@snapshots

Hawker food along Federal Road 1, at Sg Bakap Village

2012-01-08T14:59:00.003+08:00

If you are looking for hawker food in the evening when passing by Sg Bakap, along the Federal road 1, 500 food court is a good place to stop, operating from 7pm till 12 + midnight, It offer all the usual food found in a penang food court, but it may be serve with a twist.

Wan Tan Mee - RM2.80 per, ok

Koey Teow Soup, with all pork spare parts, RM4.00 pricy but good, one SPS version

Dim Sum - RM14 for the lot above, Look commercial, but very nice, the chili sauce need improvement.

Satay Chicken - RM10 for 20 stick, good
Hokkian Mee, Penang Prawn Mee for those non Penang Lang RM3.20 cheep ok

Char Koey Teow - RM??? OK buleh makan .......

above are some of the food available, there are much more here

1st Day in School for 2nd Daughter

2012-01-08T14:52:00.002+08:00

3/1/2012, A landmark day for my 2nd Daughter.

Her 1st day in Regular School, Chinese Type Primary
3 malay students in her class of 30+ student
No School fees need to be paid (lets see how many other odd and end need to be paid)
Federal Aid of RM100 due (waiting)
State Aid of RM100 due (waiting)

Told wife better to pick her up with a motobike as road is jam .......

Samsung Galaxy W (wonder) Review Part 7 Battery life

2012-01-02T12:06:00.003+08:00

Samsung Galaxy W (wonder) Review Part 7 Battery life

for more Galaxy W Reviews, please click on the Galaxy W Tab

today my topic is the Galaxy W Battery, its a hot topic in the blogs and Forums, with some people praising its excellent life and some people condemning its poor life.

What i will do is try to establish some bench marks with direct comparison with my previous phone the Nokia 5800.

1. Using it like I did with my Nokia 5800, (just some call and sms only) the Samsung Galaxy W can last me 4 days (96hours) approx, the Nokia 5800 will get me through 3 days

2. My current use it just some calls, sms, wifi on to update my calender, and weather, some lite e book reading, the Galaxy W will get me through 3 full days before require charging

3. Using the GPS with the phone awake for around 45min, the Battery Level drop a total of 22%, from 98% to 76%

4. Using the Phone as a E Book Reader, with the Phone fully awake all the time, after the phone is fully charge for 5 hours, drop the battery level to 50% so i would say the phone will last for around 10 hours.

Note: my Wifi, GPS, Data roaming is all off.

Conclusion:

To Me Battery Life is more the reasonable, its much better then my Nokia 5800

Asian BBQ at Komtar Penang

2011-12-31T10:43:00.003+08:00

Steam boat is never on my Favorite Page, unless its an all pork spare part affair, & i can get to cook what i want, Not all dump in to the Pot at one go. Frankly speaking Goh Huat Seng is the place to go for steam boat for me.

There is this restaurant in Komtar Penang that has put together Steam Boat with Korean BBQ, Its call Asian BBQ, to me a perfect Match. My In laws can have steam boat, I can have my BBQ.

I ordered 2 sets, One Steam boat set, the other a BBQ set, for 4 adults, 5 children, with drinks that came up to RM98, to me a very reasonable price, considering what has been offered, Prawns, Bacon, Chicken, Fish on top of the usual fish ball etc. Nicely presented, though I find that they can put more noodles on the Set.

One thing that is disappointing for me is that Water is charge at RM1 per small glass, the same price as Chinese Tea. If you want to charge for water, that fine, provide those 500ml bts.

The Photo Above is the Steam Boat Set, While the one at the bottom is the BBQ set, What the difference? Just that the meat and fish is thinly slice for the BBQ set to make it easier cooking.

The Difference in this Restaurant, Over the other BBQ Steamboat Restaurant is the Griller, (forgot to take photo) is that the usual restaurant it that you have a pot in the center and the grilling part is at the side. This Restaurant it the other way round, you have a grill in the center which is half a sphere, with the soup in a small, narrow rim at the side. Juice, Fats of items you grill will run down in to the soup.

Also Provided is a pot for the steamboat, you can have a choice of Clear Soup or Tom Yam Soup. However at my table it seems not to be working properly, takes too long to come to boil.

if you are feeling Cold walking around in Komtar, this will be a nice restaurant for you to drop by, its not too pricy for the Average Man in the Street for a Family treat.

Fatty Loh Chicken Rice Nagore Road "Branch"

2011-12-30T15:06:00.002+08:00

Located in a Prewar Shop House (actually a house) along Nagore Road, (Not too far from New World Park) is a "Branch" of the Famose Fatty Loh Chicken Rice, which is operated by one of the Sons of the Original Fatty Loh. It's Seems there is 3 of this Branch in Penang.

Some 30 plus years back, Fatty Loh Chicken rice, was located at a Shack, and the corner of Fettes Roads, and Jalan Tanjung Tokong. It was one of My family favorite eating spots, as it has one of the best chicken rice in town.

Once the shop close (due to a complex being built there), the 3 brothers split up (I think) each operated their own Fatty Loh Chicken Rice Shop!

Well I drop by at this branch, and had lunch here, Not Bad, still among the top chicken rice, but somehow i still prefer the chicken at the Fettes Road Outlet. However the Service here is much better.

Samsung Galaxy W Review Part 6 Wonder Camera

2011-12-30T14:50:00.004+08:00

Samsung Galaxy W Review Part 6 Wonder Camera

To see my other reviews on Samsung Galaxy Wonder - Click on Tab Galaxy W :-), More review coming over the next few weeks? on the Phone, The Apps on the Phone and New Apps that I will download.

Samsung Galaxy Wonder has a Wonder Camera, its the best camera for low light shots I have ever seen! its even better then my compact super zoom Fuji S700. See the photos below! Taken in Low Light, in the auto setting! and then crop!

My Comments on the Camera

There is no dedicated camera button, so you have to launch your camera using the touchscreen , and then take photos using the touch screen, that not so good. You cannot have easy access to your camera. (actually not too bad - if you put a short cut to camera on you home screen)
Controls are on the Left and Right of the screen, when holding the phone in landscape mode, (Or top/bottom portrait)
On the Right is the Switch between video n camera mode, center is the shuttle, and bottom is the last photo taken / galley.
On the left is the (from the top) the switch back and front camera, flash, and 2 switchable keys and bottom is the settings
In the settings we have, among others

:- Shooting Mode which have single shot, smile shot, panorama, action shot, cartoon
:- Scene Mode which have Potrait, Landscape, Night, Sports, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dawn, Fall Colour, Firework, Text, Candle Light, Back Light.
:- Focus Mode, Auto & Macro

Update : The Camera auto setting seem to work very well, you really do not need to fiddle around with the setting and such not to get a OK photo! I will be testing out the camera over a few weeks before posting about it.
:- Effects, Negative, Grayscale, Sepia

Good Char Koey Teow at Bukit Tengah, Mainland Penang

2011-12-24T12:51:00.002+08:00

Good Char Kooy Teow is a rare find around Mainland Penang, You really have to search to find it.

at Ho Ho Chiak Kopi Tiam, Bukit Tengah, Penang Mainland, ( if you are standing at the new Carefore (what use to be Krico) you will be looking at this kopi tiam,) is one of the rare places you can find ok char koey teow on the main land, there is also a duck egg version that will cost you RM3.80

My normal char koey teow cost RM2.80 with egg, just cannot beat the price here!

nasi goreng from the same stall

Good Koey Teow soup As well

Lye Lye Kopitiam / Food Court

2011-12-23T15:02:00.006+08:00

On of my favorite makan place, due to the following, ample parking, wide, airy (thanks to a roof that can open), not pricy, large verity of food, not too congested, hawkers that listen to your order. - Places like this is getting less and less, do not know how long the lease will last at this place.

its location is just off the Jalan Ayer Itam and Jalan Masjid Negeri main roads, Located at Jalan Terangganu, just behind Free School or Hang Chiang School

Delicious Wan Tan Noodles, one of the few stalls that offer the broad noodles instead of the thin narrow ones. Some how more satisfying. This hawker listen to you when you want a DRY version instead of the semi soup version that most hawker does for you. This come with a load of "Kachang / Peanuts" of deep fried pork lard!

Now at most food courts you will find a stall offering western dish, like speghetti

Ok Curry Mee Penang Style of Course !

Penang Poh Piah, Non Fried version of Spring roll

Koey Teow Soup, OK not bad

X Mas Season! 2012

2011-12-23T14:53:00.002+08:00

its Christmas time, was wondering around Gurney Complex, and tried out their new food court, Below is a photo of their decoration! Happy Christmas 2012 ....

Lima tingkat Restaurant, Nibong Tabal & Test of Samsung Galaxy W camera

2011-12-23T14:38:00.003+08:00

Got tired of being at home, so took the family out for makan, at one of my usual makan place at nibong tebal, penang main land, its also a opportunity to snap some food photo and test out my new hand phone camera.

Camera was set at 3.2mp, (can go up to 5), on auto setting with out flash. The Result is as below, much better then my Nokia 5800 and even my Fuji S700 super compact in low light / night condition even without special settings! Some of the photos have been crop, all have been resize, other then that no adjustments

Restaurant Lima Tingkat, Nibong Tebal, Jalan Sungai Daun near the Pasar Malam site

Samsung Galaxy Review Part 4 – Home Screen Widget and Apps Set up

2011-12-17T09:55:00.001+08:00

Samsung Galaxy Review Part 4 – Home Screen Widget and Apps Set up

To see my other reviews on Samsung Galaxy Wonder - Click on Tab -> Galaxy W :-), More review coming over the next few weeks? on the Phone, The Apps on the Phone and New Apps that I will download.

Functionality of an Android Phone, come from 3 main factors, the Apps you install, the OS in this case Gingerbread 2.3.5 play a part, and what the manufacturer does as a Overlay over the OS.

Customization of the phone is via installation of Apps and Widgets on to the phone, further it is possible to have Shortcuts to these Apps and Widgets on the home page or home pages, in my case I have 7 home pages (Tw Launcher) to fill with short cuts, to make operating the phone easier for me.

I have, divided up the 7 home pages

On Home Page 1 – Phone Operations

I have set up Time, Weather, (GPS Reserve), Calculator, Clock, Mini Paper, Camera, Program Monitor

On Home Page 2 – Call Operations

Here there is Power Saver, Buddy X 12 - Frequent Calls, actually the power saver can be omitted as I is almost a duplicate of the power saver in the notifications.

Home Page 3 - Games Page

Now Empty

Home Page 4 - Utilities Page

I have set up, Settings, Kris Air, Flash Light, Office, Reader, My Files etc

Home Page 5 - Internet Page, (non news sites)

Home Page 6 - Internet Operation Page,

Google Search, Market, Gmail, Internet browser, Download, news portals X 8

On Home Page 7

Agenda (Month - List), a list of events up coming

Samsung Galaxy Review 1 week Impressions (Part 5)

2011-12-16T09:36:00.002+08:00

Samsung Galaxy Review 1 week Impressions (Part 5)

To see my other reviews on Samsung Galaxy Wonder - Click on Tab -> Galaxy W :-), More review coming over the next few weeks? on the Phone, The Apps on the Phone and New Apps that I will download.

I have been using this Samsung Galaxy W for one week, Overall this phone (especially when compared with my Nokia 5800) is a Wonder, Its GPS Lock in seconds instead of minutes, It’s Hardware specifications is more than adequate, the touch screen is responsive, Internet pages load much faster and the battery life is encouraging, I find it the perfect companion, the only thing is that I cannot seem to find a working Voice Navigation soft ware that support MFM, and /or MalSingMaps at the present moment, that will make it perfect.

As a companion, it’s Size just nice to hold, done not cost a arm and leg, works well as phone, as a Ebook, (for me to while away the time while waiting for appointments), play some games, play music, get information via the net, from Open Wifi sources etc, customizable through easily available and free apps, best night camera I have ever use and so on There are some compromise that I have to make though, eg the screen is a tad small for easy viewng, there Is no garmin etc

I definitely have no regrets in changing over to this phone, though I still have a steep learning curve ahead of me, in order to use the phone efficiently and fully. This is where Android phone loose out as it’s so customizable that The Phone Manual have become almost useless, other then as a guide for the built in apps that Samsung provides.

Initial Impression of the Samsung Galaxy Wonder (First Week)

Plus

User Friendly Quite Intuitive

Fast GPS Lock

Wonder Camera – super clear night shot even without setting

Just the Right Size to hold and To View

Internet Zips along much faster (compared with Wifi) can almost replace net book

Moving files easy, can do many files at one time

Kris Air, Work on Any PC with Wifi, No Need Soft Ware, No Need Cables

Mobile9, seems to have a good stock of Epub E Books (have some Txt and PDF) configured for Samsung Galaxy W

Minus

Browser – Miss the front key, there is back key

No Dedicated Camera Button

Cannot use Garmin NT

No Papago compatible to gingerbread 2.3.5 V yet?

Well I am still in the progress in learning this phone, so more reviews on the phones, Its applications, its widget, user tips etc will be posted up, so stay tune to this channel.

Samsung Galaxy W Review Part 3 (Widget install)

2011-12-15T11:01:00.002+08:00

Samsung Galaxy W Review Part 3 (Widget install)

To see my other reviews on Samsung Galaxy Wonder - Click on Tab -> Galaxy W :-), More review coming over the next few weeks? on the Phone, The Apps on the Phone and New Apps that I will download.

Here is the list of widget I have on the Samsung Galaxy W

Accuweather .com, Agenda, Apmobile, Appbrain Sync, Bookmark, Buddies Now, Month Agenda, ,Today, Classic Clock, Simple Clock, Unique Clock, Modern Clock, Days, Digital Clock, Analogue Clock,Digital Dual Clock, Email, Google Search, Homescreen Tips, Latitude, Market, Mercury Launch, Mini Paper, News and Weather, Picture frame, Power Saver , Program Monitor, Rate Places, Traffic, Xperia Flash Light, Yahoo Finance, You tube

On the Home Screen, we can install Widget, Folders, Shortcuts, Wallpapers So what do we need on the main Home Screen ? - that will cone next

Notes

Buddy – for you to place yr contacts on the home screen

Agenda 2 – more than 1 day of your agenda

Samsung Galaxy Wonder Review (part 2)

2011-12-12T15:05:00.006+08:00

Samsung Galaxy Wonder Review (part 2): List of Apps on the Phone

To see my other reviews on Samsung Galaxy Wonder - Click on Tab -> Galaxy W :-), More review coming over the next few weeks? on the Phone, The Apps on the Phone and New Apps that I will download.

Looks like I am going to use TW launcher! 7 Home pages!

What Apps does my Wonder come preloaded with? All this come preinstall, some of them downloaded, some are what Samsung Provide with the phone.

What Samsung Provide will definitely work, while Apps downloaded by the shop may or may not work as it is not downloaded through Android Mart.

Either way I will be spending time testing out all the Apps!

So What do I have on the Phone?

On Page 1

Clock, Calendar, Music – Player, Internet – Browser, Camera, Maps, Email, Gmail, Gallery, Google Search, Market, Settings, Social Hub, Game Hub, My Files. Videos

On Page 2

All Share, Kies Air, Talk, Latitude, Task, Navigation, Voice Recorder, Voice Search, Places, Downloads, PhotoEditor, Mini diary, Calculator, Samsung Apps, News & Weather, Task Manager

On Page 3

FM Radio, Memo, Polaris Office, You Tube, NFS Shift, PES2011, RF11, Splinter Cell Conviction, Angry Bird?, Avatar, Full Metal Warriors II, Mr Runner, Hyperactive Ninja, Gangstar, Legends Arena

On Page 4

Blowup, Apparatus, Bubble Ball, SanGuo OL, Hero of Sprata, Egggz, Saving Avatar, Shoot U!, Angry Bird Rio, Angry Birds Seasons, GaligoChase, Acton, Stranded Mysteries, Dragon Hunter, Andriod Pal,Pocket Legends

On Page 5

Home Switcher, ???, Sokudo Free, Reversi Free, Bistro Cook, Zenonia, Zeam, Jewels, Blacklist, Zedge, MP3 Music Download, ???, Lake View Lite, Xeperia Flash Light, Mercury Free, Fruit Ninja

On Page 6

GT racing, Farm Fenzy, Death Worm, Cut the rope, Crazy Snowboard, Camel Kitchen, Battle heart,Asphalt 6, App Installer, AppBrain App Market, Antivirus, Assasin’s Creed, 3D Cat, Sim Tool kit

Samsung Galaxy W Review (Part 1)

2011-12-10T14:45:00.009+08:00

Samsung Galaxy W Review (Part 1) or GT-1850

Update : To see my other reviews on Samsung Galaxy Wonder - Click on Tab -> Galaxy W :-), More review coming over the next few weeks? on the Phone, The Apps on the Phone and New Apps that I will download.

Have Pick up my new Wonder, It come in a small box (more eco conscious, or cost cutting) as compared to my previous phones. The friendly phoneshop man say he will activate my warranty through pc. (Updtate: Samsung Have send me confirmation of my Warranty) So I headed home, open the box, and proceed (on the advice of the phoneshop man) to charge my device for 8 hours. While Waiting I read the Quick Start Guide.

The Unboxing

Now, Of course we have the phone, a Mini (I really mean mini) Quick Start Guide in English and one in Chinese, (which mean I have to download the user guide from Samsung), some sort of warranty Card, a Usb type Charger, a head set, and a usb to mini usb transfer cable.

The UnLock Screen

Switching on the phone require a long press (fast count to 5 / no indicators) on the power button. This took a short time, say around 20 seconds and took me to the unlock screen. The Unlock Screen display the time and date, the status of the battery % of charge when you are charging your phone, and notification for miss call or unread sms.

Swiping up or down give me 3 options, ADW Launcher, Tw Launcher, Zeam and a option to set as default. these are seems to be various apps for home screen options.

Touching the Tw Launcher, send me to a Home Page which have 7 pages in total (I Understand customizable). Preset on the 1^st page (customizable) we have a

Widget displaying Time, Date, Day with Accuweather, Google search bar (with voice mode),

Social Hub, Gmail, Maps, Market

Then the 7 dots (for the home pages)

Then the 4 soft buttons for (see below) which are present in all 7 screens

· Phone, Contacts, Messaging and Applications

The 2^nd screen give you on full page for Samsung E Mail,

The 3^rd screen you a widget for images, a widget for favorites internet book mark and a widget for Yahoo Finance.

The other 4 screens are blank current

Touching Zeam give me a home screen with 3 pages in total, (all blank) except for 6 soft bottons, which are, Message, Gmail, google talk, Internet Browser, Music Player, and Apps.

Touching the ADW Launcher gives me 5 home pages, with the center as default, The Center has Google search bar, Messaging, Market, Maps with a favorites, menu and internet browser, soft button preset in all screens with a move button anchoring both ends, the 2^nd page on the left, have G Mail and G Talk

Initial Impression (comparing with Nokia 5800) Touch Screen is super smooth!, Big, tad Bulky (wide), Gorgeous Screen, Big Learning Curve ahead for me.

Breakfast 2nd Day at Concord, Tg Bungah.

2011-12-08T15:40:00.003+08:00

We stayed 2 night, the 2nd day breakfast was at Concord, near the Temby International School. this row of houses is slowly converting to business premises, with the above school, TAR college pg campus located around here, and of course Food! the Food we had here is better then the Market Food court.

Sausage and Eggs

Char Koey Teow

Wan Tan Mee

Siew Mai

the converted house to a food court

Breakfast at Tg Bungah Market Food Court

2011-12-08T15:26:00.003+08:00

My favorite haunt for Breakfast,

Luncheon Meat and Eggs

Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong fun, with prawns , the best and at RM2.60 per plate

Wantan Mee

and some thing new, Sabah Mee, basically Wan Tan Mee with Fried Mince Pork Meat for RM2.60 Now all the 3 section of the food court stalls are open! More choice!

Dinner at Near Perkaka Square, USM, Penang Island

2011-12-08T15:08:00.003+08:00

Dinner at Near Perkaka Square, USM, Penang Island

Was over on the Island at night due to some chores, as such I indulge my self and my family with my favorite pastime, Kopit Tiam Food.

Did not get the Name of this kopi tiam but its near the Tesco Extra near USM / Bangunan Lip Sin or Perkaka Square, located at the corner shop house. Parking you can find in this area, this is one of the important criteria for me when looking for food. What struck my attention was right infront of the kopi tiam is 2 malay stall, one selling satay (normal) and the other one selling steam rice with ayam goring berempah (never seen this at a kopi tiam) and one Indian lady selling char koey kak, which is unusual. Will have to come back for this two dish!

We had, Chicken Rice, (with extra rice) RM4.50 from the Chicken Porriage Stall, the Chicken serve is debone, overall pass. Cheese Omelette, to me dry, its cook the normal Malaysian way, Char Koey Teow, Wife say it’s good, Loh Mee, the Gravy was very sticky! , Young Tau hu, with some noodles, Boleh makan,

Deep Fried Chicken skin as appetizer

Overall up to Penang Standard, But I have a feeling that we did not order the best the kopi tiam can offer.

Which Phone to select ?

2011-12-08T09:14:00.002+08:00

Which Phone to select ?

Operating System Selected :

Android as I read that more then 50% of new smart phone use android, Its quite user friendly, Apps are not restricted, and are freely available and can be install without problems, and quite a bit are free!

Which Company?

Samsung, HTC, Sony produce Android Phones, (Sorry Nokia, Apple), Currently Samsung is the top Producer (20%), followed by HTC (4%) and Sony (3%), read the figures somewhere, % of market share.

I have look at a number of models, and have narrow down the field to 6 mid range phones (which will be a upgrade from my Nokia 5800, there are 2 phones each from the 3 major producers

Samsung Galaxy Ace is on special offer at RM699 now, however it specs is a tad on the low side, very low internal memory, 800 cpu, screen is a 3.5in , 320 by 400.

Samsung Galaxy W, is price at RM999, with a fastest CPU of 1.4 ghz (single core), 2g on board, however I do not seem to be able to find a proper review of the phone (too new I imagine), however some site’s indicate 18hrs talk time on 2G!

HTC Desire S, is price around RM1200 - RM1500, has a metal body, the highest ram at 700+, 1.1g on Board memory, It has HTC sense a very nice overlay over the Android OS.

HTC Salsa, is price around RM900 – RM1000, also have a metal body, cpu is at 800, HTC sense, however it does not have a document editor and it’s video cam is not hd.

SE Xperia Neo V is price pretty low at around RM810 to RM910, Camera have panorama mode, Its brand new, also no proper review, and have the best screen resolution. However it internal memory is low.

SE Xperia Ray, has the best camera of the lot at 8mp, the lightest at 100grms, but has the smallest screen, do not have Document Editor. Price at RM850/1K

Of the 6, In terms of Hardware and Software mix, I think HTC Desire S, is the best (metal body, htc sense), Samsung Galaxy W, come in as number 2 with the highest, internal memory & cpu speed.

In terms of Pricing, Samsung Galaxy W look very attractive, especially with the highest spec in cpu, and internal memory , and from what I understand samsung android overlay is not too bad either.

"Giant" Group of Bikers at around noon at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway

2011-12-01T15:35:00.002+08:00

While driving over to the Island around Noon yesterday 30/11/2011, there was this big group of bikers crossing the bridge, (occupying around 1/2 a lane), when approaching Tesco (after the bridge) along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway, these biker join a massive group of bikers already there.

This Massive group was blocking the approach road to Tesco, the slip road out, as well as the emergency lane.

I was wondering what this big assembly of bikers is there for (at that time). When reading the news today I heard that there was a demonstration at Komtar. Now I am wondering if this giant group of bikers has anything to do with this demonstration.

Fatty Loh Chicken Rice at Jalan Fettes, Penang

2011-11-30T17:30:00.003+08:00

Last time I eat here at this outlet was 3 years back.

Then this place has a car park at the side, the eating area is just like a kopi tiam. Now the car park is a 3 story building with James Foo & Family Western Food at the Ground Floor (open at night only), the other 2 story is to be rented out.

The Chicken is as good as before, just like what it was 20, 30, 35 years back when we first started eating here. (same road, different location)

But there are much changes, its now aircon, decorated with antiques, food serve in stainless steel plates & bowl, manmar waiters, however chicken is still as good as ever, the chilly sauce is divine, the rice quality use to be slightly better, the braised chicken leg is ......... different to say

Anyway Chicken Rice one person set, extra rice, one bowl of soup, one bowl of braised chicken leg = RM7.60, One Barley ice (in a stainless steel glass) = RM1.20, no can drinks ......... Affordable.

Criteria for a New Phone ;-)

2011-11-27T16:07:00.000+08:00

Criteria for a New Phone ;-)

What do I need, What do I want?

1. No Top end models, cannot afford them. So it will have to be a Mid Range Model.

2. Touch Screen only Phones, QWERTY keyboards will make the phones bulky (thick) or take up screen space.

3. As small as practical, say around a 4in screen, (around Iphone dimensions will be nice). So the 5in and 7 in tablet phones will be out, as well as the 3 in minis which are just too small for me.

4. Reputable Brand (Nokia, Sony, Samsung, Apple, HTC etc), they usually give less problems

5. Batteries Life Span and User Removable Models

6. Fairly Good Camera

So its time for some market study.

Time for an Android Phone

2011-11-25T16:08:00.001+08:00

Time for an Android Phone

It may be time for me to change my hand phone. Why? Numerous Reasons, I Read somewhere :-

1. 1. That 50% of Smart Phones are now using Android OS

2. 2. The Number of Apps for the Android OS is increasing (and some say will soon overtake Apple apps) and a good number of them are Free, not only Free for a trail period.

3. 3. A good number of Persons are only accessing the Internet using their Smart Phone (which I would like to do for free at the neighboring mamak shops)

4. 4. I like the Android System which is more “open” & customizable the others OS I have use before (If not mistaken) have experiment with a “no brand” 7 in Table not too far back.

My Nokia 5800, while adequate is a Symbian Phone, Apps must be from “Nokia” Store, Touch Screen is not that responsive, Web browsing is slow to say the least. And when using the GPS It’s sort of hang on me. After all it is at least a 4 year old design already (I think).

Cameron Highland, Plants for Sale

2011-11-22T13:47:00.003+08:00

some plants that is on sale at the Farms and Shopping areas. That all the posts for Cameron Highland for this trip.

Japanese Carp at Sam Po Temple, Cameron Highland

2011-11-22T11:01:00.003+08:00

They are Big, They are friendly, They are Hungry
More Wallpaper for my computer and handphone.

Sam Po Temple, Cameron Highland

2011-11-22T10:51:00.003+08:00

Sam Po Temple is located in Brinchang, just outside the main town, you have to go through a village to reach it. It the largest and well maintain temple for this area.

One of the 2 Guardian Lion

Entrance Gate

Flowers of Cameron Highlands (Part 4)

2011-11-22T09:05:00.006+08:00

For More Photos of Cameron Highland Flowers click on the Flowers Tab

For More Photos of Cameron Highland Flowers click on the Flowers Tab

A Strawberry Farm in Cameron Highlands

2011-11-22T07:43:00.003+08:00

Strawberry's, Strawberry's, Strawberry's, If you hate Strawberry do not come to Cameron Highlands, Its every where, Fresh Strawberry, Dried Strawberry, Strawberry Juice, Strawberry in Chocolate, Fresh Strawberry with Ice cream, Strawberry Jam and so on, so far I have not seen Strawberry Fritters but then I could be wrong.

There are many "Farms" that concentrate on Strawberry's that will be a good place to visit. We drop by at Healthy Strawberry Farm near the Golf Course / Federal Holiday House. Its open from 7.30am till 7pm, and you can (it seasonal though) pick your own strawberry and purchase and also enjoy there various forms of strawberry.

Here is the entrance, as well as the growing areas (right and left of the entrance) of the farm.

Photo taken with my Trusty Fuji S700 Super Zoom Camera
Auto Setting, Macro Mode (zoom in), crop, and resize.

Some how Strawberry's seem to be sweeter in Cameron Highlands

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands

2011-11-21T08:30:00.002+08:00

A visit to Cameron Highland should not be complete with out a visit to a tea plantation. In this case it the Cameron Bharat Tea Plantation just before Tanah Rata.

Lata Iskandar Waterfall

2011-11-21T07:27:00.004+08:00

Lata Iskandar Waterfall

This is a popular stop, around the midway point, along the Tapah – Cameron Highland road, it main attraction is of course the beautiful multi tier waterfall, which is located right at the side of the road. ! As such due to its beauty and accessibility I do believe that this is one of Malaysia Most blog about, and photograph waterfall.

First time and even repeat visitors heading to Cameron Highland will stop to take photographs of the waterfall, at the same time shop around with all the souvenir stalls, for some Orang Asli rattan keepsakes, partake some local food. Local may stop here for a self catered picnic before continuing their journey.

Do watch out for speeding trucks, haphazard cars parking!

Located Right beside the road at a corner! Watch out for speeding trucks and cars.

Tourist Shopping

Orang Asli keepsakes?

Cameron Highland Flowers (part 3)

2011-11-21T06:07:00.003+08:00

More Photos of Cameron Highland Flowers click on "Flowers" Tab

this is a very tiny flower which we found on the road side, its only around 1/2 a cm in diameter

More Photos of Cameron Highland Flowers click on "Flowers" Tab

Cameron Highland 2011

2011-11-20T17:42:00.008+08:00

Cameron Highland 2011

One of Cameron Highland Landmark the Tanah Rata Convent School

Cameron Highland, one of the top tourist spot in Malaysia, for both foreign and local holiday makers is well know for it cool weather, quaint British architecture, vegetable growing center, and flower growing center. Having spend some 3 months working at this location some 13 years ago, it’s interesting how Cameron Highland is now much more commercialize, with much touristic base developments, apartments blocks, hotels, tourist shopping center. Has the changes been for the better?

Shop for Durian, Petai, Honey at this Orang Asli stalls

Driving up Via the Tapah - CH Road, there are still the Orang Asli Villages, Orang Asli Stalls selling Petai, Durian, Wild Honey, Bamboo Shoots etc along the side of the road. The Lata Iskandar Waterfall (separate post) is still there and is popular rest stop, with souvenir stalls, malay makan warongs, and a toilet for those who consume a bit too much water. The Road itself, not much difference it still cool, with much tree cover (like driving in a tunnel) narrow, sharp and blind bends, but with much things to observe.

Accommodation

Even Ringlet (what use to be a sleepy vegetable growing hollow) is now a busy commercial center, with Blocks of Apartment! At Tanah Rata, The Convent School is still there, but now surrounded by apartments, housing, shops. Now there are more hotels and apartments for daily rental for Tourist Accommodation. Restaurants (western & local), Mamaks, Malay Warungs are everwhere, there is even a Starbucks in Tanah Rata, However the few chinese kopi tiam that was around seems to have vanish.

(Finally manage to find a Chicken Rice/Bak Kut Teh Stall in a Chinese Restaurant somewhere behind Tanah Rata Maybank, near a big abandoned complex (near Park View Apartment?) for my Lunch)

Driving further up, near the Golf Course, I chance upon the Federal Government Holiday House, which is beside a Strawberry Farm. Those day 13 years ago, these farms were open air (I think) now, most of this farms seem to be cover up.

Federal Holiday House

Traffic has increase tremendously, in Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang the main Cameron Highland Towns. Even this day, a Non Peak, non school holiday, non public holiday & weekday. Parking is a premium, you can still find places though if you look hard enough or just circle around. I just wonder about Traffic and Parking in Town during the Peak Periods.

As mention earlier, Numerous Tourist Shopping Centers abound, most of them along the Main Road Some call them self Strawberry Farms (Self Picking), rose garden, cactus farms and so on. Now flowers are sold in Pots, (not in individual stocks as in 13 yrs ago). It’s all very touristic shopping.

Shopping

More Shopping

Even More Shopping

Shopping ! I think you get the Picture!

Interesting Plants to Purchase
In this Case a Plant that drive a way Mosquitoes!

Interior of a Cactus Shopping Center

Kea Farm, with its shops and new Hotel!

More shop at Kea Farm

Kea Farm (the Highest Point along the main road?) is the place for purchasing local produce, vegetables (now most of them come prepack like in supermarkets), and other stuffs. There are also the Corn on the Cob (Steam and BBQ), Fried Vegetable (Mushrooms) etc. It seems to me 13 years ago there were a larger verity of vegetables then, however the verity of Flowers (separate post) have increase.

Local Fried Vegetable! at Kea Farm

Steam and BBQ Corn

Equatorial Hotel, Kea Farm, Brinchang, Cameron Highland

Even Kea Farm have Apartment Block now!

Cameron Highland Flowers Part 2

2011-11-20T08:32:00.003+08:00

More Photos of Flowers at Cameron Highlands, to see the other post click on the "flowers" tag

More Photos of Flowers at Cameron Highlands, to see the other post click on the "flowers" tag

Cameron Highland Flowers (Part 1) Assorted

2011-11-19T10:44:00.005+08:00

Photos of Flowers taken during My Trip up Cameron Highlands, Taken using Super Macro Mode with my Fuji S700 Digital Camera, Auto Setting, and Size reduce to 800 by 600 px. Planning to use these photos plus other flower photo as wall paper for my hand phone, they may not be as good as those professional photographers or commercial wallpapers, but they are all mine effort.

Readers please feel free to give the name of the flowers as I do not have the names.

For those who want like to have these photos (27) leave yr email address in the comment section, i will be happy to e mail them over to you in this 800 by 600 px format.