Windows 7

I first heard about Windows 7 as I was browsing, did a bit more reading on it, check out the forums and decided to try it out. The main reason being it will be usable until March 2010, so I figured its worth the effort. License for the RC was simple to get, log in with MS passport and it will be provided. I got 2, initially by mistake but both proved to be useful as I finally did two installations. The download of the 2.3 GB file took about a day but was quite painless. It could be interrupted and resumed with ease. Once downloaded, burn to create a bootable DVD. Then the adventure begins.

The first was an experiment. A Fujitsu P5020 was in dire need of an overhaul. Its HDD is full, performance is slow and most likely riddled with viruses. First back up all data files. My first mistake here was that I did not copy the driver files. Solved by hunting and grabbing from the net. Precious time would be saved if I had copied the drivers.

Slot in the DVD, turn it on, press Esc key and boot from DVD. Windows 7 will only work on NTFS formatted drive. It will do that first and then install. This took about half an hour. Once done, amazingly it grabbed my home wireless at the first instant and goes online to search for updates. Most it does, some have to be manually searched and updated. It works.

Since this is one used by the kids, I then installed kaspersky AV from a multi license DVD that I thought was a waste of money back then. MS Office was missing and I did not get the licence key so I installed Open Office instead. That's it.

Since the P5020 was successful, I decided to update a Vaio TX with Windows 7. Back up data, copy drivers, download ProduKey for MS Office, pop the DVD, turn on, press escape key and boot from DVD. Format the drive and did a clean install.

About half an hour, install drivers and the AV Mode and function keys does not work. Download and install various Sony files i.e. Shared Library, Utilities DLL, Event Service, SFEP (don't ask - I don't know what it does) and the whole thing just works. For touch pad I installed the Alps Pointing device from Dell instead of Sony, because its only 2.3 MB whereas Sony's is 30 MB and the Sony Asia support page is so S L O W. The US site is fast but there is a notice saying that it might not be compatible with non US Vaios. Double standard ?

Then I installed Kaspersky and MS Office 2007. No issues. Both validated and updated. Brilliant.

Both, especially the Vaio TX now feels much faster and snappier. Looks better and so far works without any glitch. I do think that this is what Vista should have been. If you have an old system in need of an update, go for it.

The Mac & I

I had the opportunity to play around with the new 2008 Mac book for about a month or so. Beautifully engineered. The physical construction is excellent and I really liked it. However, personally, I just don't have the time nor patience to switch from Windows to Mac.

It does almost all the things that I have been doing in Windows well except for the part on managing my photos. Basic things done in windows i.e. resizing becomes a chore (my ignorance may be the cause...). Since I don't have the patience, its back to windows. Though quirky, it works for me.

I loved the slot loading media player which caused me to discover VLC - to override the region code restrictions on DVD's - which is a crap policy. The notebook is used to travel, your travel may bring you to different regions of the world. The region code basically says that if you want to view a DVD bought in say region 1 then you need to buy a notebook from region 1 !!! Idiots. BTW, VLC also have a version for windows which so far works well. No need to flash the drive to free your notebook from this stupid policy.

I absolutely adore the mag save power charger, so elegant.

Even the charger is well designed and a thing of beauty. Alas, the Mac is not for me...

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.

Thumb Drive

UPDATED COMMENTS in PURPLE

The old thumb drive that is fast reaching the end of its usefulness as my need for ever larger portable storage materialise. Power point presentations and digital photos eats up space ferociously. On the physical side, I am annoyed that the cap of the thumb drive has become loose and tend to fall off. Not that it really matters, its just annoying. Note the dirt and grime due to being attached to the key fob of my bike. It really is a tough little thing able to withstand the heat, humidity, rain and shine of being dangled to the bike in my daily commute.

The new with 4 GB capacity. Cost RM 169.00 which I am sure could be had for much cheaper in Low Yat.

Looks tiny in the package but is actually slightly longer and wider than the old drive.

Cap off and USB connector protruding. Interestingly, the protrusion is spring loaded. The catch has to be pressed down and outwards until it clicks in place so that it does not retract when pushed into the USB port.

Freebie Skype, unfortunately, the offer expires last year.

The U3 software which auto plays and annoys me. Even after formatting, its still there registering itself as the C: drive !

Finally manage to get rid of this annoyance. It resides in a hidden partition taking up about 200 MB. The software autoplays and identifies itself as a CD drive with the LaunchPad programme. Annoying. It could be deleted permanently using the LaunchPad Remover software downloaded from the Sandisk site. This will delete the partition and format the drive.

Removable disc G - even good for Ready Boost in Windows Vista.

Before formatting.

After formatting, 3.8 GB available. The rest of the space most likely taken up by the U3 software and hidden.

Transfer speed between 2 - 5 MB/s. Definitely much faster than the old thumb drive.

The bright red orangey light signifying that it is in use.

Pros: 4.0 GB capacity with no caps to lose and fast transfer speed.

Cons: Annoying U3 software, no lanyard provided.