MacBook Mini

A new trend in the computing world emerged in the 2nd half of 2008. Before, bigger was always better, and computer manufacturers were enticing consumers with larger hard disk storage, faster processors, better graphics cards, bigger screens, faster wireless connections, etc. Thing is, does the average user REALLY need all this? In the modern day of the internet, you can argue that 90% of home PC users only EVER use the home PC or laptop to surf the net, write emails, type the odd letter and maybe watch the latest Britney video on Youtube (well the latter applies to me, anyway). So manufacturers had this idea - why not produce a scaled down machine that's light, portable and CHEAP? And thus the Netbook market was created. Appropriately named, a netbook would be simply a device whose main purpose would be to connect to the internet. No CD/DVD drives, and specs that are unable to handle heavy resource-intensive games and applications. But they would be really small (most with 10-inch or smaller screens) and light (just over the 1kg mark), and thus are really appealing to those who need to surf, blog, and reply emails on the move. I was really tempted to get one, but with one small problem - they all ran Windows or Linux! But over the months, the Dell Mini 9 emerged as the best model to be Hackint0shed, i.e. "hacked" to run the Mac OS.

Now in Malaysia, the Dell website does not have the Mini 9, but some retailers in LowYat Plaza do have it (or used to, anyway). Better still, Maxis has a deal where for RM89/month for 24 months, you get the Dell Mini 9 with BUILT-IN 3G, 6 months' worth of unlimited Maxis Broadband subscription, and the option to continue the subscription after the 6th month for only RM77/month (RM22 less than the normal rate). Sounded like a good deal to me, especially as it had a built-in wireless 3G card, which means you don't have to attach any unsightly dongle to connect to the net. From my "research" at LowYat, no one seems to be selling this card separately. So I went for it.

Registering for the Dell Mini at the KLCC Maxis Centre was easy enough - received it via courier less than 2 days later. Tested it a bit - didn't notice it being slower than any normal machine on Win XP, and the Maxis 3G connection was BLAZINGLY fast (provided there's a good HSDPA signal). So got myself a copy of the Mac Box Set (Mac OS 10.5.6 + iLife '09 + iWork '09) and went ahead with turning the Dell Mini 9 into a tiny MacBook.

The whole installation process was done using the simple step-by-step process given by the folks at mydellmini.com. I used the first 2 USB drive method, as it means I don't have to source for an external DVD drive. Just needed to insert the Mac OS installation disc into the iMac, then mirror it to a 16GB SDHC card. I did have to jump through a few more hoops though as the Dell Mini from Maxis only comes with a 8GB SSD, which is too small for a full installation of Mac OS Leopard, so I had to do a custom install, removing most of the unnecessary stuff to slim down the OS. I have to admit I did encounter several other problems along the way, but a quick search through the mydellmini.com forums shows that these were known problems and can be easily remedied.

In the end, installation of Mac OS Leopard onto the Dell Mini 9 was a SUCCESS, and the best thing is, EVERYTHING WORKS! In particular, the built-in wireless 3G works and I can connect to the Maxis 3G network. Only problem under Mac is it just tells me that I'm connected, there's no indication on type of network (HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS) or even how strong the signal is. Hoping to find a remedy for this in the next few days. The lack of a DVD-drive is no problem as the package of drivers downloaded from mydellmini.com includes a driver that makes the Dell thing that it's a MacBook Air. This enables the Remote Disc feature, which means that it will WIRELESSLY use the DVD-drive on my iMac as its own! So if I need to install programs or watch DVDs, all I need to do is insert the required DVD into my iMac, and it will turn up on the Dell screen as if it was inserted into its own drive! The Dell even automatically added the NAS (network attached storage) that I have connected to my router. After allowing for the OS (or what's left of it anyway), I only have less than 1GB of storage left on the internal SSD. However, the earlier mentioned 16GB SDHC (Class 6) inserted in the built-in card reader gives the needed additional space. Partitioned it into 2 separate partitions - one for Time Machine and another for applications and files. I installed Firefox, VLC and iPhoto on the SDHC, and there's really no noticeable lag.

So there you have it. I now have my very own 8.9-inch, 1.04kg MacBook Mini! Now all I need is to find away to remove that hideous Dell logo.

The 'Ol Switcheroo!

One thing about me that really irks my friends is that I seem to change my mobile number at least twice a year. About a year ago I switched providers from Maxis to DiGi. Reasons being:

1. Rates and charges were cheaper than Maxis, and as the Missus has a supplementary number, calls and SMS's between us are free WITH NO LIMIT.
2. I opted for the unlimited data plan, which was cheaper at RM66/month, albeit EDGE is the fastest speed available. Which was fine with me, as my 1st-gen iPhone has no 3G anyway (boohoo!).
3. When I signed up for the unlimited data plan, there was a promotion of free 12 month's use of the Airzed wi-fi network, which is the most widely available in KL.

So, all's good then? WRONG. The reception is just so POOR it's laughable. HYSTERICAL even. I have virtually no reception in my room at my in-laws' at Taman Duta, which has led me to MISS so many calls my friends and parents have almost GIVEN UP on trying to get hold of me in the evenings. If I'm in a lift or if I just go one floor down a basement level, there's just NO POINT even checking for reception. "That's expected" I hear you say. Well, that was not the case with my old Maxis number. Worked fine in lifts (well the ones in my office building anyway), and basements weren't too much of a problem unless I went REALLY FAR DOWN.

After having suffered this INCONVENIENCE for about a year, I decided to switch back to Maxis. And the Mobile Number Portability scheme in place in Malaysia now makes the process easier, as we get to keep our DiGi numbers! Only downside is the unlimited data plan under Maxis is RM99/month. But then, it is 3G, and though I can't benefit from it yet, I do expect to do so in a few months, when hopefully I can get my hands on the 3rd generation of the iPhone!

So I made my way to the Maxis service centre in Bangsar and told the guy we had learnt our lessons, have SEEN THE LIGHT and would now hope that Maxis can forgive us and take us back. The whole process was surprisingly easy. Just handed over my IC, gave the guy my home address, current DiGi phone number and which Maxis plans I wish to subscribe to - and voila! Now I just need to wait for an SMS confirming the switch before I can insert my new Maxis sim. The best part - I don't need to call DiGi to inform them of the switch. Everything should be done automatically!

Remote-ly crazy!

Everyone who knows me personally know that I'm a geek with a capital G. I am very passionate about tech, and do own more than my fair share of state-of-the-art gadgets. However, besides a few posts on my beloved iPhone, I've never really talked about my other toys. Until now. I'll start with my Home Entertainment System, and I think there's no better way to do it than to look at the remotes!

1. Astro MAX

When I was studying for my Masters in London a few years back, we subscribed to Sky+, which was basically the UK version of TiVo. With Sky+, YOU were in control of your own time. You can rewind live TV at any time in case you missed that goal or didn't hear what the film dialogue the first time round. But better still, you need only tell Sky+ that you wish it to record a certain TV programme, and it would continue to record and save each subsequent episode of the same programme until you tell it to stop. But what I loved most about it is that I always watch TV programmes 10-15 minutes after it has started. Then, whenever there's an advert break, I can just speed through the adverts!

So what about Astro MAX then? Well, it's supposed to do the same things as Sky+, only difference is that Astro MAX is CRAP. They should rename it Astro MIN instead. It is EXTREMELY buggy. Hangs all the time, and not a day goes by without my needing to hard reboot the system by pulling out the power cord. And when it doesn't hang, it suffers from serious lag, having to wait a couple of seconds for a button press to register. Lately a new problem has cropped up - at random times it just goes haywire altogether. Press "5" on the remote, and the decoder would recognise it as "4". Nothing to do with the remote, as this happens on more than one remote! It is telling though that on the astro homepage, there is no mention of Astro MAX, and under the "Packages & Decoders" section, it is stated that "... the Astro MAX decoder is no longer available".

2. JVC TH-V70 Home Theatre System

Got this by winning a slogan competition organised by The Star a number of years back. It's a 5.1 system and the DVD player has glowing lights and can be mounted either normally or vertically. The front panel slides down a bit everytime you need to insert or eject a DVD. And the sub-woofer is quite heavy and powerful. Everything in the room literally shakes whenever I watch a film on it. The TV is also connected to the JVC, so turning it up when I'm shooting down enemy soldiers in Call Of Duty on the PS3 is just AWESOME!

3. Sony Trinitron DRC-MF 29" Flatscreen CRT TV

Another one I won through a slogan competition - yup, I am just that good at slogans! A real massive TV which needs at least 3 people to carry around. It's a CRT, but unlike most CRTs it has multiple component/RGB inputs and progressive scan. The picture quality is just perfect, and there's no trace of the many horizontal lines that you can see across normal CRTs. Don't use it as my main TV ever since I got the LCD, but I put the footie on it on weekend nights while I watch TV or play games on the LCD.

4. Pioneer DV-585K DVD Player

An inexpensive model that I received as a wedding gift. Nothing much to shout about, except for one thing - it plays DivX files! No more watching downloaded TV series on the computer screen. Just burn the DivX files onto a DVD-RW, insert disc into DVD player and voila! So it's a dedicated DivX player until recently when I encountered less troublesome ways to enjoy my downloads.

5. PlayStation 3

Now, to the uninitiated (me too at first), the PS3 is nothing more than a games console, albeit a pricey one. Only difference between this and the older PS2 was just that the PS3 had better graphics. Oh how wrong that is. The PlayStation 3 is a full-blooded home entertainment system. With its 1080p HDMI output, you can watch high-def Blu-Rays and normal DVDs. It has built-in wifi, which means that apart from being able to play games online with fellow gamers around the world, you can also surf the net from the comfort of your living room sofa! This can be done by connecting ANY normal PC keyboard and mouse into the 2 USB ports. Or, if you prefer, just connect the peripherals wirelessly via the PS3's built-in Bluetooth!

The thing I like most about the PS3 though is its ability to play numerous media formats, which includes DivX movie files. And, via wifi, you can wireless stream files directly from your PC or Mac! So no more having to transfer files! You can literally browse the folders on your PC or Mac directly using the PS3! However, the PS3 does not recognise certain DivX codecs, and won't even attempt to read high-def MKV files! Which is where the next device comes in...

6. Western Digital WDTV HD Media Player

The WDTV is a small device, but connect a portable HDD via one of its two USB ports, and it will play virtually ANYTHING you throw at it! And this in HD too as it has a HDMI port that supports up to 1080p!

7. Nintendo Wii

Everyone knows about the Wii's unique "physical" game controls, and is a sure hit at parties. When I'm playing it alone though, I favourites are Guitar Hero (with wireless guitar "controller"!) and Resident Evil 4 (superb game controls where you hold the Wii controller like a gun and aim at the screen to shoot!).

8. Sharp Aquos LC-32A33M 32" HD-Ready LCD TV

LCD TV prices are dropping faster than Liverpool are dropping points in the EPL, and this model from Sharp is a real good deal. You can get it as low as RM1,600 in certain shops, and with its natural, not-over-saturated colour, 3 HDMI inputs and ambient light sensor, it doesn't compromise on features. It's not 1080p, but at 32" it doesn't really make much difference.

9. Logitech Harmony 525 Universal Remote Control

With as many gadgets as myself, you can probably guess the problems I face just by looking at the main photo. Each device comes with its own remote, and it's a nightmare just trying to organise them as neatly as possible, let alone avoiding confusion each time you need to change a channel or turn up the volume! This is where the Harmony 525 plays its part. With it, I can keep away ALL of the remotes in the photo above (apart from the PS3 and Wii). Setting up the remote is done using the included software which connects to the Logitech servers. This is good as it can then tap into the database of virtually all products that have infrared remotes. And I mean ALL. It has the settings for the Astro MAX settop box, the WDTV media player, and even other non-entertainment devices such as air-cond units! The downside of this though is that with no internet connection, you simply CAN'T configure the remote, and the process tends to be a bit slow and buggy.

So once you've added each device to the remote, next step is to set up your "activities", such as "Watching ASTRO", or "PS3 time". The software would ask you a series of questions - What device do you use for sound? Which device would display the video? On which input channel should the TV be on?. This process, though seemingly straightforward, may take a few attempts to get right through a trial and error process. But when it's done, it's just PERFECT. For example, if I want to watch normal TV I just need to press ONE button on the remote. The remote would then switch on the TV, Astro set-top box, and home theatre system, and set both the TV and home theatre system to the correct input. Say I then want to watch a DVD. Again, with another press of a button, the remote would switch off Astro, switch on the DVD player, and change the input on the TV. When I need to do something else I just press the power button on the remote and it turns off EVERYTHING. Again I stress, all these things are done by just pressing ONE BUTTON! And it's also smart enough to map the right controls to the remote. So when I'm watching TV, the volume buttons would control the home theatre system, but the number buttons would control the Astro decoder. No more fiddling around with multiple remotes. You are happy as everything's a breeze to control, and the missus is happy as half the coffee table is not taken up by numerous remotes!

So there you go, a "brief" introduction to my gadgets. I'll write more in detail about one of the above gadgets, or even write about the other gadgets that I own, in a future post.

DELL-iberate farce!!

When my mom-in-law asked me to get a new PC for the house a few months back, I straight away went to the Dell website to look for a cheap system. I'm not really a fan of Dell computers, having had TERRIBLE experience with them during my IT Manager days at the office. However, for a small fee they do have a comprehensible warranty package, which covers EVERYTHING for 3 years, including accidental damages.

So, AS EXPECTED, the brand new Dell PC failed to work after ONLY a few months. Switch it on, and NOTHING happens, apart from a louder than usual whirring of the cooler fan. This was the time then to make the extra dosh spent on the warranty pay. Unfortunately, it happened on New Year's Day. Called the number, Answering Machine Man said that they're not available on public holidays. Didn't call them them on Friday as I forgot to bring the PC serial number with me to work, so tried again on Saturday. Guess what? Answering Machine Man says that they're not available on weekends too. So far so bad. Called them again on Monday nevening after work. Voila! This time wasn't Answering Machine Man at the end of the line but Mr Technician Guy (TG from now on). Explained the problem to TG, and he asked me to carry out some diagnostic tests on his behalf.

At first, the tests were simple enough - switch off the PC and on again (DUH!), disconnect everything bar the monitor cable and see again if the problem persists. Still no change. Next test then - set the CPU on its side, OPEN the casing, and remove both sticks of RAM!!! The whole reason I opted for the full warranty was that it would make it easier for my mom-in-law and my wife's zero-technical-expertise siblings to simply call Dell whenever there's a problem with the PC, so that they won't be too dependent on me. HOW ON EARTH would you expect a 50+ year old lady or worse, a 12-year-old child, to open the CPU casing (using a screwdriver which Dell do not ask you to have beforehand) and remove the all-too-fragile RAM sticks? Thing is, I doubt most people even KNOW what a RAM stick is in the first place, let alone remove the safety and (gently) pull it out!! Of course, this was bread-and-butter for me, but I did inform TG of my concern. What if the RAM is removed wrongly, or inserted again the wrong way, and it breaks? "Oh, don't worry, the warranty will cover that", was the answer. Okayyyyy, but what if something worse happens, say the wrong components or wires are pulled out, resulting in the user getting an electric shock!!?!?!??

Why can't the technician just come over once a report has been made, without all this fuss? "Oh, we need to run the tests so that the technician can bring the required items", TH replies matter-of-factly. B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T. You know EXACTLY what components I have, down to the individual serial numbers for all the components, so I see no reason why the technician can't just come over with spare parts for ALL the components, do the tests HIMSELF, and replace whatever needs replacing. The call lasted quite some time, including time spent to look for a screwdriver, remove the screws, restarting the PC numerous times, and putting everything back together again. And in the end the problem was not resolved over the phone, AS EXPECTED, and TG put in a request for a technician to come over. But oh, as it was already in the evening after the cut-off time, the technician could only come over IN TWO DAYS!!

Anyway, the PC's okay now. The problem? Needed a new PSU.

iPhone 2.1

So I finally took the plunge and installed firmware 2.1 on my 1st-gen iPhone. The update's been out for a few months now, but I wanted to wait until a stable and reliable "hack" becomes available. And also an easy and foolproof installation method. I did ask around at Low Yat Plaza though for fees charged for them to do the upgrading - RM200 is the common quote. So I did some research on the net, found in QuickPWN a simple GUI based installation "program", and a really helpful step-by-step guide (with screenshots!), and went ahead. It was a smooth process alright, and apart from a small problem where the iPhone did not recognise my DiGi simcard after the process was complete - solved after doing some Googling on the problem - it was perfect!

The result? Well, I now have an iPhone 3G!! Apart from actually having 3G and GPS of course. But then, the reason why the iPhone 3G is such a hit is not the 3G capability itself (no significant increase in speeds), nor GPS (at least until applications from Garmin, TomTom and the like make it to the iPhone). The single reason why iPhone 3G is such a huge improvement over the previous version is the opening up of the iPhone platform to thousands of 3rd-party programs via the iTunes AppStore. Yeah, people have been installing programs onto jailbroken iPhones before. However, this "legal" method of installing means that big corporations with huge budgets, experience and resources are now developing iPhone-specific programs.

There are a MULTITUDE of apps available on the App Store - free and paid - but here are a few of my favourites so far:

• PocketMoney - The application I use most. I'm one of those who records EVERY single transaction I make, and PocketMoney lets me do this, separating the entries for the various bank accounts and credit cards that I have.
• EPL Live! - A must-have for all English Premiership football fans! Latest standings, fixtures, results. The killer feature - LIVE text commentary and match stats!
• Remote - Free app from Apple that lets you use the iPhone as a remote control for the iTunes library on your iMac or MacBook!
• midomi - Ever wondered what song is on the radio, but missed what the DJ said? Or have that tune in your head that you just can't remember who sang it? Well fret no more. With midomi, either put the iPhone to the radio speaker, or SING/HUM the tune into the iPhone, and within seconds midomi will give you the name and artiste of the song! Seriously, it works! Try it yourself at the website.
• Facebook - An iPhone app with virtually all the features of the FB website - including FB chat, and the ability to snap photos using the iPhone camera, tag your friends and upload it straight to FB - closest thing to a fully-dedicated FB camera! A must-have for those who don't have access to FB in the office (me!).
  

Anyway, I've literally got a brand new phone with the 2.1 update. Am still browsing the web for recommendations on which apps to install (especially those worth paying for!). I'll hope to rave about more apps I've found in a future post.

Apple Malaysia Online Store is open for business!!

Apple have FINALLY launched an online store for Malaysia! No big deal for many, as almost every major shopping mall in the Klang Valley has at least one Apple reseller. But it's significant to me, for various reasons:

• We can now browse the latest Apple products and accessories online, with actual prices in RM. Prices would include for various customisations - additional RAM, HDD, etc.
  
• It's another "player" in the local Apple market, and there could be good deals to be enjoyed. At the very least, the brick-and-mortar resellers are now encouraged to come up with good deals of their own to counter the perception of the advantages of purchasing from the "official" store.
• This is THE most important reason - could this be the precursor for the official launch of the iPhone in Malaysia? Fingers crossed!!
  

The new PSP!!

Other than my iPhone, the other device that I almost always have with me is my PSP. And being the Winning Eleven/Pro Evo Soccer addict that I am, the ONLY game that I have on the PSP is of course Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Anyways, Sony have just officially announced the PSP-3000. Admittedly it looks EXACTLY the same as the "slim and lite" PSP-2000, but what excites me about the new version is that Sony claim that the screen is better, and is actually useable OUTDOORS.

One thing that I don't like about the current version is that it's just useless outdoors, and on more than one occasion has led to me making the stray pass or failing to make the last ditch tackle on an opposing striker. Now if only the new PSP has built-in DualShock than it would be PERFECT!

PC Fair

Went to the PC Fair today, first time in a couple of years in fact. Needed to get me some proper speakers for the iMac, as everyone knows that the built-in ones just dont cut it. So after Friday prayers at the KLCC mosque, straight I went to the Convention Centre, thinking going then would be the best time with the less crowd, and should be a half hour, MAX one hour trip. Oh, how WRONG was I.

• Punters were treated like MICE, we could only go in through the main entrance and were guided through all the exhibition halls using a combination of barriers and OVERZEALOUS "jaga"s.

• To make things worse, nowadays the PC Fair takes up a whole TWO floors from one end of the convention centre to another.

• There were just too MANY promoters, at least on this first day, seemed that there were more promoters than visitors. Saying that, I have NO PROBLEMS AT ALL with the skimpily dressed doll-faced promoters (well most of them anyway) who are happy to pose for any old FART with a massive dSLR.

• Speaking of which, I just DESPISE all these promoters who stick leaflets into your face asking if you have broadband. In the past, it only used to be Streamyx, but now we have to face wave after wave of ATTACKS from Maxis Broadband, Celcom Broadband, etc etc etc. And then there are the mobile phone companies promoting their postpaid plans and banks asking us to SELL OUR SOULS by signing for a credit card for a stupid free bag/cap/umbrella. They should sell signs for people to put round their necks saying "I HAVE STREAMYX!!!", or "I'VE GOT A MOBILE PHONE NUMBER ALREADY, HOW MANY FREAKIN' NUMBERS DOES ONE NEED?!?!?!". Maybe that would stop getting bugged by these PESTS.
  

So did I get the speakers then? Yup, bagged myself a set of Edifiers. As you can see, the satellite speakers are not too big and go well with my iMac, yet give a more than decent performance. The subwoofer - not seen in the photo as it's on the floor - though not massive, still manages to RUMBLE MY INSIDES so much that makes me want to use the toilet! Not bad for a set that costs less than RM120, eh?

My precioussssssss

After months and months of saving up, I finally got myself the new iMac - 24" version, no less. I've already pimped it up by getting these LED strips from Ikea and sticking them to the back of the screen! Gives the iMac an aura befitting of something so freakin' sexxayyyy.

More details on shot above at its flickr site.

The MOST expensive iPhone accessory ever!!!

For all you iPhone lovers, you can now get your own Merc for your iPhone, available in a range of shapes, sizes and colours. This is surely one iPhone accessory you can't get at Low Yat Plaza!

iPhone 3G is here!

I have a confession to make - I own a sim-unlock, jailbroken 16GB iPhone, and boy do I love it! For all its weaknesses - and there are many - the two things that make it the killer phone for me is:

• It's an iPod - I can just connect it to my MacBook Pro and my podcasts are updated automatically
• It's simply the BEST mobile web-surfing experience

Now my major gripes about the iPhone are:

• it's not 3G - a shame considering the awesome mobile internet browser
• Bluetooth is not EDR nor AD2P - in other words, no syncing wirelessly with your computer, and no wireless stereo music streamed to your stereo Bluetooth headseat
• 16GB may be a lot of memory for most people, but to be taken seriously as an iPod it needs way more than that - heck, even my last-generation iPod has 60GB!
• no support (yet) for MS Office documents
• does not sync with Outlook - so I can't transfer calendar entries and tasks from my office PC

So, El Jobso announced the iPhone 2 a.k.a. iPhone 3G a couple days ago. To be honest, with 3G (finally!), GPS and the new 2.0 software (officially supporting 3rd-party apps and compatibility with Microsoft Exchange servers, amongst others), it is certainly a better machine. But would I go out and get it? Errrrrr, not really. 3G and GPS are good, but to me AD2P bluetooth and bigger memory size are more important. I was seriously expecting a 32GB version, as there's already a 32GB iPod Touch in the market.

But then, even if I did want to get one, it does look like Apple are doing their best to stop people from unlocking the iPhones en masse. I might wait until it's officially released on these shores, but that looks highly unlikely to happen in the near future as Malaysia is not even in the list of SEVENTY countries to get it by the end of the year. I can live with Malaysia not being in the top 100 footballing nations, but not even among the 70 countries to get the iPhone? You must be joking!