Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Vervain

Google Voice & Google Number

Vervain — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:41:53 +0800

We all know today, phones come with social network capability. Google is going to launch another breakthrough in history. Google Voice. It lets you manage calls with a single number to divert all call to your desire number. Voice mail can be converted into text or read/listen online. There are much more features to be squeeze into the service and so far it's all good. As of now it's basically on invite & available in the US. Hope they open up the service to other nation as well. For more information check out HERE

Application Store

Vervain — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:01:55 +0800

Nowadays, phone manufactures are gearing up good hardware and better OS for better experience. It's just like the initial launch of camera phone. Every manufactures tries to outbeat the other with the best hardware. Currently, the competition has taken to another edge. Yes you heard me, Apps. We all know there are a couple of OS's divided among above subforums, but how many of you would think on purchasing a phone for it's software offerings? Let's ponder back. First generation Iphone with 4gig of storage space still capable of running the new 3.0 firmware with some limitation and other available new applications. Often the limitation is due to hardware availability, not the phone's fault. What I'm trying to say is, for a phone to survive on a long run, softwares need to accommodate both the latest hardware and the old ones too. Often new OS is backward compatible but how many new softwares can be used on an old devices? For Windows mobile, old WM5 still capable of running some newly developed softwares, although it might turn out slightly unstable,incompatible or processing intensively.

Application store is a great place to gather all the best softwares & reviews under a the same roof. I had a share tough time during Wm5, were I need to constantly find and check on review comments to be sure the software is compatible or not dreadful. These general stores filters out dupe softwares and giving beginners a sense of assurance when purchasing or installing free apps. Now there are lots of applications stores coming out of the market. Generally there's the famous app store by apple, OVI store by Nokia, Andriod market for andriod & whole lot more. Some might charge a reasonable amount of $$ on the softwares, while others would be free.

As of now, these software would not cost as much as your retail PC application but it's best that we all sit down and discuss among the propitiatory stores as well as the applications in store. Reviews & comments are very much appreciate, after all it wouldn't be long till it comes over a moment where we need to pick a phone based on the abundant offerings in softwares.

Free Airwaves

Vervain — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:19:38 +0800

Good Day,

I've been trying to look for an available frequency fm band which is free from interference. Apparently, I've been jogging around a couple of stations, but occasionally there will be some statics present. Guess it's due to nearby frequency's hiccup. Hope everyone can share the frequency used in your vehicle. My location wise is around KL & selangor. And no, I don't wish to change the HU as I would prefer my ride to be stock.

Multitouch Pad

Vervain — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:26:06 +0800

I don't know where this should be parked. But I'll try placing it in this section. If mod feels its inappropriate, you may kindly move or close it off.

Was walking past Petrosains today, saw some genius looking screen projecting incoming pedestrian. Screen does comes overlapped with square boxes and everytime you walk pass it, it will generate key tunes. Somewhat it looks just like a ps2 eye toy. Well after that i remember stumble across something like this cheap mod. Guess everyone wants try making a multitouch screen or pad to control the PC. heres a quick DIY.

[YOUTUBE]<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQpr3W-YmcQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQpr3W-YmcQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>[/YOUTUBE]

This is just some basic design, I've seen modders gone beyond the barrier. you can google for NUI groups.

have fun modding.

Review 'CRIMEFIGHTER' 2 way alarm

Vervain — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:06:50 +0800

Greetings Lyners, Wish to conduct a personal review of this alarm. Kindly note, this serves no marketing purpose and I'm not paid to do this review. Its solely on a consumers point of view. With permission from fellow moderator I hope this thread can be granted, If this thread serves no more than a spam, kindly inform me and I shall Close it Thanks.

Proton Stock alarm has given me some sleepless night. The issue here was the alarm will kick off whenever the climate is too hot & humid or too cold. It happens once in a while and kinda nuisance. Checked with my local proton service center and found out changing the stock alarm to a new one is not feasible. Hence I opt to get a 3rd party alarm for a much more added feature and security.

Two way alarm was my choice, and there are a few well known brands like steelmate, tenon and more. I was a bit clueless on choosing the unit as most have resemblance to the design and feature. The price may vary from brand to brand. Along my findings, I've stumbled across this alarm 'CRIMEFIGHTER'. Small research and study was conducted to understand more of this new kid on the block. Specs are as below

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

This alarm is kind of new in Malaysia. Based on some rumors, it was recently launched and yes, its now part of Malaysian product. The above spec might seem skeptic, well I'll let the videos below do the judging. This unit carries many names and I believe its born out from the same manufacture as Prostar as it carries similar resemblance minus the windscreen touch key unlock (or whatever it's named).

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

I decided to take up my full courage on getting this alarm since most of my findings points out a positive pointers, one heck state of the art gizmo. Installed the alarm and was very happy with the features. This alarm shares the same feature as steelmate 898G and more. Installation part ain't straight forward. It took almost a day just to hook up the system. Yes its new and wiring is pretty much complex. Highly suggest a skill wiring man to install the unit to avoid any mishap from arising.

Alright enough with the crap, Lets showcase the real deal of this gizmo. Like Steelmate it offers a long distance 2 way remote. But it has easy to scroll menu. You can literally understand each feature and its very user friendly. The OLED screen really is handy and unique. Remote design is just like a walkie talkie but with screen. Anyone whom is literate can understand the remote and seriously its user friendly. Pick it up and start using. Animation on the screen really puts all your hard earn cash worth while. No more stagnant LCD with a static car image on the remote.

Remote Start:- The remote start is good. You can program it to start at specific time or you can directly command it start at a press of a button. Remote start duration can be selected under the menu for desire preference. Very handy and useful. You can just kill the engine any time you want. Good if someone steals your car at the traffic light and runs off. you with only the remote and disable the vehicle a further distance.

Turbo Timer:- Turbo timer features is as similar to other turbo timer alarm. You can set your desire time, disable it or kill it off anytime when it still running.

Passive Arm & Disarm: This is a neat feature which till today, I have yet still encounter underdog 3rd party alarms offer such feature. Basically the keyless entry system is passively activated. Walk towards your vehicle and the car will unlock by itself. Theres a proximity sensor on the antenna which you can adjust the sensitivity. Turns your car into those high end Mercs or Jags. Once you leave your car unattended and the sensor didn't sense your presences, it will lock and arm the alarms back. In the even you're near the car and the alarm and it unlocks. Everytime the door opens, the signal light will alert nearby motorist of your presence, reducing the risk of running you or the occupants down. Yes it works even when the engines off and no key engaged. Best of all when the doors close, the alarm will chirp to alert on all doors have been closed. 30 sec later when you're gone & sensors does not pick your presence around, it will lock & arm if you forgotten to lock it via the remote.

Rest of the features include locking car after 5 sec upon ignition. Retain engine run, if you need to go out for a while to pick up some urgent stuffs minus the need of restarting the engine. Good for prolonging the starter motor. The car will remain armed with the engine running and you can walk away to do your short chores. Once returned, just unlock place in your key and drive. Any event of burglary during that time, the Engine will disengage and alarm will kick off. Smart . In addition You can upload photos into the colour screen remote as a wall paper. At home/leaving your vehicle days unattended, you can switch off the remote to conserve battery storage.

========================

Alright most of the above statemen very much tempted readers on the bright side of this device. Lets talk about the down side which I would have to agree with some forumers before they gun me down with the reality and issues. This product is kinda new in the market and very much not many is bold enough to try it out. Being a guinea pig, I will continue to raise up any stability issues arise, however so far I've yet encounter any. Fingers cross its still very stable and accurate, both remote and alarm module. Secondly, It only comes with one remote or transponder. Yes a big disappointment. You will need to buy another separate remote(user preference), however programming it is as easy as ABC and you can even erase the previous remote from accessing your car. The alarm is good enough to relearn the new remote signal or remembering them both so you can have a spare unit. Thirdly is on remote. It might be aesthetically nice and big, but to some people it might be uncomfortable to kept a fat remote in your tight jeans. I'm skinny so no problem with it. Fourth is on the remote itself. Despite its big, still there is no vibration feature. A major let down and this gives steelmate a shout out. Fifth is on the OLED screen. I have difficulty ready it under bright sun light, but is not really important as most of the time basic feature of lock and unlock doesn't require any screen usage. When I'm in doors only I will access the feature. After all who wants to bake under the hot sunny day? Last not least is on the Charger itself. It came with a cigarette adapter but no wall socket charger. A cross over adapter is required to have the cigarette adapter hooked on to the wall socket to ensure charging is possible indoors.

Well overall, I would summarize its a very good product and highly recommend to those whom wish to try out alternative 2 way alarms other than steelmate. I only showcase some important highlights. The rest is pretty much similar to conventional 2 way alarm features. Above are my verdicts and comment as well as pointers may differ to other users. In short I would like to conclude this alarm packs every know feature at a reasonable price.

Feel free to discuss, fire, flame or ask any available questions regarding this product. I will remain as a neutral user to voice my personal opinion.

Cheers and have a pleasant day.

Recovering Hard Disk Content

Vervain — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:42:02 +0800

Gents,

I have an old hard disk. WD 160 gig. Here's the problem, I'd reformated my PC recently and was unable to access this particular hard disk. Each time i try to open it, it will prompt Access Denied. Tried changing ownership under security. Still vain. Any solutions?

I'd tried running ubuntu and fedora live to check on the files. Seems everything is still alright. Problem is, I do not wish to copy out all 140 gigs of data to another hard drive. Still not comfortable with the ntfs write and read capabilities. Scared might screw up big time.

In addition, this drive will bring up my additional 2 more old hard drives (which was wrecked) under disk management. Not sure why, if I put it into offline, the other 2 hard drives will go off. Seems like a ghost. And the ghost drives indicate missing.

p.s my 160 gig HD is dynamic type.

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

Vervain — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:40:26 +0800

Hi, i've tried seaching for the whole lyn and it seems there has yet to be one thread on this anime. I've watched up to episode 6 and personal comment, it might be the next best thing. well its not for me to judge, but i highly recommend the show. Has anyone watched the show? the sacrasm really clicks.

erm abit info on the show, its about a teacher who's always in despairs and commits suicides but fails. more or less the story evolves between the student and teacher relationship. its funny.

appart on the info side i didn't managed to find it in the net but hopefully someone can give comment about it.

p.s if there is a similar thread on the same discussion mod please delete this

Car Tv antennas

Vervain — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:45:16 +0800

hi, i have noticed there are alot of TV antennas for cars. i was wondering on which position suits best for antenna installation. does it require drilling? need to be positioned high?

hope users can share some valuable comments. thanks

[WTA] DIVX DVD player

Vervain — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:59:04 +0800

hi, i would like to venture into the world of visual entertainment for ICE setup. apparently there are alot of DVDs and mp4 players out in the market ranging from branded to brandless. my question are as follow. i hope Sifu here can provide me with some valuble advise.

1. Some player which comes with DIVX 3.X and 5.X, my question is whether they are able to play xvid formats. as for i now, i know my home dvd player from pioneer can adopt to this format although its not stated.

2. Is there any noticible differences between a branded and non branded dvd with divx players in terms of play quality, start up or skipping.

3. some non branded dvd comes with SD input. if i were to load videos into the card, it would most likely eliminate bad play or skipping. my question is whether we can play videos via the memory card or USB

4. some players come with USB input, can i plug in a external hard disk to load and play?

5. My last question will be on TV. some players come with tv tuners, ranging from small windscreen type of antenna to those exterior sting bee type of antenna, are there any difference between the two types of antenna? what is the reception for our malaysia tv? will sky scrapers interfere with the reception.

thank you, looking forward in hearing from you all

[WTA]Distance Vs liters devices

Vervain — Sun, 06 May 2007 17:36:43 +0800

just wanna ask if there is any after market devices which can measure petrol consumption a kilometer or the other way around. it would be nice if it can incoporate measuring ability of measuring remaining travel distance with the remaining fuel just like the ones in camry

[WTA] Vehicles with 5 nuts on rims

Vervain — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 23:31:51 +0800

hi, i noticed some vehicles come with 5 nut locks on each rim. just wondering which type of cars uses such specifications. i noticed those rims with 5 nuts always comes in cool designs

hard disk anaylsis

Vervain — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:22:15 +0800

hi, i just discovered my new hard disk is going to fail. symptom of restarts and hang prior to accessing the drive. anyway, here are the the test run. question is, will the hard disk break down soon? or i'll just leave it as it is and wait till the values go up.

Adobe Photoshop

Vervain — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 19:40:57 +0800

i want to design a A1 size poster with 300dpi resolution. the problem is, my pc tends to run out of physical memory upon loading. so its damn freaking annoying to wait for the slow loading

Digi's new mobile Tv

Vervain — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 01:13:27 +0800

Digi's mobile Tv has been shutdown due to lack of interest from Hp users. Digi is going to Launch a new D channel Tv services which ultilizes the current GPRS and EDGE connection to broadcast Tv videos live.

Compared with previous services, it seems that Digi will no longer broadcast Tv channel from the local Tv stations. Will there be mroe subscribers keen to subscribe for the new services?

Question still unfolds. Do you prefer to watch TV on the go?

SPDIF limits

Vervain — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:34:33 +0800

hi. i'm noob on the audiophiles section. but there are some things i need to know actually. spdif means optical output right? if so. are there any limitation in the wire's length? how much does the wire cost? i'm interested in getting one 10m wire.
hope someone can enlighten me.

home plug and wireless network which is better?

Vervain — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 23:34:29 +0800

i need to know which of the above provides better connectivity.

cleaning the Laptop LCD

Vervain — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 23:27:10 +0800

i have a acer travelmate 4002wlci from my dad. apparently the whole laptop is a mess. i mean dirty. i managed to remove stains from the exterior with the foamy shaving cream. however the stains on the LCD is too hard to remove. i didn't use anything to clean the LCD la. cause i need some expertise on cleaning the screen. degree of stain, kinda hard to remove unless scrap la.. seems the stain is from the keyboard when its close. so any advise from sifus out there on cleaning the LCD screens>?