Sugo! LED Shooting Studio for Hobbies L (Premium) Review

Sugo! LED Shooting Studio for Hobbies L (Premium) is a new replacement for my Orangemonkie Foldio2. I find the Foldio2 stickers that hold the magnet starting to peel off after less than one year of usage and the wrong guideline for putting up the two led lights positioned at the front. Not to mention, I was screwed over after purchase, they announce an improvement and better version of Foldio2 with almost the same price. I decided to stop looking at Orangemonkie products and search for an alternative.

The retail price is 6,480 JPY, which is cheaper than Orangemonkie Foldio2 Plus depending on the exchange rate for JPY. For this purchase, I am using a discount coupon for the PO to lower the price further. But do take note that, the single-item shipping fee is quite high for the portable photo studio, especially for those of us who only have the DHL option. This is why I hold out for so long (starting in June) to get it shipped until last month.

Its Time to Wear Sunglasses

Man, the global warming really no longer a joke, which is why the sun is really fucking killing my eye these days. I always told myself to get a pair but those sunglasses are freaking expensive and those cheap one in the street are not suitable for my eyes. Of course, I am aware those cheap brand lenses could be fake or something because it can cause your eyes and brain every uncomfortable. Whenever I look at the sunglasses, it remind me the CBS 60 minute cover story about the scambag company control the price worldwide. Seriously, fuck them.

One thing usually bother me a lot is my face. I have quite a big fat looking round face so it is kind of challenging finding match up sunglasses. Well, I actually took the risk going to any local shops to find and brought two pair Zerpico MOO:D sunglasses at crowdfunding websites instead. The price is indeed affordable and has the design quality in it.

HELO Wellness Band is the Technology Pyramid Schemes

Its being a while I start writing a post. But because Brunei now facing economics and high numbers of jobless problem. A lot of locals now desperate finding ideas, sell and startup business. What many do not know, the multi-level marketing are now taking advantages of such situation especially on health and make its way to technology category. The HELO Wellness Band is one of them.

I was at first curious about these band when I heard from my colleague asking me if I am programmer and then introduce me about this HELO Wellness Band thingy. It advertises as health and fitness technology product that have many features you don’t find by most current wrist band in the today market. Like measuring breathing rate, heart rate and able to send emergency SOS alert to your family or friends members if detect abnormal health activities. All this great stuff will cost you US$199.00. Not only that, Germanium Kit US$180.00, the band kit US$150.00 and lastly, the Helo LX Charger Adapter cost only US$10.00! OMG! The cheapest one!

Indeed, the technology these days without doubt able to perform such futuristic function. Sadly, I see Helo wrist band is nothing a more overpriced band trying to categories itself as luxury brand and trying to advertise its superior health monitoring features. The price of the separate kits are already a joke. The more I research this, the more shit shows up. First, let the Helo App speak for itself.

There you go, for entertainment purpose only and measurements are based on estimate calculation. So you are spending either US$199.00 or bundles that cost you from US$744-$1999.00 based on entertainment for an estimate measurements gadgets that may not be accurate? Don’t forget, you have to pay for Helo Pro plan for US$12.00 monthly to unlock bio analysis (*upcoming and not available, mind you). FISHY!!!

Obviously, Helo wrist band is just a piece of same fitness hardware sold in the market. You can even buy less than US$100 that possible come with same features if you look hard. Seriously guys, stop falling into the MLMs. Their pyramid structure will never disappear no matter how hard they try to cover. If you are so desperately for money, just be careful not to lose family and friends going that route.

Multi Storage Plastic Box (2 Drawers and 3 Layer) Review

This is 2 drawers and 3 layer multi storage plastic box that I brought for BND $20.90 to keep the modeling kits stuff more organize. It took me quite a while looking for this kind of multi storage plastic box design in Brunei. Not all department stores or shops wanted carrying such small size item to sell because the price had to be right especially it made out of plastic. In the end, I manage to find at Soon Lee Seaview, second floor, in KB. The Hua Ho Mall Manggis did sell similar one above but the price cost extra 10 dollars more, so nope.

My Experience with Acer Products Quality & Services

When our company score to be part of Acer dealers, I was rather having mixed reaction based from my experience supporting these products especially their laptop lines have a lot of hardware issues including long warranty time frames. After a year run, it was freaking headache and create more unnecessary extra work.

It's true that Acer products are affordable to buy that packs with good stuffs and some newer technology compared to other products. I actually own one of the laptop from a great deal that comes with fast performance with less than $1K even slap with three years warranty. During those years of warranty cover, only one time mine were sent for warranty. The rest of the record so far are minor issues sold in year 2011 that our customers experiencing. This actually shows how much the products has improved compared to past. But that did not really last long.

Monsters Energy LO-CARB

I have been seeing lots of Monster Energy everywhere these days. It doesn’t bother me much since none single interest about the green three lines claw (an ‘M’ word for Monster). Not until seeing some colleagues drinking like Red Bull drinks (green version). They told me it’s quite sweet and expensive which I have no idea how much really, speculate around B$8-9. But it helps keeping them energetic working in the office.

There is no point for me to get some when I no longer go to the gym. However, I did try the Monster Enegry Lo-Carb drink given free by my aunt to try out this week. I drink before going for a jog and nearly feel like going to broke my leg. Probably the drink ingredients is simply too strong for me to consume, causing my leg muscle numb. You can’t feel the pain or anything. Luckily it just last few minutes, I stop the jog and continue exercise walk. Yes, I am continuously awake until almost mid night and force myself to sleep.

Monster Energy LO-CARB drink is not sweet and got a nice taste. It is advisable not to continue drinking if any strange occur and problem like mine above. Consult the doctors for help immediately if getting worst.

Cute Itazura Coin Bank

I should have pre-order this cute coin banks back on May!

The Best Multitask Shovels in Asia

I never see anything like it for the first time. Seeing the first Chinese made multitasking shovels products able to do many useful tasks on your camping adventure, not to mention reduced more require camping tools on your bags. You should check this video demonstrate how it works. Not sure how much it cost, but if this multitask shovels sold less than B$50.00, this is going to be a good buy for trackers and campers.

TF Cat! So Cute!

This is seriously a cute plush doll Optimus lookalike! It appear there are two mini (5.9”) size and larger (15.75”) size for pre-order in US BBTS. I’m not going to pre-order it from there rather wait if RK going to sell it. Of course and see if I can get it in other Asia online stores as well. Anyway, check out few pictures below or visit the official site.

Telbru - eSpeed on Demand Service

eSpeed on Demand is one of the new feature for temporary boosting your internet speed. Yes, you can simply boost your line to either 1MB or 2MB (higher in the future) anytime with a single click on the Telbru web login account. This will only last for one hour and you will need to log in again to boost it.

(Note: The link appear to be broken, probably something wrong at Telbru. xP)

Just remember that this is not a free service because you have to pay for a rate per hour depending on how many times you boost your speed. Of course, you have to apply before you can use it. If you wonder how this work before you decide to subscribe it. Well, it’s very easy to use, very easy. Log in to the website (like picture below), enter your phone number (your eSpeed line) and the password given by Telbru.

Login Page @ http://www.espeed.com.bn/speedondemand

 

Here’s the screen shows some of the information from your account and your Hua Wei/Alcatel modem. The available boosts information is below and shows either 2MB or 3MB speed option. Click one of them (I click 3MB) and you will see the terms and conditions. My advice is you read it before you used.

After you click accept button your line will temporary boost to 3MB for one hour. You can verify your speed through Brunet speed test and test any download.

Here’s the test results using Steam downloading my Half Life 2 games together with Free Download Manager downloading AVG Free Edition program.

It’s a real deal. Although I can’t say for the performance on the website I visit. Sometimes it does lag for a moment and hell fast. I did tried Team Fortress 2 game and RF Online. TF2 work pretty well on the server I joined and my ping time was really good low. However, not for RF Online game. I still get kick out often and lost connections even the server population is low. Not to mention the gameplay was same as usual, nothing much improved. There could be the connection issue in the DNS configuration I believe.

Anyway, eSpeed on Demand service is just a feature to help you dealing with large downloading files. But to me, it makes no different putting my PC idle doing the download for all days. Even if it slows, I am not paying any extra on it. Don’t talk about my PC power usage, mine is gaming machine but my motherboard has the ability to tweak all the hardware performance down, which means lesses power usage in normal operation for downloading stuffs using torrent. Kekeke…

Notes: It took a while for Telbru announcing their new eSpeed on Demands service. My post has been on hold almost at least coming five months now waiting for the right time post it. You might ask why. Well, it simple. As long it was not officially announce by Telbru, I have no single rights to reveal their upcoming services. This is how I feel about it.

Nonetheless, the information I provided is based on the beta test. Any updated or changes may different from what the current screenshots provide above.

Do You Really Need Undo Card for PC?

I have been working on some school lately and found that they wasted much money for a bunch of useless R&D Undo Card. For your information, the Undo Card automatically restore or repair back to the previous original state for the PC whenever there are changes to the files by the students. I can’t think of the reason why you really need this. I know students are smarter and always wanted to enter to any website these days or mess up the PC. But this Card doesn’t show you any bright reason for helping you in saving for maintenance and long term guarantee support when your Window are fully expose to any attack without updating. 

I don’t know how the previous technicians setup the PC. After looking at it, everything is so messed up and expose to higher risk of infection when it’s not maintain by the well-trained teacher. Not to mention everything is totally outdated because it revert backs after you restart the system. The funny thing is, the PC is infected with virus and this undo card can’t do a single damn thing about it after undo the whole Window automatically. The infection Trojans and Virus these days are smart enough to change anything. Do you really think that the simple restore hardware card could protect the PC from such threat? From what I see it just likely having the same built in recovery feature in Window.

If you happen to be a computer teachers, principle or communities sponsoring the schools thinking about buying new PC or upgrade. Don’t bother listening to PC supplier suggestion having an Undo card install. There are many ways to keep the PC running in good conditions. There is much free software and Windows allowed you to take control over the account so the student won’t mess with it. Strict rules can be applied to the student like noting down their names on which PC does the student currently using. Undo card only helps you in short period of time if they are no maintenances set for every PC install. Unless you have skill trained teachers looking after it every day and months then that is different story. If you do not, don’t bother looking at this stuff.

Acer Value Desktop Gaming PC vs Local Build

Even if I don’t like Acer laptop much, I have to admit their prices are much more affordable compare to other brands today. Especially their desktop models are the hottest selling brand in Brunei when it comes for home and office users. I didn’t really pay much attention these days to the PC market because I already build my own new PC last year and so the remaining upgrade is only the graphic card.

It just happen my personal budget hunting habit trigger when one of my customer asking me for suggestion for a new gaming PC and also if Acer has anything new desktop models today to compare with the local build version. Guess what, I found out about Acer Aspire M7720-492X at QQeStore offering B$1,768.00 for CPU only. I can’t tell if it’s new but to my surprise, Acer offer more value and better specification compare to the custom build PC. I’m not bluffing because this kind of price surely brings negative impact to the local PC shops if they trying to sell the custom build desktop version to the market.

The below shows the example for the comparison between Acer Aspire M7720-492X against one of the local custom build called TERRAN.

Please note - I do not know what hardware brand is install for the custom build version but I include the star (*) with bold fonts to show I done an optional upgrade to possible match the Acer specifications offer. Also, all price and specifications may change or different the next days.

Aspire M7720-492X

• Genuine Window Vista Home Premium
• Intel Core i7 920 Processor
• Intel X58 Chipset
• 4GB DDR3
• 640GB HDD SATA
• DVD SuperMultiplus Writer with LabelFash And DiscT2 Technology (SATA)
• ATI HD4850 1GB DDR3 Graphics with 2 DVI Ports
• 40 in 1 Card Reader
• Acer USB Keyboard And Optical Mouse
• Acer Chassis (456 mm x 416 mm x 185 mm) with Control Media Playback and one Push Backup.

CPU Only = B$1,768.00

Complete with Acer 23” Wide LCD = B$2,086.00

TERRAN (Custom Build)

• Genuine Window Vista Home Premium
• Intel Core i7 920 Processor
• Intel X58 Chipset
• 4GB DDR3*
• 1TB HDD SATA*
• 20x SATA DVD-Writer
• ATI HD4850 512 DDR3 Graphics with 2 DVI Ports*
• Internal Multi-Card Reader
• Standard PS/2 Keyboard And Optical Mouse
• Super ATX Chassis with 600W PSU
• 2.1 Speakers and Subwoofer

CPU Only = B$2,096.00 (B$328+)

Complete with 23” Wide LCD = B$2,566.00 (B$480+)

The result was obvious showing that Acer Aspire M7720-492X was a clear winner offers much more value for your money. If you think it’s not true and unfair. Look again, even if I include both 2.1 speakers and extra 1TB HDD SATA to Acer. The total cost won’t hit more than current TERRAN setup. Not to mention TERRAN is not installing with latest ATI HD4850 1GB DDR3 version and if it does, the price goes even higher. The shittiest thing about Acer is they upgrade their hardware better from few month cycles to push their sales even more and imagine getting almost the same price from it.

Most importantly, quality hardware product is the main concern for every buyer. Acer has that and it offer some nice features you don’t sees in custom build version like a full control media playback and quick access to Vista backup button in the chassis. Although you may find it useless for some of you but it still provides quality features at lowers cost you can get in the market. I’m not saying custom build is bad either, sometimes the brand names makes the product much more expensive compare to OEM. That’s why the cost between them is different. The only complain is just the warranty getting your laptop and mini-ATX desktop fix by sending out and wait for months or week to fix it.

My little advice, if you are planning to buy Acer Aspire M7720-492X. Please remember to double check with your Acer local seller with the latest update for the specification because I just found that it has already upgrade it’s memory ram to 6GB and to ATI HD4870 1GB DDR5 for even better value according to Malaysia Acer.

Choiix Ergonomic Metal Sleeve (C-MB02) Review

There are many notebook bags and sleeve out there. Most likely, many of you might prefer more stylist and fashion types when bringing out to any cafes or gathering places. Choiix is a new brand specializes on designing life-style accessories for Notebook, Eee PC, Netbook and MID (Mobile Internet Device). I’m sure probably not many of you aware and heard before because it just started not long ago last year on 2008. You can expect more products coming soon this year.

Today I will be reviewing the Choiix Ergonomic Metal Sleeve (C-MB02) with the size allows for carrying 12”-13” W Notebook or even Netbook. The sleeve itself has an aluminum cover use for protecting the LCD and LED panel. The cover is not just for protecting the notebook only, it also feature a studied angle design for putting the notebook on top of the cover to prevent hand injury.

While this sleeve was made with fabric material, you can put on your lap without worrying dealing the heat from the notebook. Just don’t forget the aluminum also help in heat dissipation and the fabric material below helps to prevent scratch on the glass table.

Inside the sleeve, both sides were made with cushions except the horizontal side is naked. The side wasn’t really a big issue, unless you are carrying a size of 14” W notebook. Oh yes you can.

You can adjust the sleeve size, in case you have a thick notebook size. There aren’t many sleeves allow you to do that which is normally fixed size.

Choiix teams really put an effort designing the sleeve and tried make it a good used on everything instead of just using it for carrying notebook like a bag. I don’t find much bad and flaws on the sleeve. But the only complain and missing thing they should do in the first place is including a pouch for allowing carrying the power adapter. Not everyone own a 8 cell batteries. LOL…

I don’t mind not having an external mouse with me. I simply can’t stand on carrying both notebook and power adapter using separate hand. It’s annoying you have to go back to your car to take the power adapter and if you are forgetful person who left home or in the busy place. It could be a real problem. I really hope Choiix design teams will take note on this problem.

Nonetheless, the overall design and features are really great. I have to say I love it and hopefully I will get myself a notebook or Netbook this year. For your information, I currently have no idea what is the retail price or if there are any availability in Brunei at the moment. I will post it in my blog if I find any local shops selling it.

<<View Choiix Ergonomic Metal Sleeve (C-MB02) Photo Album>>

HLJ January Hoot and CHOIIX Arrived

Both of them arrived yesterday and I didn’t post because I was working on the recovery data for the country manager laptop. It was terrible stress last night. It was a disaster doing the Window repairing because of one simply upgrading memory ram causes the logon account won’t load and ended up working until eleven o’clock. After bath, I went straight to watch Gundam OO S2 Episode 15 and I love the ending song ‘Trust you’.

Hobby Link Japan

I mention before I have order the spray paints to work on my next Gundam model. I got most of them from Mr Hobby products because the color quality is really good when I used it on 1/144 GP02A scale model. I brought one White, Dark Gray, Neutral Gray and Light Gray. Almost all gray! I wanted to see which colors are suitable for the mechanical parts and weapons. For the 1/144 scale models, I brought one Gundam Green Astray (first) and my first Kotobukiya R-Gun mecha under the sales list. I don’t think much at the time for good bargain. ^^

CHOIIX

My last year prize item I won from Choiix. It’s an Ergonomic Metal Sleeve (C-MB02) which can carry the size of the laptop with 12”w and 13”w. Selina was kindly to put in a letter asking the winner to help writing the review and promote their products. Don’t worry, Selina, I already plan to review because I really like it. I’m going to do the photography tonight because I was lucky to have a 13” Sony VAIO (not mine!) with me for demo for my review.

New Dell E228WFP Monitor

 

Finally I decided to purchase the value version wide screen LCD from Dell. This Dell E228WFP monitor is quite enough most users who like Photoshop, 3D Designs and watching movies. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to get the price of B$368.00 offer price from Dell Singapore (Sintex is coming, keep your eyes open). You might even get a good deal for other higher and larger screen version. Well, actually I suppose to get the Dell S2409W Full HD Monitor which cost B$489.00 (offer price). I change my mind because I still own my friend money so I have to be very careful on my spending.

 

 

I have to say I am satisfy with the overall viewing and more spacious on my desk. You just need some adjustment over the brightness and contrast when you first powering up. Movies, TV Shows and Anime I have watch are fine. This is depending on what quality format you actually watching. I tested some HD format and they are good and I’m sure running Blu-Ray movies will definitely gives you great viewing. But I will recommend you get the HD type monitor from Dell 24 inch model and its cost B$489.00 at offer price.

 

 

Gaming works perfectly with FPS game I tried with Area 51 running 1680x1050. I have to say kickass and getting sick much faster. Oh man, I feel a bit sick now. As for the old game, I think I need to find some hack for it to run correctly on wide screen monitor. You can't expect older game could run it, right? Anyway I haven’t tried Red Alert 3 yet because it hasn’t arrived in my post and there are so many negative posts at the forum about the game problem. I got to wait until every cool down and latest patches for RA3. Damn, I hope my old PC can catch up with the performance since I am still waiting for CPU to arrive.

 

Overall the Dell E228WFP monitor fit my taste and great comfortable for my eyes viewing. The extra thumbs up goes for three years one to one exchange and you can’t go wrong with that. The only negative is just the brightness you really need to adjust.

 

Dell also recently just announced two new HD display line up. I would suggest you wait and check out the price. i can't wait because my monitor is dead. ^^; i will get another one next year.

I'm A PC - Real

Didn't expect Microsoft would go as far releasing the real people on their next advertisement. Check it out!

 

Acer Gaming PC Available For Order

 

Yes, the new Acer gaming system is now available for order at any Acer distributors in Brunei. You can look for the flyers at any shop or if you are lazy, read here.

 

Currently the price and available model, known as Acer Aspire G7700-494X which will cost you BND$3,368.00! Not to mention the ACER G24" WLCD Monitor (1920x1200 Resolution - Full HD with 2ms Response) is NOT included with the PC and will cost roughly BND$738.00!

 

I'm not really sure if it actually worth buying. But looking at the spec (check below), I feel like you can get better power for that and probably lower price for that kind of setup. Intel has already make an announcement a price cut lately for Q9450 which is same goes for NVIDIA 9800 GTX and release GTX plus version at slightly higher price. The paper also didn't mention clearly if the system contain two graphic card or not. My guess is one.

 

The flyer also did not state what kind of brand is the sound card and HDD actually installed in the PC. If my guess is right, it may be Creative X-Fi rubbish sound card and the HDD is from Western Digital. Why I say Creative rubbish? Their drivers simply very bad and huge numbers of complained from around the world.

 

Anyway, if you had the money and can't decide what kind of gaming system you want to buy. Acer Aspire might gives you an idea.

 

Here's the current specification shown in the paper below:

• One Year Local Limited Warranty
• Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9450
• Genuine Window Vista Home Premium
• NVIDIA nForce 780i SLi Chipset
• Liquid Cooling Design
• 4GB DDR2 1066 MHz Memory
• 2x 320GB HDD (Configured in Raid 0 (Easy Swap)
• Nvidia 9800GTX 512MB DDRIII
• Blu-Ray Combo Drive
• 7.1 Hi-Def Channel Audio with Dolby Home Theater
• 40-in-1 Card Reader
• Logitech Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
• Promotion: Free Sonic Gear 5.1 Enzo 4000 Speaker worth RM199

P.U.S.S.Y Drink

Finally my P.U.S.S.Y (250ml) drink has arrived today and I went straight to the post to get it. Some problem did occur over there, not a big deal anyway. Just a warning about the drink I won from the internet last month at CPU3D that causes confusion over the customs thinking I am ordering an illegal drink which is non-approval by local researcher. I am grateful for their concern over the drink. Of course, I’m not that stupid enough not checking properly on these product.

 

 

Anyway, I’m sure that many of you may find the Pussy name really an unpleasant word especially not well for children’s to learn. If you do watch the “The F Word” UK cooking channel, both Gordon and Graham Norton did talked about the energy drink Pussy I think last week. But According to the news site at Digital Spy, it received a large volume of complaints after featuring it. Yup! It’s because of PUSSY name. PUSSY….

 

I haven’t decided to drink it yet, since I only received one. But I’m going to try it tomorrow as it will be a rough day at work. Probably a good idea keeping it and enjoy it myself. If you are interested to drink, you can buy it online at Aqua-pcs.co.uk.

About Pussy Energy Drink @ Pussydrinks.com

Pussy is Jonnie Shearer’s vision. He set up from his bedroom at 21 and launched in June 2004. Having designed the can and mixed the drink, the first cans rolled off the production line and landed in the London nightclub scene. We’re now a team of 10 and growing steadily.

Pussy energy drink is made with a blend of fresh white grape juice from Southern Italy, pressed Mexican limes and lightly carbonated water. These are then mixed with Grenadilla and Lychee flavours, infused with six selected botanical herbs

Singapore Day 2 –Total Spend at PC Show 2008

I already wrote about the PC Show in my last post. Here is the photo showing the items I brought from the event. You may as well question why this photo only showing very few items. This is because I have almost over spend my budget total $600.00! Not to mention it just only second day in Singapore I already pouring down so much. Let’s check the items purchase price over there below.

 

 

• Seagate 160GB FreeAgent Go! Portable with exclusive Gaskin at Harvey Norman Booth = S$119.00 (UP S$149.00)
• Corsair XMS2DHX 4GB DDR2 800 Memory Ram Kit (2x2GB) at Corbell Technology booth = S$145.00
• Shiro VT 2GB Built-in Black Media Player (Review soon) with free Shiro SP102 Multimedia Travel Speaker at Shiro (Carrefour) booth = S$139.00 (UP $229.00)
• Kingston SDHC Memory Card 4GB (Class 6) at Kingston (AAAsCom Solution Pte Ltd) Booth = S$32.00
• Iriver Volcano T7 USB 1GB MP3 Player at LE-MON Booth = S$69.00
• A.C.Ryan 2x AluBox eSATA and 1x eSATA with PCMCIA Card 2.5” Portable Case including 1x ProCables USB2.0 Cable - A Male / Mini5P Male 1.8m Cable at A.C.Ryan booth = S$87.00
• Total Spend = S$591.00

That’s was quite a crazy amount. Actually it should have been lower in the first place if I knew I am getting an iPod NANO birthday present from my sister-in-law. I wouldn’t have brought Shiro media player. Hai~~ Well, going to tried to sell it at Brudirect website (will be posted).

 

Anyone interested can call me 673-8767308. I am selling it same price I brought from Singapore and including Kingston Micro SD card 2G at S$16.00 used for Shiro Media Player. Of course proof of receipt will handle to you for Shiro one year warranty.

DST 3G Go! Broadband Internet Experience

3G Internet Broadband have been increasing this year in Brunei. I'm sure that majority of you might already own it with the free laptop and modem promotions by both B.Mobile and DST Group. But is there any of you currently using the Erisson W25 Fixed Wireless Terminal? If you guys look closely to the brochure, that thing cost us B$600.00 each without contract subscription. That was hell lots of money for a simple 3G unit, even if it was mention that it made from Romania. I was quite worried and if a merely $20k firewall hardware could messed up. I wonder how long will this Erisson W25 last?

 

I was lucky enough to get the chance to play around with the W25 unit last weeks, from my customers, of course. ^^;; Trying out the internet is also my pleasure to find out if going to 3G internet broadband is the right choice migrating from eSpeed2 and most importantly, my experience with the customers service while I was experience quite a lot of problem.

 

Erisson W25 Fixed Wireless Terminal

On the W25 box, nothing much attractive bundle you might going to get from a B$600.00. Same like the others cheap wireless router, 1x power supply adapter and power cord, 1x quick installation guide and CD and 1x Ethernet cable including the W25 unit with a finger size GSM antenna.

 

 

The nice things about W25 unit are the hardware feature comes with four Ethernet LAN connectors (RJ45) port and two USB 2.0 connectors ready, which means you can setup either USB printer or external storage easily through the network. Even there are two telephone and telephone/fax connector ready. You will also find an empty slot inside the unit as it was meant to reserve for the backup battery (optional).

 

Ericsson W25 configuration web page is rather disappointed and the configurations are limited except the Internet page feature is quite new to me. Nothing special, really, at least the unit can monitor the 3G signal strength status in the webpage including the LAN ports status. Although configuration are easy as 123, but I feel like it should have offer more functionality to users forking out so much money on it.

 

DST 3G Performances and Problem

It depends on which locations you lived in according to DST. Since the 3G service just launched this month, you are going to expect lack of internet performance around in many areas like Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait.

 

When I first received it, the W25 unit doesn’t even worked in my work area at KB, even I was one minutes away from DST centre. Don’t you find it weird they are still demo their product there? I give up without spending time waiting and call direct to 151 for enquiry about the problem. After that, I send to ODGC area, at Seria, to install at my customers place. It was lucky it worked and I am disappointed to say the internet performance is far worst you can’t imagine. It doesn’t actually last for few days and the internet green light is off in the unit causes completely bring frustration to my customers without any internet. The 3G signal strength is in excellent all time, so what went wrong?

 

Again, call 151 to report the problem and I have to go all my way down to the DST centre in KB to check the problem again including the SIM card to ensure everything works before I send back to Seria again. I do find it funny when I tried my second attempt testing the unit in my work place. The 3G suddenly works and run at full 7.2 mbps full speed. I tried not to get fool by numbers so I throw in an OpenOffice program (weight 256MB) download to my laptop using WiFi for a short test. I was really impress it can achieves over 262kb/s download without drop within less than 20 minutes. Good for torrent if the speed stays that way. It just doesn’t happen after I sent it back to Seria. Lucky the surfing is much better than few days ago after complained.

 

Customers Service is REALLY Bad

It works pretty badly for me when I call 151. The staffs are not well train when handling the situations for 3G problem and even provide wrong information on the cover coverage area. I encounter one staff in the phone even asking me to call the technician directly to their office. Why should I do that? Wasn’t the 151 handle all the call transfer? I don’t know what the hell with the managements. I guess recording all the conversations in the phone are useless after all if they do not listen it?

 

The technician also made an empty promise when he said he get back to you soon. Thanks to him, I wasted more than 40 min waiting for his call on the site and I have to made call back to HIM myself last weeks. What a great day having all these nightmare dealing with their lack of customers services. They were lucky the unit works in the end.

 

Conclusion

Is 3G broadband internet ready to go? Not yet. I will probably still stick with eSpeed2, no matter what especially for home users. It’s true that it were much better without using any Ethernet cable and DST or B-Mobile offering blazing fast 7.2 mbps internet speed. But I will still wait for two more years to start thinking migrating or even won’t. B-Mobile 3G internet is already having trouble surfing at night and afternoon. Do you think DST won’t be next soon? Unless you were only thinking about getting the free laptop promotion plans?

 

I have to say the price for the USB 3G modem and Ericson W25 unit are simply ridiculous expensive. Do you know that the 3G plans + USB modem selling in Singapore just cost you S$35.00+? I guess Brunei is the place to chop your money off, if you don’t subscribe for their two years contract plan.