A Call for Standards on Mobile Handset Cables

I mean, both the chargers and the data cables (since in some handsets, they are one and the same). We have tons of them — the mini-USB, the micro-USB, serial cable, the SE, Samsung and LG proprietary ports, the iPhone, the HTC ports and so many more.

That doesn’t even end there — a single manufacturer can even have multiple ports for different models of their handsets.

I do understand some of the reason why they had to adapt their own power/data ports and it’s primary because they don’t want their own chargers/data cables being used by users for other branded handsets. But for one manufacturer to use multiple ports for different models of their own brand is very weird.

Ok, so I lost my data/charger cable for my HTC Hero. The port lloks like your regular mini-USB but the trapezoid shape doesn’t actually fit the standard one. I had to go around and look for a replacement data/charger cable to no avail. I also have another cable from my Google Nexus One, which is basically just a rebranded HTC handset, but that one uses a micro-USB.

Can they just get along and adapt a single cable format? I’d vote for the micro-USB. It’s readily available in stores and you can buy them for just a couple hundred bucks.

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Neo B4103 takes cheapest Core i3 crown!

During a round-table discussion yesterday with Neo executives and Intel representatives, I asked why it took a while for the local laptop manufacturer to bring out their big guns.

The answer was pretty simple and straight-forward — they basically want to position their new Core i3 and Core i5 notebooks as among the most affordable in the local market.

So far, they did the first step to bring a Core i3 notebook in the sub-30k price point.

Neo Basic B4103
Intel Core i3 330M (2.13 GHz), supports Hyper-Threading
14.1″ display screen @ 1366×768 pixels
2GB DDR3 RAM
Integrated Intel HD
320GB HDD
DVD+RW Supermulti Optical Drive
6-cell Li-Ion @ 4400mAh

It’s pretty basic really, but the highlight here is the Core i3 processor running at 2.13GHz with 2 cores and 4 threads. And the price is just one peso shy of thirty grand — Php29,999. Since people are asking for OS option, there’s no pre-installed OS here (just FreeDOS) so it’s up to the buyer if they want Windows 7 with it.

And they’ve got a Core i5 as well (NEO Basic B4105) that’s got a Core i5 CPU for Php35,999 (see here).

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Apple outs Core i5, Core i7 MacBook Pro

As expected, Apple did a refresh of their MacBook and MacBook Pro models to include the new Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors.

There’s only one model of the 17″ MacBook Pro and that one runs an Intel Core i5 2.53GHz.

Macbook Pro 17″
Intel Core i5 550M 2.53GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB SATA HDD
Intel HD Graphics
nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512 MB RAM
Price: Php117,990

For the 15-inch models, there are 3 options with Core i5 and Core i7 included:

Macbook Pro 15″

Intel Core i5 550M 2.4GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
320GB SATA HDD
Intel HD Graphics
nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 256 MB RAM
Price: Php91,990

Intel Core i5 550M 2.53GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB SATA HDD
Intel HD Graphics
nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 256 MB RAM
Price: Php101,990

Intel Core i7 620M 2.66GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB SATA HDD
Intel HD Graphics
nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512 MB RAM
Price: Php112,990

The graphics card switches between the integrated Intel HD and the nVidia GeForce GT330M depending on usage or whether it’s plugged in or running on battery.

All models promise some pretty nifty battery life ranging from 8 to 9 hours on a single charge. Price are based on Apple Philippines Online Store. The smaller 13″ MacBook wasn’t fitted with the new Core i5 or Core i7 chips. I was actually expecting they’re put in the newer Core i3 processors at the very least. Maybe on the next refresh.

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Hat’s Off To The Scholars!

Epitome of a true beauty queen, Miss Universe winner, Miriam Quiambao not only has the beauty and the brains but has the passion to help out young brood fulfill their goals. As a philanthropist, Miriam has been actively participating in different organizations and reaching out to those in need.

First Look: Barbie Meets Ken in Toy Story 3

Iconic swinging bachelor Ken (voice of Michael Keaton) is smitten when he spots Barbie (voice of Jodi Benson) amongst the Toy Story gang in Disney/Pixar’s new animated adventure Toy Story 3.