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What We Think Of The Recently-Launched LG G6 Smartphone!

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People often associate the number 6 as a lucky number and I was very privileged (lucky) to have the opportunity to “own” the LG G6 for this feature that I am about to write.
The First Impression

The LG G6 is solidly built and it feels good in the hand. I really like the stylish metallic design at the back and every part of the phone feels premium and not plasticky. In fact, I daresay that the LG G6 is the best-looking phone that LG has ever made.

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Functionality

When I pushed the “on” button, the boot time certainly took quite a while but once I got right to the main menu, things started to get more familiar. The user interface appeared to be quite similar as that of the Apple iOS and any apps that are installed will very much fill up the home screen like the iPhone as the LG G6 doesn’t have the traditional app drawer.

What is LG G6’s most unique selling point would be its cinematic viewing experience that is made possible by the 18:9 Quad High Definition+ FullVision display. Not only is it the first smartphone to feature Dolby Vision technology, the LG G6 also supports HDR 10. As such, it displays more vividly the darkest and brightest areas of a video for a thrilling experience.

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Photography enthusiasts will also appreciate the fact that the LG G6 retains the dual-camera system that offers both the standard and wide-angle lenses 13-MP sensors.

The Square Camera Mode has also been praised for offering new ways to create photos. The Snap shot splits the screen into two, with the upper half being a viewfinder while the bottom half allows us to preview the photo taken for easy comparison.

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With the Match shot, it gives us the ability to juxtapose two different photos such as an ice cream cone with fluffy cotton candy to create a new photo. Spilt into four quadrants, the Grid shot allows us to directly create a collage with photo and video contents. Last but not the least, the Guide shot acts a guide for the next photo and this allows us to match the composition of a chosen image even with different backdrops.

Although I really like how the LG G6 gives me the opportunity to be creative with my photographs, I feel that the photos taken are not so accurate although it does appear sharp and crisp on the display.

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In terms of its specifications and performance, the LG G6 sports a Snapdragon 821, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and ample space for microSD card expansion. If durability is a deciding factor for you, you will be pleased to know that the LG G6 boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, which means it can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for long as 30 minutes. As such, heavy duty users can relish a carefree experience and worry less about accidental drops in water and spillages.

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Battery wise, I personally think it falls short as it was completely drained by the time I was about to leave work for home. However, thanks to the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 tech, the battery does fills up pretty quickly.

Overall

I will conclude to say that the LG G6 is a multimedia powerhouse that will entice people who spend most of their time streaming web content. With its stylish design and solid build, I won’t be surprise if people decides to own the LG G6 not just for its dual-camera feature.

For the price of SGD$988, the LG G6 comes with an extended 12-month warranty for a total of 24 months of warranty with a free flip case worth SGD$58.

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What’s more, if you’re a StarHub subscriber and you sign up for a 2-year HomeHub Go 1Gbps plan with the LG G6, you will receive a FREE LG 43” 4K UHD TV worth SGD$1,388!

The LG G6 comes in astro black, ice platinum and mystic white colours; and is available at M1, Singtel, StarHub and other LG authorized retailers.

For more information about the LG G6, check out the official website now!

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LG HOM-BOT TURBO+: First Wifi-Enabled Robotic Vacuum Cleaner In Singapore

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If hygiene, convenience and security are three things that you value the most because of your busy lifestyle, then having a wifi-enabled robotic vacuum cleaner is what you ought to be looking out for!

LG Electronics (LG) recently announced the launch of its LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ (VR66820VMNC) in Singapore and it is available in a metallic gold color. This new model introduces the concept of smart cleaning to Singaporeans and smart features like HomeGuard™ allow parents, pet owners, and frequent travellers to keep an eye on their homes wherever they are.

Doubles Up as a Security Camera

The LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ can be remotely controlled anytime, anywhere and it is more than just a vacuum cleaner. Its HomeGuard™ function also offers security capabilities. When set to survey a pre-selected location within the home, it will snap and send five photos of the preset area to the owner’s smartphone when motion is detected. This function gives users a peace of mind when they are away from home to keep an eye on pets or elderly folks.

After being in Motion Detection mode for five hours and thirty minutes, the HOM-BOT Turbo+ will return to its charging station and once fully charged, it will go back to its preset position.

Track its Cleaning Progress with HomeView™ and Cleaning Diary

The HomeView™ feature allows home owners to monitor the cleaning progress of the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ wherever they are. Boasting a wide-angle camera at the front, the robotic vacuum cleaner captures more details in a single frame for convenient real-time monitoring.

Simply launch the SmartThinQ mobile application (available on Android and iOS) and activate the HOM-BOT Turbo+ to start its cleaning schedule at the pre-selected locations. The joystick on the application allows users to control and direct the vacuum cleaner. Users can also have a direct view of what the camera is capturing on their smartphone screens and allow them to have better control over the cleaning process to ensure the house is spick and span.

The Cleaning Diary function allows users to review where the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ has been cleaning via a playback feature. With this feature, users can check the vacuum’s cleaning route with their smartphones to ensure a thorough clean at home. They can also schedule a timing for the HOM-BOT Turbo+ to start cleaning or change the preselected locations as preferred.

Efficiency is a Hallmark

With the following features, the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ increases user convenience while maximising cleaning efficiency.

Triple Eye:

The vacuum cleaner is fitted with three cameras, with the front camera activated as a security camera. The upper camera creates a map of the house by calculating the intensity of light while vacuuming. The lower camera reads the floor pattern and measures distance and slight changes to the floor to smartly clean darker areas such as under the sofa or bed.

Digital Bumper and Smart Exit:

The Digital Bumper feature combines multiple ultrasonic sensors to recognize obstacles in the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+’s proximity and it minimises collisions with all sorts of objects; even transparent objects such as glass. When faced with challenges, the Smart Exit function enables the unit to take various actions such as weaving its way out of tight spaces, backing out from bumps, and detecting ledges to prevent falling or getting stuck on door frames.

Easy Out Dust Bin:

Unlike vacuum cleaners with slide-out dust bins, the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ has a lift-from-the-top dust bin that minimises residual dust around the bin slot. Retrieval of the dust bin can be done in one easy push to unlock and lift.

Mapping Resume Function:

If cleaning is interrupted, the LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ will remember where it left off from and return to its last position to continue cleaning, avoiding repetition in the cleaning process.

Smart Inverter Motor™:

Both powerful and durable, the Smart Inverter motor is backed by a 10-year warranty, offering owners maximum performance with high efficiency and durability.

The LG HOM-BOT Turbo+ retails for SGD$1,599 and it will be available at all LG authorised retailers from end March onwards.

Are you ready for a more convenient and hassle free lifestyle? Share with us your thoughts and comments about the LG HOM-BOT Turbot+ below!

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Dell XPS 13 Laptop Review

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I am currently using a HP Envy Laptop for all my computing needs since 2013 and it has served me pretty well after more than 4 years. Although my current laptop is still functioning pretty well, I have noticed its performance starting to dwindle because of the wear and tear damages it has sustained over the years.
Therefore, I have been looking out for a highly portable and powerful laptop that I can travel with for work purposes and I must say, it hasn’t been an easy journey finding a suitable laptop that caters to my need.

Recently, I received a Dell XPS 13 laptop for a review and it came pretty timely since I was procuring a laptop for myself at the same time. Hence, in this review of the Dell XPS 13 laptop, I will be basing it on 4 qualities that I am looking out for in a laptop; portability, functionality, durability, and price.

Portability

Given my nomadic lifestyle, portability is the key factor for me when I purchase a laptop and if a laptop is too bulky and heavy, it is definitely not something that I will consider buying.

The Dell XPS 13 measures 304mm by 200mm and its dimension is almost comparable to that of an A4 paper; hence, making it very handy to carry in a sleeve or folder. It weighs about 1.3kg, slightly lesser than the weight of a 1.5L bottle of water and hence makes it easy to carry around.

Fully-loaded for enhanced performance

Functionality

The Dell XPS 13 is powered by the new 7th Intel ® Core ™ i7 Processor that offers more power and better battery life. With the ability to boot and resume in seconds, the Dell XPS 13 allows me to gain fast access to the desktop and I could almost instantaneously get down to work. On a single charge, the Dell XPS 13 can last up to 13 hours if I were to stream videos or browse the internet.

Speaking about internet browsing, the Killer 1535 Wireless-AC adapter onboard the Dell XPS 13 provides a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection as it was designed specifically to make online videos, voice and games play faster and smoother. It automatically detects, classifies and prioritises network traffic ensuring that the most important data takes priority over other less urgent applications. As critical packets are delivered immediately, it eliminates unnecessary latency and lag.

While squeezing a 13-inch display into an 11-inch frame is not an ordinary feat, I am not sure if it is something that I would appreciate about the stunning, state-of-the-art-display (with the UltraSharp QHD+) that offers an ultimate viewing experience.

Stunning state-of-the-art display

Having said that, one particular feature of the Dell XPS 13 that I do appreciate is the standard backlit keyboard that illuminates the keyboard keys so that I can continue to be productive under low-light or no-light conditions.

Overall, in term of its functionality; I will say that the Dell XPS 13 is more than able to meet my need to work remotely.

Durability

I honestly have no idea how durable the Dell XPS 13 is going to be because only time can tell but it is artfully constructed from premium materials. Cut with precision from a single block of aluminium for a sturdy, durable chassis; the Dell XPS 13’s Corning® Gorilla® Glass NBT™ touch display option is also up to 10 times more scratch resistant than soda lime glass.

Price

With a starting price from SGD$1899, the Dell XPS 13 is priced on the high side and it may even come across as being overpriced. Therefore, convincing me to buy the Dell XPS 13 will take a whole lot of effort.

To buy or not to buy?

Well, I personally think there might be better deals out there but the Dell XPS 13 is definitely on my consideration list.

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How to Have a Successful Video Meeting from Home

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How you handle and manage the tools offered by video conferencing services says a lot about you and your professionalism. This not only includes your technical capabilities, but your social skills as well, especially if you are going to attend or host a meeting from your home. Your behavior and bearing during the audio visual meeting has a large impact on your reputation and more; and the business implications are also real.
Image Credit: Blue Jeans

This is the main reason organisations of various sizes are using online meeting services more often than not. A GIGAOM research indicates that 87 percent of remote users feel that video conferencing offers them a more connect option. Other research reports show that there has been a dramatic rise in the use of mobile and desktop visual collaboration tools in all types of companies. In fact, 44 percent say they use the technology while another 42 percent are already planning to deploy the same in the short term.

With all these in mind, it is time you bring your best game to your online meeting experience. Everyone could use a brush up on how to make their online interactions that much better. As you host a virtual global meeting at home from your laptop or smartphone, here are four things you should do to improve your videoconferencing skills.

Improve Visuals and Audio

If you are not communicating from your office, you have to carefully consider your surroundings and appearance on camera, explains an Entrepreneur article. This also goes for participants and presenters. Your location should not have a busy and clattered background; this includes windows that are likely to distract your viewers. A good starting point is to hang your company’s logo behind your home desk so no matter the type of online conferencing technology you are using, you have a professional setting close by.

Image Credit: Tse-The Strauss Group

You should also ensure that your room has adequate lighting so your online participants can clearly see your face without glare or shadows. Position audio and visual tools in such a way that they are still focused on you even as you move – something you can easily achieve with top quality equipment, harder with client- or web-based software systems.

Choose clothes that make you look good on camera. Avoid busy patterns like checkered shirts that are likely to be dizzying – also avoid accessories that are distracting. In terms of sound, ensure your microphone captures your voice in such a way that it is neither too loud nor too soft. If you cannot control the background noise, use the mute button. Remember to switch off all your audio and video functions so that your confidential information is not overheard or seen.

Maintain Business Etiquette

Virtual meetings, like real-life ones, require different formality levels. Like other business oriented meetings, the same rules apply when attending virtual ones. For example, if you are on a video call with one of your team members, you may spend some time joking around for a couple of minutes before the meeting starts. However, if attending to a meet with several people, especially those you do not know that well, the tone of your call will reflect that, requiring more focus and less joking.

Image Credit: Tech Rail

Follow a set of protocols can help make your meetings, even from home, more effective, efficient and enjoyable. For situations with a larger audience, you could possibly have a moderator to handle the questions.

Know Your Conferencing Tool

Just about everyone today has had some sort of experience with video. However, a casual familiarity does not mean that you will get a smooth experience. This is especially true when some business stakes are involved. As a meeting participant or presenter, make sure that you understand your hardware, software and connectivity options you have. Ideally, this check should be done before the conference commences since glitches do occur even with the best systems and to the most experienced professionals.

Be Engaging

To make your presentations from home memorable, ensure that you are speaking with (and not lecturing) the audience. If possible, steer clear of reading your PowerPoint presentations in a single tone voice. Ask your audience questions to make sure they are engage and always address them by name. Use built-in functions like white boards and chat rooms to keep every participant involved through multiple media. In addition, avoid the “talking head,” and put effort in your visuals; show videos, graphs and images that are related to what you are discussing. Do not be afraid of sharing your five-minutes of fame with other team members.

Image Credit: Vera View

Most videoconferencing participants tend to sit back in a passive manner, but they could be missing a really good opportunity to shine. Use audio or chat, take part in polls, offer related resources and, as much as possible, be an alert home-based participant, just as you would be if you were onsite.

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igloohome, Affordable Smart Home Lock Designed In Singapore

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When we first shifted to our new home last December, we really wanted to get a smart digital home lock because we had a pleasant first-hand user experience during our stay in Taiwan many years ago and we found it pretty convenient and hassle free.
However, because our renovation costs were too pricey and popular digital home lock brands like Yale and Samsung were somewhat expensive; we had to give up the idea and relied on manual home locks (which honestly isn’t that bad either).

Fast forward 10 months later, we have just installed our very own smart digital home lock by igloohome and it now makes thing so much more convenient for us!

Smart Digital Home Lock by igloohome//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js
The best part?

The price is super affordable at SGD$288 (current promotion) and it comes with free installation!

What makes the smart digital home lock by igloohome different from other brands is the fact that we could use our mobile phones to gain access via bluetooth and it is unlike some other smart digital home locks which requires the use of a hub that is connected to the home wifi network. There’s also no need for RFID cards or tokens and what this means is that the smart digital home lock by igloohome can work offline on its own.

One of the most useful feature of igloohome’s smart digital home lock is the fact that we could assign a one-time password (OTP) for couriers, part-time maids, and other service providers to gain access to our home without having to be physically present; and this OTP works pretty much the same way like the iBanking tokens people used to perform online transactions.

As errands-runners / personal concierge service-providers ourselves, we find that such a smart digital home lock is especially helpful and useful for homeowners because they can issue a password with a set duration for us to access their homes to perform simple errands like stocking up on their groceries, pet-sitting, delivery and cleaning services. The passwords that are issued can also be set to ‘one time usage only’. This is an advantage because there is no need to duplicate any spare keys and homeowners do not have to worry about service providers losing the keys or tokens (RFID Cards).

If you still feel somewhat insecure about letting people into your home without being physically around, we would personally recommend that you also install a home security camera system to monitor any movement at home. This might just give you a peace of mind and it adds an additional layer of security.

Can the smart digital home lock fail to provide homeowners the security they need?

It may be possible but the chances of it happening is slim because there are security measures in place to prevent brute-force hacking (there’s also a decoy pin feature that allows you to key in some fake numbers followed by your real password). If you lose your phone, the administrator over at igloohome can deactivate your igloohome account and delete it so that people will not be able to use it.

Planning to get the smart digital home lock by igloohome?

You can do so via this link.

As mentioned, the usual retail price for the lock is SGD$399 (without installation) but from now till 30 November 2016, you can get the smart digital home lock for just SGDS$288 and it comes with free installation.

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[2016 Tech Review]- ASUS ZenWatch 2

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It’s been two weeks since our last update and there just isn’t enough time to do everything that is written on my to-do list. Nevertheless, I guess it is about time for a blog update and in this post, I will be sharing about the ASUS ZenWatch 2 that I recently had the opportunity to review.
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 Charging Via A USB Cable.

Design

In terms of design, it looks pretty sophisticated and although I have to admit that I don’t quite fancy square watches, the ZenWatch 2 is an exception. Paired with an elegant strap, the ZenWatch 2 can definitely be a good-looking watch for just about any occasions; formal or informal. Available in 2 different sizes, 1.63″ for the gentlemen and 1.45″ for the ladies, the ZenWatch 2 fits perfectly on the wrist. (Pardon my hairy hands)

Specifications

The ASUS ZenWatch 2 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 at 1.2GHz with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. It also has a 6-axis gyrometer and accelerometer and is powered with a 400mAh battery. Weighing just 60g, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is lightweight and isn’t too bulky to carry around. The ASUS ZenWatch 2 also has a built in microphone, Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi capabilities. With an IP67 rating, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is not to be used when in the showers or when going for a swim.

Functionality

Although the ASUS ZenWatch 2 works well with Android smartphones, it is compatible with the Apple iPhone too. Functioning like how most smart wearables should, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a great personal assistant that can help with reminders, navigation, and even translation. However, as with almost all smart wearables (with the exception of the Pebble Smartwatch); the battery life of the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is not long-lasting and dies out by the 2nd day of usage. If you are a fitness buff and you are looking for a wearable that can keep track of your activities and monitor your heart rate, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is definitely not the smartwatch for you. You will be better off getting a fitness band instead.

Back View of the ASUS ZenWatch 2

Price

Retailing for SGD$229, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is one of the most affordable smartwatches that are available on the market. Although it may lack a couple of features that are available on the more premium range of smartwatches, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is still quite a worthy buy.

As for me, I probably would not consider buying the ASUS ZenWatch 2 (not that it is not good) but rather, I would personally prefer a round watch that is durable and long-lasting. Being the kind of careless and rough guy that I am, Casio’s G-Shock Mudmaster would be pretty suitable for me since it is the epitome of durability and strength.

Do you know of any other outdoorsy watch that is durable but yet trendy? If you have any suggestions for outdoor watches, do feel free to comment below.

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Talon AD7200, The World’s Fastest Router By TP-LINK

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I’m pretty sure TP-LINK is a very familiar and common name when we talk about routers and what is pretty interesting to note is that the company has recently unveiled and launched their most competitive product yet; the Talon AD7200 (also known as the world’s fastest router for now).

When I was at the opening of TP-LINK’s showroom and service centre in Aperia Mall at Kallang Avenue, I was very lucky to receive the Talon AD7200 and when I got home, I just couldn’t wait to get it all set up.

Setting up the “Stonehenge” was a breeze and I give the router such a name/title because of the unique way its 7 antennas are being arranged. As the world’s first 802.11 ad router, the Talon AD7200 router adds another band of spectrum in the 57–66GHz range to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands that AC routers currently use.

What this essentially means is that the Talon AD7200 is able to offer data speeds that are 10 times faster than an 802.11ac router. For example, users will be able to download 1000 photos in less than 10 seconds and a HD movie in less than 14 seconds. Gamers will experience less game lag and avid Netflix watchers like us will no longer have to wait for shows to load.

What’s more, the router is able to support simultaneous connections by the whole family without interference. Whether you’re gaming on your computer, streaming multimedia content on your Smart TV, or browsing the Internet on your mobile phone or tablet all at the same time; the Talon AD7200 is able to support all these simultaneous tasks at one go without affecting your connection to the Internet.

One thing I really like about the Talon AD7200 router is the fact that it comes with 2 USB 3.0 ports and what this means for me is that I can attach a USB hard-drive or thumb-drive and upload or download files no matter where I may be. Hence, when I am travelling overseas and have limited storage on my mobile devices, I can upload the files over the Internet and have them saved onto my hard-drive at home.

If you would like to get the Talon AD7200, it is available at all major retail outlets like Challenger and Courts for the price of SGD$499 and if you like, you can also see and touch the Talon AD7200 or any other TP-LINK’s products at TP-LINK’s showroom and service centre!

For more information about the Talon AD7200, you can check out TP-LINK’s website here!

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TP-LINK Neffos C5 Smartphone Review 2016

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One month ago, TP-LINK, the largest global provider of Wi-Fi networking products, ventured into the smartphones market with their latest product offering, the Neffos smartphone.

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The Neffos smartphone feature large storage space, high running speeds, smart multithreaded programme, and powerful cameras. The Neffos series also shows the beauty of simplicity with its industrial design, with an emphasis on the material’s original colour and texture by incorporating polycarbonate composites.

Available in two variants; the Neffos C5 and the Neffos C5L, we had the opportunity to review the Neffos C5 smartphone and here’s what we think of the phone:

Design

The Neffos C5 sports a 5-inch screen and it has a pretty stylish design and display. It weighs only 141g (about 6 tablespoons of flour) and is easy to carry around. However, the Neffos C5 does feel very plasticky and cheap (which is a fact).

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User Experience

The user interface is very fluid and responsive. Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Neffos C5 smartphone is equipped with a 2GB RAM and is powered by a quad-core processor (1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735). With a phone storage of 16GB, the storage space can be further expanded up to 32GB with a microSD card. In case you’re wondering, the Neffos C5 has dual-sim capability and that makes it a handy phone to carry two separate lines.

Although the phone comes with an 8-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera; don’t expect too much from it as they are just suitable for taking basic photo and video footages.

Overall

The Neffos C5 is a very basic smartphone and it is intended to complement users’ existing handsets. It is not meant to replace your mainstream smartphones ultimately so don’t ditch your Apple iPhone or Samsung Note just yet.

When I say that the Neffos C5 is cheap, it is really cheap. For just one unit, the Neffos C5 cost just SGD$199 and what I particularly like about the Neffos C5 is the fact that I can use it as my spare phone exclusively for work and other non-personal matters. Since I’m using an Apple iPhone, the Neffos C5 is my gateway to the Google Play Store. What’s more, I can stream content on the Neffos C5 and beam what’s on my phone to my Xiaomi TV for maximum viewing pleasure.

I would say, if you are looking for a spare phone that has decent capabilities, this is just the right phone for you.

Conclusion

The Neffos C5 is available in either dark grey or pearl white and if you are keen to get the Neffos C5 smartphone, you can get it from Lazada Singapore. The other Neffos variant, the Neffos C5L is retailing for SGD$129 and both Neffos variants comes with 1-year local warranty.

For more information about TP-LINK’s Neffos smartphones, you can check it out at Neffos Official Website.

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Third Party Laptop Adapter/Charger- Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W Review

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I recently received a Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W for a review and I have to admit that though a laptop adapter is something that people hardly get excited about, it is still an essential item that one have to carry around in order to power up the laptop.

Since I have misplaced the adapter of my ASUS Zenbook UX 303, the Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W came in at the right time because the last time I checked, a brand new ASUS Adapter will cost me SGD$89 and that is quite expensive. In case you’re wondering, the Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W cost about SGD$33 and that is two and a half times cheaper than getting a brand new ASUS Adapter.

The Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W operates at a single, fixed voltage of 19V and the manual claims compatibility with laptop models from Acer, Asus, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hitachi, HP, Lenovo, NEC, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Viewsonic. Ten different plugs are provided, along with a table suggesting which plug may suit the make of your laptop but do take note that there is a possibility that all ten plugs may not fit your laptop.

To be honest, I do have some concerns about whether my ASUS Ultrabook is going to be compatible with the Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W and my doubts were confirmed when none of the plugs fit my laptop and I had to wait for the manufacturer to issue me with two other plugs; of which one out of the two finally managed to charge my laptop.

I was really glad that the Huntkey Adapter ES 65 W finally worked on my laptop but if you were to ask me, I will generally not recommend you to buy any third party laptop adapter/charger off the internet because the possibility of it not being compatible with your laptop is real and it will be a major hassle to return and seek for a refund.

The best way to shop for a third party laptop adapter/charger is to head down to the retail shop itself with your laptop and then test it on the spot. Should the adapter go quirky a few days after the purchase, you can still return the adapter to the shop and exchange for another one.

In case you’re wondering, retail shops at Sim Lim Square and Funan DigitalLife Mall will be your best bet to get a third party laptop charger/adapter. 

Then again, if you’re more careful and not so careless, you probably would not lose your laptop adapter/charger like the way I did and save all these hassle of getting a third party laptop charger/adapter.

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It’s Been Two Months..!

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Wow, time really flies and it has already been 2 months since I last blogged. For a start, I will like to thank all visitors and readers for your continuous support because even though I haven’t been sharing much, our page views have not been adversely affected and we still get emails and questions from time to time. This blog post will be very much a rojak piece as I have a flurry of thoughts going through in my mind right now and I don’t exactly know how to organise them.
On Car Ownership…

I scrapped my car before Chinese New Year this year and as much as I couldn’t bear to see my car being scrapped, I had no other options since my COE was due to expire. Car ownership in Singapore is expensive and as long as you want to have a vehicle on Singapore roads, you have to be prepared to pay a high price for it. So far, public transport has been a viable option for me and with a monthly fixed price of SGD$120, I could enjoy unlimited rides on the buses and trains. However, travelling via the public transportation has its own set of problems as well and I don’t have to elaborate on that.

Feel so lost without you my friend. Hope you’re at a better place now!

A photo posted by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo (@awinsomelife) on

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I have contemplated getting a motorcycle to travel around but I honestly don’t have the confidence that I will be able to ride safely after seeing multiple videos of how drivers and riders operate their vehicles in Singapore. Then again, it is an option that I still keep with an open mind.

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Another interesting option to get around is cycling and I have tried to cycle from Dairy Farm (my workplace) all the way to Punggol (where I currently stay). I have to say, it was indeed a fun but tiring way to get around and will I ever do it again? Yes, I will! With NParks, LTA, and URA working on improving accessibility, I am looking forward to more cycling tracks and park connectors to get around.

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On Mobile Data…

MyRepublic looks set to be Singapore’s 4th telco and consumers like myself certainly welcome their entry to this oligopoly that is currently dominated by SingTel, M1, and StarHub. Back then, StarHub Mobile was a game changer when it introduced free incoming calls but now, MyRepublic is going to be the next game changer with unlimited data plans and I foresee it will become Singapore’s fastest growing telco if the other telcos still decide to have a data cap on all their mobile plans.

On a more serious note, I was very angry when I recontracted my StarHub mobile plan on 6 March 2016 because on 10 March 2016, StarHub announced their latest 3GB for SGD$3 promotion and it was applicable only to new lines and recontract lines from 10 March 2016 onwards. Had I known that the promotion will be rolled out on 10 March 2016, I would have chose to recontract my line later so that I can be eligible for the promotion. Now, I can’t wait for my contract with StarHub to expire so that I can make the switch over to MyRepublic… all thanks to StarHub’s unethical business and marketing promotion.

On The Outdoors…

Some of you might have noticed that my focus right now is very much based on the outdoors and it will be the direction that I will be heading towards in the next 2-3 years. This will also mean more sharing about the outdoors and some pretty personal reflections. Sponsors in the sports, adventure and outdoors arena are welcome and I am open to reviewing apparels, equipment, and footwear. Companies who have upcoming events in these fields are also welcome to email me for event listings.

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On Upcoming Events…

Mizuno Ekiden is back in Singapore after its successful inauguration in 2015 and for its second edition that will be taking place at The Promontory @ Marina Bay on 16 July, the race will take place in the evening!

I would say, the decision to hold the race in the evening is a welcomed one because previously when the race was held in the morning, the weather turned extremely hotter towards the early afternoon and it was very challenging to run.

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In Japanese terms, Ekiden refers to a relay-styled long distance running and the Mizuno Ekiden 2016 strives to instill and portray remarkable Japanese values such as individual perseverance, teamwork and the ability to showcase a high level of performance in intense and challenging situations.

Runners will participate in teams of four where the first runners of each team will start at The Promontory @ Marina Bay while donning a traditional tasuki sash. Upon completing his or her leg of the relay race, the sash will be passed to the second runner who will be waiting at the transition area. This process will continue until the sash is donned by the fourth runner, who will finish the race and join the rest of his or her team members at the finish line.

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While waiting for the final runner to cross the finish line, the rest of the team members can enjoy a spread of Japanese gourmet such as ramen and desserts at the Matsuri Race Village. Matsuri refers to a festival or a holiday in the Japanese context.

#SoupStockTokyo setting up shop at #mizunoekidensg race village. Yum yum! The Hokkaido Crab Bisque is really good!

A photo posted by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo (@awinsomelife) on

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Ultimately, the entire Mizuno Ekiden 2016 experience will provide a holistic Japanese experience for all.

Runners can register in teams of four across three categories; the Open Category (42.195km), the Open Category (21.1km) and the Corporate category (21.1km).

You can find more information about Mizuno Ekiden 2016 by visiting http://www.mizuno.asia/ekiden or https://www.facebook.com/MizunoEkiden.

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