As for the weight of my chosen gadgets, I really don’t have much choice about.  While some are lucky to just be fine with their ipod shuffle, I am partial towards a heavier one and some. But with the marks I get around the inside of my arm whenever I carry my handbag and painful shoulder when it’s a shoulder bag I lug around, I know I really ought to learn to travel lighter than I got used to. Now that’s something I would need to go figure out soon. Any tips?

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/10/the-need-to-travel-light.html/feed 0 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/09/unboxing-of-my-new-toy-blackberry-torch-9800-in-red.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/09/unboxing-of-my-new-toy-blackberry-torch-9800-in-red.html#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:35:53 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=3550 I shared last week the story behind my being able to air hockey my way to a brand spanking new Blackberry Torch 9800 in Red,  here comes some unboxing photos.

First off, I love that it’s in the exact color the kikay in me would have chosen. Not that I will say no it if it came in the other color it is available in, which is Black. The deep red color is just so me and I cannot me more thrilled to be tinkering my way into getting acquainted with it — which I did in no time!

She’s pretty, right? But don’t be deceived, she’s not all but looks. It is actually the first Blackberry that comes in Blackberry OS Version 6.0

Blackberry Torch 9800 back with sticker instructions

To give you an idea, here’s a quick look at its pretty fierce specifications:

OS: BlackBerry 6.0
Processor: 624 MHz
RAM: 512 MB
Storage: 4 GB built-in + 4 GB microSD (expandable to 32GB)
Display: 3.2-inch 360×480 capacitive touchscreen
Battery: Lithium Ion 1270mAh
Ports: Micro-USB
Weight: 5.68 ounces
Camera: 5.0 megapixels, autofocus, 2x zoom, image stabilization, face detection
Dimensions: 4.37(h) x 2.44(w) x 0.57(d) inches (the height is 5.83 inches when open)
Sensors: GPS, accelerometer
Keyboard: 35-key QWERTY backlit slide-out keyboard; and both portrait and landscape virtual keyboards
Networks: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; UMTS 2100/1900/850/800 MHz
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 2.1
Tethering: USB

the accessories that are included inside the box (including manuals and the disc)

Blackberry Torch 9800, back without battery and sim

Tell me now, can another phone be sleeker than this?

Blackberry Torch 9800, slide out Qwerty keyboard is love!

This pretty slider just about solves my issues with touchscreen typing. I love my iPhone all right, but I have always wished I can go back to the ease of texting via my old love, Nokia E63, which happens to have the same color that my brand new baby Blackberry Torch 9800 comes in. I can use the touchscreen on the Torch, if I want too, as well. And to think just moments ago, I was just voicing out how I miss my old kikay phone – my E63, from eons ago. Talk about having the exact things you desire for a phone in one unit!

I so love my new toy and I have this strong feeling that the love affair is going to last a long while. There are just so much to love about it. Yes, beyond the BBM and being forever online via Social Networking sites without spending a centavo more than P299/month! I registered via Smart Blackberry Lite Plans, by the way. The Blackberry Torch 9800 is so neat that I find myself getting hold of it more than my iPhone4 these days. Incidentally, if you’re a Blackberry Fan or soon to be one, you might want to “Like” the Blackberry Pilipinas page on Facebook for updates.

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/09/unboxing-of-my-new-toy-blackberry-torch-9800-in-red.html/feed 0 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/09/blackberry-pilipinas-fans-meet-the-playbook-and-my-new-toy-the-blackberry-torch-9800.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/09/blackberry-pilipinas-fans-meet-the-playbook-and-my-new-toy-the-blackberry-torch-9800.html#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:47:24 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=3522

I’ve always been curious about Blackberry but never really got around to it until  last week during  Blackberry’s First Fans Meet Up attended by Research in Motion’s (RIM) Senior Manager in Social Media for the Asia Pacific, Mr. Gerald Ang.

The idea is for the Blackberry Pilipinas fans to meet the just launched Blackberry Playbook. It was an intimate and fun-filled event hosted by certified BlackBerry addict Rovilson Fernandez. A number of Blackberry Pilipinas fans, bloggers and celebrities like Rich Herrera and Rich Hardin of Team Philippines (Amazing Race) were there to celebrate the event.

We were introduced to each other by pairing us up with another guest.  The object was to learn three interesting things about our new friend. We did that.  It was fun, given all the random,  even quirky facts about our newfound friends.  One man shared that he shaves his legs for speed. He’s a runner and it’s the benefit he believes he gets out of doing so. How interesting can people get, eh?

And did I mention that the event was held in Marriott Hotel’s Garden-inspired ballroom.  Cozy, elegant, quaint. I’m totally digging the ambiance of the place.

It wasn’t long until names were fished from a bowl and those who were picked were pitted against each other for a game of Air Hockey on the Blackberry Playbook. I was chatting away with lovebirds Iris and Montsch, telling them that I wouldn’t mind winning a Playbook over a mobile, when my name was called to play for the Blackberry Torch 9800.  I went on to play the game certain that there was no way I can win it. Why, I can’t even win against my six year old on the Air Hockey in Timezone! I just went crazy with the puck (4 pucks on the second round) and thought to just play along and just get it over and done with. I guess the Torch and I are totally MFEO (Read: made for each other) Tee hee!

Alex was good! We actually tied the first round. Above is a picture of me ready to play the second round! It was a close match of 4-3.

With Mr. Gerald Ang are the winners who went home with our respective prizes (Blackberry Playbook, Blackberry Torch 9800 and  Blackberry Leather Folio) — photo courtesy of  www.glennong.com)

Yes, that’s me getting cozy with my new toy – a Blackberry Torch 9800! Thanks to Flow for getting me acquainted with this new baby. He practically got me on bbm tutorial as I went to tinker with my new toy! One week in and I’m loving it so far. Blackberry just got both me and the hubby as their newest converts. Jeff just upgraded his Sun postpaid line to usher in his spanking brand new Blackberry Pearl. Oh yes, this couple is speaking Blackberry now. In fact, Sun Cellular just texted to let Jeff know that his BlackBerry Pearl 9105 is now ready for pick up. Yay! Between the BlackBerry Curve 8520 and the BlackBerry Pearl 9105, he chose the latter for its faster processor and non-querty design. Unlike me, Jeff is not much of a querty fan. As of writing, one exciting guy is on his way to getting hold of his new toy.

How can I miss a  photo op with Rovilson Fernandez.

Up next, the unboxing photos of my brand spanking new Blackberry Torch 9800!

The Beyond the Box launch was as grand as grand can be. It was hosted by Lifestyle Channel’s VJ Janeena Chan and Philmug chairman Elbert Cuenca.There were probably over a hundred of instant prizes that guests and members of the media went home with. Among those that were given away were headphones, hard drives, portable chargers, thumb drives, et. al.

Above is the frontage of Beyond the Box store located at the third floor of Resorts World Manila. 

As I went around the store, I got stuck along this line of iMacs. And finally got down to this…

My future workstation. Won’t it be sweet working from home with this baby?

Members of the press and bloggers went home with this stylish Hisense Bluetooth headset. I love that I can have both my iPhone and Blackberry connected to it at the same time. Talk about multi-tasking!

As if that wasn’t enough, I also won a Sennheiser headphone drawn during the launch. How cool is that? A discreet but rockin’ replacement to my now busted Skull Candy. Since we were already at the mall, I was meaning to buy weatherguard floor mats. Have to keep the rain water at bay. It has been raining steadily these past weeks. I only got to cross that off my list the day after though. But no regrets, Resorts World Manila was worth the visit. Beyond the Box is definitely an Apple lover’s must go to place.

Beyond the Box

3^rd floor shop 6, Resorts World Manila,
Andrews Ave. Newport Mall, Pasay City 1309.
Tel. no.: 846-2390
Email: www.beyondthebox.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beyondthebox.ph
Twitter: twitter.com/beyondtheboxRP

As a satisfied HTC user myself since August of this year, I was thrilled to witness the unveiling of HTC’s brand new Android-based smartphones – HTC Desire HD and HTC Desire Z last November 23, 2010. While a considerable bunch are into Android nowadays, we might as well stick with the company that makes the best Android Phones, right?

First off, just a few facts that you probably didn’t know about Android:

• HTC was the first manufacturer to launch an Android phone
• Android Market has more than 70,000 apps available with over 1 billion downloads to date.
• The Android email application supports unlimited accounts.
• Android can run multiple applications simultaneously.

I personally love the HTC Desire Z. It fits my tiny hand just right with its trusty QWERTY keyboard for fast and convenient typing. The HD video that comes with it will be a lovely upgrade from my humble Wildfire. But even as humble as my Wildfire is, I love that its 5.0MP camera takes great photos, even macro ones that even Apple phones can’t beat. You have to check my FB mobile photo album here and here, where I upload photos straight from my phone. Look Ma, hardly any pixel showing! That is just the plain truth.

HTC Ambassador Rhian Ramos holding the HTC Desire Z and HTC Phils. Country Manager Mark Dewey Sergio with the HTC HD. I cannot help but notice how prettier Rhian is in person than on tv or even print. In person, she looks like a goddess. And the hair! The hair! I would have squeezed myself in the crowd to score a beauty tip or two and maybe ask her about best shampoo for hair loss if I could. Her locks are totally gorgeous! I digress.

Meanwhile, Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation said, “We are excited to be taking the HTC Sense experience beyond the phone to a whole new level with a series of connected HTC services we call HTCSense.com. Our customers will value the holistic approach we’re taking to enhance their mobile experience. This customer-first philosophy has resonated with people buying HTC phones and this drives us to continue introducing new innovative smartphones like the HTC Desire HD and HTC Desire Z.”

HTCSense.com

Desire HD and Desire Z users can simply manage their mobile phone experience from their HTC phone or personal computer. Here’s how:

1. locate a missing phone by triggering the handset to ring loudly, even if it is set to silent, or to flag its location on a map.

2. If the phone’s been lost or stolen, users can remotely lock the phone, forward calls and texts to another phone, send a message to the phone to arrange its return or even remotely wipe all personal data from it.

3. HTCSense.com makes it easy to setup a new HTC phone or access archived mobile content such as contacts, text messages and call history from a PC browser.

4. People can also customize their phones with exclusive HTC content like wallpapers, HTC scenes, sounds or plug-ins.

HTC Desire Z is now available at all authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of P32,000. While HTC Desire HD will be available at authorized resellers from end of December onwards with a suggested retail price of P35,000.

Really, there is nothing not to love with HTC. I can see an upgrade to HTC Desire Z looming in time for the holidays.

My dear hubby owns an ASUS netbook (1005HA), so I know how this little monster performs. I love that I now have a matching all girly, pink, just the way I want my netbook to be. Karim Rashid, one of the world’s leading designers definitely made this particular Eee PC Seashell more appealing and hip. To achieve this distinct and gorgeous look, ASUS’ industrial designers have had to pioneer a plethora of material, production, and textural innovations, such as the combination of rubber paint, in mold roller (IMR), and metallic materials to create thoroughly unique finishes.

Glossy Hot Pink

Hot Pink is the new black for fashion and a shock of punchy pink is just the thing to brighten any ensemble. This positive and very orgulous color clearly communicates the idea of immateriality, entropy and energy of a strong optimistic presence. The Hot Pink Eee PC™ 1008P—which recalls a fashionable woman strolling down New York’s Fifth Avenue—has a metallic silver bottom layer and a transparent Hot Pink IMR upper layer.

Since the introduction of the first Eee PC™, ASUS has inched high technology ever closer to high fashion. With the Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection (1008P), ASUS has taken a decisive leap onto the catwalk. Co-conceived by one of the world’s leading designers, the Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection is the realization of Karim’s vision of computing—one that is more sensual, more human, more hip. Completely contemporary and anathema to nostalgia, these netbooks are more daring, more intersecting, and are designed to appeal to young, mobile trendsetters while remaining an accessible luxury to everyone.

The Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection manifests ASUS’ commitment to designing products that appeal to the five human senses, with an emphasis on vision and touch. To achieve this, ASUS’ industrial designers have had to pioneer a plethora of material, production, and textural innovations, such as the combination of rubber paint, in mold roller (IMR), and metallic materials to create thoroughly unique finishes.

Making Waves with the Techno-chic Digi-Wave Design
Karim’s inspired touch is imbued in every inch of the Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection. It is encased from top to bottom in an organic Digi-Wave chassis that is as pragmatic as it is stylish—offering striking looks and robust protection. The rippling lines—which convey a sense of forward movement—adhere perfectly to the golden ratio, bearing testament to the extreme precision required to produce the subtle waves and retain color consistency across the peaks and troughs. The in mold cutting was measured and tested with unprecedented precision by ASUS’ designers, resulting in a gadget that boasts the prestige of a handcrafted product. The perfection of each wave can be perceived with the gentlest of touches.

Innovative Finishes Convey a Touch of Privilege
The Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection reflects Karim and ASUS’ view that function, material, form, performance, texture, color and ease-of-use are inseparable in any object of beauty. It is designed to stimulate all five human senses, including the sense of touch, which is often overlooked in the PC domain. The Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection thus sets itself apart from other netbooks through its innovative finishes that pamper users’ palms and fingertips. The Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection also stands out prominently through its colors—its specific hues, tints and saturations were carefully selected to appeal to tech fashionistas. It is available in bold, glossy Hot Pink or classic, matte Coffee Brown.

No Deficiency in Efficiency
The Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection features a breathtaking design that includes a 10.1″ frameless LED backlit display and an ergonomic chiclet keyboard. This beauty is matched by its computing prowess. It features the new power-saving Intel® Atom™ N450 CPU, which works in tandem with ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine energy management technology to deliver 6 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection also offers near-instant access to the Internet thanks to the inclusion of Express Gate, an ancillary operating system that boots up in seconds. Express Gate allows users to make Skype calls, surf the web, browse photos, play online games, engage in instant messaging, and much more.

Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection also has its Matte Coffee Brown variation…

Matte Coffee Brown

Subtle, mature and understated yet elegant, Coffee Brown is timeless and classic—bringing to mind a gentleman sipping coffee at the Café de la Seine, enjoying a relaxing afternoon by reading John Wooden’s poetry. The Coffee Brown Eee PC™ 1008P has two layers: a Coffee Brown bottom layer sprinkled with gold glitter, and a soft-to-the-touch upper layer of translucent rubber paint.

And for this gorgeous toy’s specification:

And what could perfectly go with my spanking brand new Eee PC Seashell Karim Rashid Collection Netbook, than its very own equally gorgeous jacket to house it in. Love it! Thank you Asus Philippines!

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/03/kikay-corners-kikay-netbook-eee-pc%e2%84%a2-seashell-karim-rashid-collection-netbook.html/feed 8 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2009/12/winner-of-belle-de-jour-2010-power-planner-drawn.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2009/12/winner-of-belle-de-jour-2010-power-planner-drawn.html#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:21:53 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=1306 I know Kikay Corner promised to declare the winner of The Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner Giveaway Contest on Christmas Eve. Please forgive me if I did it earlier. I realized that there was no use delaying the announcement, when the winner should already be celebrating. I hit the randomize button as soon as I have double checked that all entries are in. Every entry was considered valid save for one, who got the wrong link on the contest post.   I sent you a message via your blog and replied to your comment on the contest post as well but I did not get any reply. 

Without further ado, the sole winner of the Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner is….   

Ellen Joy Castel

Congratulations, Ellen! Please email kikay@kikaycorner.net your mailing address. I will be sending your BDJ Power Planner the soonest! Have a very merry Christmas!

Update: The Winner of the BDJ 2010 has been drawn. 

In approximately a month from now, the Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner that’s sitting pretty on my dresser will land on ONE LUCKY READER’s doorstep. Hence, this contest.  Contest is open to local residents.

What better way to welcome the new year than being armed with this ultra chic planner packed with everything a girl needs when it comes to organizing. This year’s edition comes with a cloth cover, a garter enclosure, a pen holder and a BDJ-forget-me-not notepad! The 2010 BDJ planner will surely make you breeze through the new year with greater sense of ease and style. With pages and pages of coupons, and lots of special features, this planner is definitely a must have for the coming year!

Allow me to enumerate a number of other reasons why you should get a BDJ 2010 Power Planner:

2010 CHECKLIST
Ever wanted to create soundtrack of your life or paint even if you don’t know how? Sometimes we lose track of little goals like these just because we don’t list them down! With BDJ’s 2010 Checklist, you’ll never lose track of the things you should tick off the list before the year 2010 ends.

HABIT TRACKER
The BDJ planner understands that some habits are hard to break and some are even harder to start! A new feature of this year’s planner, the habit tracker, encourages BDJ users to turn a new leaf by allowing them to list down the habits they ought to start and break. The planner even allots space to monitor progress.

SAVINGS TRACKER
Suggested by loyal BDJ users, this feature makes sure you are allocating funds for a rainy day while monitoring your progress in saving for big ticket items. With the Savings Tracker, you manage your finances better and monitor your nest egg for those things you really want and need.

MENSTRUAL TRACKER—keep track of those “special” days. Knowing your menstrual symptoms, flows, and patterns is vital to your health.

GOAL PAGES—take the first step to turning your dreams and ambitions into realities. Let this page be a constant reminder of your life goals.

FORWARD PLANNING—this page is your life masterpiece in the making. Like a spontaneous artist, fill this area with notes, doodles, clippings, and other random thoughts of the year to come.

HEALTH CHECKLIST—do you know which types of doctors you should see regularly? Don’t fret; we’ll be your constant reminder so that you’ll never miss another doctor’s appointment ever again.

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

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WIN:

1. Write about the contest in your blog.
2. Make sure to link your post to the url of this post.
3. Leave a comment here with a link to your post.
4. Contest ends December 22, 2009 at 11:59 PM. (I will use Random.org) Contest winner will be announced Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. 
5. I will send the winner’s Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner as soon as Air21 resumes delivery after Christmas.

If you’re a kikay with a less than perfect vision, you will sure to appreciate to receive this Holiday Fun Eyeglasses. I know, I will. Zenni came up with their New Arrivals just in time for our Christmas shopping time. Check out more designs from the growing collection of $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses.

Specially designed for the stylish go-getters, Belle de Jour helps you manage your life better. The layout is based on time management principles that gives users a wider scope on everything they’re juggling in their busy lives. With Bellle de Jour Powerplanner, you’ll be able to do more things and accomplish more goals, thus living your life to the fullest!

2010 Checklist

Ever wanted to create soundtrack of your life or paint even if you don’t know how? Sometimes we lose track of little goals like these just because we don’t list them down! With BDJ’s 2010 Checklist, you’ll never lose track of the things you should tick off the list before the year 2010 ends.

Habit Tracker

The BDJ planner understands that some habits are hard to break and some are even harder to start! A new feature of this year’s planner, the habit tracker, encourages BDJ users to turn a new leaf by allowing them to list down the habits they ought to start and break. The planner even allots space to monitor progress.

Savings Tracker

Suggested by loyal BDJ users, this feature makes sure you are allocating funds for a rainy day while monitoring your progress in saving for big ticket items. With the Savings Tracker, you manage your finances better and monitor your nest egg for those things you really want and need.

Menstrual Tracker—keep track of those “special” days. Knowing your menstrual symptoms, flows, and patterns is vital to your health.

Goal Pages—take the first step to turning your dreams and ambitions into realities. Let this page be a constant reminder of your life goals.

Forward Planning—this page is your life masterpiece in the making. Like a spontaneous artist, fill this area with notes, doodles, clippings, and other random thoughts of the year to come.

Health Checklist—do you know which types of doctors you should see regularly? Don’t fret; we’ll be your constant reminder so that you’ll never miss another doctor’s appointment ever again.

Grab a copy of the 2010 Belle de Jour Power Planner! This year’s edition comes with a cloth cover, a garter enclosure, a pen holder and a BDJ-forget-me-not notepad! The 2010 BDJ planner will surely make you breeze through the new year with greater sense of ease and style. With pages and pages of coupons, and lots of special features, this planner is definitely a must have for the coming year! BDJ is available at leading bookstores and via www.belledejourpowerplanner.com.