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    Hands on: Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101

    Gadgets Team
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    4
    Hands on: Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101

    After the successful release of their TF101 Transformer tablet, Asus is preparing to strengthen their tablet lineup with the Eee Pad Slider SL101. We managed to spend a little time with the sliding wonder, and while it’s not quite the great leap forward as their TF101, it still a tablet to watch out for.

    Probably the biggest difference of the SL101 from the original is the sliding keyboard located underneath the tablet. It takes quite a bit of effort to reveal the keyboard, but once it slides into place, it’s pretty solid.

    The keyboard is smaller than the TF101, and has five rows as opposed to the six of the TF101. The keys are also a bit smaller, so people with bigger digits might have a bit of trouble typing on it.

    The slide-out keyboard also holds the integrated USB 2.0 port (you could only get a USB 2.0 port with the TF101 if you bought the keyboard).

    One of the things that concerned me with the SL101 was its weight – it clocks in at 960 grams, so it’s almost a kilo in weight. There’s a reason why tablets try to be as light as possible – heavier tablets are a pain to use when reading e-books or comics for extended periods of time.

    Hardware-wise, the SL101 is identical to the TF101 – 1GHz Tegra 2 processor, 16GB of storage, 10.1-inch screen protected by Gorilla Glass. We did notice that the screen on the SL101 is a bit prone to glare. It’s powered by Google’s Honeycomb 3.1.

    The unanswered question now is why would you choose the SL101 over the TF101? We think it all boils down to personal preference, and to be honest, having a keyboard mounted on a tablet all the time sounds attractive, especially if you’re the kind of person that’s not adept with touchscreens.


    That’s it for now, we’ll get a review up as soon as we’re able to grab a unit. We’ve attached a few comparison shots of the TF101 and the SL101 below.

    SL101 keyboard
    TF101 keyboard
    SL101 on bottom, TF101 on top

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101/]

    “JUMP” into the future

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    “JUMP” into the future

    Your futuristic utopia comes alive in PLDT and Smart’s Jump experience center at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. The top-of-the-line hub features the latest devices, services and technologies.

    Located in one of the busiest malls in the Metro, it will be a place for the ultimate digital and mobile lifestyle of customers whether for home, work or leisure. PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno says that “it showcases how PLDT and Smart are working together to offer customers the best possible services.”

    New and upcoming gadgets like the new PLDT Telpad, Apple iPad2, Blackberry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and the NFC-enabled Nokia C7 are also present on the Jump experience center.

    Powering these devices are PLDT’s Fiber to the Home and Smart’s WiMAX and HSPA+ connectivity — the fastest wired and wireless Internet connections available in the Philippines. Just like the gadgets, visitors are free to try out these services even with their own devices.

    “If you’re on the lookout for the latest gadgets or if you simply want to test the latest services that have piqued your interest, Jump is the place to go to,” said Orlando B. Vea, Smart’s chief wireless advisor. “We will constantly upgrade our equipment and our facilities so that we can treat our customers to the latest and the best, each and every time.”

    Digital playground

    Also located within the premises are three gigantic touchscreen displays. The first is the ‘Jump Screen’ where visitors can make their own dancing avatars. The second is used in the ‘Jump Springboard’ lecture room as an interactive way of learning for customers. The third and largest is called ‘Jump Panorama’ and is found at the heart of Jump.

    At 82 inches, Jump Panorama is one of the largest multi-touchscreen displays in the Philippines. It is an interactive screen featuring various products and services of PLDT and Smart and how they play an integral part in the life and lifestyle of each member of the typical Filipino family.

    Another innovation found in Jump are two units of multi-touch screens capable of accommodating 32 fingers — equivalent to 4 people simultaneously using it. Using these, Jump visitors may play games with their friends and know more about PLDT and Smart activities in the interactive presentation of the ‘Jump World’.When the Jump Panorama is not playing this interactive video, it may also be used to give Jump visitors a ‘supersized’ feel of the latest touchscreen devices, from phones to tablets.

     

    With Globe, it is so ON.

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    With Globe, it is so ON.

    ‘Cause if you’re not on, you’re not in – this is why Globe gives you a way to stay in-the-know while on-the-go with their new affordable internet plans. One such plan is the Globe PowerSurf15. Now, you can send an email, post a status update, upload a photo, re-tweet the newest MMDA traffic advisory, from anywhere, anytime. The possibilities are endless. Globe PowerSurf15 is available for only P15 per hour or P0.25 per minute, consumable for an entire day’s use.

    Turn it on and go Globe PowerSurf now! Text POWERSURF15 to 8888 to register. Other variants are Globe PowerSurf30 available for P 30 for 3 hours valid for 1 day and Globe PowerSurf50 available for P 50 for 5 hours of consumable internet surfing valid for 3 days: Text POWERSURF30 or POWERSURF50 to 8888.

    Toshiba outs a trio of Qosmio notebooks, sights set squarely at the gaming market

    Gadgets Team
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    2
    Toshiba outs a trio of Qosmio notebooks, sights set squarely at the gaming market

    Toshiba’s line of Qosmio notebooks have always had high-end specifications and price tags, but they’ve always made it a point to market them as entertainment machines. Well, their launch of their three new notebooks, the X770, the F750 and the F750 2D today at the posh 7th High Club changed all of that.

    With specs that no gamer can ignore, and with the emphasis on 3D gaming, Toshiba’s officially entered the arena that industry heavies like Dell’s Alienware and Asus’ ROG line have been playing in for awhile. But don’t think Toshiba’s going in half-cocked – their notebooks are armed to the teeth with jaw-dropping hardware that gamers are sure to appreciate.

    The Qosmio X770, for example, carries a second gen Intel Core i5-2630QM processor, 8GB of DDR3 memory, NVIDIA GeForce GTX560M discreet card and a 17.3-inch 3D display (active shutter). It’ll retail for Php 129,990.

    Aside a different GPU (a NVIDIA GeForce GT40M) the F750 is similarly specced. One noteworthy feature is the glasses free, 15.6-inch display, which is similar to the glasses free ROG notebook we saw back in COMPUTEX. No word on pricing or availability for this one.

    If you’re not a fan of 3D, you can opt for the 3D-less Qosmio F750 2D, which is identical specs-wise to the F750. It’ll retail for Php 84,990.

    Redefining the couch potato

    Gadgets Team
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    0

    There’s nothing like being able to plop right onto the sofa and veg in front of the idiot box after a mind-numbing day. What’s even better is if you can just sink right into the seat, find a comfortable position to watch TV, and NOT move from that perfect spot. One chair can give you all that, and luxuriously.

    Introducing the IPE Cavalli Chaise Lounge. This magnificent relaxing lounge is made of polar wood 40mm thick while the frames and armrests are made from polished stainless steel. Filler cushions, foam, pillows, headrests make the lounge even more comfortable. But that’s not all. The lounge also includes a 23-inch LCD monitor that is attached to the theorem in a glossy lacquer and is equipped with passing in the tube for the antenna cables, S-Video, audio output and S-VGA.

    Undoubtedly, you’ll have to pay a premium price for such comfort but then again, can you really put a price on comfort?

    Source: Bornrich

    DLS and Kicker hold car audio competitions

    Press Release
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    1
    DLS and Kicker hold car audio competitions

    Two car audio competitions were held back to back at the People’s Village of Tiendesitas in Pasig City last 30 July 2011, with the 2nd DLS Philippine Open Competition and the 2011 Kicker Sound Off Competition.

    DLS Sound Quality Competition

    The 2nd DLS Philippines Open Competition focused purely on sound quality (SQ), with judging based on how well the installation produced music which sounded like the original, without noise and distortion.  Competitors were required to set up a standard installation package for both the Pro and Classic categories, while the Open category allowed any DLS audio configuration.  Sixteen cars competed in the DLS sound quality competition.

    In the DLS Pro category, the required set-up consisted of any audio head unit with the following standard DLS set-up:  The Scandinavia 1, a 28-mm soft dome tweeter and the Scandinavia 6.2, a 6″ midbass/midrange driver, with Scandinavia Xover 2-way filter boxes, and the TA2 2-channel amplifier.  For the subwoofer, the package included an RW12i using an A6 amplifier.  Winning the grand prize for the DLS Pro category was a Nissan Verita entered by Mickey’s Autosound.

    For the DLS Classic category, the standard equipment set up was a JVC AVX-55 head unit linked to a DLS audio system consisting of a CA-31 3-channel amplifier, R6A 2-way speakers with tweeter, and an RW10i subwoofer.  The grand prize was awarded to a Toyota Yaris owned by Oliver Cristobal, with JC Car Audio as the installer.

    The champion for the DLS Open category, which allowed any entry with a DLS audio set-up, was a Toyota Fortuner owned by Dong Chung with installation by Mickey’s Autosound.  Other special awards were given to the following winners:  Competitor’s Choice – Mickey Pascual; Best in Display – Autoline; People’s Choice – Jeffrey Yap; Most Creative Modifications – Rommel Trillianes; and Most Pristine – Roland Car Audio.

    International EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) head judge Peter Flodqvist flew in from Sweden to supervise the event and serve as sound quality (SQ) judge.  Installation quality was evaluated by Glen Saitowitz, a locally-based Swiss national and EMMA head judge/trainer currently conducting training clinics and workshops for prospective EMMA competition judges.

    Among car audio enthusiasts, DLS is a highly-regarded brand, consistently placing in the Top 3 for the most wins in car audio championships not only in Europe but in the rest of the world.

    Kicker Sound Off Competition

    For car audio buffs who prefer powerful amplifiers, the 2011 Kicker Sound Off Competition attracted a field of 28 entries competing in the Fixed and Open categories.  Judging was based on the average metered scores measured with doors closed and doors open.

    The Fixed category required all entries to use a Rockford Fosgate T1500-1BD amplifier and a Kicker 2010 CVR124 subwoofer.  Winning the cash prize and trophy as champion was Elgin Dee/Quest Audio.

    Any vehicle with an existing Kicker subwoofer installation was eligible for the Open category, classified into 2-woofer, 3-woofer, and 4-woofer classes.  Declared champions at the end of the day were: Dennis Hizon (2-woofer), Jeffrey Palcone (3-woofer), and Egay Mercedes/Jason Diwa (4-woofer).

    Special prizes were also given out to Elgin Dee/Quest Audio, as the record-holder; Team Bataan for Best Team Kicker; Kristian Brazil for Most Creative Modifications and Best in Graphics; and Elmer de Guzman’s 1979 Volkswagen as Best in Classic Car.

    Kicker Performance Audio developed the first full-range speaker box exclusively for automotive use in 1980, and its products are recognized to be at the cutting-edge of audio design technology, performance and integration to ensure ultimate sound quality.  Kicker is renowned for its Livin’ Loud tag, embodying its legendary Kicker bass and incredible music reproduction across a wide volume range.

    In the Philippines, DLS and Kicker products are exclusively distributed by TSL Marketing Corporation, a member of the Winterpine Group of Companies, which has been in the car audio industry for the past three decades.  For more information, please send an email to [email protected].

    Girl makes Wheatley Puppet, wins at life

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    Girl makes Wheatley Puppet, wins at life

    Portal is awesome. Okay, now that we’ve got that little tidbit out of the way, we’ll turn our attention to a fan that loved the game so much, she made a puppet out of one of the most lovable (and possibly the most homicidal) cast members in the game. YouTube user trpchakai created a lifesize puppet of Wheatley, the bumbling, adorable protagonist/(SPOILER) antagonist personality core that talks and moves. And while the video only shows Wheatley performing three of his lines, trpchakai promised that he’s able to do 10, and if you’re inclined to try and make your own Wheatley, she’s documented the entire build process over at her blog.

    BenQ releases EW series VA of LED monitors, love at first sight

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    BenQ releases EW series VA of LED monitors, love at first sight

    Monitors aren’t exactly drool-worthy gadgets – we usually reserve intense feelings of lust for the newest smartphones and the like – but Taiwanese manufacturer BenQ has managed to push our I-want-this-so-bad button the right way. The EW series VA (vertical alignment) of LED monitors has that right mix of simple, understated elegance with impressive specs. The EW series includes the EW2430 and the EW2430V. You’re looking at 3,000:1 native contrast ratio and a multitude of connection options ranging from HDMI to DVI-I. Other features include:

    • Smart Focus: Helping viewers to concentrate on the main viewing content when section of theselected window or area is highlighted
    • Super Resolution: Increases the density of low resolution images and simulate to improvepicture clearance, accurately capturing details and enhancing picture quality
    • PIP/PBP: Allows viewers to display two different incoming visual contents simultaneously tomaximize entertainment
    • 3D Deinterlace: Reduces cross-over interference flickers produced while incoming videos are ininterlaced format, to provide consistent smooth high visual presentation
    • 3D Noise Reduction: Automatically removes visible noise from the source to create advancedquality output

    No word on price yet, but we’ll update this post once we get word from its distributor.

    Product highlight: Samsung RC420

    Gadgets Team
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    7
    Product highlight: Samsung RC420

    Sandybridge equipped notebooks are everywhere these days. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not complaining – having a plethora of notebooks to choose from is always a good thing. Samsung’s Core-i5 offering, RC420 is one the latest addition to the Sandybridge party, and offers a good mix of power and mobility.

    The RC420 has a 14-inch, LED display and as mentioned earlier, is powered by an Intel Core i5 2410M (2.1 GHz) processor paired with 4 GB of DDR3 memory and a 640GB HDD drive. The lid has a nice aluminum-metallic finish going on, with a gloss black stripe near the bottom. The design isn’t for everyone, but in a world of monotone notebook lids, the change-up is interesting, to say the least. The keyboard has nice island style keys, with good separation and travel. We’re not sure on availability and price, but once we get word, we’ll update this post.

    Asus drops prices for K-series notebooks, now only 27,995

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Asus drops prices for K-series notebooks, now only 27,995

    If you’re the type of person who’d watch for gadget prices to drop before committing money, listen up. Asus has just dropped the price of their multi-color K-series notebook to just Php 27,995. That means you’ll be able to grab some Sandybridge loving for less than a price of some smartphones. You can check out the full press release of what you can expect from these notebooks from here. The offer is only available through authorized Asus dealer stores nationwide.

    Finally, a dog to “fetch your keys”

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Finally, a dog to “fetch your keys”

    I may have grown up with many dogs (no pun intended) but for all of their affection and loyalty, none of them have ever been able to fetch anything I actually needed, save for my chewed-up slippers. Now suck.uk has come up with a dog-shaped key-ring that will, as you can already deduce, help you find your keys. Fetch My Keys is not just a stylish key-ring especially for dog-lovers, it’s also a key-finder. For those annoying instances where you can’t seem to remember where you left your keys, just let out a whistle as you would do calling a dog and it will set off a beeping sound and cause the dog’s nose to flash so you can hear and see where your keys have magically run off to.

    This is also probably something I’d need to attach to my wallet, phone (when it’s on silent), or even my daughter. But that’s just me.

    Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and XPAND 3D create Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and XPAND 3D create Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative

    This piece of news is surprising: Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and XPAND 3D are joining hands and creating the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative, a new technology standard for consumer 3D active glasses which will encompass Bluetooth enabled RF and IR 3D glasses. Any 3D TV owner today will tell you that 3D glasses made by other manufacturers don’t play well with one another due to proprietary tech. The standardization will also include multiple types of infrared (IR) system protocols between 3D active glasses and 3D displays, ranging from the protocols jointly developed by Panasonic and XPAND 3D, to the proprietary protocols of Samsung and Sony, respectively. Hopefully with the standardization, active 3D glasses of the manufacturers included will play nice with one another. Unfortunately, you’ll be seeing the fruits of their labor next year, with the hope of the new glasses being backwards compatible with 2011 models.

     

    Samsung’s Sixth Man app lets you follow your favorite UAAP team on your Android

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Samsung’s Sixth Man app lets you follow your favorite UAAP team on your Android

    Bummed out you can’t follow your favorite UAAP team because of work and other grown up obligations? Well, Samsung’s got your back, and has released their Sixth Man app for Android which lets you get real time updates on your favorite team’s performance during a game.

    It delivers blow by blow real-time game updates and statistics for teams and players so you can analyze their performance in every game. To complete the experience, the Samsung Sixth Man Application allows UAAP fans to vote for their favorite players as they vie for individual awards. With the Samsung’s People’s Choice, ultimate UAAP fans can vote for who they think deserves to be in the Samsung People’s Mythical Five or the Samsung People’s MVP. You can grab the app from Samsung.com/ph/6thman or through the Android marketplace.

     

     

    Petron free safety checks now year-round

    Press Release
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    1
    Petron free safety checks now year-round

    Petron, the country’s leading oil company, is further strengthening its road safety advocacy in response to the global call to action of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.

    Its Free Safety Check, originally offered as a component of Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country’s longest-running and most extensive motorist assistance program, has been expanded into a year-round program to encourage motorists to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy.

    The extensive Free Safety covers 38 inspection points as follows: TIRES – tire pressure, tire wear, spare tire; ENGINE – air filter element, fan belt, power steering belt, alternator belt, air conditioner belt, upper radiator hose, lower radiator hose; ENGINE FLUIDS – engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, clutch fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, window washer; BATTERY – battery fluid, battery terminals; LIGHTS – headlights, signal lights, brake lights, hazard, fog lights, third brake light, light gauges; UNDER CHASSIS – tie rod ends, upper ball joints, lower ball joints, cross joints, shock absorbers, axle boots; and ACCESSORIES – wiper blades, horn, basic tools, jack, early warning device.

    The Free Safety Check is currently offered at 118 participating Petron stations nationwide, with 48 in Metro Manila, 16 in North Luzon, 10 in South Luzon, 29 in the Visayas, and 15 in Mindanao.  Motorists can drive in to any station with the Free Safety Check sign to avail of this service.

    Through its network of service stations nationwide, Petron is in an excellent position to further promote the road safety advocacy in response to the worldwide imperative to prevent accidents and save lives.

    The Roland TR-808 flash drive

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    The Roland TR-808 flash drive

    I’m an avid fan and collector of vintage synths and samplers, so when I heard about a new addition to AlkotaBeats’ line of flash drives that pay tribute to legendary drum machines, I simply had to take a peek.

    The most recent addition pays homage to the legendary Roland TR-808, which is one of the most widely used machines in R&B and hip-hop ever since it’s release in 1980. It is known primarily for its signature deep bass, booming kicks, cracking snares and that oh-so infamous cowbell that fueled the electronic sound of the 80’s.

    While the TR-808 struggled to compete with the renowned Linn-LM1, Roland’s drum machine undeniably left its mark in the sound of things to come, and was a driving force behind the music of artists such as Kraftwerk, Dr. Dre, Marvin Gaye, LL Cool J,  and The Beastie Boys.

    The Roland TR-808 thumb drive is constructed out of PVC,  has a capacity of 8GB, and utilizes Toshiba technology. It supports USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and is available for pre-order at a rather hefty $40 (Php 1,700).

    The other vintage machines that AlkotaBeats pays tribute to includes my personal favorite samplers of all time: the Akai MPC2000XL and the Emu SP1200.

     

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