So many choices! If you’re indifferent about the specific iPhone model you want and really just want .. an iPhone, it looks like the sweet spot for unlimited data on LTE would be the following:
– the iPhone 5c (16GB) on Plan 2000 for the UNLI Surf plan so you get your bottomless Internet package
– the iPhone 5c (16GB) on All-In Plan 1800 because even if you can get it free on Plan 2500, if you do the computations, shelling out an extra PHP 6,000 is better than the extra PHP 700 a month, which amounts to PHP 16,800 for the 24 month period lock in. This is because at Plan 1800 you’re well within range of these three promos: PHP 1,000 unlimited surfing, PHP 350 for 3,500 messages to all networks (yes including Globe!) and PHP 250 for 80 minutes of calling to all networks. So 1,000 + 350 + 250 = 1600 which leaves you with PHP 200 to consume for other things.
Several weeks ago I reviewed the first BlackBerry 10 handheld to hit local shores, the BB Z10. It was essentially the Canadian company’s foray into a revamped OS to keep up with the ever-changing market. In that review I basically spelled out how the new OS is both condemning and innovative: the new OS doesn’t provide any new innovation that makes it stand out (unless of course you’re a BlackBerry Hub loyalist in which case my argument is moot) but it also has something great going for it — Android compatibility. This is what I had to say back then regarding that:
Before we talk about the BlackBerry I’d like to momentarily digress you, the reader, to a time back in the year 2000 when a company known as 3COM unveiled their new trade name under Palm Inc. It was, henceforth the company that brought memorable palm pilot devices such as the m515, the Zire, Tungsten, Lifedrive and of course, the Treo series which arguably became the basis of the modern day smartphone. Five years later, the company renamed itself into palmOne, and then after a number of months reverted back to the original name, Palm. In 2009, we all said goodbye to the iconic ecosystem, which was in turn replaced by webOS (which was then bought and then sold once more by HP).
EDIT: Jim Ayson from SMART noted that the USD $25k cost for a badge is not accurate. Post edited to reflect this. Quoting Jim from G+ “Well let’s just say that Foursquare is a very close partner, we worked it out! We also worked with them very collaboratively on this project and the mechanics of the Smart badge and the campaign. Foursquare peeps were great, they were very creative, they rock!”
In a country where #trending on Twitter has turned into a questionable measurable goal of success, SMART Communications has launched the country’s first official Foursquare swarm badge which unlocks during the two-day Lady Gaga concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. This is, in my opinion, a fresh and more than welcome spectacle vs. trending.
The badge will unlock after a swarm of 250 check ins are recorded between 6PM to 2AM on the 21st and 22nd of May 2012. The badge is not geo-tagged which means that you can check in and claim it even if you are nowhere near the Mall of Asia. Those who check in and receive the badges are automatically enrolled in a smartphone giveaway – two Samsung Galaxy Nexus units will be given away each night.
On a personal note, after this stunt, several brands will definitely want to have their own Foursquare badges but the enrollment and maintenance comes at a heavy price tag: USD $25,000 per month for three months minimum. If you have that kind money, submit your proposal here.
If it’s one thing gamers will never compromise, it’s their Internet connection. The launch of Diablo III has prompted gamers around the country to scrutinize the quality of their Internet connectivity. As a fan myself, I really take these things seriously and no amount of marketing BS will convince me otherwise. The proof is in the pudding and it seems that not everyone is a chef.
This feedback is based on a number of qualitative feedback from friends and personal experience as well.
So far, it seems that Diablo 3 works fine with the following ISP’s
Wireless:
Smart (tethered) – I tether my MacBook with my iPhone 4s and get to play just fine. Some people prefer a fixed wireless broadband connection though.
Globe (tethered) – I get to play with Rico of Technogra.ph (he tethers using a Samsung Galaxy S II)
Wired
PLDT – Generally good. I hopped into a number of games of friends and we’re rolling seamlessly.
On another note, one ISP stands out to be the provider to avoid for Diablo III:
Sky Broadband – Woes to Sky Broadband. They really dropped the ball on this one. I used to swear by Sky publicly as the best wired connection money can buy in the country. Service has dropped to a really poor rating in the past 2 months.
Many many emails to Skybroadband support center regarding Blizzard downloader P2P issues and unplayable in game experience with Diablo 3 (may be DNS, but may be that they have restricted Port 1119, which Diablo 3 uses) – to no avail.
Sky simply does not respond to queries and when you call them they tell you to send an email through to support center. Its a vicious circle.
Playing it on my friends PLDT connection works perfectly.
After 2 years with Sky, seems like PLDT really is the way to go.
– Brendan
As my cousin said, ” Pre-term fee for Sky is PHP 2,000.00, Diablo 3 is priceless. If it doesn’t work at 3Mbps, I’m dropping them for (insert ISP here).” Sorry Sky Broadband. I swore by your services. I really did. But sad gamer can’t compromise.
You know what’s most interesting? My wireless tethering is faster than my ethernet connection. Why, Sky, why? Note that I write this not to smear Sky’s reputation but 2 months of your IT support not knowing what the problem is makes for really bad service. Fans have waited for Diablo III for about a decade and we absolutely need to be online to play this (there is no offline mode). So you definitely should understand why gamers feel really bad about this and need to switch. We waited 9 years for Diablo III. We absolutely can’t wait for you.
To the others: how’s your gaming experience? Add me up: LOLMOWER#1648
