Home Alone #1

Hey guys and gals! What’s for dinner??

My parents just went Taiwan on 18.04.2015 (Sat) & I am actually #HomeAlone for the very first time in my life seriously thinking how to make my dinner plans!!

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18.04 (Sat)

Sent my parents off to Changi Airport in the early morning.

Afternoonat Karen’s housewarming party with my SEED – Marketing Family

Night at Mustafa Centre


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19.04 (Sun)

Day time wasn't much except watching the Flash, playing ClashofClans and lunch at Bangkit kopitiam. I was already planning for dinner with Audrey and figured out that we can cook ourselves a simple dinner. It was really an impromptu thing as we grabbed whatever ingredients that could go together. 

Main: White Snapper
Sides: Dou Miao & Spam Fries
Wine: Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Audrey prepared the ingredients which took roughly 20-30 minutes and the cooking was done within another hour; I was spam fries in-charge, while Audrey took care of the fish & vegetables.

With Audrey's plating, the meal really looks up to standard, but the moment of truth is when we take that first bite and  then we knew that everything was worth the effort. I would give ourselves 8/10 for effort and 5.5/10 for taste; this shall spark off the journey to have more home cooked meals!


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20.04 (Mon)


For the past 26 years, there are quite a number of moments that that I am left alone in the house during the weekends when my brother is out with his activities and my parents are out hunting for delicious hawker food, but I know they are definitely coming back home before the night ends.

However, the definition of loneliness has changed ever since 18.04.2015 (Sat) as my parents are on a Taiwan trip and my brother isn’t home most of the time after he got married.


My dad always like to say,
“你好命啊! 没有爸爸，你一定会饿死了~”
Translation:
“You’re so lucky that daddy buys food for you or you’ll starve to death~”


And I’ll always rebut, 
“我哪里会饿死!!? 我自己会去买东西吃的!”
Translation: I won’t die!!? I know how to buy food myself!


In short, I didn’t really appreciate or realize how fortunate I am until this very day when I am really really #HomeAlone and have to figure out my dinner plans, but I do now and will put in more thoughts when it comes to dining with my parents.

Thank you for reading & I hope you have a nice evening with your friends / family!


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Impressions: The New Apple Macbook (2015)

With the new MacBook (2015) available as of 10th April 15, it’s definitely one of the lightest ultrabook at only 920g, but I will not buy it for a couple of reasons and I hope you will hear them out before making that purchase.

So, “Why not buy it?”
I would say the problem lies in almost every aspect of it.

1) Aesthetics
There’s no back-lit apple logo and it is sort of losing some of its identity.


2) Display


The 12 inch Retina display is with an aspect ratio of 16:10, that means there will be more black borders on the top and the bottom when watching full screen videos / movies.


3) Webcam

With only a 480P webcam, it takes away the enjoyment for better skype / photobooth quality when you need it & it doesn’t match the premium retina display.


4) Intel Core M Processor 
Its capability is of a netbook more for browsing the web, Facebook and simple office required tasks. Trust me, I wouldn’t even rely on it for any intense photo editing or serious gaming. 


5) Battery Life
Although the core M processor requires lower power consumption and the MacBook is packed with mostly 80% batteries, users only get the standard 9 hours of battery life.


6) Connection port
There is only 1 USB - C port that will be used for both charging and any other peripherals. It may sound very cool and elegant, but that also means users will have to buy adaptors in order to charge and use thumb drives at the same time.

7) Price
Starting at S$1,788, it is too high a price point for a netbook. 


For these reasons, I’m out and I will rather recommend the following alternatives:
• ASUS Zenbook UX305 - A windows laptop with similar hardware that cost much less

• MacBook Air – The closest match in every aspect, yet retaining the familiar hardware

Alright, that sums up my views on the new MacBook. Thank you for reading & I’ll see you in my next one for the breakdown of my recommendations.


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shop smart & stay within your budget.

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Impressions: New Xiaomi TV 2


On 24 March 2015, Xiaomi has unveiled the new Xiaomi TV 2, adding to the range of smart TVs out in the market. Looking at its features, it may not be the highest end equipped with the latest tech, but you will definitely wish for it to be available in your country.


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1) Price
Coming in at only ¥1999 / S$445*, a price that is hard to beat for its overall features.

Consumers are essentially paying for Sharp's original 40-inch FHD panel that is the most cost effective as its size is just right for most typical household and its 1080p resolution instead of competing with the trend of 4K displays. Of course, there are more technologies behind it than it meets the eye to make the screen come to life and you may visit Xiaomi's official website for the specifics, it is only available in Chinese.

However, it is only available in China for now and it will be an issue shipping it to SG. 


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2) Video & Audio Playback Support 

In my opinion, the capability to play any video file right off a (thumb drive / hard disk) is the most crucial function required in a smart TV and it continues to impress me with its handling of the H.265 encoding that is soon to become mainstream


Furthermore, Xiaomi TV 2 is embedded with latest Dolby sound technology for a unique virtual surround sound and clearer dialogue projection to provide high-quality viewing experience.

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3) Design

The TV's front-to-back measuring just 14.5 millimeters at its thinnest and is only made possible with the perfect integration of the whole screen and the almost seamless frame.

The efforts of Space-Saving is not only through cutting down the dimensions, but also complemented with their minimalist aluminum brackets that allows users to put it closer to the wall and reduces the interference on visual appearance; not to mention its lightweight, stability and subtle elegance.

What's more, it comes in a variant of colors corresponding to MiPad.


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For Reason #4 and #5, need to jailbreak the system before it is relevant.

4) Android-powered Casual Gaming Machine*
*Most games offered on the Mi Store will be in Chinese, but the potential lies behind the possibility of jailbreaking the system &run standard English Android apps on it!

This is more of a value added benefit and more applicable when users purchase the gaming controller, which is an add-on accessory sold separately.

Otherwise, users will be limited to games playable with only remote controller.


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5) Online TV content*
*Bad news: Mi TV 2 is Region-locked and users will only get to enjoy this benefit in China
*Good News: Users can jailbreak / bypass the system to enable the feature

Xiaomi has set aside one billion USD to build China's most complete TV video library which will consist over 240,000 hours of content to meet each individual viewing needs.


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If not for the Geo-lock & Chinese User-Interface,
I would have already pre-ordered one.
I shall consider shipping in a unit to find out its worth.
More importantly, will you want to buy one?
Let me know on twitter at @learnsmarto


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shop smart & stay within your budget.

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Thank you for reading!!
Cya next time!

I.T Show 2015


Hey, my lovely Readers!
If you haven't already know, I'm totally into tech gadgets
and I would like to share a few tips to shopping at I.T Shows.

For purchasing of electronics this weekend 19 - 22 March 2015,
check out I.T Show 2015 @ Suntec Convention Centre
Or if you just want a glimpse of all the tech offers / brochures,
you can visit the following link:
http://itfairsg.com/itshow2015/exhibitors-booths/

3rd Floor
Tech Tip #1: Don't spend too much time on 3rd floor!!
Reason being, TIME is precious & you will get to see them on the 4th / 6th floor anyways =)


4th Floor - Top Consumer Electronics Brands

Basically the center blocks are for the well known brands,
but a lot of repetition under different Resellers.

Outskirts normally for the main distributors with only 1 booth


6th Floor - Any.Other.Tech


6th Floor is usually for Hardware / Smaller Electronics

~ The End ~


#justkidding

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Do you know what these guys are doing?
They are doing what I am gona do~

Look at the pile of brochures I took. Info-overload!!

3 ASUS & 2 Epicenter brochures
even after I actively reject taking repetitive ones.

Tech Tip #2: Take the brochures & Get out
there's too much goodies everywhere & you need to digest~
Find some place nice to analyze for the best deal possible
then go back in & make your purchase!!!


Mentions of I.T Show 2015
21:9 Ultrawide Curved monitor is the upcoming trend,
but with Samsung's 27" inch at $498 and 34" inch at $1,698,
I'd rather buy LG's 25" inch Ultrawide Flatscreen monitor at $249 on Qoo10.
Note: Can't seem to find any trace of LG despite my desperate search.

Dell's XPS 13 & Venue 8 7000 series are one of the thinnest and captivating gadgets,
BUT both devices' webcams are weirdly placed at the bottom of the screens.
Thus, putting me into a very uncomfortable tech situation. WASTED =(


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At this point of time, if you are contemplating between a few choices
or bump into any new tech that you're unfamiliar with.
Simply put, you are confused!!
and you will need the following............

Tech Tip #3: Buy on Sunday a.k.a Last Day!!
Go home, do some homework & don't make impulse purchases!!
If you don't mind the extra crowd on Sunday,
you can get the lowest price & more freebies on the last day!
This holds true most of the time for the bigger electronics, but don't put hopes too high.
*Note: some I.T Show Regulars will only swoop in on this day & go for the kill~


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Recommendations of I.T Show 2015
Technology has evolved & changed the way our laptops handle day to day office work,
but differentiating them into 3 categories will help shorten your decision-making process!!

Portability / Functionality / Gaming

Today, I will recommend laptops for the Portability category,
especially for those that can be considered as alternatives
for the new Macbook that was announced on 9 March 2015.
Weight is the most important aspect & anything above 1.5kg is OUT!
Trust me, you wouldn't wana lug a 2kg dumbbell if you're always on the move.
Therefore, Functionality & Gaming becomes added bonuses
while trying to keep the budget of the machine below $1,300.
1) ASUS UX305FA-FC002H, the closest contender out there
with the main differences being 4GB RAM & 128 GB SSD Storage,
but I believe this is sufficient for any average user.
$999 compared to $1,788. #youdothemath.
Note: Or if you have some extra budget,
ask the salespersons for the upgrade version!

2) Although Lenovo YOGA 3 has a smaller 11.6" inch screen,
it still weighs in at 1.2kg with versatility of 4 different modes & touchscreen
that converts YOGA 3 into a tablet, allowing the enjoyment of casual gaming.
Note: I would love to recommend YOGA 3 PRO with its revolutionary hinge,
but NO for the $2,299 pricetag with only Intel HD Graphics 5300 GPU.

3) Surface Pro 3 is a combination of Tablet & Laptop, achieving the best of both worlds.
However, the Type Cover keyboard will be sold separately at $83 after the $100* off.
*Note: Microsoft Online Store also sells SP3 at $1,108, but Type Cover 3 at $143.
Also, I may want to wait for Surface Pro 4 that may be coming out in a few months.


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Misc.
Also, I couldn't help but to notice Samsonite's fashion forward laptop bags
that are definitely FAR BETTER than the typical black ones.

If you like my photos in the recent few posts, they are all taken with Olympus E-PL7.
The camera is about palm size and fits perfectly into my daily survival sling bag.
I will probably do a review of my camera or photography tutorials if anyone is interested.


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Recap of TechTips
Tech Tip #1: Don't get too excited with the 3rd floor exhibition!!
Tech Tip #2: Take the brochures & Get out
Tech Tip #3: Buy on Sunday*

Lastly...........
Tech Tip #4: Hate the Crowd? Head over to Sim Lim Square (SLS)
Sometimes, SLS actually offers the same deal as the I.T Shows

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shop smart & stay within your budget.

LIKE if you find the tips useful~
DISLIKE if you have higher expectations~
COMMENT to help me create better content~
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Thank you for reading!!
Cya next time!
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