and the 1525 is released! http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/p...dhs1&l=en&s=dhs

PC Fair Dec 2007 @ KL Don't Have Apple Stall!

johnliew — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:40:33 +0800

Hai yah,

So disappointed this time around, no Apple stall from any of the apple reseller partners.

Here is what happened to me. I asked the PIKOM booth for information, and the first girl say... "Apple ar? got got...go behind Hall 5.... very belakang one"... I went all the way back, only to find a small iPod reseller. I thought she misheard me say "Acer", because there is a large Acer booth next to it. Mana tau, ask her again, she said it *is* the small iPod reseller.

Keeping my cool, I dumbed down to her level and asked "Arh.... I want Apple notebook la (afraid that she don't know what a MacBook is)... she then say..er.. I dunno wo...".

Her senior, next to her, overheard and told me boldly "I saw some promoter girl wearing Apple white shirt, should be them, around Hall 1 or 2". All the way back to Hall 1 I go.... Found the promoter girls...but but..hor... they are promoting Philips for ALL IT ler...

Went back to PIKOM booth, confirmed with the boss that none of the big Apple resellers are here this time around. So sad.

Logitech VX Nano Hand On Review

johnliew — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:20:27 +0800

Hey guys,

Just wanna share a review of the VX Nano that I finally manage to purchase. I am having problem posting pictures here (LYN+Picasaweb=disaster), so I am gonna share my bloggie here.

I am in no way trying to promote my blog, as you can see no one leave any comments. I am doing this because of the picture posting "challenges". So if you guys object, then I will only post the text here.

Logitech VX Nano Review
Anyway, it's http://nathennod.blogspot.com/

I myself had been struggling to find a good review, so I decided to write one myself (not very good though, I'm afraid).

Cheers.

Review: Manfrotto Modo Tripod

johnliew — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 02:13:52 +0800

I have always wanted a Manfrotto tripod ever since one of my friend lent me hers for a photoshoot in Pulau Redang (another story someday), which we used it for a evening shot of the beach facing the resort. Anyway, that was many years ago using film.

As some of you would know, I have recently bought a Panasonic LX2 (Official Product PageOfficial Product Page , Steve's Review), and have been aching to get a tripod, due to the less than desirable low light performance of the Venus Engine III.

So, when I heard that there was a warehouse sales by Miami photo, my quickly grabbed my brother and cousin (all photophiles) and there we go!

Low and behold, Manfrotto equipment on sale! Since I wanted an entry level tripod (waiting to get my D200, then I'll get all the heavy-duty equipment!), I was contemplating between a Modo Tripod and 718B, which are both entry level all-in-one tripods (no head change).

But when you put both together side by side, the 718B literally dwarves the Modo. And it weights a hefty 750gm (compared to Modo=1kg) more, then it's about a a palm's width longer or so. Not to mention how fat it was. Some of you might argue that the heavier tripod, the better. Which I agree, if I had my D200 But for this case, I am going to use my LX2, which weighs only 217 gm (0.48 lb) (with Battery and SD Memory Card)!

So, Modo it is.

(56kbps Warning!)

Actually the Modo stands pretty tall when fully extended (150cm). I kind of have to agree that it is a bit shaky when fully extended, including the center column, but then again, you should not need to fully extend the center column for most shooting situations. The legs alone are tall enough for a well composed group photo.

Standing Tall

The most outstanding feature of the Modo is the new level operated, Video/Photo dual mode ball head. What this means is that with a twist of a knob, the ball head will either go full tilt in any angle (Photo), or move vertically and horizontally along the X-Y axis only (Video), which incidentally is great for taking panning photo shots.

Quick twist mode changer

The quick release has a non-standard shaped quick release plate, which I wonder whether I can buy a replacement if I accidently lose mine. It does not have the key ring around the knob/screw (which I liked in my friends's Manfrotto), although there is a plastic screw tool which is attached at the base of the center column. That can be used for screwing in the plate on the camera.

Front View, with logo

Another unique feature that I really like is that the Modo supports going down really low for object/macro shots on the flow. This can be done with a simple twist of a small plate on the tripod, and has a satisfying "click!" when it is in place. But you must remember to keep the legs straight when doing this.

Just twist the grey plate and get (the tripod) down!

For all hardcore photophiles, I have to put a big disclaimer here. The legs are pretty thin when fully extended. Although it is rated to carry a load of approximately 1kg, the whole setup is a little bit flimsy at it is (with my LX2), therefore I cannot recommend it to anyone with a DSLR, (maybe the just the D40 kit, due to it's lightweightness). For compact camara users like me, I think this is a great tripod for the following reasons: 1. It's so easy to carry, you can stuff it in any messenger bag or even a small sling bag, and you will not feel the weight. 2. The unique ball head is so easy to use, and even at the unlocked position, it was able to hang on to my desired angle without locking the head. 3. The legs feels like it can take a bit of punishment, and the metal legs has a very good build quality to them.

Signature Manfrotto Insignia

Look how tiny it is! (the tripod la, not my hands)

Speaking about quality, although the leg quality feels great, I can't say about the plastic parts. It's just not as polished as I like. Some of the molded plastic, like the ball handle, does not quite align 100% between the left and right parts. Even for the grey twist plate, there were already scratches when it came. But I guess those are more cosmetic problems than functional ones. Not to forget, there is a build in spirit level also, but I don't think it's mush use to me, since I am more free-willed when taking pictures Finally, if you position the head correctly, you can carry it like a BFG2000

Don't make my day!

Sennheiser CX300 is definately NOT Creative EP-630

johnliew — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 09:46:30 +0800

Hey all!

I will put the debate to an end, once and for all!

I have a Senn CX300, bought from Jenssen (RM179). My colleague have bought the Creative EP-630 from the last PCFair (RM59).

We have performed the ultimate AB test! This is achieved by the following setup...

Creative ZVM => Logitech PlayGear Share => CX300 + EP-630 (at the same time!) playing my favorite AB audition song, Daniel Powter, Song 6.

First, I listened to EP-630 alone. Then, listened to BOTH left piece of CX300 and EP-630, at the same time. Then BOTH right pieces at the same time.

SQ Conclusion (using, of course, IMHO Gauge©!:

1. EP-630 => High = 8, Mid = 6, Low = 5
2. CX300 => High = 7, Mid = 8, Low = 8

The major difference is with the bass. EP-630 can barely power thru the long "thump!" in the song, which CX300 was perfect! (almost Grado SR60 perfect!)

To make the conclusion, conclusive (pun intended), I ran thru the test with 3 different person (plus the owner of the EP-630), and they all agreed with my conclusion.

Even the build quality is diff!

1. CX300 = Stiff cord, L jack, longer sleeve from earpiece, very soft silicon earpiece
2. EP-630 = Soft cord, straight jack, shorter sleeve, harder silicon

So there you have it folks! There is absolutely nothing equal with these two phones, and definately is not the same manufacturer as many people speculated. A lot of rumours saying that they are the same earphones, and only the driver is the same. I have proven that it is 100% not true, as it is physically different, and sounds different as well. I can even swear that the size of the earpiece is diff also!

That's all folks... No more debate on this issue anymore

Modified: Missing Mid rating for CX300, thanks ellimist!

Canalphone Silicon Ear Tip Exchange Fair!

johnliew — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 16:48:18 +0800

Hey all!

For all of you that owns any of the following models of canalphones that uses the silicon ear tips/buds, we all know that it usually comes in S/M/L size.

1. Sony MDR-EX51/71
2. Sennheisser CX300
3. Panasonic RP-HJE50
4. Philips SHP9500

So come and post what you have and what you need

Please state in the following format:

1. I have - x number of x color of x size for model x
2. I want - y number of y color of y size for model y

BTW, number means number of units. Example, most models came with 2xS, 2xM and 2XS. In another words, one pair each. I just want to accomodate of anyone wants to exchange 1 side only. 1 side = 1 unit. 2 side = 1 pair...got it?

I will start the ball rolling once I figure out which size of CX300 is better for me

Also, please advice if any are any cross compatible models (e.g. can Sony use Senn's?), and any other models that I have not listed yet.

I propose method of delivery is either a simple 30 cent snail mail, or meetup if convenient...

Edited: Thanks Raven_Lee, missed out on the size

Creative Zen Vision:M Owner's Club!

johnliew — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 09:15:29 +0800

Hey guys!

For all you owners of the Creative Zen Vision:M, come and drop by a line! This is some of the stuff you can do here:

*Share why you choose black instead of white!
*Did you buy it for movies or music?
*Which firmware you are using!
*How long did does it take to transfer 1GB of data!
*What cool accessories you have!
*Is yours a scratch magnet?
*How do you carry yours?
*What is your player/can combo?

And so on!

To read more about Zen Vision:M, refer to:

Hikaru's Vision:M Bulk - Comparison Writeup! Thanks Hikaru for allowing to link to your post

About the great debacle of iPod or Vision:M, read here:

The Great Debate - Creative vs Apple, Zen Vision:M or Ipod 5G/6G

Owner List!
========

1. johnliew - Black - Grado SR60, Creative EP-480, Sennheisser CX300
2. khtan2000 - color unknown - can unknown
3. creap - color unknown - Sennheisser CX300
4. supazta - Black - Philips SHP200 and SHP1000.
5. fizyboy - color unknown - can unknown
6. surferx - White - can unknown
7. Jackieboy - White - can unknown