Saturday 31 December 2011

Samsung E222, Dual Simcard Phone




Too much has been happening into the tech world. Turnover of the old and new is going too fast. Today's tech, especially with mobile devices, become antiquated with tomorrow's new generation of devices. iPhone 4S now, iPhone 5 tomorrow. 

My much loved antique phone of 8 years, the sony ericsson K750i, unfortunately, is gone. Not that it is broken or has ended it's useful life, but because I left it back in the Philippines, when I went home before Christmas. I had this feeling of losing a reliable friend, so I did thought of a replacement. Buying the same model is easy using ebay or amazon, but if I will have the same unit, the original unit or the new one will become redundant when I will be reunited with the lost one sometime middle of next year. So models and brands of different phones paraded in my mind. Then I need to choose according to what I really need.

My original phone has a duty to wake me up in the morning, connect to the car's bluetooth system when I start the engine, and make calls. Simple. A lot of basic and simple phones offer this functionality but the fact that I usually carry two phones, one dedicated for work and one dedicated for play, one dedicated for international calls and the other dedicated to local calls, I will have to choose something that can free me up  in bringing two phones at one time, something  that can do this easily and comfortably specially to my wallets content.


SAMSUNG DUOS CH@T222 aka E222

I have heard of the dual sim card phones before smartphones, but the fact that  I do not have the use for them at that time, I wasn't serious about owning one. And also the fact that these phones are usually from brands I do not know and haven't heard of. In fact, other China brand phones offer 4 sim card capable smart phones at a price of a branded regular device.The only gamble is RELIABILITY.

Nokia offers dual sim phones as well, but pricier than samsung. Other dual sim phones need to be restarted when switching between the 2 sims. This is not practical. 


My Duos Experience

Easy Sim Switch Between 2 Sim Cards





The Samsung DUOS E222 also known as Ch@t222 has these practical reasons. It has a key(see above) that you can press to choose between which network to use when making a call. The two sims, are active at all times to receive a call. When sim1 is making a call, or receiving a call, sim2 becomes inactive at the entire duration of call from sim1.

Voice Quality and Call Management

The voice call quality is most of the time clear and good. Sometimes it has crackly noises like that of a static interference, I assume that this is a network problem rather than the phone especially when inside a building.

You can distinguish which sim card is called when you check the logs by pressing the call button. The list will show the number who called and whether sim 1 or sim 2 is called by that particular  number.

Messaging and Message Management

This phone does not have touch screen but it has a qwerty board for faster messaging. The keypad is similar to that of Nokia and Blackberry.

Like the calls log, the messages log shows the sender number and which of your two sims is sent a message.



Built In Shortcuts

Dedicated buttons for Facebook, Twitter, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger are built in. You can configure which button will sit on your screen for easier and faster launch of your favourite application.

Internet and Connectivity

The unit has a mini USB port for charging and connecting into your computer, it has bluetooth connectivity, but do not have wi-fi. The internet capability is not as good as a proper smartphone. It can connect to the internet using GPRS and EDGE but can not on 3G network signals.  This is I think one of the let down but as this phone is only intended to suite the three needs I am looking for a basic phone, the capability of having two networks in one device is a big plus. And beat this, it is only £52 unlocked to all networks, except those networks that use 3G signals only like 3mobile  in this country. You can not also use this phone in Japan and South Korea as I've heard they only use 3G networks and not GSM bands.

Tip On Using Samsung Duos E222

To make sure you can recognize easily which sim network is on use while using the phone, use a network logo as your wallpaper. How?

For example your sim 1 is O2, download an O2 logo from the internet from your PC and edit it a bit and email it to yourself. Open your Samsung Duos E222 phone then access and download the image you've sent into your email.  The image you've downloaded is on the folder My Files, then click Images, Open, then go to the O2 image, click View then Options, Set As, Wallpaper, Full Screen, Set, then select SIM 1(where O2 sim is located). Then do the same with the other network.




I recommend to use a light coloured network logo like the one below, so that the items in your screen will still be visible. I prefered white background for both my sim network screens.




Buy Samsung E222



See it in action


Specs Below
Also known as Samsung E2222, Samsung Chat 222
GENERAL

2G Network Only
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 2

BODY

Dimensions 109.5 x 61.3 x 11.9 mm
Weight 90 g
Keyboard QWERTY
DISPLAY Type TFT
Size 220 x 176 pixels, 2.2 inches (~128 ppi pixel density)
SOUND

Alert types Vibration, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes

MEMORY

Card microSD up to 16GB
Internal 43 MB
Phonebook 1000 entries, Photocall
Call records 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls

DATA

GPRS Yes
EDGE No
WLAN No
Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
USB Yes, microUSB

CAMERA

Primary VGA, 640x480 pixels
Video Yes, QCIF@15fps
Secondary No

FEATURES

Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, IM
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML
Radio FM radio; FM recording
Games Yes
GPS No
Java Yes, MIDP 2.1Colors Black

- Dual SIM (dual stand-by)
- SNS integration
- MP3/eAAC+ player
- MP4/H.264 player
- Organizer
- Voice memo
- Predictive text input

BATTERY

Std Battery Li-Ion 1000 mAh
Stand-by Up to 550 h
Talk time Up to 12 h

MISC

SAR EU 0.72 W/kg (head)

Friday 30 December 2011

Think Mobile, Think Snapdragon!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Snapdragon by Qualcomm for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We know Blackberry, HTC, LG, Pantech, Samsung, Sony and T-mobile devices, but do we know Snapdragon? Maybe not. Just like being human, we can see each others  faces but not our brains. We know what we can do but not all of our capabilities. Capabilities that can make clay into castles and stone into bridges.  We can do this without the pretty face we always see, but beyond it, it's the brain doing the thinking and doing the most complex calculations quietly.

Snapdragon is the common denominator of the mobile brands we love. It became the brain of choice for these devices that made them exciting, fun, and useful. Blackberry, Samsung, Sony and other top brands can't all be wrong putting a snapdragon inside their devices. It might be something they can have an edge with against other competitors.
Who would not look for multitasking for optimum productivity, console like quality and realistic 3D gaming and effects, longer battery life to keep you going on a mobile and other portable devices? Given the fact that it is used by top product manufacturers, top operating systems like android, blackberry 7 and windows phone 7. And for the users, when we invest something on a device, we do not only look at the appearance, the hype and the glamor, but because we know that it is all that we needed.

Exciting and fun as it is, Qualcomm, the name behind Snapdragon, excitedly changed the name of the Qualcomm stadium, the home of the San Diego Chargers,  into Snapdragon Stadium. This has been the fourth time the stadium is renamed and the first time that got a name from a specific product. This change was for just 11 days, when they've played against Baltimore, and hosted two college bowl games, the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (Dec. 21) and the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl (Dec. 28).


Have you discovered the dragon inside your device yet? Snap it now.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday 28 December 2011

Stressless Holiday Packing List


This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Travel Checklist for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Booking a holiday is as easy as clicking a mouse. As most travels and relaxations are booked online, no sweat running up and down the high streets and no headaches comparing the deals suited according to the wallet's content.

Deciding which things to bring along starts the stress of travel. Followed by packing up the suit cases, watching on the allowed weights and so on. It is a good practice to write down list of all things we want to bring along. Then finally trim it down to the minimum and to the best suited for the type of travel booked. The trouble is most of us do not make the list. Our minds are pre occupied with the would be  activities and would be places to visit once we're there. This would result to electrical chargers left behind, wrong electrical plug adaptors, batteries not packed in, wrong types of clothes. Then while lying on a beach and enjoying the sun, the other side of our mind is in doubt if the gas cooker was turned off after the last porridge, if the electric mains switch was off or the automatic switch was set up properly, How you wished you have a personal assistant to remind you all of this.

This is what  MY TRAVEL CHECKLIST from Mondial Assistance  is all about. To remove the stress of travel so you will have a peace of mind and enjoy your holiday without stress, as it reminds you of the things you need, before, during and after your departure. This apps is compatible with PC's and smartphones. It can be customized according to what type of traveler you are, which part of the world you're going, how long, and what activities you will be doing. It is so easy to use and it's logical approach on preparing things is very good. Default suggestions can be easily replaced with your personal likes.


What I do like personally about the application is the Before Leaving checklist, which I think is very useful and essential especially for the forgetful chap like me, as it reminds you to turn off electricity, gas, clear rubbish and more. The things that most of us forget the most. This really saves headache and lets you enjoy your holiday without worries and guilt back home.


Another brilliant point is you can save  your checklist and modify it anytime to personally tailor  to individual needs or type of travel and can even share it by emailing or printing it out.



Learn more from  video tutorial at
http://youtu.be/wVfOlr00jTw
Download the application at
http://www.mondial-assistance.co.uk/tcl#

My Travel Checklist


Visit Sponsor's Site

Monday 26 December 2011

Do More With Digital Moments



Festive season is one of the best times to record smiles. The awe from a child's face while opening up gifts is priceless taken at a perfect moment. Get together atmosphere lingers in the air and immortalised with a snap or two. A picture of happiness and togetherness stamped at a time, in a place, one at a time.

May I ask, what are you planning to do with the photos you have? My first guess is to upload it at a social network site, then to video hosting sites or email to friends, or just sit on the computer's memory  waiting to be accessed after the last bubble of eagerness bursts!

What you are doing my friend, is just sharing the priceless memories you have in a digital form, the downside of this is, these digital images are like dreams that can only be accessed when you're asleep. And to see it in a particular dream is another story and effort. What I mean is, digital data, as it is easy to produce and reproduce and so easy to distribute is somewhat making these priceless memories looking "cheap" and less important. Another thing is, you cannot physically see them without a device!

To keep  memories as precious as ever is to convert them into hard copies, develop them, print them, make items out from those smiles. And you do not need to leave the house for this purpose as you can do it online!

Getting Started

1. First step is to create an account with an online photo service, I personaly choose boots, mypix, truprint, photobox, jessops,  and asda photo, for their wide range of services and projects, and easy registration process that you do not need to reconfirm your email when you register first time.

Create an account with any of the following to get started!

Asda    


2. Before you can upload your pics, Asda photo, jessops, or myPix will let you download their own uploader software. This will be automatic when you press upload photos. Just let it install in your system or just allow the software to run and once installed, a windows explorer type interface will be embedded in the upload page, here for example is photobox uploader window.



3. Now you are ready to upload. This is the most painful part as uploading is harder than downloading. You might have 10MBPS download speed but 0.34MBPS kbps upload speed. I would suggest at this point to edit your pics properly,  crop unnecessary parts, or reduce the file size and put all photos for upload in one file before you try uploading photos.


4. Once you have created your online photo album, you can order prints from all of your album's content or handpick the pics you want. Online editing of pics is also available. You can also experiment by making a PHOTO BOOK, or use your pics in making novelty items. There are a lot of projects to choose from which can make your memories special and a treasure to keep as well!

Prices for standard photo prints start from 5pence to 8pence per 3 X 5. Below is from PhotoBox and myPix screenshots.

Standard Photo Prints

PhotoBox



myPix




Photo Book



And Many More





Saturday 3 December 2011

Interesting Apps for iPAD


*TAPTV*


Buy iPad Case
Format: iPhone and iPad.
License: Free
Category: Entertainment
Updated: 20 April 2011
Version: 1.6
Size: 11.5 MB
Language: English
Developer: TapMedia Ltd
© Tapmedia Ltd

Description

Stream hundreds of classic movies, cartoons, documentaries and more to your iPhone, iPod or iPad for FREE
CHANNELS

Easily find what you're looking for with our great selection of channels. From Movies, Cartoons, Documentaries, App TV, Audiobooks, Magic TV, Best of YouTube™, Silent Classics - there is something for everyone.

FEATURED

Hand-pick collection of  favourite videos together with some of the most popular shows on Tap TV so you don't miss out.

VIEWING HISTORY

Resume play from where you left off (excluding YouTube™ videos).
**Wi-Fi Internet connection required **



*SKYGO*



This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad.

License: Free
 iPad Camera Connector Kit
Category: Entertainment
Updated: 28 November 2011
Version: 2.0.0
Size: 6.6 MB
Language: English
Developer: BSkyB
© 2011 BSkyB



Description
TV from Sky on the go available at no extra cost for Sky TV customers – now with Movies on demand
**Winner of Stuff Gadget Awards App of the Year December 2011**
Enjoy live TV from Sky wherever you have a 3G or WiFi connection in the UK or Ireland on your iPad, iPhone 3GS or above or iPod touch 4th gen.
Take the magic of Sky Movies with you this winter.
Customers with Sky Movies 1 & 2 can now watch all 11 live channels including Sky Movies Premiere and Sky Movies Christmas. Plus, hundreds of movies on demand to watch whenever you fancy over a WiFi connection.
Watching live Sky Movies on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch through a 3G connection will use data and contribute to the monthly allowance set by your mobile network operator. Exceeding this could result in significant charges.
Stay up to date with the latest Sky Sports action.
Sky Sports pack customers can watch all five dedicated live Sky Sports channels including Sky Sports News.
Sky News is also available to all Sky TV customers.

Watch Video



*FLUID*

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad.
iPad Speaker Dock
License: Free
Category: Entertainment
Updated: Oct 27, 2011
Version: 1.82
Size: 9.0 MB
Language: English
Seller: Fabien Sanglard
© Fabien Sanglard

Description

"Fluid" turns your iPhone/iTouch screen into a liquid surface.
Totally interactive with your fingers, it will keep the kids busy for a while.


Watch Video

Thursday 1 December 2011

How to make your iPAD 2 into a TV

There are a  lot of ways to enjoy iPAD 2, facetime, movie streaming, superb games, and TV! Literally, you can turn your iPAD2 into digital TV receiver. This means you can watch TV without being connected into a wifi, or 3g signals. This means you can watch TV virtually anywhere without depending on your mobile network's services or being connected into the internet

What do you need?

1.EyeTV Mobile App


Simply download the free EyeTV Mobile app (available on the App Store) to your iPad 2. This is free to download at the apps store, just type in EyeTV Mobile at the search box.

2. Eye TV Mobile Receiver




 The device is available from amazon, which is cheaper from other sources I've searched. Just connect the ultra-compact TV tuner to the dock connector port. Open the eye TV app you've downloaded, pick a channel, and start watching. That’s all there is to it. EyeTV Mobile can even receive DVB radio transmissions!



Highlights

  • An easy-to-use iPad 2 TV tuner for live, mobile television anywhere
  • Watch, pause, rewind and record over 8 hours of live TV*
  • View up to seven days of programme guide (EPG) data including details
  • Connects directly to the iPad 2 30-pin dock connector port
  • No internet connection required, so it doesn’t touch your data plan
Watch EyeTV Mobile Video

Monday 28 November 2011

Memory Card Classifications Explained

Memory cards provide data storage to many electronics devices, from digital cameras, camcorders, computers, tablets, and many others. As these devices evolve into more complicated gadgets, they require more and more data capacity and faster transfer rates in order to maximise their capabilities.

Storage facilities, like SD cards, are also keeping up to the gadgets technical improvements, by offering bigger capacities and faster read and write data transfers.

What to look for?

There are classifications that are printed in a SD card. One is class, the other is x classification.

Class Speed Rating


You might have noticed the word class  followed by a number printed on a memory card. The above photo  has class 6 written on it. This means the card is capable of  6mbps write speed.The higher the class number, the faster it is in processing and transferring digital data from a camera's sensor to the data storage. This means, the faster your camera to be ready to take the next picture. This is noticeable in larger sensor cameras like DSLR's or camcorders.

X Speed Rating


You may also notice cards with x speed ratings. Each x is equal to 1.2 Mbps. To get the overall speed, multiply the number that comes before X by 1.2 Mbps.

For example above, 60 x 1.2 = 72 mbps. One thing to watch out for the X classification when it comes on it's own, it can either be the read speed or the write speed.  The image above has also a class clasification, if you noticed the C and the number 4 inside it, this means the write speed for this card is 4mbps.
 The image above is class 4 (4mbps write speed) and 15mbps read speed or 12.5X speed (15/1.2 = 12.5)


For this reason, paying attention to the Class speed rating is a more accurate way to judge SD cards.  X speed ratings can refer to the maximum read or write speed.

Getting a fast card is important for camcorders and digital audio recorders, where audio or video is written in real time. It’s less important for things like cell phones and computers, where you’ll mostly be transferring data.

OnSale Memory Cards
32GB SD CARD £19.99 Delivered (RRP £45.99)


Integral 16GB Ultima Pro SD Card £13.79 Delivered(RRP £ 44.99)


Wednesday 23 November 2011

Beyond Firefox Setting 1

Speeding up Firefox is not only limited to tweaking computer setting and using programs within firefox. We can also tweak it's native settings to make browsing speedier. All we need is info, and reliable source on how to do it, and to undo it if something goes wrong. 

This tutorial is going beyond Firefox setting to get the most of internet speed. Recommended for broadband users only.

Enable Pipelining

In normal browsing,  HTTP requests are issued sequentially, with the next request being issued only after the response to the current request has been completely received. Depending on network latencies and bandwidth limitations, this can result in a significant delay before the next request is seen by the server.

Just like in a single line traffic, whilst the first car in the queue is going left and it's exit way is blocked, there is no chance for the next on the queue to move forward as the first car is blocking the way. Solution? Create a second, third or fourth lane! In Firefox, enable pipelining.





"A technique used in advanced microprocessors where the microprocessor begins executing a second instruction before the first has been completed. That is, several instructions are in the pipeline simultaneously, each at a different processing stage.

The pipeline is divided into segments and each segment can execute its operation concurrently with the other segments. When a segment completes an operation, it passes the result to the next segment in the pipeline and fetches the next operation from the preceding segment. The final results of each instruction emerge at the end of the pipeline in rapid succession."


Again, like in a a traffic situation, single file traffic can only do one instruction at a time, causing congestion and heavy traffic, whilst multiple lane can carry out multiple instructions at a time, causing the traffic moving faster.
 1. Open up firefox  and  type about:config in the address barthen press enter

* You will notice a warning sign, click "I'll be careful" to proceed.

2. Scroll down to network.http.pipelining and you will notice it's default value is false

3. Double click at the value to turn it into true


4. Close your browser then open Firefox again to take effect.


Reduce Initial Page Delay

By default, Firefox waits 0.25 seconds (250ms) before beginning to draw web pages, which causes delays in displaying the visual content of  websites. It is like an automatic car that needs to rev up into a specific rotation before it automatically goes to the next gear. But good news, Firefox can be set into lower rev, before it goes into the next gear. Here's how.

1. Open up Firefox and type about:config at the address bar

 2. Right click any part of the window and select new then string


3. Enter the preference name as nglayout.initialpaint.delay  then press OK.


 4. Then set its value to 50,  that's in milliseconds, or you can set it lower if you want. Press OK.


5. The user set parameter will be added if you scroll down to nglayout.initialpaint.delay


6. Close Firefox and open it up again to take effect!


google.com, pub-9356159227116695, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

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