Wow... it's been quite sometimes i haven't write anything on this blog. My last post was in April, when i wrote about Nikon D40 and SB-400. Now, i'm back! Hope i will have the time to update this blog regularly.
Early this year, on January 23rd, i wrote a blog titled "Free calls to regular phone. Seriously?". It's a VOIP service that enabled you to call to regular phone from your pc over internet. Recently, i found out another VOIP service that enabled you to call to regular phone over internet, but this time exclusively from your SIP-Enabled device such Nokia E-Series. It's called Truphone.
What is Truphone? From their website, "Truphone routes your mobile calls via the internet. That means free mobile calls to other Truphone users & very cheap calls to anyone else." See? "Very cheap calls to anyone else." But that is not my main attraction. The main attraction is, they are doing an offer, "Terrific offer: free calls until Dec 31st. Sign up before 30th September and get free mobile calls to 40 countries worldwide for the rest of the year." But as usual, read thoroughly before you sign up. Especially the fine print. Ok, enough of that. Let me share my experience of using Truphone.
As i owned Nokia E70 and subscribed to Unlimited 3G data usage, why don't i fully utilize the usage of my E70? So, i subscribed to Truphone. As i mentioned earlier, Truphone is meant for SIP-enabled mobile device. It doesn't have a client for pc. So, for people without SIP-enabled device, just forget it. Installation is done in two ways, either you download the client directly from your phone by SMS, or download to your pc and transfer the installation file to your phone. But everytime you install the client, it will send a sms to request for configuration file. And you'll get a couple of smses in return. I'm not sure the charges on sms. It didn't stated anywhere on the website.
Once configured, you can make a VOIP call to any regular phone as they gave USD2 for a start. I prefer to connect from the SIP service rather than the Truphone client. It consumes less memory. Oh did i mention that you can connect to Truphone by 3G or WiFi? Yes, we could. Making a call to regular phone is not a problem at all. I've done a couple of phone calls using Truphone and it works without any glitch. The best part is, you can also call google talk using from Truphone! I really really love this feature. As i don't have any of my friends using Truphone, i do have friends using google talk. Just imagine, you can call them from your handphone! Isn't cool?
But, i have a problem making a call to google talk id. When i tried to call my own id, which i log in during office hour, it's always unsuccessful. Same goes to my colleague. So, i log an incident to the support team. After exchanging emails, finally the support team decided to give me a call. Isn't great? You are using a free service, and they call you to solve your problem. After a couple of test, it worked as it should. However, when i try to call a friend in India, i faced another problem, unable to listen to his voice. Sheezz..... it's ok. I'll keep on trying. And it will be nice if they can provide the SIP password! So that we can use Truphone with third party application.
I recommend this service to anyone who own SIP-enabled device. Currently it only supports selected Nokia E-series and N-series. I believe they will try to expand the list of supported device. While there is a lag a second or two during the call, it still acceptable. I still hoping that i can resolve the google talk issue. And the support team, they really try their best to resolve the issue. So guys, try to call me on my Truphone. The number is +12064248375.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Nikon Speedlight SB-400
I did mention about Nikon SB-400 in my previous posting. Now i'm going to review this litte stuff. Overall, i'm very satisfied with the performance of Nikon SB-400. It gives me the option to have creative lighting. It is small, compact and most important is affordable. It uses only 2 AA-size batteries, which is very convenient as u can get the batteries in most convenience stores. The flash head can be tilted in 4 steps, horizontal, 60, 75 and 90 degrees. For me, it'll complement Nikon D40.
Below are the technical specifications for Nikon SB-400, extracted from Nikon's website:
Below are the technical specifications for Nikon SB-400, extracted from Nikon's website:
| Electronic Construction | Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry |
| Flash Exposure Control | Slow-sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction in slow sync, Rear-curtain sync flash, FV Lock flash, manual flash (with D40 camera) |
| Guide Number | 30/98.4 (ISO 200, m/ft), 21/69 (ISO 100, m/ft) |
| Flash Coverage | Light distribution covers an 18mm lens when mounted on a Nikon DX format camera and a 27mm lens when mounted on an F6 |
| Film Speed Range in TTL auto flash mode | 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) (Varies depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use) |
| Recycling Time | Approx. 2.5 seconds |
| Number of Flashes | Approx. 210/2.5-30 sec. |
| Power Requirements | Two AA-size 1.5V batteries |
| Dimensions | Approx. 66 x 56.5 x 80mm (2.6 x 2.2 x 3.1 in.) |
| Weight (without battery, memory card or body cap) | Approx. 127g (4.5 oz.) |
| Other Features | Ready light |
| Supplied Accessories (may differ by country or area) | SS-400 Soft Case |
Nikon D40
Almost 3 months since my last posting, dated back in february 2007. Now i'm back, with new gadget this time. Readers, i would like u to meet Nikon D40.
Well, i've been doing some research on digital camera for quite sometimes, more than a year. At first, D-SLR is not in my list as the cost is too high. I was looking for high-end point-to-shoot digital camera. Panasonic Lumix TZ-1 and Sony DSC-H5 were one of the few that make it into my list. Around December 2006, i found out about Nikon D40. Then i stop searching. That's it. I found it. This is the one.
In terms of pricing, well it is affordable. In the range of high-end point-to-shoot camera. Of course in terms of size, it is bigger than point-to-shoot digital camera. But we can have more control of the camera. The target market for Nikon D40 is for the high-end point-to-shoot customer who wants to explore the world of D-SLR, which suits me.
I want a digital camera that is affordable but rich in features. Well, Nikon D40 meet my requirements. It comes with AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II (kit lens for Nikon D40), charger, Nikon D40 body (duh), straps and USB cable for data transfer. On top of that, i added 1 GB SD card, UV filter, tripod, camera bag and last but not least Nikon SB-400 speedlight. I will tell you more on Nikon SB-400 in my next posting.
As i mention in my earlier posting, i'm going to review this stuff from average joe point of view. I'm still new in D-SLR world, still learning to expand my knowledge. So, do not expect any details on technical things.
I like this gadget very much. I don't mind carry Nikon D-40 around while i was out and about. I read alot on the net about photography. And try to experiment what i learn. It gives u the control like a professional photographer. In terms of interface, it's user-friendly. It has a theme whereby it will show graphically what is aperture and shutter. Very helpful and informative for beginner, like me! Until now, i'm still trying very hard to understand how to get the correct aperture, exposure and shutter. Most of the time, i will set the exposure control to P (programmed auto). So, i can concentrate on my composure rather than fiddling around the aperture and shutter. Combine this gadget with Nikon SB-400, u'll get more control in terms of speedlight. Bounce the flash to the ceiling and u'll get a natural-looking photos. I always use that when shooting in-door.
Do alot of reading before you buy digital camera. One thing for sure, don't get blind by MEGAPIXELS! The sales people will say, the higher the MP, the better the picture. Nonsense.
While my Nikon D-40 is only 6 MP, but the quality is comparable with 10 MP cameras. Try first before u buy. Don't just listen to what people said. Find the one that will suit u.
Below are the technical specifications for Nikon D40, extracted from Nikon:
Well, i've been doing some research on digital camera for quite sometimes, more than a year. At first, D-SLR is not in my list as the cost is too high. I was looking for high-end point-to-shoot digital camera. Panasonic Lumix TZ-1 and Sony DSC-H5 were one of the few that make it into my list. Around December 2006, i found out about Nikon D40. Then i stop searching. That's it. I found it. This is the one.
In terms of pricing, well it is affordable. In the range of high-end point-to-shoot camera. Of course in terms of size, it is bigger than point-to-shoot digital camera. But we can have more control of the camera. The target market for Nikon D40 is for the high-end point-to-shoot customer who wants to explore the world of D-SLR, which suits me.
I want a digital camera that is affordable but rich in features. Well, Nikon D40 meet my requirements. It comes with AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II (kit lens for Nikon D40), charger, Nikon D40 body (duh), straps and USB cable for data transfer. On top of that, i added 1 GB SD card, UV filter, tripod, camera bag and last but not least Nikon SB-400 speedlight. I will tell you more on Nikon SB-400 in my next posting.
As i mention in my earlier posting, i'm going to review this stuff from average joe point of view. I'm still new in D-SLR world, still learning to expand my knowledge. So, do not expect any details on technical things.
I like this gadget very much. I don't mind carry Nikon D-40 around while i was out and about. I read alot on the net about photography. And try to experiment what i learn. It gives u the control like a professional photographer. In terms of interface, it's user-friendly. It has a theme whereby it will show graphically what is aperture and shutter. Very helpful and informative for beginner, like me! Until now, i'm still trying very hard to understand how to get the correct aperture, exposure and shutter. Most of the time, i will set the exposure control to P (programmed auto). So, i can concentrate on my composure rather than fiddling around the aperture and shutter. Combine this gadget with Nikon SB-400, u'll get more control in terms of speedlight. Bounce the flash to the ceiling and u'll get a natural-looking photos. I always use that when shooting in-door.
Do alot of reading before you buy digital camera. One thing for sure, don't get blind by MEGAPIXELS! The sales people will say, the higher the MP, the better the picture. Nonsense.
While my Nikon D-40 is only 6 MP, but the quality is comparable with 10 MP cameras. Try first before u buy. Don't just listen to what people said. Find the one that will suit u.
Below are the technical specifications for Nikon D40, extracted from Nikon:
| Type of Camera | Single-lens reflex digital camera |
| Effective Pixels | 6.1 million |
| Image Sensor | RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million, Nikon DX format |
| Image Size (Pixels) | 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S] |
| Sensitivity | 200 to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600 |
| File Format | Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant |
| File System | Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF |
| Storage Media | SD memory card, SDHC compliant |
| Shooting Modes | 1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 2.5 frames per second*, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 s. delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode |
| White Balance | Auto (TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance |
| LCD Monitor Size | 2.5-in. |
| LCD Monitor | 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment |
| Playback Function | 1) 1 frame; 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); 3) Magnifying playback; 4) Slide show; 5) Histogram indication; 6) Highlight point display; 7) Auto image rotation |
| Delete Function | 1) Card format; 2) All frames delete; 3) Selected frames delete |
| I/O Terminal | Can be selected from NTSC and PAL |
| Interface | USB 2.0 (High-speed): Mass Storage and PTP selectable |
| Picture Angle (in 35mm [135] format equivalent) | Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length |
| ViewFinder Type | Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1) |
| Eyepoint | 18mm (-1.0 m-1) |
| Focusing Screen | Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets |
| Viewfinder Frame Coverage/Magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1) | Approx. 95% (vertical/horizontal) / Approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 |
| Autofocus | TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approximately 0.5-3.0m/1ft. 8in.-9ft. 10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F) |
| Focus Modes | 1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status, 2) Manual focus (M) |
| Focus Lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button |
| Exposure Metering System | TTL full-aperture exposure metering system. 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor; 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame; 3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area |
| Exposure Metering Range (at normal temperature [68°F/20°C], ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) | 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering), 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering) |
| Exposure Control | Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M) |
| Auto Exposure Lock | Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button |
| Auto Exposure Bracketing | ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
| Maximum Shutter | 1/4000 |
| Minimum Shutter | 30 |
| Shutter | Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 s. in steps of 1/3, bulb |
| Sync Contact | X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500s |
| Flash Control | 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600, and T041, 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens, 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s , 4) Range-priority manual available with SB-800 |
| Flash Sync Modes | AUTO, Portrait, Child, Close Up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight. Night portrait mode: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight. Landscape, Sport mode: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight. P, A: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction. S, M: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction. |
| Accessory Shoe | Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal, and ground contacts and safety lock |
| Self-Timer | Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20s |
| Remote Control | Via Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional) |
| Power Requirements | One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9; charging voltage (MH-23 quick charger): 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5) |
| Battery Life (on a fully charged battery) | Up to 470 shots on a fully-charged battery |
| Tripod Socket | 1/4 in. (ISO1222) |
| Dimensions | Approx. 126 x 64 x 94mm (5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 in.) |
| Weight (without battery, memory card or body cap) | Approx. 475g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap |
| Supplied Accessories (may differ by country or area) | Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, Quick Charger MH-23, USB Cable UC-E4, PictureProject, Rubber Eyecup DK-16, Camera Strap, Body Cap BF-1A, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Accessory Shoe Cap BS-1 |
Monday, February 12, 2007
Freeware: Fring
I've been looking for a replacement of Agile Messenger for quite sometimes. Oh i like Agile Messenger. It's just we have to pay for it. Bad huh? So, early February 2007, i found "fring" from one of the forums for mobile phone. Then, i installed it, and voila, i made my first call to skype user.
What is fring? Excerpt from www.fring.com, "fring™ uses your mobile internet connection to make peer-to-peer VoIP calls, send instant messages and talk with VoIP applications such as Skype, Google Talk and MSN Messenger at no extra cost." Sounds great, isn't?
I configured my Skype and Google Talk account. It's very straightforward. Just key-in your id and password, and there you go. Fring will download all your contacts from the configured account. You can also include your phone contacts in Fring. Sounds cool? But i prefer not. Kinda messy.
The sound quality is acceptable. Both can hear each other clearly. But i think it depends on the network connection. Did i say that it can works over 3G, GPRS and wifi? Fring utilises the data connection. Basically, using Fring, the calls that you made to Skype, Google Talk or MSN Messenger over 3G or GPRS is free. But you have to pay for the data rate charged by your telco. So, be careful. It might cost you a bomb. Make sure you subscribe to the unlimited data plan package. Unless if you use a wifi connection, then, it's free. Just go to any free hotspot, and get connected. Cheapskate!
Chatting using Fring is easy and straightforward. However, it still didn't support the smiley face that you use in Yahoo Messenger. No big deal. And it works fine when i flip-open my Nokia E70 keyboard.
Fring is still in BETA. So, don't expect to have everything. These are my complaints:
1. Unable to assign which tone for the incoming call and chat.
2. Unable to put Fring in vibration mode.
3. It takes quite sometimes to connect to the registered services.
4. It takes quite a while to download all your contacts from the registered services.
5. Settings menu is too simple.
6. You are unable to download the installer from Fring's website. You need to download it via SMS.
Hopefully, they will keep Fring as a freeware, and become one of Agile Messenger's rival. Fring is a great VoIP application. Try it yourself, and you won't regret it. Just google for Fring's website.
What is fring? Excerpt from www.fring.com, "fring™ uses your mobile internet connection to make peer-to-peer VoIP calls, send instant messages and talk with VoIP applications such as Skype, Google Talk and MSN Messenger at no extra cost." Sounds great, isn't?
I configured my Skype and Google Talk account. It's very straightforward. Just key-in your id and password, and there you go. Fring will download all your contacts from the configured account. You can also include your phone contacts in Fring. Sounds cool? But i prefer not. Kinda messy.
The sound quality is acceptable. Both can hear each other clearly. But i think it depends on the network connection. Did i say that it can works over 3G, GPRS and wifi? Fring utilises the data connection. Basically, using Fring, the calls that you made to Skype, Google Talk or MSN Messenger over 3G or GPRS is free. But you have to pay for the data rate charged by your telco. So, be careful. It might cost you a bomb. Make sure you subscribe to the unlimited data plan package. Unless if you use a wifi connection, then, it's free. Just go to any free hotspot, and get connected. Cheapskate!
Chatting using Fring is easy and straightforward. However, it still didn't support the smiley face that you use in Yahoo Messenger. No big deal. And it works fine when i flip-open my Nokia E70 keyboard.
Fring is still in BETA. So, don't expect to have everything. These are my complaints:
1. Unable to assign which tone for the incoming call and chat.
2. Unable to put Fring in vibration mode.
3. It takes quite sometimes to connect to the registered services.
4. It takes quite a while to download all your contacts from the registered services.
5. Settings menu is too simple.
6. You are unable to download the installer from Fring's website. You need to download it via SMS.
Hopefully, they will keep Fring as a freeware, and become one of Agile Messenger's rival. Fring is a great VoIP application. Try it yourself, and you won't regret it. Just google for Fring's website.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Free calls to regular phone. Seriously?
Hmm sounds interesting huh? Believe it or not, it's TRUE. This is no scam. It's called VoipCheap, a service from Betamax GmbH & Co KG.
What is VoipCheap? VoipCheap is a free program that uses the VOIP technology to bring free* voice communications to people all over the world. See? Whenever you read the promotion banner etc, make sure you did not skip the fine print. The one with the '*' sign. That's the most important part. While VoipCheap claims they are providing free calls to regular phone (landline), not all calls are free. Only applicable to selected countries such as Malaysia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States etc.
How to register for this service? First, you have to download the client application. That's the only way for you to register. Once done, voila, making a call is just a breeze. Just key in 00, followed by country code, area code and phone no, and voila, just wait for the person to answer you call.
I subscribed to this service since early January 2007. I tried a couple of time to make a call from my pc. The sound quality is good, but the person at the other end cannot hear me clearly. Not sure what cause this. I assume it is because of the network. The best part is, if you have a phone that has SIP capability, such as Nokia E70, you can configure your SIP device with your VoipCheap account. Just follow the instruction from the website.
I managed to call a friend of mine who's staying in Switzerland using SIP device (Nokia E70). While i can hear his voice very clear, he's unable to enjoy the same. I made the call over 3G connection. Still don't know why. You can also call other VoipCheap users without any charge, just like Skype.
Conclusion? VoipCheap is another alternative for Skype. But, the best part of VoipCheap for me is able to configure it on my phone without installing any particular client, as long as your phone support SIP. And by having a free call to the selected countries is another advantage over Skype. You should try, just to get the experience making a call over VOIP technology.
What is VoipCheap? VoipCheap is a free program that uses the VOIP technology to bring free* voice communications to people all over the world. See? Whenever you read the promotion banner etc, make sure you did not skip the fine print. The one with the '*' sign. That's the most important part. While VoipCheap claims they are providing free calls to regular phone (landline), not all calls are free. Only applicable to selected countries such as Malaysia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States etc.
How to register for this service? First, you have to download the client application. That's the only way for you to register. Once done, voila, making a call is just a breeze. Just key in 00, followed by country code, area code and phone no, and voila, just wait for the person to answer you call.
I subscribed to this service since early January 2007. I tried a couple of time to make a call from my pc. The sound quality is good, but the person at the other end cannot hear me clearly. Not sure what cause this. I assume it is because of the network. The best part is, if you have a phone that has SIP capability, such as Nokia E70, you can configure your SIP device with your VoipCheap account. Just follow the instruction from the website.
I managed to call a friend of mine who's staying in Switzerland using SIP device (Nokia E70). While i can hear his voice very clear, he's unable to enjoy the same. I made the call over 3G connection. Still don't know why. You can also call other VoipCheap users without any charge, just like Skype.
Conclusion? VoipCheap is another alternative for Skype. But, the best part of VoipCheap for me is able to configure it on my phone without installing any particular client, as long as your phone support SIP. And by having a free call to the selected countries is another advantage over Skype. You should try, just to get the experience making a call over VOIP technology.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Life without INTERNET
Last Tuesday, 26 December 2006, a powerful earthquake hit Taiwan at 7.1-magnitude. While the casualties is not high, but the aftermath effect is disastrous.
It was reported that the undersea cables, Asia Pacific Cable Network 2, are badly affected by this event. And this leads to another disaster, breakdown in telecommunication and internet. Hmm no wonder on Wednesday, 27th December 2006, the internet connection is damn slow, and on certain ocassion, unable to browse the websites hosted in US.
It's like 1997 where we use dial-up connection for browsing the net. But, during those days, there was no youtube, no bittorrent, no video streaming, mainly for email, chatting and normal surfing. And even the website use less graphic. With the current technology, can we cope with the speed of dial-up connection? Or what will happen if we're unable to access internet, at all?
Can u imagine that?
------------------------
sent using nokia e70
It was reported that the undersea cables, Asia Pacific Cable Network 2, are badly affected by this event. And this leads to another disaster, breakdown in telecommunication and internet. Hmm no wonder on Wednesday, 27th December 2006, the internet connection is damn slow, and on certain ocassion, unable to browse the websites hosted in US.
It's like 1997 where we use dial-up connection for browsing the net. But, during those days, there was no youtube, no bittorrent, no video streaming, mainly for email, chatting and normal surfing. And even the website use less graphic. With the current technology, can we cope with the speed of dial-up connection? Or what will happen if we're unable to access internet, at all?
Can u imagine that?
------------------------
sent using nokia e70
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