CNET Asia Community Blog Entry – My Take on the International Version of Kindle

My new entry over at CNET Asia Community Blog is up. This week’s entry, “CNET Asia Community Blog Entry – My Take on the International Version of Kindle”.  Click here for the full read.

My Gears – iPhone 3G 16GB Unlock for Sale

Prime condition and no scratches.  16GB version.  Unlock from 3HK, warranty have expired.  Email me (gadget@hkphooey.hk) if you’re interested.  Selling price is HK$3,400 (non-negotiable).

Thanks for the great response guys, the iPhone is sold.

My Gears + Review – Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 on iPhone 3Gs

Ever since I got my iPhone 3Gs, been wanting to get a new pair of Bluetooth headset to listen to my podcasts as my Plantronics Voyager 855 finally gave up on me (the connection on the detachable earpiece cable worn off), though still work on mono.  Been shopping around this past weekend and didn’t do much research into what the newest BT headsets have to offer (now this is dumb).

The design of the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 caught my eyes and I ditched out the dough right away, purely shopping on impulse and this is where the problem starts…..(only apply to iPhone 3G or 3Gs)

For the sound quality, the HBH-IS800 is considered one of the best BT headsets I’ve used (Plantronics Voyager 855, Philips SBH7100, Jabra BT8010 and Plantronics Pulsar 590A). The design is neat and clean with one button controlling practically everything, see pic below.

The headset comes with a clip for you to add onto the headset cable so to allow you to clip it to your shirt collar or jacket.

So the sound quality is good and the design neat, what’s the catch then….

My Gears – MiLi Power Pack for iPhone 3GS

Been looking for a backup power pack for my iPhone 3GS and found the MiLi Power Pack for HK$398 (US$51).  This pack is stuffed with 2000mAh and it last a whole day when attached to my iPhone 3GS with 1/4 capacity left after 18-hours day.  It served a a cradle (can sync) while charging.  Another great feature of the MiLi Power Pack is that you have the ability to use its “OUT” port to charge most external USB compatible devices. Really nice.

Basic specs provided by MiLi-

• weight: 79.5g
• standby time: up to 390 hours
• talktime: 6.5 hours on 3G phone and 13.5 hours on 2G
• internet time: 6.5 hours surfing on 3G and 8 hours on Wi-Fi
• audio playtime: up to 31 hours
• video playtime: up to 9 hours
• 4 LED buton to indicate battery level

iPhone 3GS Review Coming Soon

Gonna take a week long to seriously test out the iPhone 3GS before I give you the lown down on the new version and the new OS.  Check back.

Two things noticed so far -

• The iPhone 3GS is a lot faster than the 3G version
• It does get warm fairly fast while surfing, serious overheat issues

My Gears – iPhone 3GS is in DA House

Will update more later tonight, still updating the iPhone and installing apps.  So far the camera do look sweet and the speed a tibit faster.

Stay tuned.

My Gears – Nikon Porter Bag for My Panasonic Lumix LX3 & Canon Powershot G10

The Nikon Porter Bag

With the Panasonic LX3

With the Canon G10

Panasonic Announced Firmware Update for DMC-LX3

According to dpreview, “Panasonic has announced a firmware update for its Lumix DMC-LX3 digital compact camera. Version 1.3 improves auto white balance and general performance of the camera. It also rectifies minor operational issues. The latest version will be made available for download on the 1 June, 2009.”

Download link here, http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/LX3/index.html.

Source – dpreivew

My Gears – Canon G10 & Canon Speedlite 270EX

Had the Canon G10 for a week now and just picked up the Canon Speedlite 270EX two days ago. Comparing it with my Panasonic Lumix LX3, the Canon G10 shoot some real nice pics at ISO80, but above that, it simply is no match with the Lumix LX3. Still love the dedicated aspect change button on the Lumix LX3 but all in all the dials on the Canon G10 is much more easier for access and the size fits a guy with large palms far better. As for the Canon Speedlite 270EX, it’s compact, light-weight and great with the bounce. But mind you, there is no button apart from the on/off switch and lock key. All settings are set via the camera menu system.

My Gears – Camera Gears for My Taipei Shoot

Just came back from my week-long photo shoot in Taipei.  Before I took off for the trip, I took some pics on the gears I brought along and Gonna share with you all here.  Because I was to do a full four days shoot with some local models in Taipei, both in the city and out in the countryside, other than the camera and the full lens series, I brought with me the mobile lighting equipments for off-camera lightings. Check them out.

Sony A900, Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8, Carl Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8, Carl Zeiss 85mm F1.4 and Tamron 70-200mm F2.8

Light Stands, Shoot-thru umbrellas and bunch of clamps and accessories

Sony F56 and F58 flash guns, Elinchrom Skyport Transmitter and Receivers

Lots of gels (from Photogels, LumiQuest and Honl Photo), Snoots, Barn Doors and Speed Grids (from Honl Photo)

New iPhone 3G Tariffs Plan

3HK just offered the new iPhone 3G tariffs plan.  Could it be because we’re getting closer and closer to the new generation iPhone which is due out soon? Check out the new tariffs plan here.

Source – 3HK

My Gears – Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro (Sony Mount)

Front view with my Sony A900

Side view

Top view

Got this lens for two weeks now and been out shooting a bit the past two weekends. Initial feeling towards the lens – great F/2.8 lens at this range, not a fast lens, great for portrait but okay with sports. Tamron Hong Kong now offering firmware upgrade to the lens but they can only do so by sending the lens back to Japan and it will take up to four weeks in doing so. Reviews on the firmware upgrade from the local forums indicated that the lens focus a lot faster and more quiet. Think I’m going to check it out after my two trips next month.

Will post up some pics over at my photo blog, Phooey Pics, later this week. So far I can say, for a third of the money in getting the G lens from Sony, I’m happy with this Tamron.

My Gears – Really Right Stuff L-Plate for Sony A900

The Really Right Stuff L-Plate for Sony A900

Ordered my Sony A900 L-Plate (US$140) from Really Right Stuff last Friday and received it yesterday, nice and fast service (well, US$33.74 shipping, LOL). Slipped it on today and took some pics. Initial feeling: nicely built, sturdy and works perfectly when switching from landscape to portrait. No more resetting the ball head and recomposing. Well worth it.

In Landscape Mode

In Portrait Mode

The Sirui G-20 BallHead

As for the ballhead, Really Right Stuff’s BH-40 seems to be the best fit but given the US$300+ price tag, too steep for me. Went down to Sham Shui Po today for a spin and found the Sirui G-20 ballhead for HK$550 (US$70) at Ying Kee, and it worked perfectly.

Source – Really Right Stuff

Phooey Pics – My Gears – Hoodman HoodLoupe Professional 3.0

New article posted up over at Phooey Pics on My Gears – Hoodman HoodLoupe Professional 3.0, check it out here.