Welcome 2008

As the year comes to a close, I can't help but ponder and reflect on what 2007 witnessed. Trials, tribulations, angst, pain and perhaps even victory - is there ? It has been a hectic year indeed.

Lets see what 2008 holds.

Golf GTI

A very well built, fun drivers car. So much so that you would still smile when the speeding ticket arrives....

HTC Touch Dual

I have been using the Dopod 838pro for quite some months. A great device yet my craving for new gadgets could only be staved off for so long. A logical progression would be to go for the HTC Tytyn but I just don't fancy a similarly sized device. I wanted something smaller and lighter.

I bought the Sony Ericsson P1i which has a keyboard - errr, if you could call it that. RM 1,500 for the AP Set with a 1GB memory card. Big mistake, I don't expect it to behave like Windows Mobile but I do expect it to be elegant. It was not. I had a steep learning curve and was quickly frustrated. I ended up giving the thing to my daughter.

It was only then that I saw the HTC Touch Dual. RM 2,350 with a 2 GB micro SD card. Small size with physical sliding keyboard. So far so good. It lacks Wi-Fi though but its not a big deal as surfing on the tiny screen would be torture.

Bottom line, windows mobile user should stick to their OS or try the iPhone...

Goodbye 2007

Welcome 2008. In a matter of days 2007 will be but a piece of hazy memory where first steps were taken, doors shut and opened.

May 2008 be a much better year for all.

Cool

A new favourite. "Teh-O Lychee". Timun China Lychee would be scrumptious as well.

Hot

Malaysian Ateliers

Once in a couple months I have this urge to go out and buy something for myself. Gadgets, electronics, pricey stuff that I don't really need but want. This week, I have been hankering for a new watch. The Ball is fine but I need a divers watch to replace the one that was stolen when my house was broken into some time back. With a few option in mind I set out to buy that watch. This short review is not about the watch but more about the shops that I visited in my quest. Before I begin, bear in mind that I am in jeans, shirt and sandals, definitely does not look like your typical million dollar shopper.

I started in KLCC. Went into Sincere, said good morning and asked about the particular brand. The lady (older than the other) just sat there and curtly replied. Don't have, try upstairs. No good morning, nothing.

Next stop the Hour Glass. An Indian chap was kind enough to humour me and the look on his face shows it. He did not have the model that I want and the price offered was at RMx,900.00. He wasn't really trying to make a sale with me. Not even a tiny recommendation or effort, merely answering my questions. I thanked him and left.

Looked through Emotus, did not speak to anyone, though they were kind enough to let me browse without pestering me or following me around.

Went into Rolex just for the heck of it. Same reaction, the lady just answered my question and seemed annoyed when I asked what the cheapest Rolex was. To make matters worse, as soon as I stood up, she took out her spray bottle and wiping cloth and furiously cleaned the counter where I was sitting on. Rude. I may look shabby but I am certainly not dirty.

Got a taxi and went to Cortina in Starhill. Greeted and welcomed to browse. Offered some recommendations and choices, showed some pieces that were not in the display case. Treated as a customer. I felt good and finally bought my watch from them. To add icing to the cake, it was offered at RMx,350.00.

To those KLCC outlets, I hope they learn to value all their customers.

Selfish @ Idiocy

Somewhere in Bandar Tun Razak (elsewhere in Malaysia too). What does that tell you about the people that lives there ? Sadly, even in high end neighbourhoods this is happening. So, do we still get angry when people tell us Malaysians are a bunch of third worlders (is there such a word ?) living in first world (yeah, right) facilities ?

Come one come all...

Aidilfitri 2007.

Ramadhan is fast coming to a close with Syawal just around the corner. Just in case I do not have the opportunity to blog before Aidilfitri, Selamat Hari Raya to one and all. I sincerely wish you and your family a joyous celebration and in the spirit of the month seek forgiveness for all the wrongs that I have, may have or imagined to have done. If there was any then it is definitely unintentional, if it was intentional I am certain that you'll know about it... he he he...

I digress, sorry. Semoga Allah memberkati ibadah kita.

Grand Blue Wave Shah Alam - Ramadhan Buffet.

Cold seafood starters to go with freshly fried kuey tiaw. Scrumptious.

From the western counters, pepper crusted smoked salmon, clams, sushi, black pepper beef patty. Delicious.

Rojak Singapura. Tasty and tangy peanut sauce that goes really well with the battered, deep fried crab.

Make your own curry mee. Pile on whatever ingredients you want. In this case its plump fresh shrimps. Excellent.

Some tomato rice with thick curried crabs, ladies fingers and murtabak on the side. Can't be too greedy and passed the chicken, beef, mussels, veggies bla bla bla...

A sweet ending. Another make your own concoction.

A truly excellent breaking fast spread which only cost RM62.00 per person. Booking necessary as the place is packed. The Grand Blue Wave keeps the food coming and they know how to make you feel welcome.

Highly recommended.

Bluetooth Mouse - Logitech vs Microsoft.

As mentioned in my previous post, I have been intending to do this for quite some time. A comparison between the Logitech V270 and Microsoft 8000 blue tooth mouse. These were used with both a Sony Vaio SZ and TX series notebook. Amazingly, the Logitech paired with both notebooks without a fuss while the Microsoft - the one who also makes the operating system - requires some blue tooth stacks to be downloaded and installed. Weird.

Once paired, they both worked flawlessly until you use the blue tooth to transfer files to another notebook or PC. Then it goes haywire, while the transfer is in progress. Once completed it will be fine again.


The Logitech is a tad bigger with clean designs which I favour. It works great and is comfortable to use. The ratcheted scroll wheel is great and affords greater control when scrolling. It uses AA batteries.

The underside is plain with only the glow of the red sensor light to indicate that its alive. The Logitech is supplied with a zippered neoprene case. Nice and simple.

The Microsoft and its fancy acrylic case which also houses the blue tooth dongle. BTW, the Logitech does not come with a blue tooth dongle. Too bad for those without blue tooth built in, either lose a USB port or deal with wires.... It uses AAA batteries.

There are three extra buttons, am not sure about the ones on the side but the one in the middle, above the scroll wheel is to toggle between mouse mode and presenter mode. This is to activate all the presenter buttons and stop the mouse sensor.

My least liked feature is the smooth scrolling scroll wheel. Too smooth that its hard to have precise control.

The busy underside of the Microsoft with the controls for Microsoft PowerPoint, laser pointer and volume. Works great during presentation. No glow of light to indicate if its alive, press the laser pointer button if you need to know. Just don't point it to your eyes...

Both are great devices for their purpose. Personally, I find that I gravitate more towards the Logitech for daily use most likely due to its larger size hence more comfortable to hold and its ratcheted scroll wheel.

Logitech = RM 279.00

Microsoft = RM 429.00

Both highly recommended.

Hotel Orkid Melaka - Ramadhan Buffet.

Scrumptious tasty foods at honest prices. Yesterday saw me breaking fast in Melaka. The host opted for Hotel Orkid. We just went along. Nice selection. Most importanyly its only RM25.00 per person which is worth it.

Highly recommended.

The Saujana Kuala Lumpur - Ramadhan Buffet

That expression sums it up...

The place is nice with tents erected around the poolside protecting beautifully covered tables and chairs from the elements. Cool breeze accentuated by ceiling fans and appropriate music enhancing the ambiance.

Numerous food stalls were scattered around the vicinity. Each offering a plethora of food from roast lamb to satay to tempura and grilled fish. This is where the fault lies. It may have the variety but the quality is seriously lacking. None of the food that my group tasted stood out. Each reveals some fault or other. The roast lamb was tough, the accompanying sauce has no distinct taste which led us to argue whether its black pepper or mushroom. The udang sambal petai has old prawns which breaks up easily as you peel them. Even the spinach soup was overly salty with an unpleasant seafood aftertaste. The only thing that got positive response was the drinks and that because everyone was thirsty...

Personally for me the most disappointing was the fact that for the price we were paying, we did not get premium items that I would expect from other similar outlets. No salad bar, no smoked salmon or cold meats, not even an olive or capers were in sight. What we get is common hawker fare which did not even meet the standards of what was charged. Its not cheap, after the plus plus were added it came to RM89.00 per person. A real waste of money. Pity as there were a lot of chefs milling about the stations yet their talents were let down by the less than optimum ingredients.

Definitely NOT recommended.

Motorola Razr v8 & W220.

For the past decade or so, since I discovered the Palm Pilot and subsequently Windows based PDA phones, it became the primary tool for my mobile communications needs. I don't really need much actually, just the odd calls. PDA made more sense as my mobile data is more important. Recently these changed as my current work requires more mobile talk time, data remains essential but communications moved up a notch. Hence the need for a tool that is more biased towards telephony.

I still keep my PDA thus looked out for something cheap, basic and durable that I can just shove in my jeans. The Motorola W220 fits the bill, a cheap no frills flip phone. The only extra is its built in radio tuner. The black facade in the front cover hides some lighted icons for calls, sms and battery status. These only came on when required to do so. Battery life is excellent. The only thing I did not get was speaker phone function, thus it became less than ideal for my purpose.

It was also at this time that the Razr v8 was launched. I wasn't too impressed but went to the shops nevertheless to check it out. Impressive specs, 500MB internal storage, speaker phones, blue tooth bla bla bla. Feels good in the hands. So I got it. Connected to the PC, it behaves just like a thumb drive - you need to tell it to do so - instead of syncing via software. Just drag and drop and it became an MP3 player. The only thing that I dislike about it is the fact that the shiny surface is a magnet for thumb prints. Oh, and also the fact that Motorola refuses to use the standard mini USB connector...

The W220 = RM 399.00 and I get a free Motorola Lanyard;

The Razr V8 = RM 1,699.00 and I get free protective screen for the front and internal screen.

Current Occupation

Lot 804, Jalan Subang 5, Taman Perindustrian Subang, 47500 Subang Jaya. Its in the industrial area next to Goodyear Court 8 & 9.

These are some of the things that have been keeping me away from this blog. It doesn't look much but really squeezes the time out of me. Target date 1st October 2007 for futsal and 1st November 2007 for driving range. Hectic but fun.

Yong Tau Foo @ ARENA

The reason I am putting this up is because this is one of the best yong tau foo I had in a long time, including compared to that famous place in Ampang. Why did I say that ? First, I go nuts over the choices available, best of all, they have a good selection of veggies. Even broccoli... and its all fresh and tasty. I ordered mine in soup, which is very light and fragrant. Asked for an empty plate and enjoyed it both in soup and dunked in sauce. The sauce too is just nice with no cloying taste to it. To give an extra kick, I got the birds eye chili in salty soy sauce. Heavenly.

The test for me came after the meal actually. In most places there is a distinct aftertaste that is most likely caused by the MSG or whatever chemicals they use. Not here. No aftertaste at all, just a fuzzy, full feeling of satisfaction.

Cost for a huge bowl with me trying to cram everything into it = RM 16.47. Well worth it.

Wifey on the other hand decides to go western an ordered a black pepper sirloin steak. It was a scam, its definitely NOT sirloin. More like tough beef which should be in a rendang instead of a steak. The black pepper sauce is too fiery even for me. Bad choice. Did not ask how much she paid for it. Even if it was only RM 5 - yeah right - not worth it.

The venue for these meal is in ARENA Food Court, 1 Utama, Bandar Utama. Get there early, especially weekends to get your parking space. Stroll around and get a bite by noon.