Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by ind3pend3nc3

Thin and light, apple or windows?

ind3pend3nc3 — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:26:25 +0800

So I'm in the market for a thin and light.

Was gonna use for a little work, need windows for some work application, and my personal entertainment (YouTube, Netflix, browsing). My company do provide laptops, but I just like to use my own for work at home.

This here comes, at 3.5k, the intel MacBook Air just have such an advantage in build quality compared to windows laptop at 3.5k. I do put great value on screen quality, and build quality.

Should I get intel MacBook Air i3? I can dual boot windows on it and run the software I need occasionally for work. The most I need is excel, outlook, team, and Audit Express running. The i3 should handle it.

Or should I get windows at equivalent cost?
Or, should I just get M1 macs and don't work on my personal device? ( can still run excel though, just not the software, as the software needs to generate and interact with a window based words and excel, I doubt wine bottler and Rosetta will do it)

MacBook Air early 2020 (intel chip)

ind3pend3nc3 — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 08:47:09 +0800

Currently in market for a portable notebook, mainly for excel/words/ and netflix.

The 2020 intel MBAir for 3499 base model, is it worth it if it can do what I need?

Locked iphone

ind3pend3nc3 — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:11:10 +0800

So I've gotten a locked iPhone ( Apple ID locked and phone pin locked) from some1. It has been sitting there for two years. Is there any chance I can restore it?

Brought it to an Apple store and they said I would still need the original Apple ID and password after I restore the phone, to use it as new, is it true?

Is there anyway I can restore it as new iPhone to use?

MIA Membership Requirement/CARE Programme

ind3pend3nc3 — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:45:02 +0800

Accounting grad here, wanting to apply for CARE program under MIA to be eligible for MIA membership. Recently they updated their portal system and some information however, are not updated, thats why it got me confusing.

For easier answering, I listed my questions in numerical number 1,2,3,4.

First of, under membership requirement, it is shown as below:
https://i.imgur.com/ixrUXWt.png

1. So I have to get either 1 out of the 3 options shown above to be eligible for MIA membership, right?
2. My degree is from part I of the schedule (no.1), and I have to have 3 years working experience. Is this 3 years working experience done under the MIA Care program?

Then under the FAQ of MIA CARE program i found this:
https://i.imgur.com/phwKWys.png
3. According to this FAQ answer, so even if i graduated with a degree from Part I of the schedule, and joined the CARE program, I still have to sit for MIA Qualifying examination? Isnt this contradicting with the first image above and the FAQ answer for CARE program shown in the below image?
https://i.imgur.com/tBpSwyV.png

So i decided to give it a shot to apply for MIA CARE Programme via the MIA Portal. During registration, I saw this:
https://i.imgur.com/8z7dK0j.png
Note the blue words "Supporting Documents for Application for CARE",
Under the third line, it says ... ... ... and fulfilled MIA CARE Programme (Part 1).
4. What is this Part 1? How can I fulfill anything if i'm only applying to start the programme? Am i missing something?

Thanks for your answers to my questions.

VPN for phone

ind3pend3nc3 — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 16:05:18 +0800

Hi guys, i want to access the canadian google play store, so i tried VPN.
I understand that if the VPN connection is successful, a 'key' icon will appear on the notification bar.
Im using third party VPN apps from playstore to access the VPN servers, but then. no 'key' icon appear on the notification bar.
The currency in the playstore changed, but i still cant get the apps i want from Canadian store. So is there something wrong? Any tips?

Phone: Redmi5
Android: 7.1.2

Joby Tripods

ind3pend3nc3 — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:07:37 +0800

Hello,

I am currently looking for a tripod for my smartphone.

I wonder if joby is a good option?
The ball joints does provide great amount of flexibility but does the thing last? If read somewhere before that someone got his joby tripod and after a year, of the the joints at the very top went loose, and the tripod become useless.

Does this ever happen to any joby that u own?

Star Photography/Timelapse

ind3pend3nc3 — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 12:56:52 +0800

Anyone done star-photography or timelapse of night skit using iphone before? Mind to share your experience/sample shots.

And also, what apps do you guys use for these two?

Best telco plan for new phone

ind3pend3nc3 — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 14:16:00 +0800

Which telco offers the best deal for:
Phone i’m looking into: iPhone 8plus 64gb

Data Preference:
• Less sms, normal calls (50minutes+)
• Preferably with more video plan for youtube/netflix.
• Normal internet 10-15gb will do. hopefully 20gb + if no video plan.
• Have a stable internet connection

Also, many telco plans have this kind of price tag
Device price:RM2xxx
Upfront Payment: RM7xx
Monthly Plan: RM1xx
Total: RM27xx
What is that Upfront payment? So instead of RM2xxx, the total price i will pay for the device is RM27xx?

How's android doing?

ind3pend3nc3 — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:21:05 +0800

How is android devices now?
Have heard and read that even an android flagship (Samsung Galaxy S8) started light lagging after half a year of normal usage, which is too soon? Does it crash? How is android interfaces now, clean or messy? Can it withstand normal to heavy gaming?

My iPhone 6s is still holding up well even after 1.5 years of normal usage+normal/heaving gaming, the only time i need to switch off my phone is due to extreme low battery level, flight, or crashes. Only crashed 5 times in this 1.5 years. The most notable aging part on this iPhone is probably the battery, but i think that will be the case with android devices as well.

My iPhone 6s will be due in a year due to age. Thus i plan to buy a new phone in the coming year but the prices of new iPhones now is a scam. Used to be android user, switched to iPhone back then because i like the simplistic design of its hardware and software, and also the fact that it is more stable. (Back then, android devices, even flagships, crashes too often.)
Only started to like the design of Samsung S8 and Note8 series due to simplistic design, so i might migrate to either S8 or Note8, or the 9 series in the future.

Does new android flagship devices hold up well? Lags? Heats? Crashes? Stability?

New car vs 2nd Hand Car

ind3pend3nc3 — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 12:49:04 +0800

2nd Hand Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI Hatchback, 5-6years, 60k-90k KM, full service, RM39,000
New Perodua Axia 1.0G Standard Automatic, RM35,700

In terms of valuepreservation, which one would hold more value after, let’s say, 7 years if i want to sell them off?

Cost of ownership wise, if the Polo would require more service cost, by how much?
Now that the Polo can be serviced at a regular workshop where as the new Perodua will have to be serviced at Perodua Centers.

Perodua Axia’s fuel consumption is around 11.8km/l in town/city driving, how well would the Polo perform in terms of fuel consumption at such an age?

Most important of all, how is the driving experience of Polo (at such age) as compared to a new Perodua Axia?
Would appreciate some opinion from Polo owners.
If you guys were in this situation, which car would you choose? Why?

I may be buying a new car in a year’s time, or 2 at most, hard to choose between used foreign car and new local car, they both cost somewhat in the same price range as at that condition.
Or better yet, should i consider second hand Myvi or Axia?
Is there any other car, new or used, at below 40k range that i can consider?
Appreciate any help i can get. Thanks in advance!

Audit firms for fresh grad

ind3pend3nc3 — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 09:05:09 +0800

Hi guys,

As I am currently at my last semester in my UNI, i plan on doing 3 years in the audit field to get my MIA, then i’ll decide on whether to continue in the field or switching to commercial. I would say that i’m more likely to stay. Also, I’m not taking ACCA and still considering whether to take it, i would say i’m more likely not to take it. My degree is recognized under MIA.

I would like to ask, which firm in KL/Cheras/Kajang is better to work for.
My consideration includes(preferably a balance between)
- Work-life balance (Some medium firms that I know of have OT almost everyday OT, as in working to 1am that kind. Some medium firms that i know of don’t really have much OT even during peak.) To clarify, I do not mind at all working till late, do not get me wrong.
- Ability to learn and grow within. (Seniors will be willing to teach, will be expose to various industries and traits of the profession.)

What different kind of exposures would i expect from a big and small firm?
Will i really be a big fish in a small pond in a big 4 firm as how many of my seniors said?

My considerations for firms includes all (big 4, medium firms, or small one). And how much starting salary should I expect from each of the category of firms?

Very much appreciate your help and opinion.

Cooling a gaming laptop

ind3pend3nc3 — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 11:46:17 +0800

As the title goes, how do you guys cook your gaming laptop?

I planned on buying a cooling pad, is there anything that I should look out for? Like the position of fan, elevation etc?

And is there specific type of cooling pad for a specific type of laptop? 😂

F>Lenovo Ideapad 710s

ind3pend3nc3 — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 18:12:03 +0800

As tittle, looking for ideapad 710s with:

i5-7th gen? << don't know if this is available or not
8gb Ram,
IPS Panel? << lenovo malaysia website shows TN panel? any1 can confirm if Malaysia getting TN or IPS for this model?

And PM/Comment price if got sell.

Also looking for other ultrabooks within 3000-3500 price range,
need:

intel i3-6th gen and up, preferably intel hd 520 up,
8gb ram
SSD

Lenovo Ideapad 710s

ind3pend3nc3 — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 13:53:05 +0800

Lenovo Ideapad 710s has been in Malaysia market for sometime now, but not much people using here? How is it?

Anyway, i was searching for this laptop on online stores, and found one claiming to come with TN screens on techhypermart.

Saw this with discrete graphics on techhypermart:
My Webpage
The tech specs there writes that the screen is TN?
this one from 11street with discrete graphics also writes TN:
My Webpage

and the one without discrete graphics with IPS on 11street:
My Webpage

so does it means the one that comes with discrete graphics also comes with lower grade panel? need help sifusss or they just giving wrong info?

BTW, is this laptop available in Lenovo stores in Malaysia? cant seem to find it online lenovo stores, the website isnt working lately.

Microsoft Office for iPad

ind3pend3nc3 — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:16:10 +0800

Has anyone had Microsoft Office on iPad? The installed version, not online subscription version.
Does it run good? Will it lag and crash? And what's the experience using it.
I need Excel, PowerPoint and Word for my Uni, currently using google sheet and docs but it lacks the function that office has. My laptop is dead heavy, iPad mini lags too much from mobile gaming, so im looking to get an iPad or Ultrabook for work, still considering which one.

Table-top Tripod for DSLR

ind3pend3nc3 — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 15:36:59 +0800

Hi Guys, im looking for a table-top sized tripod,any recommendation?
Table-top sized as in like ManfrottoPIXI EVO<< Anybody used before? Wanted to buy but saw so many bad reviews about the screw head, now scare scare.
Have been eyeing on cambofoto tripod, but its China brand, doubt it's quality. But will still buy if any sifu recommend it.
Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod<< Any1 used this before, looks compact but dont know if it will suit my need or not.

What i need from my tripod is:
Max Load 1.1kg (i have light setup: D100+ wide angle lens )
Ability to point straight upwards 90degrees (i do astrophotography)
Height is not an issue here as i will be placing it on bench/balcony, etc.
Stability, i do not want my somewhat imbalanced setup to topple (D100 + wide angle lens).
And a RM250 budget. Prefer to stay below 250, unless its a good quality product.

Its best if the thing is small and made out of durable plastic as i need to hand-carry it on-board, if possible.

Any recommendation?

Any experience on Grant Thronton?

ind3pend3nc3 — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:56:45 +0800

Hi guys, first of all i'm an accounting student from utar sl.
well i'm going for my internship during october/november till next year april. Unable to decide on which company and meeting the deadline, i've sent my resume to deloitte, crowe horwath and grant thornton.

Well, the last to sent was the first to reply, i got approval from GT in less than 24 hours. Fast rite? So i was suspicious and wondering if they are lacking staffs. I googled and found out that GT Msia is kinda crap as they always ask you to OT, no OT payment, give impossible deadline, ask you to arrive at 8:30 and leave at 9:30 EVERYDAY, it's like PEAK PERIOD ALL THE YEAR. Overall, i've read that many people want to resign from there. But that was in 2013.

So i was wondering if anybody worked in GT Penang before? Anybody has any experience having their internship there?

ultraportables, macbook v dell xps 13

ind3pend3nc3 — Tue, 31 May 2016 17:03:00 +0800

Mainly use for office,pdf and powerpoint, wanted something small and light with 7hr + battery, how will the 2015 macbook compare to the skylake dell xps 13? considering the macbook 2015 is cheaper than dell xps 13.

Macbook only runs on core M but heard that apple is very good at optimizing? will this aide in the performance?
and which one would last longer? hoping for it to last around 4 years,( except for the battery ofcourse)

currently im only running on pentium n3540 so how does this compare with the core m base model?

WTB Dell XPS 13 5th Gen

ind3pend3nc3 — Sat, 28 May 2016 22:13:29 +0800

As the title goes, anyone selling the base model?
COD and prefer got store upfront.
Need warranty by dell.
Kajang cheras area any?

Ultraportables?

ind3pend3nc3 — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:06:59 +0800

Hi, i'm looking for an ultraportable laptop.
Currently i'm eyeing on 2 models:
Asus UX305 core M
HP Envy 13

Like the design of hp envy more and the better performance it offers, but Asus is cheaper. However, the Asus is passive cooled, will it heat up easily thou?

I play light games like old maplestory, FTL, MINI Metro and maybe occasional CS1.6

I dont run intensive program, what i do most is websurfing, maybe 2 words and 2 powerpoints open at the same time. Basically that's it.

Or if you all have any other suggestion of laptops? I need laptops that are atmost 1.8kg, atleast 4 hours battery life for websurfing.

My budget is 2.8k, ya i know its not enough to get the HP envy 13, but that's just my optimal budget, can go higher.