MacBook Pro 2008 WOW!

* Click image for bigger.

MacBook Pro 2008
The Last and The Best

On Tuesday, Apple introduced a new 15.4 inch MacBook Pro with advanced fabrication techniques, option to select an NVIDIA 9400M or 9600 GT graphics, Core 2 Duo at 2.4, 2.53 or 2.8 GHz, a next generation glass trackpad, an SSD option and much more.

Steve Jobs first brought Jonathan Ive to talk about a new manufacturing process that leads to a thinner, stronger aluminum frame. Apple starts with a 2.5 pound piece of aluminum and cuts away what's not needed to end up with "a remarkably precise part," he said, weighting just one quarter pound. The rest of the material is recycled. While lasers were mentioned for hole cutting, there was no explicit mention of a high pressure water cutting technique, but Mr. Ive was vague on those details.

Then Mr. Jobs returned to the stage to introduce the new MacBook Pro In typical fashion, Mr. Jobs started with some of the details, and built up the excitement before revealing the whole computer.

Highlights of the new 15.4 inch MacBook Pro include:

* Base model: 15.4 in glass display like iMac, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR 3 memory, 250 GB hard disk, slot-loading superdrive, US$1999.
* Higher end model: 2.53 GHz C2D, twice the L2 cache (6 MB), larger hard disk (320 GB), US$2499.
* Unibody construction, saves half the parts, 0.95 inch thick.
* LED backlighting (not new for this model).
* 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1, mini DisplayPort, FireWire 800 only.
* Full accessibility to battery and drives. SSD option.
* NVIDIA 9400M graphics with 16 cores, 54 gigaflops plus (user selectable).
* NVIDIA 9600 GT graphics with 32 cores, 120 gigaflops.
* External battery indicator LEDs
* 5.5 pounds
* 128 GB SSD option adds US$600.00
* Either model can be ordered with 2.8 GHz CPU.

Mr. Jobs predicted 4 hours of battery life with the NVIDIA 9600 GT graphics card or 5 hours with the 9400M. TMO will provide updates as more details become available.

This model is expected to be available immediately.

For a comparison of how the MacBook Pro compares to the MacBook and MacBook Air, Apple has posted a page, "Which MacBook Are You?"

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Toshiba NB 100 first netbook!

Toshiba NB 100
The First Netbook From Toshiba!

Toshiba have long been experts at creating full sized laptops. Now they have adapted this skill to create their very first Netbook. The Toshiba Satellite NB100 netbook will first hit the UK and European market. With a great design, matching their larger more expensive laptops, the Toshiba NB100 looks great, and has impressive features to match.

Weighing less than 1KG and featuring a large 8.9-inch LCD screen, which a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution and LED backlight for even longer battery life and improved screen quality.

Key Features

- 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU
- 1GB RAM
- Windows XP Home / Ubuntu Linux
- 8.9in LCD 1024 x 600
- LED Backlight
- SD Reader
- 120GB hard drive
- 802.11b/g WiFi
- 10/100 Ethernet
- 3x USB
- 0.3MP webcam
- < style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255); FONT-STYLE: italic">Reviews

Toshiba has chosen to focus on the 8.9 inch form factor, as opposed to the 10 inch one utilised by the MSI Wind. This makes the NB100 very portable and Toshiba rather handily had a weighing scale on hand, which revealed the netbook weighed just 1.037kg - not quite under 1kg but more than light enough. If you want a no frills netbook at a no frills price, the Toshiba Satellite NB100 could be a very good option.
Source: TrustedReviews

While Toshiba has stepped into the busy netbook market late, the NB100 is an impressive addition. Users of Toshiba laptops will feel right at home with the machine. Toshiba NB100 will be an ideal first computer for kids and a competent second computer for on-the-go types. Prices for the NB100 are as follows: the Linux model is ?259; the XP version is available with 1GB of RAM for ?299.

Source: TechRadar

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars ( 2008 )

You can true size by click on picture.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars ( 2008 )

ชื่อไทย: สตาร์ วอร์ส สงครามโคลน
ผู้กำกับ: เดฟ ฟิลอนี่ (กำกับ การแสดง)
ผู้แต่ง: เฮนรี่ กิลรอย, จอร์จ ลูคัส
วันเข้าฉาย: 02/10/2008
ประเภท: Action, Animation, Sci-Fi
ความยาว: 98 นาที
เรท: เรท PG

คงมีแฟนหนังไซไฟไม่มากนัก ที่ชอบหนังแนวนี้แล้วไม่ชอบงานมหากาพย์อย่าง Star Wars เราคงไม่ต้องสาธยายแล้วว่า หนังเรื่องนี้ยิ่งใหญ่แค่ไหน ในทางหนึ่งมีคนชมมากมาย แต่ในมุมหนึ่ง ก็ถูกคนด่าเช่นกัน

อย่างไรก็ตาม นี่คือหนังเรื่องแรกๆ ของโลกที่สร้างความสำเร็จทางการตลาดแบบ "มหาศาล" ขยายสินค้าขายตรงขายอ้อมกันไม่จบสิ้น เพราะมีความนิยมของคนดูรุ่นต่อรุ่นรองรับอยู่ ผมไม่ค่อยรู้สึกอะไร เพราะ "การขายต่อ" ของหนังที่โด่งดัง เป็นเรื่องปกติของการตลาดยุคใหม่ที่มีมานานแล้ว

พอไม่รู้สึกอะไร ก็ไม่รู้สึกกับ Star Wars : The Clone Wars หรือ "สงครามโคลน" ที่เข้าฉายในสุดสัปดาห์นี้ ผมคิดว่า Star Wars จบไปแล้วใน 3 ภาค หลังจากนั้นไม่มีอะไร และไม่ควรมีอะไรเพิ่มเติมอีก

แล้วทำไมต้องมีเรื่องนี้ในชื่อตอนสงครามโคลน? หลังจาก 96 นาทีที่นั่งดูในเมเจอร์ฯ รอบพิเศษไม่นานมานี้ แง่ มุมหนึ่งที่หนังเองไม่ได้ปิดบังก็คือ ต้องการสร้างตลาดใหม่ด้วยเด็กๆ รุ่นใหม่ เปรียบไปก็เหมือนขาย "พ่อแม่" ได้แล้ว ลองมาขาย "รุ่นลูก" ดูบ้าง

สิ่งที่หนังแสดงตัวว่า แคร์แต่เด็กก็คือ การเล่าเรื่องที่เร็วสุดขีดในแบบการ์ตูนแอ็กชั่น ทิ้งประเด็นต่างๆ ในต้นฉบับไปเยอะ และเน้นความฉับไวในการต่อสู้ เดินเรื่อง เพื่อสอดคล้องกับสมาธิของคนรุ่นเขา ไม่ต้องลงลึก ไม่สนใจเนื้อหา แต่มุ่งไปที่ฉาก

ถ้าจะมีอะไรที่น่าสนใจอยู่บ้าง ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่าง อนาคิน กับ อาโซกา ดูจะน่าสนใจที่สุด

การมองหาตลาดใหม่ของมหากาพย์คลาสสิกเรื่องนี้ ทำให้ผมคิดไปถึงการพยายามสร้างแผงค้าขายใหม่ของศิลปะหลายแขนงใน 5 ปีที่ผ่านมา อาทิ ดนตรีแนวใหม่ๆ ที่ไม่ใช่ "ป๊อป" หรือ "ร็อก" ละครฟอร์มยักษ์แบบไทยๆ ที่ขายคอสตูม การแต่งกายและความสวยงามของฉาก หนังสือท่องเที่ยวไปตามเมืองต่างๆ ของแผงวรรณกรรม ภาพกราฟฟิกนักฟุตบอลของทีมบอลดังๆ (อย่างน้อยก็แมนยูฯ แหละ)

ถ้ามองมุมนี้ เป็นความชอบธรรมที่ Star Wars อยากจะสร้างตลาดใหม่ ทีนี้จะพูดกับเขาอย่างไรล่ะ การใช้ "แอนิเมชั่น" จึงเป็น "การพูด" ในภาษาของพวกเขา ที่น่าจะสะดวกปากที่สุด

คนที่โตแล้วไม่รู้จะเห็นอะไรเพิ่มไหม แต่สำหรับผม ดูจบแล้วก็เฉยๆ (มาก) เนื่องเพราะนี่คือหนังสำหรับเด็กเล็ก เหมือนเคยไปดูโอลิมปิก พอมานั่งดูกีฬาเขต ก็อาจจะไม่รู้สึกอะไรนัก

สิ่งที่ผมรู้สึกมากกว่า สิ่งที่ผมสนใจมากกว่าในหลายๆ ครั้งก็คือ บริบทหรือเรื่องเอฟเฟกท์ของหนัง ถ้าโปรเจกท์นี้ได้เงิน สตาร์ วอร์ส จะขายอะไรต่อ

ไม่ว่าการขายนั้น จะขายตรงหรือขายอ้อมก็ตาม

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Dell Inspiron 13 (Core 2 Duo) Wow!

Dell Inspiron 13 (Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor 2.1GHz, 1GB RAM)

The 13.3-inch display size has been gaining popularity as it straddles the portability of a 12.1-inch ultraportable with the larger screen estate, integrated optical drive and full-sized keyboard of a 14.1-inch thin-and-light. Dell's first venture into this market was with the entry-levelVostro 1310, which targets small and medium business users. It was a no-frills machine lacking in consumer features.

Though the new Inspiron 13 aims for the budget segment, we were surprised to find a Core 2 Duo processor in a machine which cost under S$1,300 (US$869.97) (most laptops at this price range use Pentium Dual-Core chips to save costs) and offers excellent battery life. The only caveat is that the chipset is based on the older Centrino platform instead of the newer Centrino 2. The latter would have offered even more power savings and stronger graphics performance, though it would have also driven up the cost as well.

It may not be able to stand toe-to-toe with entertainment models such as the HP Pavilion dv3000 when it comes to features, or have the stylish looks of the Sony VAIO VGN-SR12GN. But, at a few hundred dollars cheaper, users with tight purse strings will probably close one eye and take up what the Inspiron 13 has to offer.

Design
It may lack the dashing good looks of a VAIO SR notebook while weighing a hefty 2.2kg (even more than the heavy Pavilion dv3000), but for a budget thin-and-light the Inspiron 13 still maintains a pleasing design. Taking a cue from the more expensive Studio line, this Inspiron's rounded hinge, slot-in optical drive and glossy blue exterior give it a touch of class. With a footprint of 318 x 238 x 38.37mm, it doesn't take up too much space in a backpack or messenger bag, either.

Unlike the rest of the Inspiron series, which come in a range of eight shades, this thin-and-light has only a single color option--Pacific Blue. Fortunately, it did not compromise on other features such as multimedia control and battery meter. Above the full-sized keyboard lie a row of touch-sensitive playback and volume control keys which give the Inspiron 13 some entertainment value. The power cell sports a line of five LED lights that display the charge level in 20 percent increments without having to power up the machine. The touchpad is responsive enough with two scroll zones, and we like the generously sized mouse buttons gracing the bottom of the trackpad.

Features
In a marked departure from its online business model, the Inspiron 13 will be available only through retail outlets in regions such as Malaysia and Singapore. Hong Kong residents can order this machine online but are limited to a single fixed configuration with options to extend the warranty. Though the Inspiron 13 didn't exactly wow us with its feature set, it still gives a lot of mileage for the money.

The 13.3-inch widescreen transflective display runs off the integrated graphics processor with a native resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels. In order to keep the Inspiron affordable, the chipset is based on the older Centrino platform along with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100 video card. The latter does not have the performance of the newer GMA X4500HD found in Centrino 2 laptops, though the GMA X3100 is still more than capable when it comes to decoding DVD movies. The integrated graphics card does not have its own memory, but instead draws up to 256MB from the system RAM for image-rendering purposes. If your Inspiron 13 has only 1GB of memory, we advise upgrading to at least 2GB in order to maximize graphics performance. A VGA port allows hooking up with projectors and monitors, with no HDMI or S-video outputs in sight. However, we did not expect either to be present in an entry-level portable.


The Good: Excellent battery life; good value for money.

The Bad: Previous-generation chipset; heavy for a thin-and-light.

The Bottom Line: The Dell Inspiron 13 is great for those hampered by a tight budget but who still want a competent and power-efficient thin-and-light with a decent design.

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Samsung LA40A650

Samsung LA40A650 Crystal Design

SAMSUNG'S latest top-of-the-line panel, the LA40A650, has a typically stylish Samsung shape and a very funky deep red colour scheme.

It is a full high-definition panel, meaning it has a 1920x1080 resolution. It also comes with the usual bells and whistles, such as a 100Hz playback mode, and it has a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, which is one of the highest on the market.

In our image quality tests the A650 was an extremely strong performer. Most top-tier flat panel TVs offer great image quality these days, but this one distinguished itself by offering the blackest blacks we’ve seen from an LCD. They still weren’t up to the standard of the top-tier Pioneer and Panasonic units but they were excellent nonetheless. They made film watching and game playing a joy.

Colour balance was similarly impressive with accurate hues and rich, vibrant saturation. We found this panel needed a little more calibration than some others to achieve a perfect picture; flesh tones were quite warm by default and the balance was a little off but a few tweaks here and there and everything looked peachy.

As you’d expect, contrast was well handled; despite the extremely dark blacks there was no detail lost in dark areas. Motion was excellent, too. The A650 sports a 4ms response time, which is incredibly fast for an LCD panel of this size and it does an excellent job of keeping ghosting invisible.

Feature

Screen Size: 40"
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1
Viewing Angle: 178°
Response Time: 4ms
DNIe™: DNIe Pro
HD Ready: Built-in HD Tuner
Sound Output(RMS): 10W x 2
Sound Effect System: SRS TruSurround XT
Set weight with stand: 20.2Kg
Set weight without stand: 17.0Kg
HDMI: 3 + 1
WISELINK (USB): WiseLink (USB2.0)

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LG KT610 Symbian Smartphone

LG KT610 Symbian Smartphone

My Comment And Review

At the Mobile World Congress in February this year, LG unveiled a new range of mobile phones. Among them was a clamshell with a conventional number pad and QWERTY keyboard--the KT610. There are a few handsets with this form factor in the market. One of the first was the Dopod (now HTC) C500, followed by the HTC S730, and recently, the S740. ASUS also had the M930, and Nokia, the E90 Communicator, but these are bulkier. Who would buy it? People who use the conventional keypad most of the time but won't mind having a full QWERTY keyboard for punching out long emails. The good: Pocketable size with QWERTY keyboard; large numeric keys; range of connectivity features including HSDPA, Bluetooth and GPS.

The bad: Questionable keyboard layout; no Assisted-GPS; no Wi-Fi; audio jack via proprietary port; mediocre camera.

The bottom line: The KT610 has quite a number of things going for it and one of them is its attractive price. However, issues like a questionable keyboard layout and absent Wi-Fi make this LG a little less appealing. Unless you are budget strapped, you should be able to find a better QWERTY handset in the market.

Preview it on YouTube!

Every Bodyslam Concert

การบุกบั่นไขว่าคว้าติดตามผลงานของสาวก Bodyslam ตัวเล็กๆคนหนึ่ง ที่ได้มีโอกาสได้สอย DVD คอนเสิร์ต Bodyslam เปิดออกมา รู้สึกดีแหะๆมี บุ๊คเลทบางๆ มีประมาณ 8 หน้า เนื้อหาเกี่ยวกับการทำงานในคอนเสริตครั้งนี้ และภาพประกอบสวยๆ งานนี้ได้เสพสิ่งที่สาวกทุกคนอยากมีอยากได้แล้ว

เริ่มที่การสกรีนแผ่นสวยงาน กล่องขุ่นๆเน่าๆเหมือนเดิม แล้วก็จับแผ่นใส่เครื่องเล่น พอเริ่มคอนเสิร์ต งานเข้าแล้ว เปิดเลือกฟังระบบเสียง 5.1 ช่วงแรกของคอนเสิร์ต คนเริ่มกรี๊ดแล้ว ทำไมไปกรี๊ดอยู่ข้างหน้าหมดหว่า ถ้าจินตนาการตาม ตัวเราคงอยู่แถวหลังสุด หลังสุดจริงๆ บัตรประมาณแบบ 500 บาท หรือ 300 บาท อะไรทำนองนั้น เลยเอาหูไปฟังใกล้ๆลำโพงเซอร์ราวด์ ก็มีเสียงออกเบาๆ พอนักดนตรี เริ่มบรรเลง พี่ตูนเริ่มร้องเพลง เสียงเครื่องดนตรีฟังไม่ค่อยชัดเจน จมๆ มั่วๆ ยังไงไม่รู้ เสียงนักร้องก็จมไปกับเครื่องดนตรีด้วยเลย เทียบกับ คอนเสริตที่ผ่านมา อย่างคอนเสริต Bigass /Bodyslam: Save My Life ครั้งก่อนๆหน้านั้นอัดเสียงมาดีกว่ามาก สรุปว่า เรื่องเสียงไม่ค่อยน่าประทับใจเท่าไหร่

ส่วนเรื่องภาพ ผมว่าก็ทำได้ดีตามมาตราฐาน DVD คอนเสริตทั่วไปของ GMM (ภาพเป็น Wide screen LetterBox 4:3 ไม่ใช่ Wide screen แท้ๆนะครับ ดูกับทีวี 4:3 จะมีแถบบนล่าง) สำหรับคนที่อยากร้องตามก็ต้องอภัยนิดนึงแผ่นนี้ไม่มี Subtitle หรือ เนื้อร้องนะครับ

เรื่อง การแสดง ก็มันส์ตามสไตล์ Bodyslam อยู่แล้ว เสียงร้องบางช่วงมีเพี้ยนๆบ้าง ไม่รู้ก่อนเล่นคอนเสิร์ต ไม่สบายมาหรือเปล่าก็ไม่รู้ เหมือนร่างกายไม่เต็มร้อยเท่าทีควร แต่แล้วพี่ตูนก็จัดให้แต่เพลงคัดมาฮิตๆ ร้องตามกันได้ทุกเพลงอยู่แล้ว

เพราะเป็นสาวก Bodyslam มาตั้งนานไม่เคยได้ดูคอนเสิร์ต Bodyslam เลย เพราะบัตรหายากมาก ครั้งนี้ก็เหมือนทุกครั้ง ข่าวคอนเสริตประกาศล่วงหน้าหนึ่งเดือนทางวิทยุ วันเสาร์ที่ 14มิถุนายน 2551 วันจองบัตรที่ Thaiticket Major บัตรขายหมดภายในครึ่งชั่วโมง!

About Bodyslam

Bodyslam is a popular Thai rock band during the 2000s. It is best known by the voice of the leading vocal, Athiwara Khongmalai, nicknamed Toon, who also composed a majority of its songs. The band also did most of the music arrangements.

As of 2007, it has released four albums, the latest one being Save My Life.

Current members are (Thai and nickname in parenthesis):

Athiwara Khongmalai (อาทิวราห์ คงมาลัย, Toon): lead vocals
Thanachai Tantrakul (ธนชัย ตันตระกูล, Yod): guitar
Thanadol Changsawek (ธนดล ช้างเสวก, Pid): bass guitar
Suchuch Chaneed (สุชัฒติ จั่นอี๊ด, Chad): percussion

The band was once named La-On (Thai ละอ่อน), meaning kids or younger people in Northern dialect of Thai language. Then the six-member band entered a band music competition for high school students "Hot Wave Music Awards" in 1996 and grabbed the top prize out of nearly a hundred bands. The band was quickly signed with Music Bugs label and released a self-titled album in 1997. It is a pop-rock album and is best remembered for a very popular song then Dai Rue Plao (ได้หรือเปล่า). The band members played in a lakorn Thep Niyai Nai Sano (เทพนิยายนายเสนาะ) and involved with soundtracks of the lakorn. A soundtrack album was released in 1997.

The band returned in 2002 with the new name Bodyslam due to the shift to heavier rock music. Only three of the original six members remained. Their first album under the new name (also self-titled) was successful.
They follow in 2003 with the second album Drive which enjoy equally success. They won Channel [V] Thailand Music Video Awards for favorite group for the MV Plai Thang.

After their second album, the band saw many changes. They left the Music Bug label and signed with Genie Records label of GMM Grammy, Thailand largest label. Ratthapol Pannachet, nicknamed Pao, the guitarist left the band for a solo career (with an album in November 2005). Bodyslam then became a 4 piece band, their long time drummer Chad was finally given an official place on the band roster and now actively appears in MV's, Posters and Album covers while also being credited on the Album sleeves. The 4th member was Yod a guitarist brought in to replace Pao, although not as outgoing as Pao and appearing quite shy, he's become loved by the fans. The bands third album Believe was released in April 2005 and made them one of GMM Grammy's premier bands, they also embarked on a long tour of concerts taking up most of 2005 and some of 06'. They won 4th Fat Awards for Favorite Album and Khwam Chuea as Song of The Year.They released their 4th album "Save my life" on September 15th 2007 with a major concert in Bangkok to follow in early in October.

The success of their new CD has brought an even bigger fanbase for Bodyslam and they are one of the most popular bands in Thailand at the moment. They won Season Awards for the best rock group, best rock album Save My Life, and best rock song Yahpid in March 2008.

La-On
Athiwara Khongmalai (อาทิวราห์ คงมาลัย, nickname Toon): lead vocals
Ratthapol Pannachet (รัฐพล พรรณเชษฐ์, Pao): guitar (currently a solo artist)
Thanadol Changsawek (ธนดล ช้างเสวก, Mayom or Pid): bass guitar
Pongsrit Inthasiri (พงษ์สฤษฎิ์ อินทศิริ, Not): synthesizer
Bundit Makomol (บัณฑิต มาโกมล, Pop): guitar
Kritsakorn Phumrat (กฤษกร ภูมิรัตน, Krit): percussion (currently a DJ for radio station)
In Thep Niyai Nai Sano the band also featured Jessada Laddachayaporn (เจษฎา ลัดดาชยาพร, Pan) as lead vocals. He is now with the band, Basher.


Bodyslam (Bodyslam and Drive)
Athiwara Khongmalai (อาทิวราห์ คงมาลัย, Toon): lead vocals
Ratthapol Pannachet (รัฐพล พรรณเชษฐ์, Pao): guitar
Thanadol Changsawek (ธนดล ช้างเสวก, Pid): bass guitar

Discography

La-On

La-On (ละอ่อน) (1997)
Thep Niyai Nai Sano soundtrack album (เทพนิยายนายเสนาะ) (March 1998)

Bodyslam

Bodyslam (2002)
Drive (2003)
Believe (April 2005)

Save My Life (September 2007)

Famous Songs
A partial list of popular songs, together with translated name in bracket, and the album:

Dai Rue Plao (ได้หรือเปล่า) [Can You Do It?] – La-On
Akat (อากาศ) [Air] – Bodyslam
Yam (ย้ำ) [Again] – Bodyslam
Ngom Ngai (งมงาย) [Gullible] – Bodyslam
Khwam Suesad (ความซื่อสัตย์) [Honesty] – Drive

Plai Thang (ปลายทาง) [Destination] – Drive
Wun Wai (หวั่นไหว) [Anxious] – Drive
Khob Fa (ขอบฟ้า) [Horizon] – Believe
Khon Thee Thuk Rak (คนที่ถูกรัก) [The Person That Got Loved] – Believe
Khwam Chuea (ความเชื่อ) [Believe] – Believe (featuring Ad Carabao)
Raaw (เรา) [We/Us] – Big Body Concert (Bodyslam and Big Ass)
YahPit (ยาพิษ) [Poison] – Save My Life
Oak-Hak (อกหัก) [Broken Heart] – Save My Life
Ying Roo Ying Mai Kao Jai (ยิ่งรู้ยิ่งไม่เข้าใจ) [The More I Know, The More I Don't Understand] – Save My Life
Na Li Kaa Tai (นาฬิกาตาย) [Broken Clock] – Save My Life
Kae Lup Dtaa (แค่หลับตา) [Just Close Your Eyes] – Save My Life (featuring Panadda Roengwutti)

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New Intel chipset; Dual Core Atom Processor 330

Intel has official begun shipping its new Atom Processor 330, a 45 nm dual-core processor for nettops.

Credit: www.blogeee.com On Friday, Intel officially began shipping its 45 nm Intel Atom Processor 330, Intel’s first Atom processor to feature dual-cores. With a 1.6 GHz clock-speed, 1 MB of L2 cache and support for DDR2 ddr2 667, the Atom 330 looks like Intel just combined two Atom 230 processors processors . The added core does double the processor’s TDP unfortunately, an increase from 4 W to 8 W.

The Atom 330 will be available as an integrated part of the new Intel D945GCLF2 desktop motherboard motherboard , which features the Intel 945GC Express Chipset, Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit and a 533 MHz system bus. The Intel D945GCLF2 motherboard also offers a S-Video connector, gigabit Ethernet http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet , 6-channel high definition audio and a single DIMM dimm socket supporting up to 2 GB of DDR2 667/533 memory.

Intel Atom processors have been specifically designed by Intel to be extremely power-efficient, however many sacrifices were made to achieve this balance between performance and power. It turns out that multi-threading greatly helps Atom processors overcome the effects of some of the sacrifices that were made. As a result, Atom processors that use Hyper-Threading technology see large performance gains and the use of two actual cores along with Hyper-Threading, as used in the Atom 330, should result in even greater gains.

Intel has designed the Atom 330 for use in nettops, which are entry-level, Internet-centric desktop PCs. It is likely that a dual-core Atom processor will eventually make its way into the mobile market, but Microsoft may not allow Windows XP to be sold on such a system. Intel Atom processors are facing strong competition, such as from Via’s Nano nano processors and offerings by AMD.

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Google Android's App Store

Google have announced their rival to Apple’s App Store, the Android Market. Intended to allow users of Android-based devices - whether cellphones or otherwise - to download new apps and other software directly to the handset, Google have confirmed that a beta version of the service will be present on the first commercially available Android cellphones.

That beta will support free titles initially, with a subsequent firmware update adding provision for paid software. It will also give developers advanced tools such as versioning, multiple device profile support and analytic, among other things. Unlike the iPhone’s App Store, membership and posting on which is monitored and controlled by Apple, Android developers will have more freedom and fewer hoops to jump through. Membership will be a straightforward sign-up, with a ratings system used to weed out poor quality or potentially dangerous software.

While that would suggest that apps for the platform will proliferate faster (and be more quickly updated), it does raise questions regarding device security and stability. Apple’s stated motivation for its hands-on approach with the App Store is that it prevents poor software getting onto its devices and impacting the user experience; that could potentially be a significant issue for Android devices.

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My Charity

Today, 15/08/08, Hi-fi Orient Thai Company (in brand "Aconatic") and us (My business) proudly to donate the VCD player for education in three rural schools. We will show you the pictures of donation of each school.

1st Ban Hua-na School.

Supplier and I with cute students in the school.

2nd Child Developing Center, Ban Dongpa-sak.

They are playful but I am happy!!

The way take me away form that center.

When we far!!

3rd Ban Fai-kaew School.

They and me are happy.

They are fun and playful!!! I'm glad to charity.

Philips 42PFL5403

Philips 42PFL5403


My Comment

i just bought this Philips latest LCD at a dealer shop in Singapore for about $3k+ and it turned out to be top bargain. As usual, when sourcing for a LCD, brands like Sony and Samsung first came to my mind. However, when i saw quality of picture on local broadcast signal on Samsung A550 series LCDs, i was mildly disappointed.

Instead, the picture on the 42PFL5403 caught me by surprise. Turns out that this latest model to be launched by Philips have an improved contrast ratio of 30,000 as compared to their predecesor of about 8000(i guess?) The colours are very natural and very little noise was noticed. Details were aplenty and lines was very sharp. Pleasant surprise to find out that the sound quality was excellent thanks to their 30W audio power and built-in subwoofer.

After the LCD was delivered, its performance did not disappoint me. Video playback on a HDMI DVD player was crisp but colours was a little ambiguous. However, the detailed images played back more than made up for this flaw. Images played back through PC input(VGA) was average but maybe i should connect it through one of its 3 HDMI input.

Overall, a LCD that delights because of its ability to provide clear images on analouge broadcast signal, unlike other more established brands.

Feature

- Diagonal screen size: 42 inch
- Aspect ratio 16:9
- Additional features: 8-bit IPS panel; Pixel Plus 2 HD; HD Natural Motion; EasyLink (HDMI-CEC); 1080p24 input-ready; triple HDMI 1.3 terminals.
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 645 x 1046 x 88 mm
- Surround effects: Incredible Surround
- Total output power: 30W
- Additional features: Invisible speakers; BBE
- Video input: S-video, VGA, Composite video, Component video
- Contrast ratio: 30000:1
- Additional features: 1920 x 1080 resolution; 500 cd/m2 brightness; 28.9 billion colors; 5ms response time; 178-degree viewing angle; Full-HD-ready.

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Wind Netbook U100

MSI Wind Netbook U100


My Comment

MSI has dropped a few more details regarding its Wind ultraportable, and in the process criticised rivals such as ASUS’ Eee. We now know the Wind will be available with 8.9 or 10-inch LCD screens with LED backlight, running at 1,024 x 600, feature an 80GB standard 2.5-inch (e.g. not SSD) hard-drive and weigh around 1kg (around 2.2lb). It’s been confirmed to run Windows XP.

As for the snub, MSI accused competitors of having “compromised the memory capacity”, presumably by choosing relatively low-storage flash memory. ASUS’ Eee, for instance, can be bought with as little as 2GB of storage, rising to a 20GB SSD in the larger Eee 900 version. They also suggest that an 8.9-inch display is the minimum for comfortable reading and writing; the entry-level Eee has a 7-inch display.

The Wind is believed to use a processor ranging from 1.0GHz to 1.6GHz and ship with 1GB RAM. MSI are claiming particularly long battery life, and that has previously been suggested as up to 7hrs. It will be available in Europe in June, priced somewhere between $470 and a whopping $1,110, although a release schedule for the US is as-yet unknown.

Feature

- Monitor 10"Wide LED
- CPU: Intel Atom 1.6GHZ, 512MB L2 Cache, FSB 533
- Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
- Wireless Lan: MS-6894
- Lan: 10/100 Ethernet LAN
- HDD: 80 GB 2.5" SATA
- RAM: 1G DDR2 667 Support up to 2 GB
- VGA Card: UMA Shared
- OS: Linux
- Colour: White, Pink, Black
- Others: Bluetooth, 4 in 1 CardReader, 1.3 Mpx Webcam, USB 2.0 x 3
- Weight: 1 kg.
- Battery: 3 Cells

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Acer Aspire One Or Asus Eee PC

Acer Aspire One


My Comment

I’m almost sold on the HP 2133, and I’ve actually been scouring stores for stocks these past few days. Never mind that I’ve been offered a hefty discount by a distributor contact—I have to wait for stocks to come. But now with other worthy alternatives, I don’t think I should rush into going for the Mini Note yet.

Enter the Acer Aspire One and the Asus Eee PC 901. Both don’t look as sexy as the HP Mini Note, but both run on Intel’s new Atom platform. That means better ultraportable mobility, in terms of low power consumption (and hence heat), and longer battery life.

That’s one gripe I usually hear about the HP Mini Note—that it runs on a VIA platform, rather than Intel. And it’s not even VIA Isaiah yet, which is supposedly at par with Intel Atom when it comes to ultraportable computing.

The Acer Aspire One looks attractive and is supposedly priced more reasonably than other ultraportables.

The Asus Eee PC 901, meanwhile, will be much like the 900, but with an Intel Atom processor, which should boost the battery life upwards of 7 hours.

Feature

- Dimensions: 9.8 inches x 6.7 inches x 1.14 inches
- Weight: under 2 pounds
- Battery life: 3-6 hours depending on connection type
- Connection: 3G, WiFi support
- Linux 3 interface
- LCD: 8.9 inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display
- Resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels
- Acer CrystalEye Webcam
- CPU: Intel Atom Processor
- Linpus Linux Lite or Windows XP Home
- 512MB or 1GB of RAM memory
- NAND flash module of 8GB or an 80GB internal HDD
- Five different types of memory card: Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD-Picture Card

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iPhone 3G

iPhone 3G Exclusive


Their Comments

So in a couple of days the iPhone 3G is going to go on sale. Like many of you I am going to get this device as part of my duties as an intrepid reporter (and a shameless Apple-holic.) However, if you are rational, then you might want to read these reviews by the big three tech writers and their take on the iPhone 3G before you decide to hand over your credit card to the sales people.

* Walt Mossberg/WSJ: “I found it to be a more capable version of an already excellent device. And now that it’s open to third-party programs, the iPhone has a chance to become a true computing platform with wide versatility…if you can live with the higher service costs and the weaker battery life.”

* Edward Baig/USA Today: “With GPS newly added to the mix, this hand held marvel has no equal among consumer-oriented smart phones. While not everything on my wish list made it onto the new device, Apple has raised the bar with iPhone 3G. To which I offer an enthusiastic thumbs up.”

* David Pogue/NYTimes: “It’s not so much better that it turns all those original iPhones into has-beens. Indeed, the really big deal is the iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store, neither of which requires buying a new iPhone.”

I am sensing some hesitation on the part of the these reviewers. And now that you have read their reviews, are you still interested in buying the iPhone 3G.

Feature

- 8GB model: Black
- 16GB model: Black or white
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)/UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)/Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
- Audio formats supported: AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 1, 2,and 3), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
- Camera: 2.0 megapixels/iPhone and third-party application integration
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Talk time:Up to 5 hours
- Standby time: Up to 300 hours
- Internet use: Up to 5 hours on 3G/Up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi

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