I have a conspiracy theory about the worldwide consumer IT industry. Every year, all the manufacturers (except Apple — coz they’re not fun) add 1 inch to the screens of their smartphones to make consumers look more and more ridiculous when using these devices.
OK, but no, that’s probably too far from the truth but you have to admit that on paper, having a device that has 5.3″ of screen real estate can barely be called a phone anymore. In theory it all sounds bizarre, but this is one of those times where actually holding the device gives you that “aha!” moment. In short: The Samsung Galaxy Note works.
Top: Side by side with the Samsung Galaxy S II (4.3″ screen vs 5.3″ screen on the Note)
The beautiful Nokia N9 is now available for preorder under new post-paid plans with SMART Communications.
The Nokia N9 comes free with Unlimited Data Plan 2000 for the 16GB model and free at Unlimited Data Plan 3000 for the 64GB model. The phone also comes free with the new All-In Plan 3500 for the 16GB model. PRE-ORDER NOW! You will be able to pick up the phones on the 21st of November. If you pre-order you will receive a free Nokia Wireless Music Receiver.
If you’re not familiar with the new All-In plans these are essentially fully customizable plans that give you really good options for saving A LOT of money. IMHO, it’s even better than pre-paid. Here are examples of services that the All-In plans offer:
80 minutes calls to all networks – PHP 250 / 30 days
2,500 SMS to all networks – PHP350 / 30 days
The Nokia N9 is a looker running on the MeeGo OS platform led by Intel. If you loved the N8 (everyone did!) the N9 is a step up to a good experience despite the stigma of Nokia “being left behind” by iOS and Android. Before you make judgements, I do suggest trying out the Nokia N9 in experience stores soon when you have the chance. It is great.
Happy Halloween! Here are photos from recent trips I made showcasing some of the weird creature encounters in the past 2 years. A lot of these critters I actually encountered at depths no deeper than 20 feet. Such a thin like separates the norm from creepy.
This is a side view portrait of a giant frogfish. I’m particularly drawn to the pattern around the eye. The thread-like thing dangling in the BG is a lure that the fish uses to entice prey and vortex them into its huge mouth.
EDIT: Updated to include more insights after really getting to use it
I won Lenovo’s latest gem, the A60, last night. It’s been a long time coming but Lenovo Mobile is finally here. Oddly enough, the mobile division isn’t being handled by the consumer group of Ida Ong. Lenovo Mobile is a completely separate group with the phones being distributed by Open Communications Inc.
Several of you who read this blog know my father, Jose Ma. “Digoy” Fernandez. He’s a columnist for various newspapers, was formerly in banking and also with government for a time. After retiring more than 10 yers ago he was asked to take a seat in the board of CIAC (Clark) to help in the acceleration of the new International and domestic terminal. Since NAIA I has been getting a lot of flak nowadays, this article brings to light the 5 year plan for (1) developing the new terminals in Clark for 50,000,000 passengers, (2) new commuter infrastructure and (3) decongesting of Manila and moving a lot of businesses up north.
Highlights:
Completion of new domestic terminal by end 2012
New International terminal (ala Singapore) within 5 years
Greenlighted budget flights to the USA
Clark as a regional FBMR station (Fixed Base and Maintenance and Repair)
NLEX-SLEX connection
High Speed Railway to Manila
Expansion of businesses up north to the Clark-Subic area to decongest Manila
Conversion of Clark into a tourist destination “Airport City”
50,000,000 tourist capacity
BusinessMirror.com.ph Home Banking Clark as the inevitable choice
Clark as the inevitable choice
THURSDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2011 19:36 DR. JOSE MA. J. FERNANDEZ / FREE ENTERPRISE
THE former US Armed Forces base in Clark has been in the news of late, partly because of the rather unflattering publicity generated by the country’s premier airport in the capital metropolis. The problems associated with the single runway and the long-delayed rehabilitation of Terminal 1 have finally come to bear, and planners have started to take a longer and harder look at building up the necessary infrastructure to make the use of Clark a more viable option.