Gmail Gets New Looks with Themes
November 21, 2008 | Filed Under Announcement, Observation, Review | 1 Comment
Google has finally come up with something new for Gmail, with support for themes. Here’s mine:
Click image to enlarge screenshot
Have you changed your theme? Here’s the link to change your Gmail theme with over 30 themes to choose from. Have fun!
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Removing Virtumonde
October 9, 2008 | Filed Under General, Review | Leave a Comment
My computer was infected with a high-risk Virtumonde trojan, also commonly known as Vundo, Virtumondo, and MS Juan. It caused my windows taskbar to reload over and over again after a few seconds, causing a great deal of trouble for me.
My computer is guarded by avast! 4.8 Professional edition, but unfortunately it didn’t even manage to detect the trojan.
I tried Spybot S&D, which managed to detect and remove the entries by the trojan, but the problem persisted even after a few tries. I went on to try a couple more removers but to no avail.
Finally, Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware did the job on the first try. It wasn’t even a full scan and it had detected 12 entries and quarantined them with a cinch. I later deleted the quarantined files and did another full scan without any more problems.
It took a whole morning, but my computer is now functioning like how it’s supposed to, thanks to Malwarebytes.
P.S. It’s also a freeware!
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Logitech Z-2300 2.1 Speakers
September 4, 2008 | Filed Under Confessional, Other, Photography, Review | 2 Comments
What can I say.. It was an impulse buy, I admit. Well, I just couldn’t help myself. L was a little upset at me for spending $160 instead of saving up to pay for my bills (sorry!). Nonetheless, I did not regret one bit with my purchase. I bought mine from PLE Computers.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the speakers to go for if you are not into the 5.1 channel speakers. Logitech Z-2300 is without a shred of doubt the BEST 2.1 speakers that I’ve ever seen (heard).
The reason I went for a 2.1 is because:
- My room is small-ish. A decent 5.1 (Z-5500) will be an overkill, in terms of price (2x as much) and power (2x as much). Actually, the Z-2300 that I have now really is a little overkill too, but still….
- There isn’t really much space in my room for the speakers, really.
Sound clarity, “thunderous” bass (which is not an understatement), distortion free, powerful, and not forgetting to mention the fact that it’s a decent looking set of speakers that will complement most desktop/laptop/video game consoles.
This, is the 2.1 speakers to have, easily surpassing el-cheapo 5.1 channel speakers any time, any day. Yes, I’m biased, so sue me.
Now, who would be interested in a pair of Logitech R-20? 
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Samsung 2253LW Review
August 22, 2008 | Filed Under Other, Photography, Review, Thoughts | 7 Comments
I got my Samsung 2253LW 21.6″ 2ms LCD monitor today for $289 at Netplus Micro Computers in Myaree. It was their official opening today and I was probably one of the first few customers, if not the first, to buy anything from them in their new store. A little upset because all the stock has yet to arrive at the store and most items are just being displayed today when they could have done it prior to the opening day. The main store is located in Osborne Park, a little too far for me to travel to get my parts.
This review is based on my first impression and my 4th hour or so running it from my laptop. Displaying 1680×1050 which is the same as its 22″ competitors, Samsung 2253LW doesn’t look any smaller than its .4″ larger counterparts. In fact, I reckon it looks larger than the others due to its frame that is rather thick. Sporting a glossy frame and base, it stands out and looks elegant unlike the normal matte look on most panels. However, this means more dust and fingerprint will be collected and is definitely more prone to dirt. I was initially worried that the glossy look of the frame will be distracting when watching a movie, but it proves to be not a problem at all.
Backlight bleeding is minimal on my unit, at least to me anyway, with about 4-5% of top and bottom of the LCD, which is really unnoticeable unless if I probably have another >$500 LCD placed side by side. I honestly don’t think it’ll be a problem at all when watching movies, more to say gaming. I also checked for dead pixel on my unit with Dead Pixel Buddy and didn’t see any dead pixel, so this unit is close to perfect 
Only one glitch that is common among some Samsung LCD panels - the audible humming frequency when the brightness is below a certain point. Mine is about 60 or so? It’s not a problem for me because I set my brightness to 100%, but it still is annoying knowing that you paid your hard-earned money into an item that has problems, small or big.
The viewing angle of this panel is simply great vertically, but not exactly the case horizontally. The colour changes to slight yellowish when viewed horizontally (don’t ask the angle because I won’t know). The base/stand swivels with the monitor, which is quite weird, but thankfully it swivels with ease, so I won’t complain on that.
The monitor can be tilted upwards by a great deal, which is really good, but doesn’t really tilt downwards much, which I would like because I like watching movies away from the desk on my bed. One downside of the LCD is that there isn’t an adjustable height stand for it, so for people with low/high desk, you may need to get either a new desk or chair. Mine is just right, so no fuss with that.
Anyway, enough rambling:
Pros - Great IQ, viewing angle (vertical), swivels & tilts (with limitation), great resolution, response time of 2ms, 1000:1 contrast ratio, elegant looks (may not be the case for some), value for money.
Cons - 8000:1 DCR gimmick, bad Magicbright bullshit (use default please), horizontal viewing angle quite limited (but viewable), buttons a little hard and plasticky, humming audible sound at certain brightness level, no height adjustment.
Don’t let my description of the monitor fool you. I give Samsung 2253LW 4/5 because it’s a great deal for <$300 22″ LCDs and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great LCD monitor but doesn’t know which one to go for.
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Logitech EX110 Review
August 21, 2008 | Filed Under Review, Thoughts | 3 Comments
I got myself one of the lower end keyboard and mouse combo by Logitech today, the EX110. Comes with a USB/PS2 receiver with a pretty long cord, it is decently priced at $49 at PLE Computers, Perth. I had thought of the EX310, which comes with the same keyboard but slightly better laser mouse instead of the optical mouse that the 110 has, but seeing that this mouse is going to be upgraded in months to come just doesn’t seem to be wise for me to pay $20 for a mouse that will not be $20 more in terms of quality.
I personally like the keyboard of the EX110, definitely better than the ones in Murdoch University and larger than the laptop one that I have been using faithfully for the past 2 years or so, although definitely not the quietest. It requires two (2) AAA batteries on the keyboard and I believe the battery life is decent on the keyboard (according to trusted reviews). It’s also spill-free (read: spill, not water-free), so I’m safe to drink my glass of water without fear of spilling on the keyboard. Although the Home/End/Delete keys are placed a little bit different from the common ones by Microsoft and most other keyboards out there, it just takes some getting use to.
UPDATE: The mouse battery-life, according to the Setpoint Software by Logitech is said to be still Good, meaning after using the mouse for 3 months, the battery life is still good. Note that I am only using 2xAA 1800mAH rechargeable batteries and I sit on my computer for about 4-5 hours a day (web browsing & gaming). Then again, when compared to my newly acquired Logitech MX1100 Laser Cordless Mouse, the mouse cannot be compared in terms of comfort. The EX110 mouse is now kept by my bedside and used when I watch movies on my bed
The mouse is disappointing. I read reviews of the mouse battery (2xAA) life which is short, ranging from 2 weeks to a month or so. I’m definitely going to use rechargeables for a while until I get an upgrade. The scroll wheel is too loud compared to any scroll wheels I’ve used, but it’s fixable according to a user who reviewed the mouse. I’ll definitely fix it when I get the time to in a couple of days time (it will probably void my warranty though). The glide of the mouse is not as smooth as the more expensive ones, which is not too bad but considering the price paid for the mouse and keyboard, I guess that’s what you get.
In short:
Pros - great keyboard, does everything that needs to be done, plug & plays well even without installation, great build quality, good value for its price. Good mouse battery life and no interference with other devices.
Cons - mouse scroll wheel noise, keys on keyboard not the quietest, no backlight on keyboard, mouse not very comfortable after long hours of usage.
I give Logitech EX110 Keyboard and Mouse 4/5 for its simplicity and value. Definitely recommended for consumers who are looking for cheaper alternatives to the overpriced keyboard/mouse combos in the market.
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