Google HTC Nexus One Review

My Rating: 9/10

14 April 2010

Introduction

The phones here in Singapore are sometimes what I feel “out of date” because the people are just blindly listening to what the promoters say and in the end they are coaxed into buying the phone and believing that they are holding the latest technology. Anyways, I recently grabbed a Google HTC Nexus One from the online Google store which by far none of my friends here has one of their own and the best part is that they do not know what phone it is.

Cost

Firstly, let us focus on its cost. Pricey as it might appear at first, but considering the technology and contract free, it is rather a worthwhile buy. Similar contract-free smart phones could easily cost more, so it is definitely worthwhile.

Design

Next, let us talk about its design. I have only two words for it – sleek and elegant. It is probably the best looking phone by HTC by far. It has this thin, curvy and metallic body which makes it outshine both the iPhone and Motorola Droid. It is much thinner and sleek than the iphone and less sharp and masculine as the Droid. There are five buttons on the surface, namely the back button, menu button, home button, search button and a roller button which acts like a mouse. The back button is very useful as this feature is clearly absent from the iphone and you get into trouble trying to get to the previous page. The mouse roller button is also sensitive and easy to use.

Accessories

Some accessories like screen protectors which are rather cheap are really important to my precious phone.

Images

Here are some pictures on what is described above.

Figure 1: The Nexus One

Figure 2: The Nexus One switched on

Figure 3: A closer look at the five buttons

Figure 4: The back view of the phone camera

Specifications

The specs which I have not mentioned are also astounding. It has a 1GHz processor coupled with 512 MB which is easily the fastest processor around in Singapore at least. It also has up to 32 GB capable memory card slot. The screen is also ridiculously huge at 3.7 inch. It also comes with a 5 MP camera for you to take crystal crisp pictures on the go. Another thing is that unlike previous versions of android phones, this one does not come with a keyboard. The keyboard is software integrated and appears on the screen via a virtual keyboard. There is no worry that the keyboard is hard to use as the screen is rather sensitive to touch and easy to use.

Summary of Specs Mentioned
- 5 MP camera
- 1 GHz processor
- 512 MB Ram
- 32 GB(max) SD card slot
- 3.7 " inch LCD touchscreen

Software

Lastly, the software running is Android 2.1 which is by far the latest android system on the time of writing of this article. It has nice GUI features and also what they call “live wallpaper” which is reactive to the phone and its surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is definitely the phone for me for years to come until I find another more powerful phone. I really love this phone and strongly advise you to get one too. This is just a short review to get you into knowing the phone. You could read on more from my website given by the link below.

Fujifilm Finepix S2500HD Digital Camera Review

Fujifilm Finepix S2500HD Digital Camera Review

My Rating: 9/10

13 March 2010

Introduction

I have recently been to the IT show at Suntec Convention Hall with the intention of getting a camera for my upcoming holiday trip in May. Initially, I thought of getting a Canon Ixus digital camera but end up getting a Fujifilm Finepix digital camera.

If you are thinking of getting this camera as well, perhaps this article might benefit you. After using and testing it for a few days, here is my review for the camera.

Features I Like

18X Optical Zoom

What that prompts me to purchase this camera instead of the similar Nikon semipro camera is this. The Nikon model which I was looking at only has up to 15X zoom power. Most importantly, at 18X maximum zoom, the picture is still perfectly clear and crisp. I think that this is brought about by the image stabilization technology and the high ISO sensitivity it boasts, up to a maximum of ISO6400.

HD Videos and HD Still Images

This camera also allows one to capture HD videos and HD still images. It comes with a HDMI mini port which one can connect and hook up to a HD ready TV for the ultimate viewing and playback experience. It also comes with the AutoTracking Focus function which allows you to track moving subjects by pressing the shutter button half way down. This function ensures that the subject is always in perfect focus.

Zoom Bracketing

I particularly like this feature. This feature allows me to zoom a picture further and crop the picture at the same time. With this feature, I do not need to manually edit them later in photoshop.

Numerous Photo Modes

Another thing is that this camera provides so many function and features for you to choose from. If you are a noob, you could go for the auto modes or if you are one that would like more control, you could choose from Programmed AE, Shutter Priority AE, and Manual mode. There are also preprogrammed scene modes Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Party, Flower, Text. Lastly, I would like to highlight the panorama mode which allow you to take pictures which cannot fit into the screen at one time. Perfect for taking scenery views!

Camera Pictures

Just some pictures of the camera.

Figure 1: Front View

Figure 2: Back View

Figure 3: Top View

Fujifilm Finepix S2500HD Specifications

Let me conclude by listing down the complete specifications of my camera.

• 12 Megapixel sensor

• 28mm Wide-angle lens

• 3.0" LCD screen

• CCD-shift image stabilisation

• 720p HD stills and movie

• Up to ISO6400 sensitivity

• Scene Recognitoin Auto (SR Auto)

• Targeting AF

• Face Detection technology

• NEW Smile & Shoot Mode

• NEW Blink Detection

• Natural light with flash

• Panoramic shooting

• NEW Auto Image Rotate

• Micro thumbnail view

• Powered by 4 x AA batteries
• 300 shot battery life (Lithium battery 700 shots)

Conclusion

Generally, I would rate this camera as worth buying. Firstly, it has a rather big LCD screen at 3.0" as compared to similar models like Panasonic Lumix. Next, it has a powerful zoom which gives good pictures. It also supports the latest HD technology. It has intelligent functions and multiple scene modes as well. Lastly, it is rather cheap to get for the features it offers.