Asus UV6 Bamboo
By CHONG JINN XIUNG
EVERYONE likes their notebooks compact, light and thin these days. After all, what's the fun in lugging a heavy notebook wherever you go.
For these reasons the netbooks have become very popular but they are never quite as powerful as a regular notebook.
We take a closer look at Asus' high-end notebook, the UV6 Bamboo which is both compact and powerful.
Classy looks
We were immediately taken by the UV6's gorgeous aesthetics. On the outside, the UV6 has a beautiful bamboo finish and the laser etched Asus logo adds a touch of elegance.
The notebook is a head turner as on many occasions people have actually stopped to check it out.
The UV6 is bundled with two batteries - a lighter three-cell and a more powerful six-cell battery - which is great.
The review unit came with a nine-cell battery but Asus says the battery wouldn't be made available in Malaysia.
The trade off of course is that the nine-cell battery adds considerable bulk to the notebook, making it protrude out and weigh close to 2kg.
Around the sides are the usual array of ports for you to connect your devices. Some of the ports at your disposal include three USB ports for your mouse and peripherals, an e-SATA port for hooking up hard disks and a HDMI output which is great for displaying high definition content on a larger monitor.
The notebook also comes with a DVD drive and an express card slot.
On the inside, you've a 12.1in screen that has a 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution which provides a sufficient work space.
It's a decent display that's sufficiently bright for most situations but it has all the typical trappings of an LCD screen - bad viewing angles and colour shifts occur whenever you move from side to side.
The UV6 has a full size keyboard which is firm yet is comfortable to type on.
The wide palm rest area, also covered with bamboo which gives it a more organic look, provides sufficient space to rest your hands while typing.
There are no shortcut keys of any sort save for the F button for adjusting functions like screen brightness and volume.
However, some controls like the one for the volume have rather intruding onscreen pop ups.
While helpful this can be annoying when you're running full screen programs like games as it can cause the game to momentarily stutter.
Keeping in line with the bamboo theme of the notebook, the trackpad also has a smooth wooden finish. While it's nice to look and use, it has very little space for manoeuvring.
Also, the two trackpad buttons are difficult to press and aren't responsive.
Another disappointment is the lack of any multi-touch or finger gesture support on the UV6.
This is surprising because even the low budget netbooks have these features.
For the security conscious user, there's a fingerprint scanner nested within the trackpad that you can use as your login ID.
However, it's more of a novelty than a practical security measure. The sensor had lots of trouble detecting my fingerprint as
I had to swipe my finger more than five times to log in.
Besides the power button, there are two more located below the screen.
One changes the notebook's performance and doubles up as the power switch for the notebook's "instant on" Express Gate feature (more on this later) and the other activates the webcam.
The UV6's tiny built-in mono speaker leaves much to be desired, so don't expect to be using it often.
Oddly, the speaker is located directly below the palm rest, making it easy to muffle the sound as you place your hand over it.
Needless to say you should have a pair of headphones with you if you intend to listen to music.
The notebook is great for making Skype calls but the webcam's picture quality was still quite pixelated for a 640 x 480-pixel image.
Performance
Powered by a 2.40GHz Core 2 Duo P8600 processor and loaded with 3GB RAM, the UV6 is equipped to multitask and it smoothly handles multiple programs running simultaneously.
Like many notebooks today, the UV6 has power conservation modes for tweaking the notebook settings.
To no surprise, performance takes a huge dip when in battery saving mode.
We played a 720p video but it was noticeably slow and choppy but immediately picked up once we switched on performance mode.
It's not surprising that the notebook is a decent performer when it comes to playing games as it has an nVidia GeForce 9400M GS chip under the hood.
The notebook could even handle a graphics intensive game like Far Cry 2 running at full resolution with antialiasing turned on.
We just had to turn the settings down a notch to get smoother frame rates.
Even a real-time strategy game like Company of Heroes faired well on the UV6 as we got stable framerates with the graphics set at slightly above medium.
The UV6 may not be a killer gaming machine but it gets the job done. You will definitely have to tone down the settings unless you don't mind a more sluggish frame rate.
Storage space shouldn't prove too much of a concern because the UV6 has a roomy 320GB hard drive.
Quick power up
The UV6 has an function called Express Gate that is handy when you have to power up the notebook in 10 seconds or less.
The Express Gate feature basically boots up a stripped down Linux OS that includes functions such as a web browser, a music player, a photo viewer, an IM client and Skype.
Take note that you can't playback any videos in this mode as the media player plays music only.
I found it to be a pretty useful feature that allows you do your work without the hassle of waiting for your system to fully power up.
Conclusion
Aesthetically, the bamboo theme gives the UV6 a classy look that is very attractive.
Relatively lightweight, the notebook is great to work on and even play games, albeit with the graphics toned down.
It's great that the notebook comes bundled with two batteries so users can use one based on their needs.
However, the onscreen notifications are intrusive and gets in the way when running programs in full screen.
Also, for a relatively high-end notebook, it is surprising that the UV6 doesn't offer better speakers than the built-in mono one.
Another disappointment is the trackpad's lack of multi-touch or gesture based commands that would've made navigation easier.
At RM6,588 ($2739), the UV6 Bamboo is a premium notebook that is designed for portability and performance on the go.
Pros: Attractive bamboo finish; lots of connectivity options; Express Gate feature; capable of multitasking and running games.
Cons: Pricey; distracting onscreen notifications; trackpad lacks multi-touch.
UV6 Bamboo Tech Specs
(Asustek Computer)
Portable notebook
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz)
Memory: 3GB RAM
Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9300M GS 256MB
Display: 12.1in WXGA (1,280 x 800 pixels)
Storage: 320GB hard drive, 8x DVD writer
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/g/n, Bluetooth, gigabit ethernet
I/O ports: Three USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, eSATA port, ExpressCard slot, VGA out
Operating System: Windows Vista Business
Other features: Card reader, 1.3-megapixel webcam, fingerprint scanner
Dimensions: 30 x 22 x 3.2cm (w x d x h)
Weight: 1.9kg (with six-cell battery)
Price: RM6,588 (S$2739)
(source: asiaone.com)
This story was first published in The Star.
Shops at Wee Waa, Australia
Top 10 most interesting place names
SYDNEY - Ever been attracted to or put off a place just by its name?
Travel website VirtualTourist.com (www.virtualtourist.com) have compiled a list of the "Top 10 Most Interesting Place Names." The list is not endorsed by Reuters.
1. Wee Waa, Australia
It may sound like the birthplace of Borat, but in reality it is the cotton capital of Australia and a great place to learn more about the history of the country.
2. Why, Arizona
Don't expect a town full of hyper-philosophical people. The name is a derivative of the town's distinctive Y-shaped intersection of two major highways.
3. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada
The name of this UNESCO world heritage site outside Fort Macleod refers to an ancient method of capturing bison.
4. Kissing, Germany
While not one of the world's most bustling tourist destinations, this town in Bavaria could be the ideal location for true romantics.
5. Try Again, South Africa
Giving new meaning to the term, "If at first you don't succeed." This is the perfect place for anyone looking for a second chance in life.
6. Slime, Croatia
Hard to believe that this rafting town has such an off-putting moniker. In fact, it's known for its beauty as well as its hospitality.
7. Roseberry Topping, England
It may sound like something you put on cake, but it's actually a stunning hilltop on the North York Moors with impressive views. Its name is derived from the Old Norse for Odin's rock or crag.
8. Hell, Cayman Islands
Known for its eerie rock formations, the town has good-naturedly set up a post office so that postcards can literally be sent from Hell.
9. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
When the producers of the famous radio game show put out a call in 1950 for a town to name itself after the program and then host the show, this small spa city of about 7,300 people stepped up and changed its name from Hot Springs.
10. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
It's generally agreed that a tavern established in the 1700s called "King of Prussia Inn" was the source of the name of this community of about 18,000 people.
(Editing by Miral Fahmy)
Asiaone.com
Computer giant Acer launches mobile phones in Asia
Wed, Apr 22, 2009
AFP
SINGAPORE - Taiwan-based computer giant Acer on Wednesday launched a series of advanced mobile phones for the Asia-Pacific region, ramping up its expansion into the wireless communication market.
Company executives said Acer was banking on its experience as a leading computer brand to gain a share of the lucrative market for "smartphones" - feature-packed devices with multi-media functions including web surfing.
The unveiling of the products here will be followed by similar launches in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Australia and China, they said.
It came two months after the company announced a move into the mobile phone market in February at an industry event in Barcelona.
Best known for its laptops, Acer said its smartphones come equipped with powerful processing and memory capabilities.
"We are facing a very large opportunity here," said Roger Yuen, Asia Pacific vice president for Acer's smart hand-held device business group.
About 200 million smartphones are sold each year and Acer believes the market should grow at 15 percent annually in the next five years.
"Our ambition is to be among the top five smartphone vendors in the world in the next three years," Yuen said.
Finland's Nokia leads the market for smartphones, followed by Canada's Research in Motion, which makes the popular Blackberry, and California-based Apple which boasts the iPhone, industry research firm Gartner has said.
Other laptop makers are joining the fray, with Toshiba already manufacturing handsets, and there are rumours that US-based Dell is preparing to launch its own range.
One of the models Acer unveiled on Wednesday is the DX900, which has a dual SIM card function and comes with a 3.0 megapixel camera.
Another model, the DX650, is uniquely designed to be used on both sides, featuring a touch screen panel on one side and a keypad on the reverse.
Prices will range between 599 and 799 Singapore dollars (397-530 US). In all, five models will be unveiled in the first half of this year.
In the second half, Acer will roll out three more models geared for the mass market, meaning they will be cheaper but still contain multi-media functions, the company said.
"One of our goals in Acer is really to introduce smartphones that are more and more affordable," Yuen told AFP after the launch.
With the price gap narrowing, more people are expected to switch to from regular cellphones to smartphones, he added.
China and India are likely to drive demand in Asia, Yuen said.
SOURCE: Asiaone.com
Singapore Flyer Celebrates First Birthday with Key Milestone
The World’s Largest Giant Observation Wheel Welcomes 1.9 Million Visitors In 2008
SINGAPORE, April 8, 2009 – Singapore Flyer has much to celebrate, as the 165-metre-tall Giant Observation Wheel turns ONE! The iconic attraction played host to 1,900,000 visitors between February 11 and December 22 in 2008, and has planned several exciting events and offerings to attract new and returning visitors.
Kicking off the celebrations on April 9, the first 1,000 visitors who walk in and purchase the $29.50 Adult Basic Flight ticket from 6 pm to 9 pm can treat a companion to a flight for only $1 (See Annex)! They may also be able to catch a glimpse of President S R Nathan, who will be at Singapore Flyer to officially launch the President’s Challenge 2009 tomorrow evening.
“Following a successful inaugural year, Singapore Flyer will continue to strive to stay attuned and abreast of what our visitors need and want,” Mr Chng Hee Kok, Singapore Flyer Executive Committee Chairman said, adding that plans are in the pipeline to enhance the amenities and service at Singapore Flyer to make it a leading lifestyle destination to visit in the Republic.
Additional exciting promotions await the visitors of the Singapore Flyer (See Annex). On weekdays excluding Public Holidays, from April 9 to May 29, visitors with a valid student identification card who walk-in can enjoy the 30-minute panoramic flight of Singapore city and beyond for just $10!
“Despite the global downturn, we hope to attract just as many visitors to our flights in 2009 as we did in 2008. To achieve this, we target to roll out creative and attractively-priced offerings t hr oughout 2009 to draw new and repeat visitors,” said Ms Patsy Ong, Managing Director, Adval Brand Group. Adval is the exclusive sales, marketing and ticket distribution agent for Singapore Flyer’s flights.
Officially opened by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last April, 2008 saw Singapore Flyer play host to prolific figures in fields ranging from politics to entertainment and sports: Singapore President S R Nathan and various heads of state, Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda and Hollywood director Jan de Bont, among others.
With integrated services that enable visitors a unique Land-Sea-Sky experience around and from above Singapore , as well as a prime 200-metre waterfront dining front, Singapore Flyer was the venue of choice for many events and occasions in 2008.
Two independent back-up systems were installed in January 2009, as well as enhancements to the existing primary system and safety protocol to boost overall passenger safety. For t hr ee weekends in February 2009, over 10,000 visitors queued – some for up to 15 hours overnight – at Singapore Flyer, for the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) “2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore” SMS Passport initiative.
New offerings that will be launched starting from April include: (1) the Singapore Story Audio Guide in Mandarin and Japanese, (2) the Singapore Fengshui Audio Guide in English and Mandarin, (3) the Revamped Wedding Solemnisation Package that now includes a private yacht cruise and a limousine transfer, and (4) Birthday and other special flights, among others.
As part of its birthday festivities, Singapore Flyer will host the launch of President’s Challenge 2009, with President SR Nathan as the Guest-Of-Honour. The President’s Challenge is an annual series of community-based initiatives to inspire the public to give back to our community. A Singapore Flyer-President’s Challenge Charity Heart Box will be placed at the Flyer from April 9 to December 31, 2009 for any visitor who wishes to make a contribution.
Mr Chng said: “We are delighted to cap off our maiden year with this milestone and would like to thank all of our visitors, as well as valued sponsors, corporate , travel and trade partners. Their support in the past year has been vital to establishing Singapore Flyer as an iconic Singapore attraction on the world map. Together, we also hope to make a difference in our community!”
-- END --
About Singapore Flyer
Towering at 165 metres, Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel with a unique 360° day-to-night panorama of Singapore city and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia at every turn of the wheel.
Singapore Flyer has 28 capsules – convertible into a unique moving venue in the sky for all occasions – that can each host up to 28 people. Strategically located at Marina Bay – the hotbed to several exciting new developments – each scenic 30-minute flight on board the Flyer offers a glimpse to the past, present and future of Singapore .
Sitting atop a t hr ee-storey building with an enticing and diverse array of retail shops and restaurants overlooking the Bay, Singapore Flyer’s central atrium opens out to a tropical rainforest, an open-air theatre and a 210-metre-long waterfront dining promenade. Special LED lighting on the giant wheel rim provides a kaleidoscopic visual display at night.
Roof top winebars in S'pore 
ORGO
Where: 1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade roof terrace (fourth floor), e-mail: nick@orgo.sg
Open: Daily from 5pm to 2am
View: A panoramic view of Marina Bay, the upcoming Marina Sands integrated resort and the skyscrapers of the central business district
Drinks: Japanese mixologist Tomoyuki Kitazoe concocts cocktails such as watermelon margarita ($18), soursop calamansi martini ($18) and nonalcoholic cocktails at $15 each
Rating: *****
MR PUNCH WINEBAR
Where: Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street, tel: 6334-5155
Open: 4pm to midnight (Mondays to Thursdays) and till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Sundays
View: Mid-level view of skyscrapers along Stamford Road
Drinks: Monthly one-for-one promotion includes lychee martini ($14) and wines ($12). The three-for-two deal includes tequila shots ($8), gin and tonic ($8) and Mr Punch cocktail ($9)
View rating: ***
HELIPAD
Where: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central, 05-22, tel: 6327-8118
Open: Daily from 6pm to 2am (Mondays to Thursdays) and till 3am (Fridays and Saturdays). Closed on Sundays
View: A spectacular bird's-eye view of Clarke Quay and the Singapore River
Drinks: One-for-one housepour at $11 from 6 to 9pm. Try the signature lychee mojito cocktail for $15. Note: On Wednesdays, women get the first one free. After that, each one costs $5
View rating: ****1/2
THE NEST, DXO
Where: Colours by the Bay, The Esplanade Mall, tel: 6582-4896
Open: 7pm to late on Fridays and Saturdays, from next month
View: The busy food street at Colours by the Bay and Esplanade Drive, which is also the Formula One race circuit
Drinks: Housepour drinks at $7 each from 7 to 9pm. Daily promotion: A 2-litre vodka tower with mixer (for up to eight persons) at $22
View rating: ***
BREEZE
Where: The Scarlet, 33 Erskine Road, tel: 6511-3323
Open: 6pm to 12.30am (Mondays to Thursdays) and till 1.30am (Fridays and Saturdays). Closed on Sundays
View: Bustling scene of Chinatown
Drinks: Housepour drinks from $12 to $22 each
View rating: ***1/2
Source: Asiaone.com
