Samsung Galaxy Note 8 wifi version Review

This is my review on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, wifi version.  It's a little bit dated, but this is a personal look and review after more than a couple of months usage.

Note that I also own and have reviewed the iPad Mini (http://philgadgames.blogspot.com/2013/05/ipad-mini-wifi-version-review-and.html).  So, I may at times mention the iPad mini on my review.

The pros and cons on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8:

Pros

• it has a stylus pen.
• has a large 8 inch screen
• cost less than the iPad Mini
• can expand the memory with SD memory slot
• has apps exclusive to galaxy note line

Cons

• Shorter Battery life (Compared to iPad Mini) it drains so fast
• Non-removable battery
• screen is not gorilla glass, could be scratch easily if not protected by a case
• default screen color tone is very vivid, can be changed to soft color in settings
• can accidentally touch the return and menu button when in landscape mode

After using the Galaxy Note 8 for more than a month, it's something that I can use next to my iPad Mini.  People say Apple product users are just nuts spending that much on the same device, but I say to them, don't judge unless you have used an Apple product yourself.  You get what you pay for in Apple products, that's all I have to say, and move along to the Galaxy Note 8 review.

Galaxy Note 8 is a nice android tablet, with something special attached (a stylus pen).  Although, I seldom use the stylus pen, when I use my Note 8.  I only use it when I want to draw something, this is where Note 8 differs with other tablets.  The stylus is really nice to write on the tablet since it has pressure sensitivity, making it write like a brush and a pencil.  And this stylus was developed with Wacom (known for their stylus and tablet products).  Maybe also one of the reason why it is more expensive.

Having the stylus feature out of the way, we now focus on the tablet itself.  The Note 8 tablet was the first Samsung try on the 8 inch arena, following the release of iPad Mini, since before Samsung only have the 7 inch tablets.  And it seems, to me, the 8 inch is just the right size and weight for a tablet. 

Screen is sharper and more vibrant than the iPad mini.  Being an android device it give the user an option to place widgets and customize initial content when you open the tablet.

The tablet has both a front 1.3 megapixel camera and back facing 8 megapixel camera. One of the reasons why this device is more expensive than most available android tablets out there, but you get what you pay for.   Other tablets are cheaper, but only have one camera that is crappy or none at all, like the Polaroid tablets.  I often scratch my head when I look at the price tags of these Polaroid tablets based on their outdated specs.

To be honest, I only own 2 tablets, one is the iPad mini and this Samsung Galaxy Note 8.  I have handled a cheaper android tablet, and trust me, usually if you buy a cheap tablet, don't expect a premium device.

Galaxy Note 8, currently priced at the range of Php14,500 - Php16,000 a bit cheaper than the iPad mini.

Philips SHE1360 wired earphones/ear-buds: Review

This is the only earphones/ear-buds that I would buy for its cheap price and good build/quality in the Philippines.  For around P200 (around $4.50 US), you get to listen to your music and sounds from your gadget without disturbing the people around you.  

Please note, this packaging is a bit old, latest packaging of this earphone is much smaller, but still in the price range of P200-P220 ($5 US).

There are a lot of cheap earphones being sold with prices around P100-P180 ($3.50 US), but they tend to be poorly made for the price and won't last as long as this earphone.  The build of this earphones is pretty good.  The rubber cable could handle a bit of tugging and will not get loose, unlike the other cheap brands that come off easily.  Cable length is adequate for everyday use, on devices that are on the go.

I have bought china made earphones in Canada, and when I accidentally tug them and then right away they are unusable and dangerous to use due to exposed wires, I had to exchange them for new ones.  The replacements also had the same lifespan and was not functioning after a few uses, but this Philips earphones still functions after all this years.

Pros and Cons for this earphone:

Pros

• Solid build
• Cable does not get tangled
• Cheap price for the quality you will get
• Delivers the sound you need for the low price

Cons

• Sound is standard, not stunning quality (better than most on this price range)
• Cable get hardened after years of use

I have three (3) of this earphones currently.  The first one was given to me as a gift.  It still functions and the cable is a bit hardened.  The second one, I bought as a spare in case the first one loses its sound.  But until now the first one still functions.

The third one I bought is for the purpose of these review.  And to test, if this earphone is still the same quality after 5 years.  It seems, it is still the same.

A little note.  Please test these earphones when you purchase at the store.  Don't buy if they say this earphone has no warranty when you purchase.  I bought my 3rd one from SM appliance, and it was a factory defective unit.  It sounded like tin cans and no vocals.  I had them replaced right away, and also a lesson for me not to buy without testing.  Even though my first 2 units worked without problems, the current batches may have factory defect sold in stores.  I should have doubts when the packaging was a little bit crooked and offset.

I highly recommend this earphone for the price.  If your intention is an earphone for the daily commute, this is the earphone for you.  Especially when you only intend to use it for radio and mp3s.

Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphone: Update

The Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphone update.

Specs:

Type	Circumaural Closed Back Stereo Headphones
Frequency Range	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	32 Ohms
Sensitivity	105 dB @ 1 kHz
Maximum Input Power	100 mW
Connectors	1/4" Stereo Phone Plug
Cable Length	6.6' (2.0 m)
Weight	13.6 oz (385.5 g)

Here is an update on my usage of the Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphone.  Sadly, it only lasted a couple of years with uncaring use on my part.

After a couple of years of rugged use.  The headphone pads on the ears started to peel and expose the soft dark synthetic fabric material.  It finally had it's last run on my constant tugging and dropping.  After more than 2 years of use every night.  It finally lost it's sound and also does not function as it should on my laptop.

It's a good headphone for the price and acceptable usage life. I'm currently using my Superlux HD 668B as an alternative headphone at home.  See my first look here: http://philgadgames.blogspot.com/2012/12/superlux-hd-668b-first-look.html.  But primarily, I am currently just using my Philips Ear buds, to avoid destroying another headphone.

I'll write a review soon on my cheapest ear buds that is available in the Philippines and it is a tough enough to last more than 5 years.
 

God of War: Collection for PS Vita

According to the DataBlitz Facebook account. God of War: Collection for PS Vita will be available on their branches.  And according to them early buyers will get a free shirt.

For the first time, the God of War Collection (God of War and God of War II) for PS Vita.  Play as Kratos, a Spartan, in his quest to get revenge on Ares (God of War) and alter the course of Fate.

I have played God of War on PSP before, I finished it, and one of the best handheld game I have the opportunity to finish. Recommended, but with more games with better graphics today, I doubt, it has the same appeal as it had years ago.

Ritek LED bulb RKB-7W-60000K - Review and First Look

This is a first look and mini review of Ritek LED bulb RKB-7W-60000K.  This LED bulb brand is available in CD-R King and currently sold with a promo price of P188 (about $4.27 US) and is the one that is very bright in the 7watt line on their display window.

I already bought about 3 units, and so far they work as advertised.  The brightness is a bit lower than a 14 watt CFL (compact florescent lamp), but is sufficient enough as a light source.  If you need a brighter light I would suggest a higher watt LED, or just go with a CFL.  I noticed that a higher LED watt does only a little increase in lumen.  Lumen is the the unit used to measure brightness from a source.

In LED packages, I see a 7 watt LED typically produces 450-500 lumen, while a 9 watt LED bulb produces only 550 lumen, highest I saw was I think 600 lumen.  Brighter CFL such as 14-15 watt, produces about 700-850 lumen.  So if you don't need your room to be bright, a 7 watt LED will do on a 45 sq. ft room.  But ideal room size for a single 7watt LED bulb should only be 33 sq. ft.

The Ritek LED bulb RKB-7W-60000K, has a silver aluminum body, that can absorb the heat produced by the LEDs.  At first I thought it was made of plastic with color of silver.  Dome is made of glass, that emits the LED light much brighter than it can previously can in older LED versions.

Pros and cons of this LED light product:

Pros

• Energy Saver (less energy for same lumen)
• Long life (3 yrs according to the package with 1 yr warranty)
• Light is immediately bright (unlike CFL that needs to warm up a bit before light is optimal)
• No Mercury content according to their package, so environmentally friendly.

Cons

• Cost more than a typical CFL (2 times more expensive than ordinary CFL)
• Light is less brighter since the direction it has more light is directly below is fixed on top.

This product is still available from the last time I checked in a CDR King branch in Cubao on April 26, 2014.  Product has a 1 year service warranty, but according to the sales personnel it will just be replaced since no one fixes LED anyway.  Just keep the receipt and box to avail of the warranty in any of the CDR King branches in the Philippines.

Product link on CDR-King website: http://www.cdrking.com/index.php?mod=products&type=view&sid=14387&main=158#.U10dQfmSzK0

LED light bulbs in the Philippines - an insight and observation

The year 2014 may be the time for LED to go main stream in the Philippines.  I have already seen almost affordable LED light bulbs in hardware stores.  Although, most LED bulbs are still expensive, there are some that are sold with an irresistible promo price.

I have already seen 7w LED light bulbs being sold for Php180.00 (around $4.00 US) as a promo price. A 5watt LED cost around Php150.00 (around $3.40 US), and a 3watt LED cost around Php120.00 (around $2.70 US).

To give you a perspective on the current average cost of an LED light bulb, the average cost of a 7watt LED light bulb is Php350.00 (around $8.00 US) with some costing twice as much (Php780.00).  But lately, the prices are going down, since no one is buying LEDs even if they save us money in the long run on the electric bill.  We (Filipinos) still prefer the Php99.00 9w CFL which last about an average of 15,000 hrs.

Because a seven hundred pesos (Php700.00) LED light bulb is just not practical, for something that will slash the electric usage in half and last twice as long.  What exactly did we save? The environment?  Sure now they say LED light bulbs have no mercury and all that environmental stuff.  But most Filipinos can't even spend much on food; let alone buy a very expensive light bulb.  For some middle class, that price is just not practical.  A CFL (compact florescent lamp) will last a year, if your average use of it is about 12 hrs a day.

The right price for an LED light bulb is around the price range of Php180-200.  About twice the amount of a promo priced CFL.  Sure LED light bulb last as much as 3yrs of constant usage.  But whichever company gives the right price for an LED light bulb, will make a profit on most quantity sold and make a name for themselves.

I don't know if an LED light bulb will last more than 3 yrs.  This will be an experiment for me, I still keep my receipt, since there is a 1 yr warranty on some LED light bulbs.  I forgot, if the very first LED light bulb (Philips brand) we bought has a 3 yr warranty.  I have to check.  So, if I use my LED light bulb at an average of 12hrs a day.  I should, be replacing my LED light bulb in about, 6-7yrs.

I'm going to write a review soon on LED light bulbs, that are on the Php120 -180 price range.  Since that is where the consumer market will be for the LED light bulbs.  I will just be reviewing the brightness and build of this light bulbs.  Since not all LED light bulbs are made the same, especially in brightness (lumen).

I still see LED light bulbs as gadgets for the modern age, and LED light bulbs are sold in some gadget stores and at times still treated as a novelty item in the Philippines.

Smart Telecom mobile internet coverage in Rockwell Powerplant Mall

A little update on the Smart mobile internet coverage in Metro Manila.  Currently, after multiple visits to the Rockwell Powerplant Mall, I noticed that the mobile internet speed of Smart Communications has improved.

My device has reached true HSPDA speed, youtube downloads was fast.  I guess, their infrastructure upgrade was already complete.  I just wish when they do the upgrades they don't charge their customers full price, when at that time slow to no mobile internet was available on certain areas.

Now, if only it is the same speed in the Araneta Center, where they have their name on the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  Speed in surrounding areas should be fast as well, since it is a public place.  Also, there is even less tall buildings in the area, which should not affect the mobile internet connection.

Mobile internet speed on the following area is also good, but slow:
UP campus - Bahay ng Alumni (Sun cellular has no mobile internet coverage there)
Riverfront - Caniogan Pasig

Brgy. San Miguel in Pasig near the Petron Station and Wellcome Supermarket has a good connection speed, but not as good in Rockwell Powerplant Mall speed.

Don't ask about Megamall coverage, since there is no mobile signal in certain areas there, so when there is no bars on the phone, chances are there is no mobile internet available in that area.

Update:
There are some places in Rockwell Powerplant mall, which have slow and unreliable internet connection.  So, don't expect to reach 300kbps on that tablet or phone of yours in all areas.