Looking for WebCam

I'm researching for a webcam. Not really for me, rather for angel's parents. They have this huge 17" laptop but it doesnt come in-built with the webcam. And since i've just tested video conferencing with my dad over skype (success!!), i figured, why not extend it to angel's parents too. So, where do we start?

Well, I've had my own bad experience with pariah (read: lousy, and felt conned) webcams (they call them OEM; yeah right!), so I thought i should start off my seeking my friend's advice.

I know for certain that AJ had purchased some before, and he actually uses them with his family members over MSN Video Chat, so yah, he's the best person to start off with! And his choice? Creative!! for RM60 (about USD19), that sounds like a good deal.

So....... we met up for lunch and there was a bit of a chat over the topic, and I was sold that I need a webcam.

So i went back to my office (yeap, I'm still employed with the firm) and did some searching. The following are the 3 brands that came to mind.
1) Logitech
2) Microsoft
3) Creative

And what do I think of them from first impression?
Logitech - my goodness, space-age design!!!!! I want one!!!
Microsoft - where did them designers graduate from?
Creative - hyper modern, but bulky, and less slick

The lovely C310 [2010 model]

But that's not enough. I need to know how much they cost, and the websites arent helpful coz they are not necessarily available from the local IT shop (reference to Lowyat.net). Jayacom published their product list at Lowyat online and they have a good range, but i was surprised that they only carry last year's products. |:o(

After tying the model number to the picture and price, i decided that Logitech C300 is my range. Sorry Microsoft & Creative, but Logitech is just light years away in comparison. Still, I was disappointed somewhat. C310 is my choice, but it being new, retail costs USD49.99 wherelse C300 being last year's model costs about USD32. Still, the C300 design just manage to cut it, barely...... But at a savings of USD18, I'll just have to swallow in my desire....

The functional C300 [2009 model]

So what's so great about the C310? Plenty! but really it boils down to this two:
1) C310 has RightLight2 - aka, it automatically adjust the lighting hue, so that you're always captured in the right light, not too dark, not too bright
2) C310 design - it's slick, and thin.... making it easy to carry about while traveling. The C300 is a round ball and that's a pain to handle in any laptop bags

And what about the other cool stuff that they come with?
1) 1.3MP Video - True 1.3MP video resolution of 1280x1024 (if your webcam says VGA Video, it means you're getting less at only 640x320 pixel)
2) Built-in Mic
3) Designed for laptop (nice adjustable clip)
4) Noise cancellation
5) 5MP picture snapshot

So there we have it! If you're looking for a basic webcam, the Logitech C300 or C310 might just be the one for you.

Avoid OEM webcam at all cost!

MOS of the day? Avoid the entry level C200+ or its equivalent range. With VGA-only video capability (640x320), it will look mightily dated in today's Interconnected Broadband world!

UK VISA approved!

Superb stuff! It's in!

After many days of checking the VFS website for a decision, I finally netted gold today! It couldn't have been better! With this, I'm all set to fly into Glasgow (en-route to Edinburgh) on the 22nd Sept, which is like about a month away. I would have rather firmed my Visa much earlier (max of 3 months earlier than flight date), but it's fine.

And what do I think about the UK Visa experience? My-o-my, i must say that I'm rather impressed. Well, not so much because I pass in my application (*snigger*), but I must admit that the whole ordeal and experience was rather well-oiled.


So what did they put me through today, you ask? Well, read the following!
1) Arrived at Wisma MCA, and put myself on the next flight (lift) to the 19th Floor
2) As usual, there is a queue, but I voiced out my wants, and was put through the queue by the guards
3) Again, was asked to switch off my phones (2 of them) and metal scanned. Oh, and they need my "Visa application receipt which they issued to me last time. It's always good to keep this in your wallet. You never really know when your Visa is approved!
4) I was ushered into the waiting lounge (it was a large crowd; with massive overcrowding, and young bobbing teenagers standing right at the back of the room)
5) Asked one of the kind (kind, coz my application was approved!) VFS staff. They in turn will ask for your name which they will note down, and he will leave his counter to retrieve the "Visa application receipt" which you have passed to the guards earlier
6) They will return with a brown envelope. First, pray that it is thin. If it's thicker, its likely to contain the additional VISA REFUSAL FORM, together with the rest of your formal documents. It's likely neither of us will find that paperweight beneficial to our collective cause
7) Run through the docs, make sure all is in order and leave.. |:o)... btw, i noticed that the Visa charges had gone up North (GBP has been strengthening. It costs RM100 more now for the application)

Great! And what's the downside to it all?

1) I didn't get what I believe I deserved, which is a 4 month stay after the end of my course. I got half of that. But nevertheless, I could still take this up with the Uni once I'm there. The International Student Council (ISC) might be able to advice further.

And.. that's that! Securing the open flight tickets, money exchange and packing is the next thing I need to execute. But that's another story.

And the MOS of the day? Consider paying a few bucks, so that you will receive a SMS once your Visa is ready. VFS provides that service. The other alternative is to check this site daily for the status. |:o)

Cloud computing & Forex

One of the things i need is foreign currency. Yeap... I'm thinking GBP (Great British Pounds).

The great pounds!

 Did i ever mention how difficult it is to predict how the FOREX works? The bottom line is, it is! And the only way to do it is to try to understand it; well, at the very least, monitor here.

This is where technology comes in. The problem with me and my monitoring is that i shuffle between 3 different computers (2 laptop, 1 desktop) in my daily life.... For most of you, that's going to be a pain when it comes to data synchronization and it would have been hell too yeah if not for some really nifty tools i use.

http://docs.google.com/ 

Try it, it's worth the hassle... *grin*.... Anyway, back to my FOREX monitoring. Here's how i do it now, online:

I just need a better, more competitive rate! A lil more!

I'll like to start buying once the Forex goes in my favor. Wonder if it will take long for it to dip below 5, you think?

Moral-Of-Story (MOS) of the day? Cloud Computing might just work!

& the reason behind the GBP forex weakening to the RM? Likely influenced by this - Scottish Unemployment Increases [11Aug2010] and this When Will Interest Rates Rise? [12Aug2010]

For that that believes in Forex Speculation, refer to here - Short GBP/USD [16Aug2010]

Spring Cleaning & its' surprises!

It was spring cleaning once more!

And there were loads of stuff to empty as i attempt to determine what i should bring with me to UK. Guess what i discovered. But before that....... 

I first came across the word spring cleaning when I was but a child in love with Enid Blyton books. It's been ages since, but I'm still fascinated by the world of Enid Blyton. One of which is the Faraway Tree series. How enchanted their worlds are! And nobody can forget the clumsy Saucepan man!

I love this series!

And then there's the trickster Brer Rabbit who is always up to mischief. I had fun with that one. Suddenly it occurred to me that perhaps I should give it a chance and attempt to acquire these books once more, for light reading's sake! ha ha....Well, i used to have almost the complete series, but sadly, that collection had been broken up now, with some in Sabak Bernam (given to cousins) and the rest with my nieces. Still, never say never. |:o)

Come to think of it, for some reason, the books are big in text prints. I figure that means they cater for the younger crowd. For me, that doesn't disturb me. No Siree! Not when I was having so much fun! *chuckle*.... nevertheless, Mr. Galliano's Circus, does cater well to me.

This is how my bookshelf used to look like too!

Sometimes i wondered to myself, how a single lady, Enid Blyton, could have written up these myriads of tales, stories and adventures! Such charming and delightful books they were. My younger years were defined by these books! Well, these and the many children's encyclopedia that I was reading (nerdy nerdy, but loved them all the same!

Looking back at these books just brings back fond memories. The books does accompany me wherever I go, and you can betcha it followed me literally EVERYWHERE. Go ahead and use your imagination. |:o)

Check out this lady on wiki.

If you ask me, she's a larger legend than Miss Rowling. But then again, any effort that keep the tales of pixies, and magic alive in these modern times are welcomed in my books!

And if you've not heard of Enid Blyton, well give it a try. If you enjoy Harry Potter, you'll love this! Give it a chance!

signing-off.... forever an Enid Blyton fan...

Moral-of-Story (MOS) for the day? Books; the epitome of life!

My first ever (Personal) Laptop!

The Dell Vostro 3700!

I started off looking for a laptop with a 14" screen and a budget of RM2,000. It's not an absurd budget. In fact, there's quite a fair bit of choices at that price range notably with brands such as Lenovo, HP and even Acer. And then angel introduced me to http://www.comet.co.uk/ and that changed everything! There were a number of budget laptops with size 17" on sale online! I wasn't aware there was such an option. And this was what led me to discover all the new (launched April 2010) Dell Vostro 3700; precisely because it has a great screen size! |:o).....so whatever the rest says, rest assure, size DOES matter....

Mine came in Red too and at RM2977, it's fair value for a 17.3" with i-5 430 processor, 4GB ram & 500GB HDD

I missed out the Vostro series in my first research on laptops precisely because of the following key reason:
1) the Vostro series comes under the Dell "Small & Medium Business" category. Who would look for that?! My first click was naturally the "For Home" series. And i was frustrated with everything there because they offer only the higher end GLOSSY laptop screens, and i dislike that. In my last encounter with the HP Probook 4416s, I found the screen way too shiny and glaring (read mirror effect) and that left a bitter taste in my mouth. (Of course, for those that like to use their laptop in the great outdoors and for movie playing, the glossy screens, with better visibility angles will suit you nicely!)

So when I realised the Dell Vostro 3700 comes with Anti-Glare screen, I was utterly sold! Made the order online from the Honda USJ showroom (servicing my Civic), and delivery was swift within 10 working days. SkyNet, the courier company did a good job by giving the laptop to me on a Saturday. Sweeeet!!

But really, come-on.... everyone needs a 17.3" widescreen laptop. Uh huh. Why wouldn't you? Especially when you tend to your laptop more from home!

Moral-of-Story (MOS) for the day? Go biG!... and to a lesser extend, RED too!

p/s... and the other reason why it's the perfect laptop (for me anyway)? At 2.7KG, it is LIGHT!!

And it's done! UK Visa Application Sent!

After weeks of effort, the Visa application is finally handed over to VFS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd! And boy was it a whole lot of work.

It's not easy applying to be a General Student (Tier 4 Point-Based-System (PBS)). But heading down to Wisma MCA was a breeze. I reached there and parked at the building at about 7:25am, thanks to NPE (RM3.20) and SMART tunnel (RM2). And what's better to start the day than a fantastic breakfast! Pelita was barely 2 minutes walk away, but the Tosai & Nescafe C Tarik was.... well.. so so.... Subang Pelita better!

Wisma MCA (VFS starts at 8am & located on the 19th floor)

By the time I reach the 19th floor, it was 8 minutes to 8 am, and there was this queue outside the premise (kiam siap VFS office super small). There were easily 20 people in front of me (I nearly slapped myself in the head for having breakfast). But the best part is, when the clock struck 8am, they asked for ppl with appointments and guess what? I have! So I cut about 19 people and headed into the VFS UK Visa application room located to the right. As usual, they seek that I switch off my phones (both of them) and was bodily searched (really, it was more of a scan). Oh, and I appeared with my files in a plastic bag coz the website claimed I can't bring in my bag (kena con). Anyway, candidate No.2 (me) was attended to about 15 min later. By the way, you can walk-in too without appointment. People with plenty of time does that... And perhaps it's wise too, to confirm some facts that you can't through the partially knowledgeable VFS hotline. grrr...

First, the itinerary list:
1) Online printed VAF9 form (downloaded copy not acceptable for MY application)
2) Appendix 8 (download and fill)
3) Supporting Documents - Student Survey & Checklist
4) Marriage Cert (very important.. *beam*)
5) Bank Book (to make sure there is sufficient money in the bank for 28 days)
6) Passport (current & past)
7) Alliance Banker's Cheque addressed to VFS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd for GBP199. No others will do (though I sighted a man with a Maybank cheque. Wondered what happened to him?)
8) CAS - Perhaps the most crucial of all document. Can't get the ball rolling without this
9) 1 Passport Photo (45x35mm). And it must be WHITE bg. No touch-up please!
10) In my case, a certified true copy photocopy from the College (And of coz the originals)
11) Also in my case, proof to show that English is my main form of communication at work. I gave them my IELTS result too (8.5) just in case,,|:o)
12) Scholarship Award from the Uni
13) Course Deposit Receipt
14) Photocopy of Unconditional Offer from Uni (not necessary but just in case)
15) Photocopy of all of the above

And how do I recall all these fact? I Still have the empty file/folder with me and all the lil notes within. Grin. I must say that the data collection was happening until the very last minute! I had to drive to KL Informatics to get the certificates stamped as true copy the day before! That was a fun ride....maybe

Anyway, back to the story. My number was called. I gave all my docs (original & photocopy) to the nice gentleman and was asked to wait for 10mins back at the seating area. Soon after, my number was beeped, and I was "informed" by the nice LED box on the wall to enter room 7. But it must have been very early in the morning, for I glanced at the LED, and nothing registered. Some people in the room were literally looking at me. he he... So I was slow... but at least I save myself from any embarrassment from needing a staff to usher me in. So I press the nice metal button and walked into the room.

And this was what I encountered:

I imagined that the service would have been "friendlier"

First words out of the lady's mouth was, "leave your things on the table". Then she grunted for my name, my SURNAME, my dob. For a minute there, I thought she will ask my gender too... hmmmm.... totally obvious stuff... And then, the instructions..

1) asked to stand in front of her (where's the comfy chair for me?????)
2) asked to look up at the ceiling where there's 2 cameras (mug shot no.1)
3) asked to go sit in the far corner where there's a stool (mug shot no.2)
3) asked to stand close to her and place my 4 fingers of my right hand on the scanner. Followed with the left hand. Then the 2 thumbs. I was then relieved from her audience and bumped out of that small tiny and uncomfortable white room. Least she has a view of the streets below from that window behind her......... 

And that's what i get for GBP199. It amounted to RM974 for me.... And so what's the Moral of the Story (MOS) for today?

Make an appointment.... & beat the queue!

Next (SDMC), but that's a different story....

Good News!

One of the biggest worry for a full-time postgraduate student when they go overseas to study is money worries. So, it was such a relief when this letter came through!!!!!!

YAY!!!!!