Looking Forward to new Nexus 7

It looks like the new Nexus 7 is going to be a good one. The improved screen resolution plus the 2 mb ram and the improved processor will be enough to make it a very convenient travelling companion.

The battery life it is claiming to deliver is also good, not great still, but good enough.

One thing I noticed is the lack of excitement on the new Android 4.3 version. Nobody seems to be that hot in it. Is it because it's not really bringing something substantial? There's really nothing new for the ordinary user in this latest iteration.

As a whole, looking at is a device you're always going to use, it looks like a winner. Let's see if it turns that way in actual use.

Sony Experia Z Tablet - Impressive!

I spent some time using the new Sony Experia Z 10.1 tablet and I was impressed!  The responsiveness is so good, the screen’s resolution is excellent, the weight is incredibly light, the size was not to my liking (I now prefer the 8-inch screen size), but everything else was good. It is one truly likable device.

I believe that tablets are getting so ordinary that it’s so hard to distinguish one from another. Sony though has added the thinness factor and a unique claim to being water and dust resistant!

Everything else looks the same for those who are familiar with Android.

I installed my favorite ebook reader and read my favorite magazines, and found the Experia Z to be good as well. It helps that the resolution is so high the text and photo details are incredibly clear! I’m sure it’s going to be a very good e-reader because you’re not going to be too tired holding it for long periods of time, as mentioned, it is light.

I’m going to pass on this item though and wait and see whether Sony is going to release one with an 8-inch screen. If not, I may get a Samsung Note 8.

Excellent Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S4

This phone can do the basics very well and more. It can make and receive calls; write, send, and receive SMS and MMS messages; connect and browse the internet; install apps and run them.

All these things plus playing music and videos, taking photos and videos, reading ebooks, viewing all sorts of documents are effortlessly achieved in this smartphone. Come to think of it, are you going to buy a smartphone that can't do these basics? No way Jose!

If you're the type that only needs a phone to communicate, then this beast of a phone (and expensive too!) is not for you. Go get something that lasts weeks in one charge. This is one thing that a powerful smartphone owner can't run away from, the power drain problem.

The S4 can last one whole day in a normal use environment (phone calls, sms messages, email checking, light Facebook browsing). But if you're a gamer, even social gaming where colorful candies or gold drops down or disperses in the screen added with heavy use of cellular or internet voice calls, you'll be happy with an 8-hour battery life. If you're such a user, I recommend getting one of those external batteries that can re-charge your S4 one or two times.

The S4 is beautiful to look at and in addition, feels very nice to touch. It's a shame to wrap it up with something to protect it from accidental drops and collisions, but that's a modest thing to have to protect a significant investment. After all, the S4 costs much.

One question that I'd like to answer is: Does the S4 offer something compelling for S3 owners to upgrade? My personal answer is NO.

If you're an S2 owner and are planning to get a new phone, then the S4 is a significant upgrade. I am an S3 owner, and I'm not going to to upgrade to S4. My other half has the S4, and I like looking, touching and "tinkering" with it. I'm sure most of us would. I stand by the title I've given to this post, the S4 is an excellent gadget. I'll say it again, if you're looking for a new phone, this is a very good choice to make.

Finally, Google Nexus 7!

Nice, comfortable, very useful Nexus 7

Yes, I got the Nexus 7 just now! I'm not that hot about it that I didn't have to get one immediately. I purchased the 32GB and 3G model for 2,298 HKD (about 295USD). Add to that 90HKD for a smart cover/protector and

I need a device that has a bigger screen than my Samsung Galaxy S3 but not too big for me. Too big is anything around 10 inches diagonally. I use it to check emails (Gmail, Facebook, Yahoo Mail), view photos, watch videos, and read electronic books and magazines. It's perfect for my needs.

So why wait until now? I'm a spendthrift, that's why. I wait for prices to come down before I purchase something that I need (emphasis on n-e-e-d!). I know I need one, but I wait until prices are at reasonable levels before I purchase one. I also know that prices only come down considerably if new iterations of products are about to come, or when items are already "old". But I also know what I need, so even though a newer and better version is coming, the older version I'm buying is enough for my needs. Basically, that's the kind of thinking that goes through my mind when shopping for something.

First thing to do is charge for 8 hours. I'm not sure if this necessary, but it has always been good doing so. The idea being, if you do, you will optimize the life of your battery. No harm in trying, right?

Next is to install all the apps I need, and then turn off all options that drain the battery. Even this, is not so scientific, but again there's no harm in doing it.

For the past few days I've been loving my new gadget, and here's hoping for many more enjoyable days to come!

What I Need in a Phone

It used to be that phones were just for making and receiving voice calls. Now, it's not as simple.

My phone should be able to:

1. Make and receive calls

2. Write, send, and receive sms messages

3. Access the internet

4. Last a long time (battery life)

5. Be operated easily, intuitively

It won't hurt if it can:

1. Make me feel happy when I see it (it's beautifully designed)

2. Be taken out without a bag (or it can fit in a pocket)

3. Have a long physical life (won't break easy)

4. Be bought without hurting my wallet (reasonably priced)

5. Be used as an entertainment center (book reader, music player, video player, operate the TV!).

When you buy new units nowadays, they come with what we call "bloatware" - programs or applications that we don't really need, or functions that we can live without. The good thing is we have the capability to remove them! Although at this time, most of the time, you're going to lose your warranty. But that's the price you have to pay if you want your gadget optimized for your own use according to your speifications. It's way cooler that way.

But give me the first 5 items in my list and I'll be fine.