A Fascination with the Color Red and Sony Vaio E-Series

If you've stepped into a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch recently, you might have noticed two unattended laptops sitting on a table. You may have wondered whoever owns these laptops are careless and are not worried about leaving their valuables behind. But then you stop and look at the sign on the table-- yes, these laptops are available to the public. Anyone can use these laptops so they can try out the power of these Sony VAIO E-Series laptops. 

Sony Vaio Corner

Well last night, I finally got the chance to try one. At CBTL- A Venue branch, there were two laptops available--a hot pink and a black laptop. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that my gadgets have ALWAYS been black. But ever since I had my iPod Touch with a pink-turned-red jelly case, I've become attracted to red gadgets: my red Blackberry (which I sold just last week) and my iPhone; again with a pink-turned-red case. Oh yes, and who could ever forget my infamous RED-143 Honda that my dad has been letting me use?!

My red Blackberry now in the possession of its new owner--Gracielle

My red gadgets

My friend, Red, standing against my car (last year). Photo by Martin Villasor
Strangely, I just realized I don't have a picture against my car!

Even though the Sony VAIO E-series VPCEA45FG was hot pink, I could not help but get attracted to it. Believe it or not, red is not my favorite color; neither was hot pink. I do like pink but I prefer the baby pink colors. But still, there was really something about the color that truly attracted me--it drew me straight to this laptop. 

Sony Vaio E Series

The moment my hands laid on the keyboard, I knew I was in for! I couldn’t help but admire the easy track pad and the fact that it did not let my hand slip. Plus, I loved how each character had a few centimeters of space between one another! It reminded me of a pink MacBook! I really liked the keyboard and felt so relaxed when I used it. I think it would be a good laptop for my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome because it provided just enough space for my wrists to rest.

Sleepy yet beaming at my new discovery!

I would totally get the laptop if I had the money. I am in need of a new laptop and I can already tell my current laptop (Compaq-Presario) is no longer happy with me as its owner. Of course, I have abused its keyboard with the numerous articles I make on a daily basis. It’s only understandable why my laptop is giving me a hard time when I’m typing—it would suddenly jump to the bottom of the screen. WEIRD.

Hmm… maybe soon. I hope so. But maybe for now, I can just use the laptop over at CBTL- A Venue branch for free (if I’m tired of my boring laptop)! :) 

The Battle Between Foursquare and Gowalla

Who doesn't know what Foursquare is? Like many people I know, I'm a huge fan of it too. The only problem I have with it is that I use my iTouch to access it. And like the same problem I had with Flurv/Skout, it keeps registering my location as Hong Kong. It gets tiring already since I have to create the location from scratch every time I check into a new venue. That's why my Foursquare has become inactive for several months already.

Recently though, I was able to discover a new app that allowed me to check in through my BlackBerry. I simply downloaded Gowalla, registered, and I'm already able to check in no matter where I am. The best thing I like about it is that it is definitely accurate! I no longer have to create a new spot since you can easily scroll down the list.

Although Gowalla is a clear imitation of Foursquare, this is one scenario that I can attest to. I prefer using Gowalla on my BlackBerry. Even if I use Foursquare on my BlackBerry, it still produces a lot of errors. It won't even let me check in.

So for now, I'll be in Gowalla. Maybe when I get to buy the new iTouch 4G 64gb, I'll be able to use Foursquare to its full capacity. But until then, that will have to wait.

Gadget Talk: My BlackBerry Curve 8250

A few weeks ago, I decided to let go of my dream cellphone, Nokia E75, because I could no longer get or make a decent phone call. I wanted to throw away my phone because it irritated me so much. But I could not decide what new phone to get because I was really in love with this phone. Plus, it's the very first high end phone that I purchased with my own money.

I decided to trade it with a Samsung Corby wi-fi ready phone. I found the seller in Sulit.com.ph. Despite the warnings of my Corby user friends, I went with the decision. Just a few days later, I hated the phone as well. :( So, I was in search of a new phone.

I didn't want another high end phone as I don't want to experience another huge price drop. I bought my E75 for P20,000 and just 6 months later, it was only sold at P10,000. What's more is that if I traded it to another phone, people priced it at P6,000. Heartbreakening!

I wanted to buy either an iPhone or another Nokia touch screen phone. But I was hesitant. I am aware of how huge the prices of Nokia drop. I did not want to go through that again. I do like an iPhone because it's really dependable. Plus, an iPhone will always be an iPhone. No huge price drops there.

But I couldn't afford one yet, at least not for another month. Since I really needed to change my phone, I decided to look for BlackBerry in Sulit. The first ad I saw was posted on the website's header. I was immediately drawn to this because it was only priced at P10,990. The other stores sold the model between P12,000 and P16,000.

So the next day, I called up BlackBerry Zuela and purchased my very own BlackBerry Curve 8250. They were really great and accommodating to me. They even taught me how to use it. :)

Now, I'm a BB user. How about you? ^,^

COMDDAP Announces Several Contests for December Expo

Last Thursday, Sept. 23, I was among some bloggers who were invited by COMDDAP to post some of their material on my blog. I felt very honored as I am a fresh blogger and have not been consistent with my blog posts. They treated us to a meal via Travel Cafe and we were welcomed by the people behind the group.

Since it was traffic outside, the other bloggers who got invited were inconsistent with the time they arrived. This is why the group decided to talk to each blogger separately. I arrived in the event with Let's Go Sago, who I have never met in my entire life. We were welcomed and told about the event that COMDDAP was planning for December 2010.

Every year, COMDDAP (Computer Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers Association of the Philippines) hosts an event held on the first week of December to showcase the best of the IT world. This year, the 2010 Manila Expo is scheduled to be at the SMX Convention Center on December 2-5, 10am-7pm. The good news about this event is that it is FREE!

What can you get from attending the expo? 

COMDDAP has long made it a point to showcase the different IT products since 1986. [Yes, it's the same year I was born] They have witnessed the IT industry change before their very eyes and they are really knowledgeable of the different products that have and will make it in the market. Think of the event as a one-stop shop where you can get some gadgets for your Christmas shopping!

Okay, so what else?

Did I mention they have a series of contests as well as an auction?


Imagen.I.T. Pinoy
The theme for this year is called Imagen.I.T. Pinoy because COMDDAP believes that Filipinos are really talented in just about any field. COMDDAP is inviting EVERYONE to submit their digital art, no matter how it was made as long as it is in digital format. 


Oldest PC Hunt
If you still have an old PC at home, even if it isn't working anymore, you better bring it with you on December 2-5. You might win some prizes that they haven't disclosed with us yet!

Auction
One of the biggest reasons why COMDDAP holds its events on December is because each attendee has been alloted several months to save money for the live auction held on these dates. At the same time, it is the season when everyone just received their 13th month bonus! This is perfect timing for people to enjoy auctioning new gadgets!

Mark your calendars people!

*For more information on these contests, send a comment and I will forward the mechanics to you. 
** Thanks to COMDDAP for the Norton 2010 Anti-Virus installer!

Of Jewels and Ex-Boyfriends

Being a woman, I know that diamonds are considered as a girl's best friend. Even if this does not (yet?) apply to me, I know a handful women out there who love getting jewelry from their partners. But what happens when you break up? Do you return the jewelry or do you keep it?

An ex gave me a necklace with a heart pendant for my birthday in 2006. A few months later, we broke up badly and didn't speak to each other until last year. Even though I had returned everything to him (our pictures, his basketball jersey, and other memorabilia), the necklace was something I held on to. I don't know why I did that because:

a. I'm not a fan of jewelry
b. I'm not even sure if the necklace was worth anything.

But there, I left it at home when I moved to Manila 3 years ago since I was in a relationship with someone else. When we started talking again, I returned home and took the necklace with me. (Yes, it is currently here with me.) Occasionally, I wear the necklace since it has a heart pendant and a silver chain. I wear it on special and formal occasions.

The reason why I'm talking about jewelry and my ex is because I came across a website where you can sell the jewelry your ex-boyfriend gave you, providing of course, it has some value. The website, called ExBoyfriendJewelry, advertises your jewelry along with a few pictures and (get this) a description of why you are selling it.

Image from ExBoyfriendJewelry

Now I know I told you guys that I first left the necklace at home, right? That's because I couldn't stand seeing it. Every time I do, it brings up memories of what COULD HAVE BEEN and what did happen between us. It hurt so much that I wanted to throw it away. But I held on to it.

For women out there who have been given jewelry by their ex-boyfriends and do not want to look at it anymore, visit the website and you can sell them as well as share why you want to get rid of it.

Sadly though, I have never received jewelry after that ex-boyfriend. All I got from the recent "relationship" was headache, heartache, and a drained bank account. lol! 

Image borrowed from Desmond-T

FLURV!

Last night, I was looking for a new app to download for my iTouch. I came across a new application, called Flurv, which is another social networking app. Only this time, it lets singles meet people who are within their area.  I wonder though why the app recognizes my location as Hong Kong which is why a lot of cute Chinese guys have been chatting with me last night. There were some who are from the U.S. but the ones that I found cute are from HK. ^,^

For those who don't have an iPhone or an iTouch, you can still use the app through their website FLURV. 


The best part about using Flurv is that it is safe! You just browse through the members and when you see someone you like, you can immediately send him/her a message to chat. You don't release any information unless you wish to. Once someone chats with you and you don't like him/her, you can simply close the chat or block him/her. Very simple. Oh, and you get to move to the next cute guy/girl you see. ^,^

The best part about this app: it's FREE. ^,^

Check out photos I found from iTunes.

The Home Screen

Profile

An Actual Chat Message

Photos Page

Double Woot for Facebook + McAfee!

Browsing my Facebook account today, I came across a sponsored ad that triggered my interest! Just by being a fan of the page, you can immediately get a 6-Months Complimentary subscription to McAfee security software! This is indeed great news as most security software are only available for a 1-3 month trial basis. But with this one, your computer/laptop is protected for the next six months!

Hooray for Facebook and McAfee! Now I have protection for my laptop! =) If you would like to get your complimentary download, click on this link DOUBLE WOOT FOR FACEBOOK + McAFEE!