Samsung ST77 Review and First Look

Samsung ST77 point & shoot camera

For people, who want to capture that moment, a digital camera is the way to go.  Sure, we have cameras on our cellphone.  But it is a bit better from a device that is truly for the purpose of capturing that moment.

Samsung ST77 box side angle view

I have to admit, the photos taken by this camera is a bit blurred at times or has a lot of noise.  It could be, I just didn't set it right.

But for the price, it's a bit OK, but wish it could have been better.  It has a nice specs on paper:

• HD video
• 5x optical zoom
• 16.1 megapixel
• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• Smart Filter 2.0
• F2.5 Bright Lens 
• Live Panorama
• Lithium Ion rechargeable battery

For the price of Php6,990(about $162), you get a slim digital camera with Lithium Ion rechargeable battery with 4GB micro SD card, wrist strap, micro USB cable for charging and transfer of pictures and a black camera case with Samsung logo.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

The camera could be placed on your pocket easily, it is light, easy to carry around and comes in different colors.

USB connection on the side

On the side of the camera there is a micro USB to connect with a computer to directly transfer files.

At the back, you have your usual LCD screen with menu, mode, review, function, and adjustment buttons. There are multiple present scene selections, features such as frames, deform/funny faces and picture within a picture.

All in all a great camera, with ample light on the photo subject even when the environment is a bit dark.  Best bet is to use flash on dark places, unless you want that dark effect.  Automatic ISO is good.  A bit better than previous cameras on capturing images in poor light conditions.  

There are other better cameras out there.  But if you are in a budget, want a lithium battery powered camera, you only point & shoot anyway and like your camera to be colorful.  Then this is the camera for you.

Again the pros:

• Good automatic ISO for night and dark shots
• Nice pictures on well lighted areas
• Light weight, can be placed in the pocket
• Comes with camera case, wrist strap and SD expansion memory card
• Very accessible Service Center in Metro Manila for Warranty availment
• Lithium Battery for longer battery life.
• Presets and software features are good enough, much like other cameras of its class.

The cons:

• Picture blurred at times
• Workmanship on the device could be a bit better. Unaligned at some point.
• Flash is only effective for a few feet. (like most point & shot cameras)

Bought this camera at Pixel Pro in SM Megamall Cyber Zone.

According to them, the warranty can be only be availed at the Samsung service center at the following address: Ground Floor Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas Ave., Geenhills San Juan. Phone number: 580-5777

CD-R King Headset Design Copied Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphone

CD-R King HeadSet in black (Imitation) and
Behringer HPM1000 Headphone in silver

I mentioned before, that I have a headset same design as the Behringer HPM1000.

The external design is the same on both, and that is where their similarity ends. They have different colors, their purpose is also a bit different (one is a headset, the other is a headphone [no microphone]) and the sound quality isn't the same either (Behringer original is better).

The Funny thing is; the foam on the headband is softer on the imitation than the real deal.

I said before on my blog about Behringer HPM1000 [here], the imitation broke after just a month of rugged use.  As I am posting this it blog, it has been two months from my first review and the headset is still functioning.  The Behringer original is still functioning after 2 months, even with my very rugged everyday use. 

The Behringer HPM1000 is one tough headset, due to the fact I dropped it more than several times and it still functions.  I even accidentally pull the cord, most of the time, putting a strain between the headset connection on the left ear portion.  So far, the device is working without loosing sound or giving poor quality on either ear.

Due to it's cheap price, good sound quality and great durability.  I will definitely buy the same headset brand and model, as a replacement pair, if ever, my current one clunks out.

Again, I bought my pair from  In-Tune music store in Robinsons Galleria. They have other branches, they have one in SM Megamall, as far as I know.

CD-R King Wireless-N Universal Repeater CW-150MBPS-R

Wireless-N Universal Repeater CW-150MBPS-R
(front)

I wanted to improve my router's range but was not able to successfully do so with the CD-R King Wireless-N Universal Repeater, model: CW-150MBPS-R.  Now, this gives you the impression of a simple set-up that will link you to an existing router and will have you surfing the net in matter of minutes.

That was not the case with me and this universal repeater, I was tinkering with it from 9pm until midnight and early morning and I still wasn't able to get it to work with my buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH.

Now, not to give a bad image to this repeater, it worked when we tested it on the CD-R King store.  It is just not compatible with my router.  It works if you plug the Ethernet connection to the router.  But what good will it be, if the location you want is very far and you don't want to see any cable running along the hallway?

Wireless-N Universal Repeater CW-150MBPS-R
(back)

So there you go, this repeater works. It just doesn't work with the buffalo brand model WZR-HP-G300NH.  It may work with other routers.  So if you plan to buy this repeater, maybe you should bring your router with you to the CD-R King Store to really test if they are compatible.  If the technician there isn't busy, they can help you configure it and you can use it immediately when you get home.

There was still plenty of stocks left, last time I was there in CD-R King Farmer's Plaza Cubao Branch in Araneta Center, Quezon City, Philippines.  They are on the ground floor, near EDSA middle entrance, should you decide to check out that branch when you are in the Cubao, Q.C. area.

Product website link: http://www.cdrking.com/?mod=products&type=view&sid=11330&main=50

CDR-King SATA HDD Docking Station Combo (CW-D2)

Docking Station Combo w/ 3.5 HDD loaded

Necessity is the mother of invention.  I was in a bind when my desktop's power supply was destroyed.  I was rarely using the unit anyway and I was already using laptops.  The desktop was more than 5 years old and I was given the option to buy a new power supply and LCD monitor, since it's CRT monitor is already busted anyway.  The desktop's bios is already acting up and I only need my files.

CDR-King SATA HDD Docking Station Combo (CW-D2)

memory card reader on the front of the docking station

So I decided to just buy a SATA HDD enclosure for my existing Hard Drive.  As I was buying the HDD enclosure, this docking station combo caught my eye.  It's almost the same price and has more options, by just removing and replacing a HDD, much like game cartridges of old Family Computer (NES) days.

back portion of the Docking Station Combo

This Docking Station Combo can be used for 2.5 & 3.5 HDD sizes. And has card readers on the front and 2 USB connections at the back for flash drives.









There are three(3) models to choose from, as far as I know, one has no USB ports at the back and no memory card readers on the front, the other one has an additional eSATA port at the back.

Only difference per model is P100(about $2), the model I bought cost P680(about $16).  

Note: Hard Disk Drives used here are SATA versions.

CD-R King website page for the product: http://www.cdrking.com/?mod=products&type=view&sid=11726&main=165

Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphone

Behringer HPM1000

Ok, before we talk about Behringer HPM1000, let me explain how I started obsessing with headphones.  As I mentioned on my last blog, I am currently obsessed with headphones.  I'm not into the brands and hype of a headphone.  I'm more into the clear quality of sound at the right price.  I would gladly buy a good pair of earphones, as long as it is within a reasonable price range.  What is exactly the reasonable price range for me?  I would say about within the price range of 1,000Php (about $22) to 2,000Php (about $45).  It could go beyond 2,000 but not beyond 3,000Php (about $68).

I was hooked to good earphones by Superlux brand, thru their ad on Facebook.  So yes, at times, the ads in Facebook works as long as the person viewing it has interest or curiosity in someway.  I was curious on what the fuzz is all about, since at that time, for me a headphone is just like an earphone/earbud and vice versa.

So, how good is the Behringer brand?  It's quite good, actually.  The model HPM1000 is ideal for movies on a laptop and music.  It feels good on the head and ears.  I have been using it for more than 3 months.  It's still performs well, and believe me, I'm a rugged user of headphones.  The sound is good for the price of Php1,200 (about $28).

Let's see the pros and cons of this headphone:

Cons:

1. Looks cheap and cannot be used as status symbol (like Monster's Beats by Dr. Dre)
2. Sweat and oil sticks to the pads, and there is something on the top padding that hits my noggin, but after a while you get use to it. 
3. As with most headphones, you need to remove them once in a while for your ears to dry-out from sweat

Pros:

1. Sound quality is good for the price, especially in movies.
2. Built sturdy and would last longer than expected
3. Feels good on the head with the padding design they have
4. Bass is good and can be used for games and music
5. Comes with a larger jack, you can screw on and then plug directly to your hifi-stereo
6. L shape portion on the jack.. you won't have to worry about accidentally pulling the jack off your device, impossible when the thick cable is more than a meter long.

Sure, you will see an imitation of same design, but does it sound the same as the original?

Before I bought my Behringer orignal headphone.  I bought an imitation from a local store, CDR-King, it's an exact copy except it was a headset and colored black.  The headset sounded OK, but was not the same as the original and it broke after using it for a month.  The  Behringer orignal headphone I'm reviewing lasted more than 3 months, and will probably last more than 2 years... I'll blog about this headphone again after a year or when it breaks.

Bought my Behringer headphone pair from In-Tune music store in Robinsons Galleria.  They do have other branches, they have one in SM Megamall, as far as I know.  

Fiio E6, Earphone Amplifier

Fiio E6, earphone amp

I have been obsessed with earphones lately and I happened to come across this product that is readily available in the Philippines.  It's from Fiio, known for great products at reasonable prices, a small earphone amplifier.  One glance, you know this is a good device.

This tiny device is best for open, semi-open earphones.  I tried it on a closed earphone and I could not feel or tell the difference, but I tried it on an open earphone and wow, the difference is nice.  Semi-open earphones have better sound than closed, but music could seep out of it and bother people in public places.  Semi-open earphones are not good in libraries or place where silence is needed.

My impressions on this amplifier device are the following:

Pros:

1. It's lightweight and small
2. easy to use
3. improves the sound quality of some low powered earphones
4. price is cheap (one thousand pesos range)

Cons:

1. you may have to throw it away once the battery life is depleted (does not charge as it use to)
2. No way of changing the battery, unless you open it and you know how electronics work
3. I get static sound at times when the charger is plugged in when I'm listening

All in all, this device is a keeper if you have some money to burn and you feel your headphone is low powered and with the volume at max still not giving you enough to enjoy your music.  This device, isn't really needed, but a plus for those who feel their earbuds or earphones need boosting or 'amplifying' to enjoy their music.

Just be prepared to part with this portable amp when the time comes. I think, this was designed as a throw away device that once it's battery life is spent there is no option to replace it (based on their manual).  Not a problem at the price you are paying, you probably need to buy a new model in 2 years time.

I bought the device from Listening Room store in SM Megamall.

Fiio Philippines Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fiiophil
Listening Room Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Listening-Room-Philippines/166737056702469

Samsung Galaxy Y review compared to Galaxy S

(This is a repost from http://fildev.blogspot.com/2011/11/samsung-galaxy-y-review-compared-to.html)

Samsung Galaxy S on the left, and Galaxy Y on the right

Recently in the Philippines, Samsung launched their more affordable Galaxy android device.  I was fortunate enough to get one and try it for myself.

Samsung Galaxy Y (Young) is nice to look at, it almost has the same features as the Galaxy S version or any of the Galaxy (Android device) line from Samsung.

I was able to install all apps that I have in Galaxy S on the Galaxy Y, except for 1, which won't install or download on Galaxy Y.  It does run Angry Birds, all 3 release of the game app.  I had FB, skype, dictionary, lighter app (ubermind lighter app was not available in my country now & doesn't want to be downloaded or installed in Galaxy Y), Jewel, and whiteboard app.

Galaxy Y runs on the latest Android Gingerbread OS.  I was able to download a live wallpaper and set it with no problem.  The first thing you will notice from using a device like Galaxy S then trying to use Galaxy Y is the huge difference in screen size as seen on the picture on top.  First time android & Samsung users will definitely like Galaxy Y.  I myself, like using Galaxy Y, but Galaxy S having a larger & amoled screen does have a favorable advantage.

The Galaxy Y screen is very responsive, I find it easy to tap and create messages and notes.  The voice search I used on the dictionary was good... 2 out of 3 tries on different search did give me the word on the selection I want.

Here are the pros and cons for this device, based on my usage right out of the box.  I have been using it for a couple of days.

Pro:

1. latest android OS
2. fast response on screen taps
3. wi-fi & bluetooth available.
4. almost same thickness as Galaxy S
5. it is a smartphone (access the net, email, text, and call)
6. Easy to use and learning curve is average.
7. micro SD card slot available comes with 2GB micro SD (on the place I purchased it).

Con:

1. could not play large video file that played in Galaxy S
2. no flash on camera
   (Galaxy S also doesn't have, but Galaxy Y was release after Galaxy S II which has flash)
3. not super clear display, but good enough for everyday use.
4. screen size is compact, angry birds was too small for me to enjoy the game.
5. screen could get scratches, unlike a tough screen of Galaxy S (high price = quality in this instance)

It's a good android device for people who want adroid device but have low budget for a new phone.  It's 6 times less in price as Galaxy S, but is smaller.  If you need a new phone right now, then Samsung Galaxy Y is good enough for everyday use as a smartphone.  If you're not in a hurry, I suggest wait for the next version with higher megapixel & camera flash at the back.  I often find myself at a disadvantage when I want to take a picture in a dark concert venue without a flash on a phone camera.

I give it 4 stars out of 5 stars for being a small smartphone that could, at a reasonable budget price.  I find little fault with this device.  I'm satisfied with Galaxy Y and I can live using it, when I don't have my Galaxy S.

I know, this blog is a bit off topic.  I should just create tech watch blog for this, but this is a journal of a Developer.  I have to blog on devices that is related to development.  At work we have plans to also create apps for the android market.  So yeah, I may put something on android development in my future blogs.

I had to write a review for this phone, since I get lots of friends praising the product & people should know good products out there.  And Samsung do create great phones, never met a Samsung phone that is hard to use or not worth using.