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!

How to Make your own 2x2 Photo for US Visa Application

Creating your own 2x2 photo to be used for US Visa application is not difficult. Again, technology has changed things for the better. In times past, you really need to go to a photo shop and have your photo taken, and then the shop will give you a printed 2x2 id photo.

The proliferation of smartphones and digital cameras have given owners of these gadgets the capability to  make their own!

1. Follow the tips given at this link http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html#tips

2. Take your photo

3. Crop (change the size) your photo into the acceptable size as specified by using the US government's online tool itself at this link http://www.travel.state.gov/_res/flash/cropper/FIG_cropper.html

Choose the photo you want to use by clicking "Choose" and navigating to where you saved it in your computer. Once chosen, it will be loaded into the online tool.

Use the adjustment buttons (- + and others) to manipulate the size of your photo until it is acceptable. It is acceptable when the "Crop" button is clicked and it does not ask you do change anything!

Once it is accepted however, it's a little bit tricky to find the "Save" button because the displayed acceptable/accepted photo blocks it. You need to move the displayed photo around the screen until the "Save" button is visible then click it. Your photo is now in your computer, note where you saved it.

4. Use it later on during online visa application.

Your photo for visa application is done! -->

How To Copy Installation Files from CD/DVD to Flash Disk

Why do we need this from time to time? My immediate need was when installing applications/programs into netbooks or ultrabooks that don't have the CD/DVD drive!

The problem when copying installation files from CD/DVD to a different destination (hard disk or flash disk for backup, or for use for installation) is that not all files are copied since there are system files and hidden files that cannot be seen from an ordinary Windows Explorer window. So, the trick I use is to use the command XCOPY in a Windows command line window. Below are the steps:

1. Go to the command line window by running "cmd".

2. Make sure where the files you want to copy are (this is your source or input). Is your CD/DVD drive using the letter "E:" or something else? Note it down, for example "E".

3. Make sure where you want to copy the files into (this is your destination or output). Note it down also, for example "F:" in a subdirectory you created named "Dest". This is not case sensitive, it doesn't matter whether you use capital letters or small.

4. When both input (CD/DVD) and output (Flash Disk) are ready, type the following command in the "cmd" line (as shown in the photo) and press "Enter".

If everything was done correctly, the files from your CD/DVD will be copied to your Flash Disk.
-->

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.

Simple Phone Homepage

As they say, to each his own. When it comes to homepage screens it's the same, each smartphone owner has his own preference. I like mine simple and uncluttered with the apps that I often use one or two taps away.

To achieve this in my Android devices, I use an app called Go Launcher (my wife uses Apex Launcher, which I find almost the same). To save battery (as they say), a dark background in an Amoled screen is best. The reasoning behind being when dark, no power is needed to display the black color. Light/power is needed to display white and other colors. It makes sense, but I don't really know home much power is saved in doing so. Big screens eats up power like crazy, it is therefore logical to save as much as one can until they discover batteries or technologies that can drastically extend battery life.

The launcher allows me to create "folders" which contains carefully categorized groups of apps. If you look at my home screen, I have the Switch widget on top that allows me to turn on or off Wifi, Mobile Data, and Bluetooth connections plus the mute and vibrate buttons. At the bottom are the most used buttons including Call, Contacts, Messaging, Apps and a soft On/Off button.

My folders contain all the apps that are often used. This is how I like mine, how about you?