iPad Unboxing

The iPad is now available in the Philippines, with prices starting at PhP 23,990 (for the 16 Gb WiFi-only model).

I got one for myself (I got the 16Gb 3G+WiFi model), and here are the unboxing pix:

The free micro-SIM for pre-paid 3G connection, provided by Globe.

USB cable and the 10-watt adapter. The iPad cannot recharge from the USB cable attached to a computer.

I will post my review/impressions on the new device next.

Chrome Web Store

Google's Chrome Web Store is now live. The web-based online app store, similar to the apps store found in iTunes, features cloud-based apps, extensions and themes that you "install" in your Chrome browser (version 8).

The storefront is arranged in a grid, with a sidebar on the right featuring the Top Paid and Staff Picks. On the left hand side are the categories, classifying apps into groups such as Games, Utilities, Entertainment, etc.

Among the (free) apps that I installed so far are Plants vs. Zombies, The Onion New Network, and Aviary image editing app. The installed apps are accessible to the home page when you open a new tab in Chrome.

This Changes Everything...

...including how you hold your phone.

The iPhone 4's apparent reception seems to decrease when you hold the phone in your hands (around the antennas). Steve Jobs says "don't hold it that way"

Gadget Review: Eton Microlink FR160

I'm a self-confessed gadget enthusiast, with a bit of survivalist streak on the side too. So when I saw this gadget at RadioShack I know I have to have it. It would come handy during camping trips, and as an addition to disaster preparedness as well (as the typhoon season is fast approaching).

The Eton Microlink FR160, co-branded by the American Red Cross, is a self powered AM/FM radio. It is capable to receive NOAA weather band in 7 channels. It also comes with a LED flashlight, a USB cell phone charger, and an earphone jack.

What's good is that the 241-gram unit is powered in 2 ways, via solar power through its built-in solar cells, or through a hand-cranked generator. Leaving the unit out for 8-10 hours under the sun would generate enough juice to keep the radio playing for 3-5 hours. Using the hand crank for 90 second would charge the unit to keep it playing for 30-40 minutes.

The hand crank can also be used to recharge MP3 players or cell phones, via the USB charger. Ten to 15 minutes of cranking would equate to one or more minutes of talk time.

The Eton FR160 is also available in Amazon.com for $30.

Google Doodle

The Google doodle at google.com.ph shows the Philippine flag, to commemorate the 112th Independence Day of the Philippines.

Toy Store

I had the opportunity to visit New York last weekend, and one of the places that I went to is the Apple Store.

The flagship Apple Store in Fifth Avenue New York is a destination in itself. The iconic store has a glass facade that opens to a glass staircase and elevator that whisks customers to the below-ground shop, where they can try the latest electronic gizmos, such as the iPhone and iPad, which I was able to play with.

WiMAX is Here

WiMAX is ready for prime time in the Philippines. A new service provider, wi-tribe, is offering 4G internet connectivity using WiMax.

I spotted the modem - a Motorola model - that they will use for the service in a booth they set up just in front of Avida Tower New Manila. A 1 mbps connection will set you PhP 998 a month (24-month subscription).

A Great Find

While browsing for DVDs in Astrovision (Shangri-La Mall) I stumbled upon this classic anime film, Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis. What's great is that I got it 50% off, for only 149.50 pesos!