Cool & Feature Packed Nokia Communicator
I have used the Communicator 9500 and am still using the 9300i. I have to say that after waiting for so long, the latest model in the Communicator series is worth the wait. The E90 is slightly larger in form than the 9300i but still petite against the gargantuan 9500 but it has features aplenty. In fact, almost everything you could have in your Xmas wish list; and more.
- Quad band GSM
- 128Mb RAM on board
- 136Mb on board memory capacity and expandable to 2Gb through micro-SD card
- 16 million colors inner full-sized screen and also 16 million color outer small screen
- user-friendly inner and outer toggle key (much better than the ridiculous joy button on the 9300i)
- 3G, 3.5G, 802.11g, Bluetooth and infrared
- USB2.0
- full QWERTY keyboard
- 2.5mm audio jack, stereo speakers, FM radio
- GPS
- 3.2 mega-pixel outer camera with video, Secondary inner camera for video calls
- Finally, vibration capability!
It runs S60 on Symbian 9.2 which contributes tremendously to improved application compared with its older siblings as well as better User interface and easier add-on enhancements.
The E90 will switch seamlessly any applications you are running between open and closed clamshell modes. That is a huge plus which was irritatingly not available in older Communicator models.
Cannot wait to get my hands one one. They are currently available in some retail outlets in Singapore and I think the retail price without a service plan is S$1488. Very stiff! But worth it. I feel. Or maybe I should wait half a year more and it should be a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. But then Nokia’s pricing for its business phone models have always been at the stratospheric range. Do not know if I can wait that long.
Joost! Free TV over the Internet
Joost has been rocking the internet world with its free beta service of high quality, TV programs over the internet. No need for TV cards or any special receivers. Just an invitation, broadband and your PC. The ex-founders of Skype (who cashed in for US$2.6 billion to eBay) have seemingly a winner up their sleeves again.
I got an invite 10 days ago, downloaded the beta drivers (only 10.5Mbs), fired it up, and I must say that I am quite impressed.
The programs are not fantastic, though I loved 5th Gear, the Car Review program, but give them time and I am sure that they might even make some of us consider giving up our over-priced Starhub subscriptions. Now, if only they could wrangle in EPL. That would be a real kicker and sleepless nights for all Cable executives out there.
Picture quality is not HD quality but definitely acceptable, it has a very friendly user interface menu which is quick and responsive. I have 3Mbps at home and the video stream is ok but for those of you with higher speeds, you will definitely enjoy the experience more. Needless to say, 1Mbps or less is jerky and sometimes irritating but that is the price you pay.
Examples of programs include Sports Illustrated Swimsuit On Demand, Fight Network, National Geographic, 5th Gear, MTV, The Soccer Channel, Bugeye Music and Alliance Atlantis Sci-Fi.
There are rumors circulating on the net that Joost is in negotiations with Warner Music, CNN, BBC, Indy Car, NBA, WWE, ESPN etc for additional content.
Virtual Laser Keyboard
I found this while I was trawling the net for new gadgets and I was blown by the utter coolness of this. Imagine you were in Starbucks, you pull out your SmartPhone or PDA, set up the Zippo-sized keyboard projecter next to it and you proceed to type out on the keyboard images projected on to the table-top or work surface; complete with keyboard click sounds! Sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. But it really works! This device projects a laser beam to generate a full-sized keyboard image on a flat surface and works with most Blackberry models, PDAs and Tablets.
Only drawback is the price. About US$180 excluding shipping. If you wish to check out or have loads of spare cash, go to http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

