Dif's Place

Nokia N97 Mini; First Impressions

2009-11-18T04:14:00.000-08:00

... got the phone recently, an early christmas gift. Im so thankful.

So how would I describe the phone? Well, in one word, it was "impressive"... it should have been what the N97 was.

more later...

The iPhone 3G vs the Nokia 5800

2009-01-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

well... this comparison is bound to come out some time, it's inevitable.

here's a couple of what I've found in the net...

a feature comparison

20 reasons

comparing the two

in my opinion, it's a matter of taste... if you're perfectly happy with what the iPhone gives you, then there's really no need to look at another phone. On the other hand, if you're not happy with the iPhone, and you have a need for the added features of the 5800 - then the 5800 might just be for you indeed.

cheers!

Some s60 5th edtion themes

2009-01-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

5th edition themes are still a little hard to come by... some 3rd edition qvga themes might work, but the majority of them don't.

Anyway, here's a couple I've found so far...

http://www.4shared.com/file/75418831/387bd56f/Temas_5800.html
http://www.brthemes.com/category/5th-themes/
http://www.nokialino.it/?p=1734

And some very nice wallpapers from Daily Mobile

http://dailymobile.se/2008/12/15/nokia-5800-wallpapers-640x360-mobile-wallpapers-gallery-7/

cheers!

Why Digicams keep getting obsolete

2008-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

My Digital Cameras Keep Becoming Obsolete!

SUMMARY: Digital camera buying advice for those afraid that a newer, faster digital camera will always be available.

As a digital camera owner, this scenario likely applies to you. After visiting a digital camera store, talking to friends, reading reviews, or possibly shopping online, at one time you bought what you thought was the perfect digital camera for your needs. After purchasing this digital camera and using it for a few weeks, you later visited the same store, browsed the same websites, or scanned through the latest issues of those same magazines, and guess what? A newer, 'better', faster, and cheaper digital camera is now available, making your current camera seem 'uncool', agonizingly slow, and obsolete. I can definitely say the above scenario has happened to me - way too often.

I've purchased five digital cameras in the last few years and have friends who have been through many more. Instead of continually burning holes in your wallet, how can you purchase a digital camera that will continue to stay cutting-edge for years to come?

Welcome to the sad truth - obsolescence is inevitable with digital cameras, just as it is with cell phones, computers, television sets, or other electronics. No matter how much time you take researching digital cameras, no matter how much money you spend, sooner or later a new model will be released, making you rue the day you purchased your 'old' camera.

You may be thinking, "I'm ready to purchase a new digital camera. Should I spend the money now and buy a camera, or wait a few months until something better comes along? The one I am interested in buying might become obsolete soon." My advice: unless you are still very happy with your current digital camera and absolutely know a specific new digital camera model will soon be available, go ahead and purchase the best camera you can find. When I mean "best", I don't mean the most expensive, or even the digital camera with the most "bells and whistles". I mean the camera with the best combination of features and value for your budget. Life is short - really short. You could wait, watching the releases of camera after camera, and think, "I'm smart. I'm going to wait until a better digital camera exists." While you may technically save money in the long run, there are larger costs you're enduring - the opportunity and enjoyment costs of not having the right equipment for your needs during the time waited.

If you always wait for the newest crop of digital cameras to be released, you could very well wait forever. Digital cameras continue to advance in technology with no end in sight.

* Megapixels: I remember when one megapixel cameras were all the rage. Now twelve+ megapixels is not uncommon, and if you read this article years from now, who knows what will be the norm.

* Focal length: My first camera had no zoom at all. My old prosumer camera has 7x optical zoom, I have a digital SLR with a 28mm - 300mm zoom lens, and other cameras and lenses on the market have even greater focal distances.

* Speed: Expect continual increases in shutter speeds, plus decreasing startup and memory writing times. And if you own a digital SLR, newer and faster lenses will be released to market. [B]* Image Quality:[/B] New lenses and image sensors will continue to produce clearer, more exact replicas of your subjects in digital form.

* Battery length: Think your digital camera can't last but a few dozen or hundred photos before switching batteries? Even that will change.

You could constantly worry about obsolescence, or you have a couple of other options:

- Plunk down more money and purchase a digital SLR camera instead of a prosumer or compact camera. Unless you are familiar with dSLRs, you may have to spend some time familiarizing yourself with controls and techniques, but these cameras have several advantages. Digital SLRs may have quicker startup and media write times. Since dSLR lenses can be changed, you can acquire different zoom distances and quicker exposures without buying a new camera body. And if later you do purchase a new camera body, if you purchase the same brand of camera you may be able to reuse your current lenses.

- Are you sure you have read your manual and taken full advantage of your current digital camera? Have you learned about adjusting shutter speeds and ISO sensitivity to take faster exposures, white balance settings to make photos seem truer to life, and bracketing so you can better experiment with all of these features?

- As New Yorkers are prone to say, "Fugitaboutit"! Great photography requires more than just great equipment, and great pictures can be made without top-of-the-line electronics. Remember that even with a first-class digital camera, if your composition is boring and your lighting dull, the results will prove likewise.

An ancient proverb states that "the only thing constant is change". Such is true with the development of digital cameras. Don't let life pass you buy while waiting for the perfect digital camera that will never become obsolete. That day may not occur, at least in our lifetimes. If you're in the market for a digital camera, buy the best one available for you, enjoy shooting photos, and don't always be concerned about newly available 'better' digital cameras. Eventually you may upgrade (again), but for the time being, just relax, enjoy your hobby, and get everything you can out of your camera.

from: link

cheers!

stolen phone

2008-11-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

ever wonder what happens when your phone gets stolen?

.....................

November 23rd, 2008
After Cell Phone Loss, Wife’s Nude Pics End Up Online

By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

Lesson learned, or rather lesson(s) learned, by Tina Sherman and her husband Philip, of Arkansas:

* Don’t send nude photos of yourself to your husband or boyfriend.
* If you are sent nude photos, don’t leave ‘em on your cell phone.
* If you do leave ‘em on your cell phone, at least password-lock the darn thing.

On the other hand, a $3 million lawsuit could make up for a lot of hassle.

According to the lawsuit, Philip left the cell phone in question at a McDonald’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on July 5th. He reported it, and the McDonald’s said they would hold the phone until he returned. Well, they held it, but apparently did more than that.

Tina Sherman and her husband began receiving obscene phone calls. Why? The pictures had been posted on-line along with her name, address and phone number. The pictures have since been removed but the damage was done, the Shermans say.

Things became so bad, the couple moved.

The lawsuit names McDonald’s Corp., Matthews Management Co. and a manager, Aaron Brummley. Now, I’m not sure how McDonald’s itself is liable, or necessarily even the manager, unless he himself posted the pictures.

I’m guessing the pics were posted online by some pubescent teen workers at McDonald’s, who would also have been the most tech-savvy. That fact is unclear, but it is clear the said employees admitted on the website where they posted the nude photos of Tina Sherman that they retrieved the photos from a cell phone found in the restaurant.

That probably makes it easy to say someone is guilty, but McDonald’s? We’ll see if this case is settled out of court, thrown out of court, or whatever.

I’m lovin’ it.

Living in credit

2008-09-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

Sigh... living with credit, sometimes it's good, but sometimes - like when your credit does haywire because of some foulup, it can get bad - really bad.

Check out this article.

the mobile phone in our lives.

2008-09-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

... cellphones have been with us for a long time now. They've become so much a part of our lives, that kids nowadays even wonder, what life was like, more than a decade ago... when phones were not that popular. =) Anyway, I found another great article... chk it out.

The good and evil of cell phones

By Julie Deardorff, Chicago Tribune

Your cell phone has the power to kill you or save your life. Talk on it while you're driving, and you're four times more likely to have a crash that will send you to the hospital.

But if you do have a terrible wreck and need assistance, your phone's ICE (in case of emergency) contact -- or your own downloaded medical records -- can tell paramedics whether you're allergic to penicillin or help prevent medication errors.

More than 250 million Americans now subscribe to a cellular-phone service, an 84 percent penetration of the U.S. population, according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the leading industry trade group.

So while they do pose some risks, they aren't going away. Here's how this handy device affects your health, for better or for worse.

Positives

-- Health information: Health promotion videos can be streamed to personal devices, such as cell phones, according to Rutgers researchers who tested a soap opera video with a message designed to reduce HIV risk. A special phone being tested in England gives teens undergoing cancer treatment ready answers to their questions about treatment and side effects.

-- Teen tracking: GPS-enabled cell phones are an ideal way to learn more about where teens spend time -- and how it relates to their health behaviors, say researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Poor health outcomes, such as obesity and sexually transmitted infections, tend to cluster in certain geographical areas.

-- Weight loss: The next time you're about to order a Big Mac, use your cell phone to text "diet1" with the name of the restaurant and menu item, suggests Joy Bauer, author of Food Cures.

"Within seconds, diet.com's 'Nutrition on the Go' service will send you a reply listing the calories, total fat, carbohydrate and protein in the requested food," Bauer said.

-- Medication compliance: MIT students, challenged with the task of getting tuberculosis patients to take their medicine, devised a testing and reporting system that uses text messaging and offers incentives such as free cell-phone minutes.

-- Crime reduction: Cell phones and cell phone cameras have helped police solve crimes, particularly hit-and-run accidents. Visitors to swiftreport.net can report accidents they've seen and give descriptions and license plate numbers of cars that hit other vehicles and fled.

-- Cardiac defibrillators: In an emergency, a cell phone could be used as a cardiac defibrillator, according to Ben Saketkhou of Boca Raton, Fla., who has filed a U.S. patent on a clamshell phone equipped with electrodes.

"When flipped open and placed on the chest, it delivers a shock to the heart," New Scientist reported. "The phone also sends its GPS coordinates to the emergency services. Just don't hit the wrong button when you're chatting."

Negatives

-- Gap in safety data: Researchers are fairly certain that the use of mobile phones for up to 10 years is not associated with brain tumor risk, but there is some uncertainty with regard to longer use, said Joachim Schuz, head of the department of biostatistics and epidemiology at the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Denmark. Also: The impact of cell-phone use on children, whose brains are still developing, needs to be evaluated.

-- Allergic reactions: Nickel dermatitis, the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis in women, may be caused by frequent and prolonged use of cell phones, according to a study by Danish researchers.

-- Sleep issues: Teenagers who use their cell phones excessively are more prone to disrupted sleep, restlessness, stress and fatigue, according to a study presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

-- Carpal tunnel syndrome: "Repeated, prolonged gripping of anything can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome," says Jennifer Valle, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Valle recommends an earpiece or headset.

-- Behavioral problems in children: A study of more than 13,000 children found that pre- or post-natal exposure to cell-phone radiation was associated with behavioral difficulties such as emotional and hyperactivity problems by the time they reached school age. The researchers warned that the association might be due to other factors -- perhaps mothers who use the phones frequently pay less attention to their children -- but if real, it would be of public health concern, given the widespread use of the technology.

-- Traffic accidents: Simply listening to your cell phone is a little like driving under the influence of alcohol, according to Carnegie Mellon University scientists who found that "listening alone (to a cell phone) reduces by 37 percent the amount of brain activity associated with driving." That's enough to make you weave out of your lane. The Facebook group "I Text Message People While Driving and Haven't Killed Anyone Yet" says it promotes responsible texting.

-- False sense of security: College students -- especially women -- may take more risks when carrying a cell phone, according to a survey of 305 students. In the survey, 40 percent of cell phone users said they walked somewhere after dark that they normally wouldn't go.

link

cheers!

Improve your cellphone's signal

2008-09-03T23:24:00.001-07:00

Improve Your Mobile Phone Signal

"Can you hear me now," is more than a smarmy catchphrase. It's also the enraged anthem of anyone who's had problems with cell phone reception. The Shangri-La of "full bars" doesn't have to be a pipe dream, though. Here are some tricks to give that signal of yours a boost.

Contents:

Step 1: Ignore the Mystery Devices

If lousy reception could be solved solely by a slip of adhesive and aluminum, the world would be a much simpler place. In reality, reception problems stem from the myriad topographical and atmospheric obstacles radio frequencies encounter while traveling to/from your phone. The first step to solving this problem is accepting that there might not be a quick fix, and that it may take a lot of experimentation to find the root.

Step 2: Research the Causes

The best way to combat bad reception is knowledge. In short, cell phone networks work via an overlapping grid of broadcast towers (called cells). Each tower has a defined area of effectiveness (usually hexagonal in shape) that interlocks with neighboring towers. Dialing out on a handset effectively secures a patch frequency for the phone to connect and initiate or receive a call. Simple enough, right?

Unfortunately, the Achilles Heel of this setup is the network itself. Compared to other forms of radio communication (i.e., Ham or CB radio), cell phone networks are relatively underpowered when it comes to broadcasting/receiving signal. The redundancy of tower placement combats this problem, but it's still common for cell phone signal to be interrupted by X-factors like:

Physical Obstructions - Buildings, tunnels, valleys and even mountains can all play a role in poor reception. Although the low power connection between a phone and a tower can be maintained through a number of solid materials, large obstructions and drastic differences in elevation can cause serious problems.

Electronic Interference - Cell phones are one of many devices sharing the airwaves. It's not uncommon for other high power, high RF devices (and even household electronics) to wreak havoc on the signal.

Weather - Believe it or not, weather can play a big part in reception. Dense cloud cover, lightning, and even humidity are just some of the weather patterns that impact your wireless service.

Phone Positioning - Sometimes the biggest problems stem from the simplest things. Details like whether your phone has an internal antenna (and whether the device is being held correctly) can prove to be the difference between receiving or missing a call.

Step 3: Use Deductive Reasoning

Gathering enough data to make an educated guess may take a lot of moving around and test calls, but it's worth it. The key is analyzing the surroundings and noticing how they affect the phone's signal. Having problems while in the center of your office building, but okay outside? Then it's probably a physical obstruction issue. Dropping calls while outdoors during storm season? Consider the role of weather. Only have signal problems on a specific stretch of highway? You get the picture.

Ultimately, the goal is to amass a group of clues that point to the source of the problem. Be sure to take notes (mental or physical) on variables like the time of day when reception is worst, and the locations where you initiate/receive most of your 'troubled' calls. In a work setting, try to take a poll from co-workers with the same service provider. The little details gleaned from fact finding missions like this can help rule out larger problems like equipment failure.

Step 4: Attempt a Fix

Now that you've diagnosed the problem, it's time to attempt a fix. Here are some of the common solutions:

Change Location

No one likes having to run outside to make or receive a phone call. But if installing signal amplification equipment isn't feasible, it's likely that you'll have to think (and call) on your feet. Be it from electronic interference by nearby electronics, or some other stationary catalyst, be sure to remove yourself from the problem area before making a call. If the problem stems from a physical obstruction like the walls of a building, try to move to the perimeter and get close to a window. Cell phone signal is at its strongest in open air settings where there's a clear line of sight between the tower (often located on rooftops) and the handset, so keep that in mind while looking for a new location.

Try an External Antenna

An external antenna is like a beefed up version of the one on your phone. Although the name of the game is extending range with these devices, they come with their share of hassles too. They're typically large, come in high gain (flat areas) and low gain (wooded areas) models, require an additional amplifier and adapters, and need to be mounted outside. Since the phone needs to be physically attached to the antenna to get the benefits, this setup can also put a hamper on mobility. As such, external antennas aren't the greatest solution for intermittent service issues. However, they're worth looking into if you spend a lot of time in remote problem areas.

Invest in a Repeater

Repeaters are a common solution for urban settings. In short, the device receives a weak signal via an external antenna, amplifies it, and then rebroadcasts it over a given area through an internal antenna. Despite being a solid solution for multiple users having signal problems, repeaters have their issues too. Not only do they need at least a nominal signal to work, but they tend to be expensive, and require a some technical know-how to setup.

Switch Up the Phone Position

With the increased popularity of stylish, compact phones comes a host of reception problems. Since most manufacturers have ditched external antennas, it can take as little as a misplaced finger dump the signal and drop a call. Only encounter signal problems after a call is initiated? It could be your hand position that's causing the problem. Try holding the phone with your weak hand (or using a headset) for a day, and see if it that changes anything. You'd be surprised.

Step 5: Contact Your Wireless Provider

Although using the tricks above can help, there's always the chance that the problem is network related. U.S. cell phone providers have been racing to provide the densest coverage in populated areas, but there are still plenty of holes out there. As a paying subscriber, it's your place to let your provider know if their service isn't working for you. Don't be shy about reaching out and touching someone -- you may find out that your problem area is due for a new tower any day now.

cheers!

The new N85 and N79

2008-08-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

cheers!

What your phone's color says about you!

2008-08-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

cute article... here's the post I made at MR.

link

cheers!

The fall of Motorola

2008-08-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

I remember a time when almost all mobile phones were made by motorola - in fact, it was synonymous with the word 'mobile' (or cellphones). When I first got interested in phones - nokia was just a 'starting' company then - the maker of the world famous 5110. Moto was at number 1, and Ericsson, not yet sony-ericsson, had more phones to sell than nokia. Samsung and LG was non-existent yet.

But moto nowadays have fallen, in fact, they have fallen hard. Their lack of a follow-up phone to the famous 'Razr' was their biggest mistake. Not only did they 'milk it out' for all its worth, but they stopped innovating, and consistently followed it up with lots of clones. I mean, who would want to use the same phone, the same design, the same everything - for more than 2 years at a time? Nobody wants a 'has been' - we all want a 'hot thing' or 'trend setting' device, right?

Anyway, I found this article written by engadget... tells of the 'fall of a technology icon' that was moto. It's quite an interesting read.

link

cheers!

Building your own mobile website

2008-08-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be neat if you can do that? Finally you can, and the best thing is, you dont have to memorize or know the WAP codes for you to do it.

Just follow the instructions on this page.

And you'll have your very own site- that's compatible to be viewed from any mobile phone, smartphone or not.

cheers!

A comprehensive mobile phone site!

2008-08-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

If sometimes, you're like me, and you're lookin to compare one phone with another... or see and look at why one phone is better versus another... well, instead of going thru various forums, I found this one site - that has almost all phones in its database. It has models of PDA's as well.

Forum surfing is actually better - if you're after actual user reviews, and comments... but you have to know that, while some forums are unbiased towards these devices - some are.

Anyway, here's the link, enjoy!

cheers!

Deleted scene in the Iron Man movie

2008-08-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

... explains a lot how he got to the middle east so fast. =) Most would think that he went there using the suit.

cheers!

5320 vids

2008-08-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

... a nice video preview of the 5320 phone.

link

and another one, from youtube.

cheers!

Nokia 5320; First Impressions

2008-08-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

....Got the phone yesterday.

First thing to notice, the design and build... which is pleasant, nice and solid. It's very similar to the build of the 6120c. No creaking, no loose batt cover - and that shiny surface is, as you guessed it, a fingerprint magnet. But I guess all shiny gizmos are like this anyway. It's not as "slippery" to hold as the 6120c - those tiny dots at the back and sides of the phone really helps in giving this phone a nice grip and 'feel'.

Sound is good, in fact, it's very good - it's a tad better than the both the n82 and n95. Although they do have the same equalizer setup, and audio settings (loudness and stereo widening). A few days ago I had extensively tested a 5310 - and comparing the sound of that with this one, I think this one's a little better (more base). The loudspeaker is very loud - but it aint as loud as a 6233 though. Sound at full volume is okay so far too - no cracking noises. But the headphones that came with it, while good enough for that occasional sound trip, in my opinion is not as good as 3rd party high-end headphones. Good thing that this phone has a 3.5mm jack - just plug in a good set of Seinheissers or Bose headphones - and you're rockin!!

I "sound tested" it too with these two headsets:

motorola S9

motorola HT820

The sound rocks! In fact, both bluetooth stereo headsets pumps out nicer sounds than the included headset of the phone! The built-in controls on those headsets (A2DP) works flawlessly on this phone - enabling you to control the songs being played. Once it's paired, you can just keep it in your pocket, and not bring it out - if you want to change anything. You can just pause, rewind, forward, play - using those headsets.

Still haven't tested the "say and play" feature... and Im not sure if that feature will work with a bluetooth headset on, but I'll try to test it in the ff days.

The keys are a little stiff, I'd say, they're about as stiff as that in the n82. But they're more comfortable to use - coz they're bigger. If you're used to the keys of an N95, these could take some gettin used to, owners of 6120c's will feel right at home though.

The camera isn't that great though. It's about the same as that in the 6120c - in fact, I'd say they're identical in photo quality. Even has the same adjustments (white balance, color tone). What it lacks in quality it makes up for in enjoyment. Yup, it's fun to use - especially that panoramic mode (another thing from the 6120c), and it's quite fast too. There's no noticeable shutter lag. In other branded phones, which I wont mention (hehehe..), the sound is heard before the actual shot is taken - which makes for an irritating photographing experience. Especially if you're taking pics of people. How annoying would it be to tell them to 'stay still and dont move' because the phone hasn't taken the shot yet.

The quality of its black and white shots seems to be better than the quality of it colored shots. (I'll try to post comparison shots). It seems to be more noise-free and better rendered than the coloreds.

There's no AF on this camera though... and there's no macro mode too. Which is a turn-off coz even the older N73 had a macro. Pictures taken with 'flash on', at close distances, seems to be very bright - kinda' overexposed. I guess there's no question that the 2-LED flash is very powerful indeed. And unlike its xpressmusic cousin, the 5310, the 5320 does have a night-mode.

This cam is well suited for that occasional shot ....that spur-of-the-moment photo that you just had to take. If you're into making somewhat serious and composed photography (macros, landscapes, portraits, etc... ), better set your sights on other phones (n95/n82).

What about general overall speed? I'd have to say that this could be the fastest fp2 yet! Opening of apps are fast. Opening of the menus, phonebooks, playing games are all fast. There's none of the eye-candy fancy transitioning effects of the N78 and 6220. Which I think is a good move by nokia. Those were the things that turned me off from buying those phones - coz they're slow.

The gallery viewing is another matter though... unfortunately, it's not as fast as the other menus. On an n95 classic, for example, opening a high-quality 5mp photo is instant ... but if you transfer that same photo, and open it on the 5320 - you'd notice that there's a small rotating circle on the screen first (meaning that it's "opening"), before it opens.

But this is only a minor issue - and it would be okay for most, I think. But I guess Im a speed freak, so it's not okay with me, hehehe. :D Hopefully, future firmware versions, which tends to make phones faster - will solve this.

There's also a slide-show feature... but it aint as great as the N's. One curious thing about the gallery is that it automatically rotates the pics to the horizontal. In other phones, you'd have a choice to view the pics vertically or horizontally (talking about the screen orientation)... on this phone, it's all horizontally. Which could be a good or bad thing - depending on how you view your pics. There is a built-in thumbnail view though, good for those who micro-manages their photos a lot on their phones.

Video taking on this phone is not that good. It manages around 20 to 21fps max speed... so it's pretty much the same as the video capability of the 6120c. Although unlike the 6120c - video playing is smoother, nicer. There are some animated gif's... large ones, that are slow and dont animate very well on that phone, those same gif's show up nicely and animate well on this one.

All the games that you have on your N-series phone will probably work on this phone... maybe except those that require an accelerometer. It also includes N-gage game functionality... but there's no N-gage game demos included. You have to download the games from the N-gage site.

Playing games with the phone is quite nice actually - those stiff keys give a reassuring 'click' when you press them.

Voice quality, signal strength, batt life .... are all quite good. Im on my 2nd day already, still on the factory charge, and I've been playing with the phone almost the whole day yesterday.

cheers!

The 'Home Media' button on your phone

2008-08-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Haven't really used that button, in fact I dont really know what it does... and yet it's on the n95/n95-8GB, n82, and the other latest s60's of nokia.

Good thing I found this link... which explains, in detail, on how to use it fully.

cheers!

Woohoo!! I won!

2008-08-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

couldn't have imagined that a photo of a toothbrush would do it for me... I was just as surprised as everyone, hehehe :)

anyway, here's the link... to the N82 Awards!

cheers!

How To: Speed up your S60

2008-08-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a neat trick... on how to speed up your s60 device. Some say it works, while some say it doesn't... cant hurt to try it out, right?

from this link:
(thanks razer)

cheers!

The 'device that changed our lives'

2008-08-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Voted as one device that "changed our lives the most"... the cellphone became part of the history books.

link to article.

cheers!

Is your phone trying to kill you?

2008-08-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Very nice article on the dangers of using cellphones.

Using phones by itself is not dangerous, although even that is subject to argument, with scientists saying that it causes brain tumors or cancer... I think using phones only becomes dangerous when combined with something you normally do - without cellphones. Like driving, it aint dangerous, but driving and texting? Potentially lethal.

link

cheers!

And another one...

2008-07-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

"Bikini Jump"

download link

cheers!

More Mobile Games...

2008-07-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

"Crash Nitro Kart"

download link for n73/n82
download link for n95/n81

cheers!

Mobile Games

2008-07-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

This link was emailed to me, it looks like a very nice game indeed, my thanks for the author (and to the person who posted the original download link).

"Westward" by Astraware

download link

(for 3rd edition symbian phones)

cheers!

The N95

2008-07-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

The one phone that made the world look at phones.

cheers!

The Evolution of Phones

2008-07-29T02:13:00.000-07:00

nice video...

cheers!

The Water Box

2008-07-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

A cute little app... for phones with accelerometers (n95/n95-8gb, n82, n78, etc...)

download here:

cheers!

Download Junkie

2008-07-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Ever have the feeling that you wanna download something, to make your PC better, or to do other stuff with your files? Or a player or codec you're missing? Or a utility you need but dont know yet?

Check out the Download Junkie... it has lots and lots of files for downloading.

cheers!

Does size matter?

2008-07-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny video about the subject... =)

cheers!

Very nice torrent search sites

2008-07-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

torrent scan
torrent pond

cheers!

My favorite Batmobile

2008-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Unlike any other car in the movies, the batmobile, batman's famous ride - has been changed, mutated, recreated, modified and reworked into so many different versions over the years, that one might have a hard time choosing which one is his favorite. Anyway, here's a site that shows all the batmobiles versions, that we see on TV and on the Movies.

I'll start off with my favorite:

from here:

Here's the main site link. Batmobiles

cheers!

Nikon vs Canon

2008-07-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

This question had been asked so many times in so many sites..... that to answer it without justifying your answer would be ridiculous, hehehe...

Anyway, I found this interesting link... discussing the technical aspects of the 2 famous brands. This could help you in choosing which brand is for you.

link

cheers!

Lots of mobile wallpapers

2008-07-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, you get tired of using photographs, or the default wallpaper your theme gives you... so here's a site with an awesome collection of wallpapers.

link:

cheers!

3rd edition theme overload!!

2008-07-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon this forum/site a couple of days back... and I must say, it's gotta be one of the most loaded sites ever for themes!!

Here's the links to famous thememakers... but check out the main site too, aside from these, there are dozens of themes to be downloaded!

Gnokkia
Giambi
Jendell
Ivanov
Lillium
Rugge89
Luca
Dipo Fabio
Bongoman
Niimai
Bullet93
Ciuppy
Travis
Bandez

Assorted, best themes

cheers!

A stealth theme.

2008-07-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest themes ever... the stealth theme by Pizero

download here.

cheers!

More 3rd Edition theme sites!

2008-07-27T17:16:00.001-07:00

Cant get enough of a good theme for your 3rd edition s60 phone? Here's a couple more sites for your downloading pleasure, hehehe =)

s60 3rd edition themes!!
Taieb
Dailymobile (thanks razor)
mmc forums
Download Chill
world of gsm
Zedge
Symbian Themes US
p@sco
Babi
Pizero

cheers!

More free cellphone goodies!

2008-07-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

the download range.
All sorts of stuff for your mobile. Videos, apps, java games, wallpapers, themes... it's a nice site.

make your own tone.
Very nice site... lets you edit an mp3, then set it as a ringtone.

cheers!

Cute site

2008-07-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little bored lately?

Here's a nice cute site... full of short videos and clips.

link.

cheers!

3 killer themes for the E71

2008-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

download link

cheers!

N95 slider fix

2008-07-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

... reading forums, blogs and websites,....most people are turned off by the 'wobbly' slide of the n95. Even myself, when I first had it, and it got a lttle loose after 4 months or so, I felt like sellin it off. But then, I found this video, and what was supposedly a big problem for some - turned out to be a 2 to 3-minute solution only.

...and if it gets loose again after a few months, there's no reason to not do this again, right?

In my opinion, if the prices are about the same, I'd rather buy an n95 and enjoy it - than to buy a candybar phone with less or not-so-cool features.

here's the fix video for the n95-8gb.

cheers!

Demand Paging

2008-07-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

The n95 didnt have it at first... then it was integrated with v20 firmware. The n82 and n95-8gb had it right from the start. Here's a demo of just how awesome it is on the n82... notice how almost every app is opened, and yet the phone isn't slowing down or hanging? Nice multi-tasking indeed.

cheers!

n82 short clip

2008-07-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

... nice cute video of the n82.

cheers!

N82 xenon vs N95 led flash

2008-07-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

mmm... much has been said about the n82's xenon flash, and why everyone wants it... but how does it fare really to that found in the n95/n95-8gb?

check out this video:

... yup, the xenon flash rocks!!

How to install unsigned apps in S60

2008-07-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

The symbian S60 is one of world's most used UI's in cellphones... there are many many apps that one can install in it, to give it additional functions. Not all of them will install smoothly though - some are 'unsigned', meaning that it didn't go through the usual symbian certification process, so when you try to install it - a 'certificate error' occurs in your phone.

There are a number of ways, available online now, which can sign those applications and make em work with your smartphone. Among them, I find this to be the easiest to follow...

check out the video:

N82 photography

2008-04-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

...been takin a lot of pics lately with my n82, and most come out great. In fact, most are finding the phone to be a vry good camera indeed.

here's a link to my flickr page.... difenbaker... and here's a link to one of the contests I joined... the n82 awards.

cheers!

Learning to use T9

2008-03-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

T9, is another term for "predictive text" - found in most cellphones nowadays. Wanna learn how to use it? Just clink on the link below:

Learning T9

cheers!

How to save a wet phone

2008-03-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ever dropped your cell phone in the sink, or even worse the toilet? Did you ever leave it in your pocket and run it through the washer? It usually means you have to replace your phone, but sometimes if you're fast you can save the phone.

1. Remove the Battery. This is one of the most important steps. Don't take time to think about it, electricity and water do not mix. Cutting power to your phone is a crucial first step in saving it.

2. Dry your Phone. Obviously you need to remove as much of the water as soon as you can to prevent it from getting into the phone. Use a towel or a paper towel to remove as much of the water as possible.

3. Soak in Alcohol. Rubbing Alcohol is hygroscopic (attracts water), it will dissolve all the water in the phone, which will then pour out of the phone with the alcohol. Any remaining alcohol will evaporate. Alcohol will not harm your phone but may mess up glue (from stickers and the like). Use 95% alcohol, not the regular 70% rubbing type. Do it outside!. If you use alcohol, do not follow the rest of the advice here, instead leave your phone outside for a day or two to dry.

4. Allow the phone to dry. Since you do not want to ruin your phone or lose all the numbers in your phone book, you need to allow the phone to dry. Don't try putting the battery back on to see if it works as this would risk damaging the phone with a short circuit. Leaving your phone in a bowl of dry rice will help to expedite moisture evaporation.

5. Heat your Phone. Apply enough heat to your phone to cause the water to evaporate without waterlogging your digital screen. One of the best things you can do to save a cell phone is to set it on the back of your computer monitor or TV screen over the heat vents. This is usually the perfect amount of heat to fix your phone. The convection action of the heat vents will help carry away the moisture in your phone. Leave the phone on the heat for at least 2-3 days. Another option is to leave it overnight in the oven on warm (make sure to take off the battery first).

6. Test your Phone. After you have waited 2 to 3 days, make sure everything is clean and dry looking and re-attach the battery to the phone and see if it works. If your phone does not work repeat step 4. If it still won't work, try taking your cell phone to an authorized dealer. Sometimes they can fix it.

Tips :

* Don't put the battery on for at least 2 to 3 days or longer if your digital screen is foggy.

* Place a piece of satin finish scotch tape over your water damage sticker before you drop your cell phone in the water to prevent the water damage sticker from voiding your warranty. This sticker can usually be found under your battery. It's a small round white sticker, possibly with dots on it. If this sticker gets wet it changes color and your phone is marked for water damage.

* Remove the tape if you ever have to return your phone for repairs or warranty. (See the note in the 'Warnings' section about doing this!)

* The best way to dry out your phone is to place it in front of an air conditioner or air conditioning vent. Cold air won't damage your phone (hot air can warp or in extreme cases even melt plastic), and air from an air conditioner is dry, and so will evaporate water faster than you might think (which is why a car air conditioner will de-mist the windshield so effectively, even if the engine hasn't warmed up yet). Warm air from a reverse-cycle air conditioner works even better, of course. If you dry your phone in this way overnight it should be fine by the morning.

* Use a hairdryer set on warm; it won't melt your head so your phone should be safe.

* Use a food dehydrator.

* Use the oven on the warm setting (make sure to take out the battery)

Warnings :

* Don't heat the battery or it could leak acid. If you use an oven or hairdryer, make sure to remove the battery first.

* If you use alcohol make sure to do so outside, and do not apply heat in any form, not even the gentle heat of a monitor. Do not hook up the bettery till the alcohol smell dissipates.

* Do not apply heat to your phone other than mentioned above. You don't want to melt or burn your phone.

* Warranty fraud is naughty! If you dropped your phone in the can with your other 'droppings'--are you really going to send it in for a warranty tech to have to open? Yuck!

* FYI, Most modern phones have more than one liquid damage indicator on them, only one visible to you (and sales/technician agents), and chances are, if the sticker under the battery is triggered (or would be, with the scotch tape trick), then the odds are that the internal stickers you can't access are tripped as well. This will still result in you paying a voided-warranty fee in the long run, and it may be best to just learn from your mistake (and not make it more financially severe!).

* Even if all these steps are followed, minerals dissolved in the water can precipitate on solder and component pins, causing corrosion or shorting. Components pins are packed so closely together in a modern cell phone that even a small encrustation can create a short, rendering the phone inoperable.

cheers!

want to know more about yourself?

2008-02-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been curious how other people see you? Or if you were like this or like that, what would you be? Are you genuinely happy? Take a short quiz and find out the answers to these questions.

Are you virtuous?
What kind of a shoe are you?
Are you sexy?
How Happy Are You, Really?
Do you communicate like a Man or a Woman?

cheers!

Iron Man

2008-02-17T08:33:00.001-08:00

Can't wait for June to arrive... this movie is looking good. Since they used a blue screen - the effects of this might be just as good as Star Wars.

(click on images to enlarge)

Screenshots:

movie posters:

=)

some n95 tips and tricks...

2008-02-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

here's some tips on getting the most out of your N95, N82 or 6120 (since all 3 phones all have symbian OS 9.1 3rd edition).

mobileburn thread

=)

Nokia Codes

2008-02-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

*#06# - phone serial number / IMEI
*#0000# - phone firmware version
*#2820# - bluetooth device address
*#92702689# or *#(war0anty)# - Life Timer (indicates the total time the phone is used)
*# 7780 # - 'original attitude' reset.
*# 7370 # - Soft Format
Green call button, *, and 3 then turn on - Hard format, also known as the "3-fingered salute". (Be sure it has sufficient batt life before you do this).

=)

my favorite links for cellphones

2008-02-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

hi there... everyday, as you're using your phone, do you ever have an inkling that you want to change it? Customize it? Make it unique or different from the rest of the phones that you see everywhere? You can easily do that with themes, ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers, applications, and other things...

here's some of my favorite links ... where you can get FREE themes, and apps.

wikipedia
all about symbian
headphone.com
GSM Arena
phonearena
phonescoop
trusted reviews
series60v3
mobile9
zedge
mobimaza
crazy4mobiles
dotmobilx
rannatweb
symbian freak
iphone2die4
how stuff works
infosyncworld
I4U
intomobile
iPhoneAlley

.... more to follow soon!

how to change your phone's firmware:

2008-02-05T00:34:00.000-08:00

Before upgrading your phone, as mentioned here, you can also change other things too. Like make it have another language... for make it silent, meaning to take out that camera shutter sound. If this is the case - you will need to download and install NSS.

Download it from here .... then install it.
http://www.b-phreaks.co.uk/NSSDownloadLanding.htm

Just follow the ff steps. (steps taken from upgrading an N73)

1) After installing NSS.... connect your phone to your PC. Choose "PC Suite" mode on your phone. (so that your PC can "see" or detect your phone).
2) Start NSS.
3) Push the button "Scan for new device"
4) Go to Phone Info screen. Check and enable the product code box in the right corner. Change the number there to N73 ME product code number 0539343 for APAC 1 -> Chinese, English and copy that number into that product code box and then click that enable box. (note your original N73 product code up, in case if you need it again). Then click WRITE, and in few seconds click READ, and you'll see that your phones product code has changed.
5) Then exit NSS, disconnect your phone, then connect it again ... start NSU this time, and follow the steps. (to upgrade your phone).

You will now have an upgraded phone with a different regional product code.

cheers!

how to upgrade your phone's firmware (nokia):

2008-02-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

mmm... this has been asked a lot of times in forums, chatrooms, and by my friends... so maybe it wont be so bad if i posted the steps or "how to's" here.

The info that I have gathered here are from various sites/blogs - I take no credit in inventing or creating them coz I didn't, hehehe...

In any case, please note that this is a "do it at your own risk" procedure ok? I have done this a couple of times before, with different phones, and its been successful everytime. But still, there is a possibility that you might end up "bricking" your phone and ending up with an expensive paperweight. For example, if the connection to the phone and PC were suddenly interrupted or broken - while in the middle of the upgrade, that could be bad indeed. Anyway, if this happens you will require some nokia servicing to restore it, or a visit to the nearest cellphone repair shop.

Guide:

1. Ensure that you have installed the Nokia PC Suite (on the CD supplied with the phone or downloaded from the nokia site), on your PC. It should be a working app - meaning that you've used it at least once... this means that your phone had been 'detected' and had successfully sync'd with your PC before. But do not connect your phone to your PC just yet - just go to number 2.

2. You should also have the Nokia Software Updater (NSU) installed.
Download it from here: http://europe.nokia.com/A4176089 This is the software you will use to upgrade your phone. An active internet connection is also needed - since the NSU will check your phone and download the appropriate software from the nokia site, during the upgrading.

3. After installing the NSU... connect your phone (via the data cable), then begin upgrading your phone's software. If you encounter a 'phone is not supported' message - this means that your version of the NSU is not up-to-date, just go to the nokia site and download the very latest one.

4. That's about it... just follow the instructions, and upgrade your phone. It will tell you what phone you have and it will automatically download the firmware.

cheers!

free website maker

2008-02-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

mmm... feel the need to create a website quickly? Head over to roxer... it aint the fastest or the most complete, but it's easy enough to learn, and they host your site too!

here's the link.... http://www.roxer.com/

more Sunset Hunting

2008-01-28T04:46:00.000-08:00

... I just love it when the weather is clear.

Sunset Hunting

2008-01-28T04:13:00.000-08:00

I just love sunsets, I think I'll never get tired of seeing them... every sunset's just so different from the next. Here's some that I took from the shoreline... they're not in my Tabblo just yet.

A Star Wars Fan, I am.

2008-01-28T03:23:00.000-08:00

Wanted to test out the n82's macro capability... which I think is a little better than the n95's because its flash is stronger. But to be fair, for non-flash pics - they're mostly the same. I was quite surprised at how nice these pics turned out. At first glance - they dont look like photos that came from a phone. :)

the N82, First Impressions:

2008-01-28T02:30:00.000-08:00

I think there's no need to go and enumerate the specs... they're pretty much out there already. But comparing them, to the current flagship phones of Nokia (the N95/N95-8GB), I think they're mostly the same - give or take a feature or two.

Probably the first thing you'd notice about the N82, aside from the candy-bar form factor, is its buttons. Yup, they're small, and a little hard to press - if you're used to the keys of the N95, these could take some gettin used to. Owners of the previous N91/N91-8GB will feel right at home though - as the keys are almost identical to that. They have the same tactile feel too.

So how's the n82 when compared to the N95?

Mmm... well there's the increased ram. The N95 previously had 18 to 25MB after bootup... giving it the infamous "low memory" warnings sometimes. Especially when multi-tasking (simultaneously bluetooth, mp3 playing, surfing the web, wifi, opera, playing games for example). Version 20 of the firmware - kinda fixes all that coz it gave the n95 around 30MB now to play with. The newer N95-8GB had around 70 to 80MB to play with - which makes that the choice for power users out there, who'd shy away from the n95 classic. The smaller n82 does one better in that it has 100MB to play with.

Another thing I was curious about before, was the camera. Well... nothing different in that department too, the image quality is about the same. An n95 with the old firmware was slow - but v20 took care of the speed, and they're about the same speed now. (in autofocusing, viewing the gallery, etc). Having tested an n95-8gb too - the n82 seems to be a little faster than that. Like in starting up the camera or opening larger photos (more than 5mb)... the n82 has it on display already, while the n95-8gb is still on "opening". It's nearly instant on the n82.

One significant thing I did notice though... is that night shots, or shots made in low light, is way better than that made with an n95/n95-8gb. The xenon flash in the n82 rocks! It's way brighter than the LED flash in the n95. The red-eye mode is a little too powerful though, in some shots, it actually GIVES red-eye than taking it away! But it's a good thing that this doesn't happen often.

The camera flashes a strobe before it actually takes the shot. This is the same as the 'autofocusing assist light' in digicams, this is usually done to help the camera focus - especially on total darkness or very low light. The difference here is that in the n95, the strobe is white, in the n82 it's red. It's one good looking strobe alright, hehehe.. :D Just like the n95 with v20 - there's also now a viewfinder grid on the camera. And it shows the battery indicator too.... it kinda' reminds you not to take too many photos with that xenflash when the battery is low. hehehe.. :)

What about general overall speed? I'd have to say that this could be the fastest s60 yet! Opening of apps and viewing photos has never been so easy. Playing the new ngage games (demos are included in the card) is a joy. It really shows off the 3D graphics accelerator chip that Nokia is too quick to boast about, :D I'd say, it's about the same as the graphics speed on the N81/N81-8GB. (which is another phone with a graphics chip.) But the n95 classic, surprisingly, is no slouch either in this department. V20 really rocks... and I do applaud nokia for making the n95 'classic' just as fast in some areas.

One not-so-good thing about the n82 is the screen size. The bigger screen of the N95/N95-8gb is a big plus if you're a mobile gamer. Games, and watching movies on that - is just more enjoyable than in the n82. Although all 3 phones share the same resolution - the physically larger screens of the n95's is more pleasing to the eye. The screen is also a big plus in GPS, in the n82 you'd find yourself zooming in and out, scrolling left to right to see some of the streets and names... no such problems with the screens of n95's.

In the N95/N95-8gb, there's a multi-media key to the right of the D-pad. In the N82 - this is replaced by a smaller key.. still to the right of the Dpad, same as that in the N81/N81-8gb. In the n95, the icons in the multi-media menu are displayed in a U-shaped pattern, in the n82- this is displayed in a V-shaped pattern - with the file/directory info underneath. This is a neat addition, imo, coz it saves from you opening the directory, knowing what your latest file was (and info about it) - while still in the mother menu. The not-so-good thing about it is that, unlike the n95 classic, you cant do anything about the icons/menus that're displayed on it. You cant add or delete icons - there's no chance to customize it.

Another not-so-good thing about the n82 is its data cable. I just dont understand why nokia cant seem to stick to one standard and build on that? Mini-USB's are fine... why did they have to do a micro-USB on the n82? Sigh. Anyway, the connector does seem to be more tight than the mini-USB of the n95. The mini sometimes shimmy from side to side (both original and 3rd party cables)... in the n82, it's nice and tight, no movement whatsoever.

Mmmm... I guess that's it for now... haven't yet explored the other menus of the phone. There's a 'music store' and a new 'MusicMix' feature, it even has one category labeled 'OPM', haven't tested that yet.

Other niceties that's included with this phone are the auto-rotate function of the screen, the 3.5mm jack (which doubles as the TV-out port), and the lens cover. The auto-rotate function uses the phone's accellerometer - a feature also taken from the n95 (but in the previous phone it aint automatic). The 3.5mm jack, fortunately, is the same standard size as most headphones in the market - meaning that you can use your favortite high-end hamburger-bun headphones with this phone. :) Lastly is the lens cover... which is much nicer this time, no more split-door types like that in the n95, but rather just one large cover plate. The split-door types were nice enough though... but there have been reports of mulfunctioning doors, like one is open and one is not. Which is an inconvenience for sure. This same lens cover, rather the absence of it, is a source of continuing debate on nokia's other great camphone - the N95-8GB.

Overall... on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score, I'd probably give the n82... a healthy 8 (that is if a 9 sounds too cheesy! hehehe..)

cheers!