My Sphere!

I have moved!!

2009-10-01T21:48:00.000+05:30

I have migrated to Wordpress from Blogger. Henceforth, all my future postings will be on Wordpress
Heres the link : My Sphere on Wordpress

Time For a New Car?

2009-09-28T19:49:00.001+05:30

Using MG Maps On Nokia 5800

2009-09-27T16:22:00.006+05:30

Last time I wrote about Mobile GMaps, I promised to write a tutorial. But, haven't got the time yet. So, here I'll be posting some of the links that helped get me started. Hope it works for you too.

There are somethings that are different. I'll point that out later.

Link 1: http://gmaps.freewebspace.com/

Though the site provides further links about the things you'll need to download, I am providing the latest ones here again,

Link 2: MGMaps:http://www.mgmaps.com/download.php
Be sure select the latest available stable version and 'generic' platform. Detailed instructions are available on the download page.

Link 3: Map Builder*: http://www.mgmaps.com/cache/

*You'll need this to download your map data/tiles and is an alternative to the active pearl script, so you can safely omit the steps which mentions active pearl script and the likes.

Download and install the gMap Maker vXX.XX (xx- version)
You can just run the program and download the required area by filling in the left top and bottom right co-ordinates. These co-ordinates can be obtained from here.

Regarding the settings, try the hash and tiles per file youself by trial and error, as to what works best for you.

1. Specify the location where to save the map files on your comp.

2. Specify the co-ordinates of the area to be downloaded.
3. Select the zoom level. Following data might be helpful (Only for Yahoo India Maps),

Actual elevation   Zoom
    100m               16     << If you want the max possible zoom in>>
    200m               15
    300m               14
    500m               13
      1km               12
      2km               11     << Ideal for highway navigation>>
      5km               10
    10km                 9
    20km                 8
    30km                 7
100km                 6
200km                 5

4. Specify the map type, choose Yahoo India Maps
5. Select "download tiles using entered area"
6. Use the hash and tiles per file as it is or you can tweak and see as to what works best with you.
NOTE: I personally use the 32 tiles per file setting as it greatly reduces the number of files.
7. Hit go to start downloading.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT:

1. Though higher zoom level might look good bear in mind. higher the zoom level, larger the files, longer it will take to download and transfer to your phone.
2. Be sure to copy the cache.conf to your cell's M GMap directory. Else it won't work.
3. In some cases, the tiles might start to show up in the Gallery with other pictures. To avoid this, while your cell is connected in the mass transfer mode, just "hide" the MgMaps directory ON your cell. Tiles will still be available to MgMaps but won't appear in the gallery.

Rest of the steps are quite the same as mentioned under Link 1, provided above. If you any further clarification/help, feel free to post it under comments.

In the next post, I'll explain how to "track" you phone on the net, while its on the move. Eg- Showing off your friends your current location and the best part, your friends don't need to register anywhere.

Cya till then!!

Nokia 5800
Using GPS on 5800
Mobile GMaps

Blast From The Past!!

2009-09-27T12:51:00.002+05:30

There was a time when a dude wrote about his college life in plain simple text and it beame a bestseller. Well, inspired from the man, I started penning down my own journey thinking 20 years later, it would sure make a fun read.

Me and My Misadventures with Life

Dil Bole Hadippa? Rather mildly!!

2009-09-27T02:09:00.002+05:30

Latest from Yash Raj, touted as Rani's comeback venture, is a family watch with liberal dose of cricket in the backdrop. And as is the thing with most of its movies, rural punjab is the setting.

Rani plays a small town girl who dreams to make it big in the world of cricket.

Shahid is a superstar already, playing county cricket in Uk while Papa Kher, plays friendship matches with a friend across the border. The whole india-pak friendship theme gets to you at times. Too much of a drama.

Too many loses sees papa calling his son to help. Son comes and starts building a team. Rani sneaks in as a male player. What follows is simply put, fun. Don't try to reason or find logic and you'll be fine.

Acting wise all are good. Rani has overacted at places but all in all, a good show.
Special mention of the cricketing scenes here, Rani has pulled them off quite nicely. Doesn't look bad at all.

Worth 2.5/5

Passport In Time Saves Mine!!

2009-09-27T00:39:00.003+05:30

I am supposed to join this IT firm next month and as per their instructions I need to have a valid passport when I join. While I had this info since feb last year, I couldn't put my act together and apply for one until last month. Thats what you call an engineer's dedication.

Actually thats the kind of dedication an average college goer has.
take it easy man
just chill
whats the rush
its just march dude
ooh we still have 6 days left
etc
etc
These aren't just part of daily lingo, they are very much integrated into our lives as well. A life which seems perfect untill you step out of your bubble, college, but thats fodder for a later post at a later time.

Anyways, so finally, after taking more than a year, I decide to apply for a fresh passport. Surf the web, find the relevant info, download the form, documents required etc and BOOM!!!

It hits me!!
I need a PAN card too!!

Back to net and the same exercise.

AUG 2009, 1st week.
Lemme get over and done with the PAN card first, then will apply for passport.
Submitted the form. For once, didn't delay it ;D

3rd Week
PAN card arrives.

4th week
I am ready with all the documents to be submitted with the passport application form.

SEP 2009, 1st week
No activity. Seems like I forgot!!

2nd week
Minor jolt by a bat on the head courtesy mom puts things in perspective. 4 weeks left until the joining and it takes upto a week even under tatkaal scheme. What if they mess up something? Need time to apply for correction.

3rd week
Will wake up early tomorrow and get there fast. So that I get a "token" soon after the window opens.

4th week
Tomorrow comes in the 4th week after another minor jolt. Reach the passport office around 7.30am. People are already there, but thankfully not too many. After 4 hours, around 11am, the documents are submitted.

Now, I am waiting for it to arrive and the police verification. I have immense trust on our Police and I believe they will give me another blog post soon!!

Waynt - it ??

2009-09-26T12:15:00.000+05:30

Its actually about the movie Wanted.

Though, I don't know what to write about it, still giving it a shot.
This was one movie I decided to watch based purely on the reviews I read. TOI gave it 4 stars. Impressive.

Its directed by the southie Prabhudeva, its evident in almost every scene. He brings with him all his "spices" that make a superhit movie, albeit down south. So, typically, you have all the circus with guns. Stupid stupid dialouges. Hideous gangsters, dumb lead lady(obviously, she has nothing to add other than being an eye candy), hero or rather super-hero, and yes the most important of all, rape. I seriously hope Prab..whatever.. sticks to his dance. Hes better of on-screen than off, atleast, in bollywood, actually only in cameos.

There is no story, if you want to know. A hitman killling goons for money, and romancing the girl in between. Towards the end there is a "twist", if it can be called that. I confess, I hadn't seen that coming but frankly, I dont care!! The movie is such a stinging pile of horse shit, you couldn't care less. You just want it to get over!!

Performances, aaah!! Salman Khan, as usual, plays Salman Khan, far from believable. Ayesha, playing a dumb girl, doesn't have to try hard. The villians, please, I'll throw up.

This is one movie I wouldn't want you to watch. Take a pill, sleep. That'll be time better spent.

23 days to D-day

2009-09-25T00:31:00.001+05:30

23 days to go. Not much when i look up the to do list! But, am not too worried, i know i'll manage just fine :D
Only thing that worries me is the c, c++ stuff. Though, am somewhat familiar to foxpro but am not sure how much that'll help! Anyways. Hoping to start seriously from this week on. As eminem says, "You want it, you better never let it go, you only get one shot, do not miss a chance to blow, opportunity comes once in a lifetime."

Top Gear Special - Race To The Pole

2009-09-22T02:28:00.001+05:30

One from my favourite show, amazing stuff..

GPS: Nokia Maps

2009-09-04T01:33:00.001+05:30

Its great!!
All you need to do is download the two softwares

1.Map Loader
2.Map Updater

You can download both from the Nokia site. Whats best is you can use the maps offline. No need for a data connection. Saves you money.

The Maps can be downloaded via Map Loader and downloaded to the cell while its connected to the pc in PC Suite mode. The negative is, it seems, it'll download the entire map of your choice AGAIN and will not just update. Means if you downloaded 65MB map a month back and now its 85MB, it'll download the entire 85MB again and not the 20MB.

India maps are detailed enoug, if you stick to the major cities and highways. It gets shady as soon as you go into J&K, Himachal, NE, basically off the main highways. For within cities, its adequate.

Has a search address feature too. Yet to use it so cant comment.
The voice guided navigation works like a charm(if you buy it) but is quite dumb, as expected.

More later . . .

An "Agyaat" Disaster!!

2009-09-04T01:22:00.001+05:30

This has got to be the most dreadfull flick ever in bollywood history. Well, it was kinda predictable, wasn't it? RGV at his best, what else do you expect.

To start off, its a rip-off of the hollywood flick PREDATOR starring Arnie. While the original worked great with the alien hunting down a military party in the middle of nowhere one by one, the desi version of it is, simply put, horrendous.

We have seen rip-offs in the past, but this takes the scales to newer unimaginable depths!! To start off, the technical expertise is just not there to pull off an alien on screen. Solution? RGV names the movie Agyaat and they dont have to show IT even for a second. Brilliant!! And by the way, the alien which can travel across galaxies is "scared" yes, scared of the water and cries in the rain. RGV and his creative brilliance!!

The cast is pathetic and more so their performances. God my head still aches.

I'm afraid that its not over yet. Before putting an end to it, RGV declares there will be a second part. Oh god!!

Trying to post from my cell

2009-08-24T16:57:00.001+05:30

Well, the title of the post says it all.

Using GPS - PART I

2009-08-19T20:40:00.000+05:30

Right, so you now have a GPS enbled cell and want to put it to good use.
There are 3 ways to go about it -

1. Pay up to companies like SatNav, Map My India etc. for the software and maps.
2. Use freeware tools like MGMaps, GMap Maker etc. to build and use your own maps.
3. Use Google Maps, Yahoo Maps and the likes.

But, every coin has two faces. If you choose to go with the first option, you'll be happy coz -
1. You don't have to do much. Everything is taken care of by them.
2. You'll get voice directions for each turn with real-time route correction incase you miss any.

You won't be too happy about-
1. The price.
2. You cannot copy the maps anywhere else. If you lose it or anything, you are in a soup.
3. Quality of maps. This is still a major gripe for many.

If you choose the second one, you'll be happy coz -
1. The economics of it work out great. You don't need to shell out a single penny!!
2. You can keep the maps you want on the phone, rest can be stored on your pc.
3. You can transfer and keep the maps wherever you want to.
4. You can have whichever map you want, even hybrids!!(Maps on satellite images)

But, you might be disappointed by -
1. No navigation support. There is a way however. Will explain that later BUT you'll still not get voice directions. And no real time route update if you miss a turn.
2. You need to work, for it to work.

The last option, I gotta say, is the easiest. Wish I could say the best too.
The Good parts -
1. Simple and easy to use.
2. Location searches
3. Route guidance

The bad points -
1. You'll need to connect to the internet every time you use the application.
2. Won't work unless there is network coverage.
3. Owing to the slow connecction speed, it can be a bit sluggish

This is exactly how I zeroed in on MGMaps. Suits all my requirements plus I don't mind not having the turn by turn navigation feature.

In the coming weeks I will write about -
- Using MGMaps on Nokia 5800
- How to download and store maps for viewing on your phone using GMap Maker
- How your friends can track you on the net(with your consent and permission, ofcourse)
- How you can generate a track of your trip for viewing later.

GPS on mobile
Using MGMaps
Use GPS

MOVIE: Kaminey [Hindi]

2009-08-19T00:59:00.003+05:30

Speak of the devil and . . .
I was talking of senseless flicks in my last movie related post and here is Kaminey!!

This has got to be the most painfull 2hrs of my life! Theres absolutely nothing that I want to talk about in this mindless contraption. If not anything else, it sure will give you a headache that will last for a day!!

Even a ten year old can handle the camera much more steadily than the cinematographer of this flick. If they did it on purpose, God!! don't they watch it atleast once?? Just to know what kinda hideous mess they have made??

As if the Topsy-turvy camera work isn't enough to make your head pain, there is the constant 10,000 W soundtrack. I bet ISRO launches its satellites rather quietly if compared to this loud circus!

Coming to the plot, well, theres not much. Twins paying the price for each other's mistakes! THATS IT. About the characters, some talk in Marathi, some in bengali and some even i african!! Performance wise.. does this really matter? When the flick is junk, how can you rate the performances? Everyone is a waste in this dud.

This is one khichdi you should not even try to taste! Even with a gun on your head!

My Rating?? I would take away atleast 500 pts from it. -500/5

Just a small observation - I am certain, had this script been handed over to Priyadarshan, we would have had possibly the finest comedy of the year. The plot and characters do present a lot of scope for good situational humor.

PHILIPS GoGear SA2825 User Review - II

2009-08-19T00:41:00.005+05:30

Some of the better pictures of the "tiny" player.

Philips GoGear
GoGear user review
GoGear Pictures

MOVIE: New York [Hindi]

2009-08-17T21:51:00.012+05:30

New York, hmm.. Bollywood sure is in love with this city, and country in general.

From the looks of it, you might find it modern and neatly, rather, stylishly packaged. It should be, considering the main target is the mall junta.

Coming to the movie, it starts off rather slowly and never really picks up. Its a story of three friends, the 9/11 accident and the shock waves left by it. The detention and humiliation faced by many innocent asians and muslims in particular. The matter is handed well and you often do feel sorry for the people involved.

Performance wise I would say Neil disappointed me this time. I had high hopes from him after Johnny. He just doesn't look convincing enough. Katrina's character could have been a whole lot better. She portrays the american-indian girl with ease but the problem is, she doesn't have much to do apart from looking good until the last few minutes of the movie. John, I believe, is the strongest of the three here. Very believable performance. Acting is all about making people believe, ain't it? Gotta say, hes getting better with each passing film. Irfaan bhaiya is as usual, crisp, with a hint of humor. Oh ya, and I reckon they picked up the firangi FBI chief randomly from the streets!! Ofcourse to afford John and Kat, you have to give, somewhere. All in all decent performances.

The movie does have its moments. But they are far and few. One particular scene where Kat is stopped by a patrol officer seems lifted directly from the Hollywood flick "Crash". But, thanks Kabir for not copying it to the T. Though inspired, it has been tweaked to suit the mood and flow of the movie.

Music wise, no track clings on to you for long. The score is strictly ordinary and often boring at places.

Mind you, this is not a thriller. So if you don't pin your hopes on the climax, you should be fine. In all sense, it seems they scouted for good locations, shot in bits and pieces, and when they were happy, just went out and shot the climax in 30 minutes flat. Trust me, it doesn't look like any thought has gone to it.

Its lame and stupid to say the least.

One more small little thing, I still can't understand why the li'l boy was called Daa-ni-yaal??
Wouldn't Daniel have be a saner choice??

But, whatever, won't recommend to NOT watch it. We have had much more senseless flicks than this one.

My personal rating? would give it a 2.7 out of 5.

New York
Hindi Movie
New York Review

Where am I headed?? - Figuring out a solution(GPS) - Things get a lot clear

2009-08-13T20:28:00.005+05:30

Continuing from my previous two posts, I shortlisted Asus P320, Nokia 5800 and HTC Touch 3G for the final battle. While I could check out the Nokia for some decent duration, the others either were demo pieces or not available altogether!!

For now, 5800 it seems is the only one capable of crossing the finish line unfazed!! The other 2 seem to be falling in pits from time to time!! Keeping my fingers crossed.

What A Relief!!

2009-08-06T00:20:00.003+05:30

It isn't exactly the first time I have been in this situation but I must confess, I have never been so relieved like I am right now. My result for the final semester has been declared and THANK GOD, I have passed!! Percentages don't matter at this point coz I needed to maintain atleast 60 to be able to join Infosys. Am in much safer territory now. This side of 65.

Phhhheeewwww!!!

Can't express enough how difficult it was getting with each passing day!!

Where am I headed?? - Figuring out a solution(GPS) - Things get a little clear

2009-07-31T21:27:00.005+05:30

Between the time of my previous post and this one, things have become a lot clearer.

Arjun saab(a friend) bought a new cell. One from the list I had posted earlier. Its called Nokia 5800 Xpress Music. It sure looks bulky but rest assured, it is NOT. I was actually pleasantly surprised by its weight. The dimensions are not quite size Zero in the world of mobiles but, doesn't look all that bad. Holding it in your hand you might even feel its quality to be a little flimsy!!

The interface is classic Nokia. Crisp and clear. No show offs!
Feels quite pleasant to work upon. Nokia has taken special care to ensure that the stylus stays in the covers!! All the buttons are pretty "thumb" friendly and on no occasions will you accidentally trigger open two applications at once, unless ofcourse your thumb is the size of a banana!!

Speacial mention to the GPS capability here, coz thats primarily what am looking for.
No idea what it comes bundled with and what it can do. Whatever it is, I am pretty damn sure its some x-months free subscription after which you'll need to pay for the service.

Like I meantioned in my previous post about MGMaps, I installed and ran it on the set. It worked flawlessly. Satellite locking time was less than 2 mins and it only struggles inside the house. In the open, no problems at all. The biggest advantage it its 3.2" screen. Runs quite well on its own so didn't quite try the A-GPS, which requires you to connect to the net via GPRS-EDGE etc.

NO mention of music quality simply because, it wasn't tested!!

OOh and before I forget, the negatives,
- Not a windows mobile, means you can't use it like one! Word, PP, Excel can be only be viewed and not edited(at the moment atleast, using Quick Office)
- Interface, though very friendly and all, seems a little ancient
- "Width", not quite pocket friendly

All in all, I would say, a pretty decent package. The final fight will be between the Nokia 5800 and HTC Touch 3G it seems!!

To be continued. . .

Technorati Tags: GPS,GPS Handsets

Where am I headed?? - Figuring out a solution(GPS)

2009-07-28T19:14:00.019+05:30

Yes, the GPS bug has finally bit me and I am in the hunt for a GPS device. Initially, I was considering standalone Bluetooth GPS sets, but for the sake of convenience I think I will go for a cellphone having Internal GPS antennas.

Ab aisa hai ki sabse bada toh paisa hai!!
Had to decide the budget first of all. THAT is the hardest part when you are out in the market looking for a cellphone. Theres always, ALWAYS a better model at just about 2-3k more!!!

Anyways, decided on about 15k.
The options in this range are very limited, In fact, just ONE, Asus P320. Nice Phone with all the features, fits my requirements and is friendly on the pocket too. BUT, very very boring to look at. You’ll hardly want to look at it past day one, atleast I wouldn’t. Then theres a thing called Google. You type something press enter and you are bombarded with information. And trust me, I couldn’t find one positive feedback for this phone. And that made me go 75% against it. Will still have a look and then decide finally.

Above 15k
Now this is where all the big boys are playing. HTC P3470, TOUCH 3G, P3300, NOKIA 5800 and so on, oh theres one more called ACER F900.

I am still in the deciding phase, so have to choose one over the other. Now usually its the positives that help you do so. But I have always been deciding based on the negatives, has served me well till now.

HTC P3470 - No WiFi, Hopelessly close to the Touch3G’s price, Too boxy, Looks like a brick with fancy stickers!!

HTC Touch 3G - Precariously close to the maximum I can shell out, whats worse is I WILL need a bigger SD card, (comes standard with a measly 1GB card, I guess), No front facing camera(Half baked 3G pie??)

HTC P3300 - Too old for the price and again, the better, faster Touch 3G is a stone’s throw away, would rather have that.

Nokia 5800 - Excellent phone, but not a Windows Mobile, seems bulky, AND I have no intentions of learning to play “musical instruments”!!

Acer F900 - aaah!! never mind, considered just for the heck of it! But gotta admit, looks cool!!

Next few weeks are gonna be tough!
To be continued. . . .

Just a small note before I sign off – If you guys have a GPS device and want a competent software to go with it, try MGMaps. Its FREE and you get to build your own maps depending on your requirements. Once I get mine, I’ll post a detailed how-to for the particular device. Anyways, Would love to hear your suggestions about which one should I go for? I am inclined towards the Touch 3G at this juncture. ;p

GPS,
GPS Handsets

DELL Studio 1555 User Review

2009-06-21T23:06:00.006+05:30

(Please bear with the image quality as all the pictures have been taken from a phone cam – SE W580i, to be precise)

Ok, so lets start with the numbers first,

Configuration

PROCESSOR - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2GHz/ 800 FSB/ 2MB Cache)
OS - Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 32 bit
RAM - 3 GB (1X2GB, 1X1GB) DDR2 SDRAM Memory
HD - 320GB SATA Hard Drive
OPTICAL DRIVE - Slot Load 8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability
GRAPHICS CARD - 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570
WIRELESS CARD - Intel® WiFi Link 5100 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card
BLUETOOTH MODULE - Dell™ Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
Integrated 2MP webcam with mic
FINISH – Midnight Blue with black U-trim
ETC
- Dell™ Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad
- Dell™ Laser Mouse
- 6 cell Li-I Battery
- Integrated Fast Ethernet 10/100/1000
- 34mm ExpressCard Slot
- Windows Live Software
- Noise Isolation Ear Buds – Creative™ EP-630

Deal

The base price was 42.9k INR. Add-ons were, Backlit keyboard and the ATI Redeon graphics card. If the payment is made by credit card, Dell offers a discount of 4% upfront. Apart from the discount another regular practice is to offer the Laser mouse as a complimentary gift.

In all, the laptop cost me about 48k INR, at my doorstep (New Delhi)

Delivery was prompt and within 7 days of placing the order.

Box contains

Studio 15
Noise Isolation Ear Buds – Creative EP630
Dell™ Laser Mouse
AC adapter and charger – 90W
Documents
- Important Information: Before using your Dell™ computer
- Setup Guide
- Dell™ Software license agreement
- Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Information
- Dell™ Laser mouse – functions, features and safety instructions
- Invoice for the purchase
DVDs
- OS – Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 32-bit (Eng)
- OS Interface pack – Hindi Pack for Windows Vista®
- Microsoft® Office Home & Student 2007 Microsoft® Works 9.0
- Drivers and Utilities
- Application – FastAccess Facial Recognition Software
- Application – Roxio Creator® DE 10.2
- Application – Cyberlink™ PowerDVD™
- Application – Dell™ Webcam central software

Initial Impressions

A lot depends on the colour you choose. While regular colours(like Black, Midnight Blue, etc.)might not look so special, some off-beat and uncommon colours(like spring green, orange) give it an eye catching appearance. The advantage with regular darker shades is, you can go on longer without needing to clean ‘em up. Also bear in mind, the colours other than black and blue will set you back by approx 800INR

The midnight blue colour looks good in the matt finish (personal choice). The chrome Dell logo shines in the middle giving it a sophisticated yet youthful appeal. Neither too subtle nor too loud is the message. U-trim colours were earlier provided as an option with the Graphite gray colour. That option, however, is no longer available and now they are standard black across all colours.

On the inside, keyboard is all black while the sides are finished in shiny silver. Just above the keyboard are the speakers. The touchpad is placed perfectly at the bottom between the areas where your palms rest. It is not exactly in the centre but is slightly left aligned.

On the whole, seems solid. Even while picking up, you won’t feel its flimsy. Haven’t actually measured it but, must weigh about 2.5 Kgs.

Ports

Left Side

The left features the following ports,

Security cable slot
HDMI connector
VGA connector
Network connector
eSATA connector
USB 2.0 connector
IEEE 1394 connector
Audio In/Microphone connector
Audio out/Headphone connector – 2

Right Side

The right side features the following ports,

Express card slot
8-in-1 Media card reader
- Cards supported -
  - SD
  - SDIO
  - MMC
  - Memory Stick
  - Memory Stick Pro
  - xD Picture (M&H)
  - Hi-Speed SD
  - Hi-Density SD
Optical drive (Slot Loading)
USB 2.0 connector
AC adapter connector
Power switch
Battery Status Light

The glowing blue LED on the charger/adaptor indicates the power supply is on. Prevents one from leaving the charger on accidentally after removing it from the laptop

Using the Laptop

This is my first Vista machine and I have mixed feelings about the OS. The most annoying thing is the User access control, that keeps popping up for almost everything and anything you do. Among the things that I liked is the new refreshed interface. A welcome change from that of the XP. I am just about an average user and not that much into the technical stuff.

While XP used to do the job for me, Vista not only does the job but also feels nicer to work on.

The most RAM intensive work I do is using the CAD softwares like AUTOCAD, Solid Works. And to my pleasure, both these work flawlessly even with some other programs running in the background. Credit goes to Core2Duo and RAM, I think.

The biggest complaint I have with this laptop is that there are no indication LEDs, neither for the processor or the HD activity. Also, theres no LED to show the status of caps lock, on or off! Pressing the key flashes a message on the bottom right corner of the screen, whether its on or off.

Office 2007 with it completely new interface feels fresh and takes a little getting used to. Once familiar with, its a breeze to work upon. One negative aspect is that the default file types are not backward compatible with Office’03 etc. Though, it provides you with an option to save in compatibility mode, I feel backward compatibility should have been present even for the default file types.

The keyboard feels nice to type upon. Not too loud clicks. There is some amount of flex around the centre of the keyboard. The backlit keyboard looks amazing and gives the laptop a whole new dimension, superficially only, ofcourse. See for yourself.

Touchpad is sensitive, but not very precise. Due to the built in scroll functionality around the edges, it does tend to act funny at times. One reason could be my relative inexperience of working with touchpads.

One thing I would strongly RECOMMEND to all prospective Dell customers is to format their systems as soon as the shipment arrives. Removes all the bloatware that Dell ships its systems with and thus makes them faster. I can vouch for the fact.

Studio is pitted as the cross between Inspirion and the XPS, so is expected to perform on the work as well as the multimedia front. The multimedia keys, on the earlier models, were dedicated, touch sensitive and placed on the left side just above the keyboard. On this model however, they have been integrated with the function keys. The eject button for the slot loading optical drive, however gets a dedicated key. One of the biggest flaws of this arrangement is that you can no longer use the keyboard shortcuts which employ the function keys. For example, you cannot use Alt+F4 to close down a program. You will need to press down, Fn+Alt+F4. The remedy as provided by Dell is to reverse the order of preference. That is, if the function keys are pressed directly, they would behave as normal function keys. If, used in combination with the Fn key they would behave as multimedia keys.

The dedicated eject button for the optical drive

F1+External display, F2+WiFi&Bluetooth F3+Battery meter

F4+Brightness decrease, F5+Brightness increase, F6+Keyboard backlight intensity

F7+Mute, F8+Volume Increase, F9+Volume decrease

F10+Previous, F11+Play/Pause, F12+Next

Being LED backlit, the screen is bright and crisp. Legible even under direct sunlight. You would enjoy the widescreen movies a lot on this machine. The two headphone jacks means you don’t have to share your earplugs with anyone anymore. The stock speakers of the laptop are just about average. They do the job, nothing less, nothing more.

A shot of the desktop(Clicked by phone cam)

Screenshot of the desktop

Gaming is also quite fun with the bundled graphics card. I have been playing Hitman Bloodmoney, Cricket’07, Brothers In Arms and The Godfather since the laptop arrived and am seeing things, I had never noticed on my earlier machine!! Amazing is the word, for the experience. I am not an avid gamer though. I feel with the RAM and dedicated graphics card, it can take on a decent amount of games, if not all.

The webcam is decent and produces good images if the subject is lit up well. Mics are quite sensitive and pick up the voice well. You don’t need to lean over them or anything.

Now(June’09 onwards) the Studio comes standard with 4GB RAM and the ATI graphics card. Even sweeter deal IMO. Great laptop at a decent price.

My overall experience has been good so far, will keep updating. Will upload more random shots of the machine in the coming weeks.

Technorati Tags: Dell,Studio,Dell Studio,Studio 15,Dell India,Studio Review,User review,Studio 15 pictures

PHILIPS GoGear SA2825 User Review

2009-06-21T15:31:00.003+05:30

(Please bear with the image quality as all the pictures have been taken from a phone cam – SE W580i, to be precise)

The GoGear(GG) range has been present in the market for a while now. The range offers music players with capacities starting from 1 GB. The website shows some newer better models but they are hard to find in the market. Anyways, coming to the product at hand, the specifications first.

Specifications

Picture/Display
- OLED Backlit screen with 4 lines of text
- Resolution: 128 x 64
Sound
- Channel separation: 35 dB
- Equalizer settings: Classic, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock and Custom
- Frequency response: 80 - 18 000 Hz
- Output Power: 2 x 3mW
- Signal to noise ratio: > 80 dB
- Sound Enhancement: FullSound
Audio Playback
- Supported formats: MP3, WAV, WMA
- ID3 Tag support: Song title, Artist, Album
- WMA bit rates: 5-320 kbps
- WMA sample rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.050, 32, 44.1, 48 kHz
Audio Capturing
- Audio file format: WAV
- Built-in microphone: mono
- Voice recording: ADPCM
- FM radio recording: ADPCM
Storage Media
- Built-in memory capacity and type: 2 GB NAND Flash
- Mass storage class compliant
- Music memory capacity, MP3: Up to 450 tracks
Tuner/Reception/Transmission
- Station presets: 20
- Tuner Bands: FM
Connectivity
- Headphone: 3.5 mm
- USB: USB 2.0
Convenience
- Firmware upgradeable
Function
- Keypad lock
- Battery low indication
- Volume control
- Superscroll
Accessories
- CD-ROM with IFU, Device Manager
- Headphones: AY3816
- Quick start guide
- USB cable: AY3930
- Neck strap
- Software
- Device manager: to restore and upgrade
Dimensions
- Product dimensions (WxDxH): 41 x 41 x 15 mm
- Product weight: 0.029 kg
Power
- Batteries included
- Upto 20 hours playtime on internal battery
- Rechargeable via USB
- Green Specifications

Looks and Style

The Unit is quite stylish with a full mirror finish face. At the top, it boldly proclaims PHILIPS. The OLED screen is concealed within the face quite beautifully. There is absolutely no way to tell the screen size unless the unit is turned on. It is quite slim and fits perfectly in your palm. The back is piano finished(black). Sides are silver matt finished which features the control buttons and keys.

Philips also provides a neckband so you can flaunt it around. The size, though relatively small, is not quite so if you want to hang it around your neck.

A small word of caution here, the entire unit is a scratch and fingerprint magnet. You would have to take utmost care so as not to let any scratches/marks ruin the surface.

Ports and Buttons

Top

On the top left side, there is the 3.5mm port for the earphones. Standard size means you can use earphones other than those bundled in the package.
Power key just alongside the 3.5 mm port. It powers on/off the unit as well as, is used as the “select” key while browsing through the menu.
Integrated with the power/select key is the back key.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bottom

Reset button, to reset the unit, incase you mess it up.
Just by the reset button, is the slider lock-unlock button.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Left

Record button, pressing it during normal playback switches to audio recording whereas, if the radio is on, it starts recording whatever is playing on the radio(FM recording)
Just below the REC button, theres the USB port, neatly concealed by a black plastic cover.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Right

Volume Keys. They are quite big and take up almost the entire right side. So you won’t be left hunting for them. Easy to operate and since the keys are chunky, even accidently you won’t press both of them together.
Mic – To record audio.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Face

The four navigation buttons are present on the screen itself.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interface

Its a breeze to operate right from the moment go, PROVIDED you know which button is where? Exactly, its not the function of the buttons that poses a problem, its their location. Like for example, it will take you a while before you figure out that the directional keys are located on the face itself and do not stand out. There are tiny arrows to mark their location.

Menu interface is very easy to navigate and is self explanatory. The menu structure is as below -

Music is from where you can access your songs. GG sorts the songs uploaded according to the title, artist or album info.

Radio is from where you turn the radio on/off. You can search for the stations manually or let GG do it automatically.

Recordings is from where you access your previously recorded files, FM recording or audio recordings.

Folder View lists out the folders present on the GG. It is identical to what you see on a pc when they are connected.

Settings is from where you can turn certain features on/off, or select an equalizer setting of your choice. Other options include, duration of backlight timer, the screensaver display– song title,blank screen etc.

Apart from the menu, there is a small battery indicator on the top right hand corner which displays the battery status.

Sound Quality

This is one of the strengths of the device, sound quality is very good. The bass is good and has depth. The mids and lows too are well produced. I felt it to be better than the comparable I-pod. At this price, the shuffle is its closest competitor. The only letdown is the bundled ear-piece. They ruin the show. Swap it for something better like the Creative EP630 and you have a winner on your hands. I have been using it for the past one month with my creative earpiece and have no complaints, well, actually there is ONE.

You cannot create playlists in this player. The only way out is to arrange your songs according to your liking and then playing them from the folder view. Thats the only way to playing a selected number of songs and not all.

The fullsound technology that Philips is promoting with all the fanfare, is not of much consequence. It reduces the bass to almost zero in every song. Better to configure the equalizer as per one’s own taste.

Even in the radio mode, the player does not disappoint. The reception is fairly good, even in a moving vehicle. So you can safely take it along for your jogging session. Plus it gives you the added advantage of FM recording.

Final Thoughts

I bought it for close to 2500INR. A decent package, I would say. Far better than what the competition has to offer. In a nutshell, my likes and dislikes for this player.

Likes

Good sound quality
Stylish and trendy
Easy to carry around
Custom mode equalizer
FM
FM recording
No software required to transfer songs from your pc. Once plugged in, acts as a normal thumb drive.
Songs can be copied off it to a different pc, unlike i-pods.
Good battery backup – lasts for 3-4 days on single charge and average playback time of 3-4 hrs a day.

Dislikes

Crappy bundled earphones
No playlists
No time/date functionality
Picks up scratches rather easily

All in all, a good buy. Will keep you happy if you don’t mind carrying a selected number of songs with you and not your entire library.

Technorati Tags: Philips,Go Gear,Mp3 player

Coming Soon

2009-05-14T22:50:00.001+05:30

Philips GoGear SA2825 user review

Dell Studio 1555 user review

I can’t catch up with life weekly!!!

2009-05-14T22:15:00.000+05:30

New Delhi

14-May-2009 10:11PM

As you might have already guessed by the activity on this blog that I just can not catch up with life one week at a time. I am hence, changing my blog title to something much more apt.

Henceforth, I’ll write about . . . heck. . . I don’t know. Keep visiting to know more.

Weeks 14 & 15

2008-08-30T22:35:00.003+05:30

New Delhi
30-Aug-2008 10:30PM

Oops, I did it again!!
Nah, am not trying to sing out a song, its just that I missed my weekly commitment again!!
I sure don't learn and sure can't keep my promises!
Anyways, the weeks that rushed by where pretty ordinary. College is as usual, fun most of the time but dull at some. Everything else is going fine except my secondary academics. Its ruined. And I feel, it would be wiser if I take a shot next year rather than this year.

One of my cousins got himself a Scorpio!! Man, the car just rocks!!
Its one helluva ride!! Drove it around for about 2-3 KMs (He was in a hurry :( to get to his office) and was already feeling like a King on the road! Tomorrow am gonna get a longer ride and hopefully will get enough of it!!

Oh yes, before I forget, finally, short-listed a project, A step-climbing wheel chair. Hope it turns out as exciting as it sounds! There are reservations about our ability to build a thing like that with the guidance and resources we have, but then, its never about knowing your strengths, its always about knowing how can you turn that weakness of yours into your strength.

Weeks 11, 12 & 13

2008-08-11T12:47:00.004+05:30

New Delhi
11-Aug-2008 12:45PM

Well, second time in a row. Missed out again, didn't update the blog for 3 straight weeks!! I wonder if i should change the blog title to “One Month At a time”!!

Anyways, the last three weeks were kinda busy. College re-opened, so with classes, friends and etc all day long, I was left with little or no energy to sit down and write about the week.

Finally found some time!!

About the secondary front, its falling in place slowly, just the last leg remaining and I need to work really hard in the month or so remaining. I will try to. But I am not sure, how much will I be able to stick to that resolution. Though, if I manage to, it’ll be like a dream from then on. So wish me luck!!!

From next week on, I will try to ensure I keep this blog updated. Week by Week.

One more thing, I have added a new column to the blog, "Movies I would recommend". These are the ones that I like particularly in my collection. I will update it from time to time.

Week 10

2008-07-21T00:09:00.003+05:30

New Delhi
20-July-2008 11:52PM

The past week was most productive for me of all the weeks that I have written about so far. I say so because I managed to get myself a new cell!!

The one that I was using till now, Nokia 6233, was merely 7 months old and in fact till the morning of 15th I had no plans as such to replace it. Because it was doing the job 'just' fine, just!!

The one before this was SE W550i, needless to say, the poor Nokia couldn't match the Walkman in terms of sound quality but where it did score was its expandable memory, a better camera, and its slim shape(by W550s standards it sure is a sleek set). But then I soon realised you can not have everything. I missed the thump and even the form factor. Though a bit bulky 550 sure had style, compared to the brick(not in terms of weight but in design) I was using !! But still I had not intended to change it within a year.

That day while surfing, I happened to read the review of W580i on Techtree, and almost instantly, I fell in love with it!!
It was so damn good to look at and wasn't short of any features either. Walkman, Expandable memory, EDGE, GPRS, Bluetooth, even a decent camera!!(You don't buy a Walkman for its camera. Do you? So it was kind of a cherry-on-top)
Perfect amalgamation of beauty with brains.

Off I went to the market to get the best price for my Nokia and W580. After visiting almost all the mobile retail stores in the area, I zeroed in on Hot Spot. Mind you, even at this point of time, I was hoping that I could persuade my parents to get me one on my birthday, in September.

When Mom returned home, I just casually mentioned it to her and like a dream she didn't say anything, against it of course!! N I was ecstatic!! Rushed to the market and 'acquired' the target as soon as I could!!!

Thanks to it, my entire week was quite eventful, the next 2-3 days went on in customising and loading the phone, and the rest exploring it.

I am loving every bit of it now!!
The Walkman is back in my life and how!!
This time around with a bigger bag (expandable memory upto 2GB) and in a deadlier avatar!!

One hell of a day!!
One hell of a Cell!!

(Will post a few pics in my next post)

Weeks 07,08 & 09

2008-07-13T19:52:00.001+05:30

New Delhi
13-July-2008 07:50PM

Three weeks and no blogging!!
Sounds like more work, almost a month to write about.

To say the least, as is obvious from my so-spaced out posts that there is nothing much actually on with me. The only point worth mention is the trip I had to Haridwar on 9th of this month. 2nd outstation trip in 15 days!!

The thing I like most about these outstation trips is the drive!! Infact, it was my cousin who had some work there and I had no work here, so decided to give him company. Once I had decided, the member count increased to such a number that one car wasn't enough. had to take mine as well. All in all, it was a very enjoyable trip minus the horrendous roads.

I had a bath in the Ganga, for the first time in my 22 years of existence. And it was fun!!
Though I had been to Haridwar earlier also, but didn't go to the water.

Now having taken a dubki, I feel cleansed, inside out!!
Ok that was an exaggeration, I really didn't jump in to wash away my "evil" deeds or paaps, it was just the novelty co-efficient that drew me in.

Once back, I was happily counting the growing list of titles in my personal collection, oh by the way, I have crossed the 250 mark and now aim for 300 by the month end. May the gods be with me in fulfilling my goals as I am a cleaner soul now, ain't I??

Week 06

2008-06-23T00:16:00.000+05:30

New Delhi
22-June-2008 11:50PM

Its been almost 10 days since my exams ended and I am still in a holiday mood!!
My typical day starts at 10:30AM, (thats when I get up!!!) then, maybe flipping through the newspaper and roaming around the house without much purpose, breakfast at about 12 and lunch at 2. If I don't feel sleepy its movie time!! else I doze off again till about 4-5 PM. The evenings are no different from the rest of the day, lazy. Night is when the fun begins!!(Just chill, don't let your imagination run wild here). 2 movies to say the least is what I watch between 8PM-11:59PM
After 12, most of the time, till 1, passes in deciding and setting up movies to download.

Oh!! about my collection, I have crossed the 200 mark and am very optimistic about the target figure of 250.

Apart from all this, as per the university curriculum, also need to do a summer training during these vacations! God!! only thing I can see training myself is in watching movies!

By the way, of the total 209 movies that I have at present, am yet to watch about 67 of them!!

The 'secondary academic front has taken a bit of beating due to this kind of my schedule, so by monday this week, I will try to bring it back on track. It is these two months only that I have for whatever preparation needs to be done.

Ok then, wishing luck to myself, hope I stick to my commitment for once!!!
;p

Weeks 04 & 05

2008-06-14T00:45:00.003+05:30

New Delhi
14-June-2008 12:05AM

Its almost a fortnight now that I have to write about!! Missed out the last week because of exams.

Ok, so first things first, exams are finally OVER!!!!!!!
I can atleast breathe now!

The week before this was like any other "exam week", nowhere to go except books, nothing to see except pages, nothing to do except writing! 3rd and 5th were the D-days, or so to speak it was 4th!! Actually, had MD on 3rd after a gap of almost 7 days, but, IE was on 5th, in hardly a days gap!! So, majority of hours were spent with the books, and it really was a terrible day.

But, like all good-bad things, the day also came to an end and the exam also went quite well.
Next two were on 9th(HT) and 12th(AC). 9th one was good, better than what I had expected.
The one on 12th however, was disappointing. I couldn't manage my time effectively and it resulted in me being not able to complete the Paper.

All said and done, I was happy that atleast exams were over.

Then, there was the trip to Mathura.
It was planned much before my exams actually ended and I was looking forward to it anxiously.
After the exam, I headed off to my aunt's place in faridabad. It was sort of a "assembling point" for the convoy! I use the word convoy because, it was much like it, smaller maybe.
By the count of heads + luggage, it was decided that 3 cars would be required. One was my cousin's, second that of my aunt's and the last one, mine.

As soon as I joined in, I took to the wheel.
After crossing the clogged highway uptill Balabhgarh, it was a breeze!! In a matter of minutes we were doing 110-1120kmph!! The weather was just perfect, cloudy and drizzling at times, the music and roads being good, I was enjoying every bit of it.
As soon as we neared our next pit-stop, Kosi, to pick up one of my aunts, it started coming down really heavily. But by the time we picked her up and resumed the journey, the weather had gone back to being perfect, it was a day 'designed' for such kinds of trips!

By evening, we were in Mathura.
One thing I would like to mention here is, in cities like these, its a bane to have a car. You can actually walk faster here than a car. But anyways, the work was finished by the next morning and we were ready to head back to Delhi. Once again, had to make way through the most ill-managed roads of the city to get to NH2.

Once on the highway, I was pretty happy seeing the weather hadn't changed much and it was still mild and cloudy!!

En-route, saw a terrible accident, a Honda City had banged head on with a truck coming from the opposite side. The traffic had been diverted onto a single road and maybe the driver didn't realize that and while overtaking he choose the wrong moment!! Whatever the case, the city's front was completely crushed and there was a pool of blood by the car.
God save whoever was in there.

Rest of the trip was quite uneventful, the gruesome sight kept crossing my mind for the entire journey.

All in all, it was a good trip, and all of us enjoyed a lot, especially Milli!! my cute little niece :-p

Week 03

2008-06-02T00:53:00.000+05:30

New Delhi
01-June-2008 12:00 MIDNIGHT

Another week ends in anticipation!!
There seems no end to it!
When will these sems get over?
:(
Exams are excruciatingly painful!!! and 'spaced' out exams is THE worst thing to happen to anyone.
Last one was on 26th and since then I have been sleeping, eating, roaming around without much purpose. I had initially planned to study for IE (which is on 5th) also during this gap. But, it'll be an achievement in itself if yours truly even manages to complete MD's syllabus!

Not that I don't want to study, its just that it is so boring!! I know I sound stupid but you see, this is exactly what exams do to an otherwise perfectly sane soul!

Anyways, apart from the exam stuff..

A look at my growing movie collection, and I thought why not take it further during the holidays? Not the best of ways to utilize one's time but still.. (heart rules over head here)
Plus how else can I expect to beat this Exam demon?

So I changed my TriBand plan accordingly and started the downloading marathon!
Currently, I have about 155 odd movies, want to take it beyond atleast 250!
Downloaded Swades yesterday, I had fallen in love with the movie on the very first day that I saw it. A time-less classic for me!

Right now my uTorrent window looks like

Apollo 13 ..... downloading ...... done 24%
Annapolis ..... downloading ...... done 17%
Born on the 4th of july ..... waiting ......
A few good men ..... waiting ......
Hitman ..... waiting ......
Little Manhattan ..... waiting ......
National Treasure 2 ..... waiting ......
Phonebooth ..... waiting ......
The day after tomorrow ..... waiting ......
The transporter ..... waiting ......
The sentinel ..... waiting ......
Collateral damage ..... waiting ......
The negotiator ..... waiting ......
Tuscan sunrise ..... waiting ......

Going by the current rate, I think all will be completed within a week!!
And by the months end, I'll be in close range of my targets :P

In the days after the second week of June, I can't see myself doing anything but, lying down and straining my eyes and mouth!!
Wondering why?

Can you possibly enjoy a movie without munching??

;D

Week 02

2008-05-26T22:47:00.000+05:30

New Delhi

26-May-2008 10:45pm

Missed out on this Saturday because of MTNL. Their server was down it seems, but anyways, its up and running and am back to blogging.

About the exam on 20th, Measurements and Instrumentation. Though I had tried my level best, I couldn't complete the whole syllabus, actually, who needs to? Managed to complete 5 units and by God's and Paper setter's grace, could attempt 4 1/2 questions out of the mandatory 5. So to say it was, good actually.

Anand The Sunderam, in spite of not completing even 5 units, had a decent paper. How? He copied 2 1/2 questions of the total 4 that he attempted from Akshay Rao and got away with it.

Though its nothing new for him, as he has copied his way right from the 3rd semster till now, but when the story broke out he was feeling a bit embarrassed, so didn't thank Rao in his signature style, "Akshay Rao Jindabad!!"

Today was the second, Dynamics of machines. Paper was quite unexpected, didn't have any numericals, just theory. So was a bit lengthy and tiring.

Next is on 3rd, have ample time to study but the only problem is will have to study all the remaining four in these 6-7 days as the rest are in quick succession, as of now at least. According to the latest update, the paper that was scheduled on 5th will be shifted to 18th!!!

God save people from MDU, its month long exams, unexpected results, and the 'beautiful' site

Week 01

2008-05-17T01:36:00.000+05:30

New Delhi

16-May-2008 11:45pm

So here I am, writing for the first time on my blog.

To be honest, not the first time actually, I already have another blog on a similar kind of platform and I have already posted a number of incidences there, but I didn't use real names!!

May be thats the reason behind starting this one.

Well, the week has been tiring!! Have some relatives who have come over for the vacations plus theres some renovation work going on in the house and what not

To top it all, I have my semesters starting from 20th of this month!!

God help me!!

I had planned to finish off the syllabus by 16th, but, as is the thing with all my plannings, it has fallen flat on its face leaving me to cover 8 units in 3 days!!

Saturday and Sunday are going to be just as eventful meaning losing 2 more days of study time!!
That means I have only ONE SINGLE day to cover up the entire syllabus that was taught in 3-4 months!!!

So what? Have been doing so for the past 5 sems!! Now, I am almost perfect at this art, as a matter of fact, every engineer is!!
;-D