My Life With IT

Image via Wikipedia

After using the Samsung Omnia for more than a week, I can safely say that I love it. I love the slimness and it’s sleek looks. I like the auto brightening of the display based on the surrounding lighting. I am use the auto function. So far, it seems to work fairly. I’m not a good gauge at the display.

I like the way Samsung built in the keyboards. They are not too tiny like the default keyboards that comes with Windows Mobile. I can press the keys using my finger and that is why I dislike iPhone despite its sleekness

Windows Mobile 6.1 has threaded messages and it makes it so much easier to continue the SMS if you key in halfway and have to answer someone else. I don’t have to save the message and read the message that I was trying to reply too. Unfortunately, deleting a message also means deleting the whole thread and you can’t save just one message from the same person.

I tried the mass sending of SMS and sent blank messages instead. I don’t know if that’s what it was supposed to do but I wasted a few good long SMS that way. Thus, I won’t be attempting the stunt except using the email. The volume is quite good but the vibration is a wee bit too weak. Perhaps it’s the size.

Overall, I love it a lot because I can take quite decent photos with the 5MP camera. The dim lighting will cause the photos to go dark but when I tried using the flash, the photos turned out too white. Looks like my S5 IS is a better option for such condition.

There is a slight lag despite turning off the Samsung Widget programme. I feel that the processor speed is alright but the RAM should be increased since it doesn’t seem to match the processor speed.

I still haven’t used the Wifi because the last time I connect to Wireless@SG, I didn’t manage to surf the net except the error page.

It is truly time for a replacement PDA phone. However, I’m still unable to decide which one to get despite the various choices of sexy PDAs available. Take the long wait for Sony Ericsson Xperia X1. The news for HTC Touch Diamond just came out too. It’s another piece of artwork by HTC.

HTC Diamond is so sexy that it reminds me of the coveted iPhone. The Asus Lamborghini ZX1 oozes with sleek form design too. Toshiba is known for producing laptops and desktops but this time, they want to let the world know that their Portege is also good enough to work as a PDA phone. See Toshiba Portege G810.

I’m thinking of HTC Touch Diamond, Asus Lamborghini ZX1 and MWg Zinc II. The problem? The first two are not launch yet. Was thinking of SE X1 but it’s a long wait. I just wonder if I would be able to afford the change. PDA phones are still expensive to buy.

Image via Wikipedia

Ah, the perils of being the one who knows how to format computers and resolve printer problems at home sure is great, right? For the family, yes. For the one, NO. After facing so many problems at work, do you really think that back at home, the one would even want to resolve any problem? Think again.

The 3 in 1 printer can’t fax anything out or receive anything in. So, what should the one who knows IT do? Shrug. That’s because a fax machine has nothing to do with IT. Either the line is corrupted or the printer needs to be changed. Or maybe the printer’s setting is wrong.

At home, the one has to solve TV problems, virus-ridden laptops, mobile phone problems and anything that has remotely something to do with IT. It isn’t fun when work gets dragged into personal lives too. Able to resolve problem is one thing.

Being the one to be asked to resolve the problems every single time is another thing. Can get a break or not?

Did I mention that I’m on the hunt for a replacement? I now have a few replacements in mind. Besides iPhone. It’s always a good idea to have a list of items for such purchase. I don’t want to end up with the wrong mobile and end up complaining too many times.

i-Mate Ultimate 9502 - PDF Specification list, Ubergizmo review

E-Ten Glofiish M810 - CNet Asia Specification, Gatzet quick preview

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 - CNet Asia

I’m a little curious about MWg Zinc II as it’s a successor to XDA Zinc. It does look a little like iPhone. Anyone has something to recommend for PDA phones?

For the 1st time, I wasn’t even keen on going to the IT Show to check out the gadgets. I guess it isn’t as interested as Cebit that often showcases upcoming gadgets for the year. The usual limited space for walking and inconsiderate people attempting to chat up the babes including cashiers do turn me off.

While I won’t declare full avoidance of the IT Show in future, I’ll go if there is something that I want to buy. Not just to go there to browse and get stepped on my tall people who can’t see that there was already a jam in front.

At times like that, laptops and RAMs are good buys. They often sell the older versions of the laptops at cheaper rates.

I wonder what’s going on. Since the year 2000 that IDA announced that we would be enjoying number portability in the 4th quarter of 2007, I haven’t seen any announcement that it has been successfully implemented.

For more than 7 years, the project has been going on with some progress. However, the fixed deadline is so flexible that until March 2008, there still isn’t any news on number portability for consumers.

Did this project die? Or was it canceled quietly? So, what exactly is going on?

It seems that Dopod 838Pro is telling me something. It’s near its end. The battery has been giving me some problems such as dying off even after a full charge and faint screen at odd times. For a second hand, it’s a miracle that it has survived for nearly 2 years.

I’m eying that Sony Ericsson X1. Although FoxTwo has a bone or two to pick with its products.

Full Specifications

Engadget Preview

Gizmodo Video Gallery

Gadgets Technology Blog

All these provide a sneak of what I’m hoping for. Just wondering when it’s going to be sold in Singapore. Any ideas?

Apparently, this is not called a fraud after investigations. Thanks, now I have to go the Small Claims Tribunal which will take up eons to resolve the SGD10. Below is what I have emailed and the reply by them. My take on them in colour.

Upon calling Glomobi (6477 9155), I encountered a voicemail and there is no way to get to talk to someone regarding the issue, what is the next recourse I can take?

Ans: We would like to clarify the recently introduced Premium Rate Service (PRS) Code requires all PRS service provider to maintain a local customer service hotline and shall respond to all enquires, complaints and disputes lodged. In the event if you are unable to speak to their customer officer, we would suggest that you leave a voice message for their customer service officer to return your call. In the event if you do not receive any return call from the customer service officer even after leaving a voice message, you can always contact your mobile service provider for assistance. Please let us know if you encounter problems with the above approach.

The voicemail was clearly for subscription and unsubscription only, so what the heck can I do? Such fraudulent companies out to cheat people’s money don’t care about whether you found them cheating or not. And they won’t even entertain you.

With a misleading advertisement that did not state the terms and conditions in fine print while flashing on the television, the company has committed a unfair practice. What can be done about this?

Ans: We have investigated and determined that the Glomobi service is provided by Ericsson IPX. In this instance, IDA has reviewed the TV advertisement in question and notes that the TV advertisement did state that each SMS message sent to the end user would be chargeable at $2. We would advise consumers to always read the terms and conditions of a service carefully before subscribing to the service.

Ya, and the terms and conditions are so tiny. I can’t afford a cinema sized screen, you know? And Ericsson has just tarnished the reputation of Sony Ericsson IMO.

The choice to stop the paid messages were only given after 5 messages, equivalent to the chance to purchase the Wii at $9, what can be done about this?

Ans: In this case, the TV advertisment has stated the procedure and keyword for service unsubscription, which is “Stop Low”. IDA has required Ericsson IPX to immediately cease the provision of the chargeable service once the end user has sent in the correct unsubscription keyword command.

As said, the terms and other ways to unsubscribe were tiny.

As M1 is unable to resolve this issue, what are the steps I can take for this case?

Ans: Please note that M1 is only the billing agent for Ericsson IPX, and therefore may not be in the position to determine whether the advertisement is misleading.

And who was it who told me in the first part to call my mobile service provider?

The advertisement stated that it was a chance to buy the Wii and not win a Wii. Has the company committed a fraud in this case based on the Code of practice found here?

Ans: We note the TV advertisement stated clearly that this is a quiz service, where the fastest user who accumulates the highest points by answering questions sent by the provider, will obtain the chance to buy the Wii at a reduced price of $9. Since the conditions are stated clearly, we have no reason to find that there is a breach of our Code.

The commentor said “SMS to 77887 to answer a simple question to have the chance to buy.” However, the initial SMS was to buy but subsequent SMS were to win. It is obviously a case of misleading and fraud!

I do not wished to pay for the service which I have found to be misleading. What can be done about this?

Ans: In this case, we do not believe that there is a breach of the PRS Code as this is not a case of charges for unsolicited services and the major price terms and conditions have been indicated. Going forward, if the dispute remains unresolved, you are advised to refer your case to the Small Claims Tribunal or to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for assistance, as they are the appropriate bodies to resolve individual consumer billing disputes.

Ah yes, thanks, ok? I thought you were the largest body of authority to call the big shots.

Moral of this story? Don’t depend on them to help you resolve the issue as they have no intentions to help you resolve it. It takes 3 trays of reports to be submitted, so Lord help us all. Glomobi, you are still a big fat fraud to me.

For those who wish to watch the actual advertisement, please go here. Please note that at this point, I am seriously unhappy with the reply and that is why this post is here. It may or may not be removed in future depending on the circumstances.

Anyone seeking claims should go to Small Claims Tribunal or CASE. Not me. I am just voicing out my experience here.

Update: Have uploaded on Youtube.