Eugene Ooi

Maxis = Maximum Shit!

// November 17th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Technology

Once again, Maxis is making me really mad with their service. I have been a Maxis user since the very beginning and I feel like I’m being treated like a fool. Despite my complains, visits to the Maxis Centre and calls to the Customer Service, my problem is still unsolved until today.

11 November
I registered for the Bonanza Bundle package at Maxis Pavilion at 7pm. I paid RM180 for a package with the modem and was issued a manual receipt. The gentleman at the counter mentioned that the system in down and will take about 6 hours to be activated (compared to the usual 2 hours). It was not a problem as I can wait till morning to use it.

12 November
At 8.30am, tried to use it and got an error that it is still not registered. Called the customer service and a lady took down my details and mentioned she will contact the Pavilion branch and will revert to me. In the afternoon, the Pavilion staff called and said that the system is still down and will be solved in 48 hours. They will only start charging me after 48 hours.

14 November
48 hours have passed and I tried to log-on, again same message, it is not registered. I called up the customer service and again the lady took down my details. 30 mins later I got a call and the lady mentioned there is nothing that they can do from the customer service and I should go down to Pavilion to have it registered immediately.

15 November
I went to the Pavilion Maxis Centre and spoke to Kumar. He check and found my registration form. He said he will get it registered and will call me in 3 hours. After 3 hours, I did not get any call.

16 November
Called the Customer Service again and Azril attended to me. I was already fed up as I have to repeat my whole story. He took my details and will call me. In the evening, I did not get a call, so I called Customer Service and spoke to Steve. He assured me that Azril has send my details to be registered.

17 November
It is now one week and the broadband line is not registered.

** UPDATE **

18 November
This morning I found that the modem works. Wow…it takes more than a week to register a line. Fantastic service Maxis!

X-Mini Max II - Unbelivable loud sounds now in stereo

// November 4th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Technology

The X-Mini Max II is the second generation of the X-Mini Max. This version of the X-Mini comes with stereo speakers instead of the mono speaker found in the X-Mini II. The X-Mini series of speakers claims to be one of the best sounding portable speakers in the market.

My first impression of the X-Mini Max II speakers was it looked like something from Star Wars as I had the white coloured unit. There are three colour available - red, white and black.

To use the speakers, the two halves held together by magnetic base needs to be separated. A little twist will extend the speaker’s Bass Xpansion System (BXS). The speakers can be used up to 12 hours, while charging takes between 2-3 hours. The volume control of the X-Mini Max II is found on the USB cable instead of at the side of the unit in the X-Mini II.

The speakers uses a 40mm drivers that delivers clear sounds similar to X-Mini II. The speakers also comes with buddy jack to connect other X-Minis together to produce even louder sounds.

I would recommend X-Mini Max II as produces great stereo sounds and unbelievably loud despite it’s small size.

New iPod Touch

// October 26th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Technology

The new iPod Touch has been released. Apple hardly made any changes in the new model. I was disappointed that the FM Radio feature in the new iPod Nano was not included in the new iPod Touch.

The iPod Touch will be available in 8GB, 32GB and 64GB. Apple has dropped the 16GB model from it’s line up. However the good news is the 32GB model is now priced at RM1199 which is RM100 cheaper than 16GB model from the previous generation.

Official PS3 Slim and PSP Go Launch

// October 22nd, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Technology

Sony will officially launch the PS3 Slim and PSP Go in the Malaysia market on 31 October 2009. The new PS3 Slim will come with 120GB HDD. I saw a parallel import unit at a store in Mid Valley last week and was quoted RM1399 with one controller and a free game. I expect the price of the official PS3 slim to be same or lower than the current PS3 which is sold at Sony Centres at RM1699.

What’s more interesting is the PSP Go. The new PSP will be smaller and lighter. The unpopular UMD drive will be replaced with a 16GB flash memory. Games can be downloaded directly into the PSP using Wi-Fi.

The Malaysia launch event will be held at One Utama Shopping Centre on 31 October at 11am. There will be special premiums up for grab with purchase of the new products.

New iMac and Mouse

// October 21st, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Technology

Apple never fails to amaze us - the new iMac is here but what’s more amazing is the mouse! I’m in love with it! It’s a touch pad on the surface of the mouse.

The new iMac features high definition display which Apple calls it “ultimate display”. What’s nice to see is Apple is now including the wireless mouse and keyboard as a standard package. See the video for more information on the new iMac and mouse.

X-Mini II - Small in size with impressive sounds!

// September 15th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Technology

I been reading reviews on the X-Mini II before finally getting it. It took a while to look for it as not many IT Stores are selling it and there are many clones out there which don’t come close to the real thing.

The X-Mini II is mini is size but “unbelievably loud”. It delivers sound beyond it’s size. The X-Mini II is the second generation of the X-Mini with many improvements - larger 40mm driver which delivers superb sound clarity and the playback time is now up to 12 hours - the speaker (mono) needs to be charged via USB.

I have been testing it in the office and also at the Mamak by the street. I’m really impressed with the speaker. Even at the noisy Mamak, I could still hear the music. Colleagues are also impress for a small speaker, it’s really loud and clear - very handy for doing presentations.

The bass sounds from the Expanded BXS (Bass Xpansion System) is rather good but of course not as good as a sub woofer. But the sounds coming from a small speaker like this, it is impressive.

If you like a small speaker with impressive loud and clear sounds, get the X-Mini 2.

New iPod Nano

// September 10th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Technology

Apple has just launched the new iPod Nano which now features video recording, a larger screen (2.2 inches) and FM Radio! All these new features and more in a ultra portable compact size.

Video Recording
The new iPod Nano has a built in camera and mic to capture audio and video. The iPod also lets you choose special effects - like motion blur, sepia, thermal - and start recording. Once you are done, just sync the iPod Nano and you will be able to share the video by email, facebook or youtube. You can even playback the video and listen on the iPod Nano built-in speaker.

FM Radio
The FM radio is missing component from the iPod. Glad that Apple has finally included it. The FM tuner will display the name of the song and artist which is very handy plus a new feature - Live Pause.

Live Pause allows you to take a break from listening to the radio with just one click. With another click, you are listening to the radio again. You can even rewind up to 15 minutes back!

Other Features
The new iPod Nano also includes the Voice Over which tells you the artist and the title of the song that you are listening to. This feaute was first introduced in the iPod Shuffle.

iPhone 3G S is available for booking!

// July 15th, 2009 // No Comments » // Technology

Just moments ago, Maxis release the pricing of the iPhone 3G S together with new rate plans.

Following is the iValue Plan based on 24 months contact period

There are also other plans available, 12 months contract period, iData and Hotlink plans. For the complete pricing and to place your booking for the iPhone, visit the Maxis website www.maxis.com.my/iphone3gs.

Maxis also requires a non-refundable deposit of RM200 to be paid at the Maxis Centre or their MEP outlet where you will be collecting your iPhone. The closing date for bookings is 24 July 2009.

The iPhone 3G S

// July 8th, 2009 // 6 Comments » // Technology

Singapore will be launching the new iPhone 3G S this Friday (10 July). The new model will cost lesser than its predecessor. Those who bought the earlier model will be allowed to trade in for the new handset.

SingTel, the exclusive local distributor, has announced that the iPhone 3G S will be given free to those who sign up for it’s S$205 a month plan, while those on the new low-end $39 a month plan will pay $678 .

Last year, SingTel sold the iPhone 3G for up to $848. Many had expected the phone to be sold around the same price.

SingTel will also offer iPhone 3G users who have been its customers for at least six months to upgrade their handsets. They will have to pay between $200 and $738, depending on plan and the handset. Their contract lengths will also be ‘reset’ to 24 months.

Now, when is Maxis in Malaysia bring in the iPhone 3G S? Unconfirmed sources have indicated around 19 July. Let’s wait and see.

Toshiba Netbook NB200

// June 22nd, 2009 // 6 Comments » // Technology

I was thinking of getting a netbook at the end of last year. Then my Fujitsu notebook of 8 years died so I decided to get a Macbook. Working on a Macbook is simply great. Simple to use and no problems at all. Only problem I had was it was simply too expensive to bring out and my heart would surely ache should anything happen to it.

I recently looked around and found the Toshiba Netbook NB200. It’s affordable at RM1699. Comes with the new Intel Atom 280 processor, 10.1 inch Glossy LED display, 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM (upgraded to 2GB for extra RM60). It also has an useful sleep and charge USB which can be used to charge the iPod or mobile phone. The rest of the specifications are similar to other netbooks.

What made me choose this netbook from others is the design. It looks and feels like an expensive notebook which is light and easy to carry around. I have been using it for almost a month and I am loving it.