RSS FeedAlcatel is back!
Remember this mobile phone brand? Their most memorable unit was given a moniker “The Safeguard Phone” or “The Soap Bar Phone” since it’s shape reminded the owner of a soap bar. One strong selling point of the Alcatel brand is the price. Now they have come back with better-designed phones, still at the most competitive prices.
At the age of the colored, multi-media, multi-tasking mobile phones, a lot of brands are competing for a piece of the mobile phone market. Alcatel has once again innovated a series of phones that are not too shabby, feature-rich and competitively priced. Their newest model has even forayed to the touch-screen mobile phone competition. The price, as you guessed is a quarter of the other touch-screen brands. Alcatel’s design for their mobile phones now are not bad either, they have even revamped their logo to match the new style of their phones. The lowest model looks even better than the highest model of the other brands, and where can you get a mobile phone at under 5USD.
To reposition itself and reintroduce the Alcatel brand, they partnered with Playboy, yes playboy the mens men brand to release the first ever playboy phone. I just hope they don’t put Hef as the phones default wallpaper.
The actual model name for the Acatel Playboy phone is the Alcatel V770. The phone comes in standard piano black and white models, but the special edition playboy series V770’s come in a plethora of styles and colors. They even plastered the Logo bunny all over the phone. I like the gold version which looks really blinged out, but there is the chrome/silver and pink version as well. Some more other models come in custom colors. All Special Edition Alcatel Playboy phone comes preloaded with the Playboy Playmates images, wallpapers, screen savers and videos.
Alcatel V770
One retailer gave Gee Please a unit for review and testing. I got the white model with the silver trims. It looks expensive. The finish is sleek and glossy. Size is thin and wide, and the first time I held it, I dropped it and dented the corner. Amazingly, the dent is so small for a 3ft. drop. It also didn’t even dazed the phone. The display is quite vivid and bright, it is quite large and the color is crisp and everything is detailed even to the navigation icons.
Navigation is a breeze; it uses the standard icon grid system. The v770 is posed as a music phone, so it comes with a nice-looking ear phone which is not ugly-sounding either. However, the cans use a mini-usb to attach to the phone, I hope Alcatel opted for the standard 3.5mm jack. It also has a microSD slot for more music and videos. For a basic phone it is really great.
Alcatel v770 Playboy Phone
My qualms with the Alcatel v770 however is that the camera is not too great. No front camera for video calls and no dedicated controls for music playing aside from the keypad. It does not have a standard 3-column keypad layout as users are accustomed to with the other phones. Rather it has four which is hard to text on. The 4-Column keypad is not even qwerty. Another annoying thing is that your messages can’t be saved on the external card, rather on the built-in memory which limits your number of saved messages. Once the message memory is full, you cannot receive further messages until you clear out it’s message memory.
Stronger points of the Playboy phone is it’s display which is vibrant even under direct sunlight. Sound for Alerts and Music is quite loud which won’t allow you to even miss a text message or a phone call with it’s loudness. Navigation is quick and responsive. The phone signal is also quite strong wherever I am as compared to my other mobile phones. The built in mobile web browser is quite fast and renders mobile sites very well. Like accessing Yahoo Mobile is so quick and accessing your mail is like accessing it on the standard Yahoo Mail on your Computer. Not to mention the battery life that juices up for five to seven days on standby on actual test. Overall for quality versus price, you won’t lose on the Alcatel v770 or the limited edition Playboy versions. Don’t expect to be like Hugh Hefner though, he is “The Man”, you only have “The Phone”.
Alcatel v770 Playboy Phone
Alcatel v770 Playboy Phone
Best Sounding PMP Tall Claim
As I was researching for the “Best-sounding” Portable Music Player which I will also categorize with PMP (Portable Media Player), since the top two with my extensive testing and research are all PMP’s anyway.
Prior to this review, I already mentioned the second best which is the Cowon I-audio D2, basically all Cowon prior to the D2 will fall on the top 5 of the SQ (Sound Quality) scale on Gee Please. Generally though, across the line of Cowon branded music players, the SQ of the higher model Cowons is comparatively similar or a little better. If I base this average to other music player brands like I-River, you wouldn’t be disappointed with either those two.
Before I mention what The Best* is based on GP reviews SQ scale, let me just say that if you are looking for a music player brand that sounds superb whichever model you choose, go for either a Sony, I-River and Creative in that order after the top two I already mentioned.
If you are on the nit-picky side but do not have the deep-pockets, go for the Cowon branded music players.
* I put an asterisk to The Best because my opinion as with GP reviews is not to generalize which one is actually the best. This is only based on my personal taste and my measuring methods. Let your ears judge if my review is to the point.
Now to lay it all on the line, the best-sounding music player based on my test is…
But first, let me explain why it is the best. My test included all the brands I previously mentioned albeit not all models for their respective brands. The choices I made include the select few I feel should be chosen as a baseline for their respective brands. I used measuring equipments for frequency monitoring, used some level meters, attached it a loudspeaker with an amplifier, basic head/ear phones, and the higher-end cans.
I also did a blind-test peer review, where the testers listened to the same music of different genres played on these different players all set to default with no sound-processing or modified EQ (equalizer) settings. They don’t know which particular brand is being used for playback so there is no bias. They then rank the SQ based on a 10 point scale on separate occasions.
Now enough of my rant, if you need the low-down, stop reading at this point and go get this music player brand… Kenwood Media Keg Series.
Kenwood Media Keg HD30GB9
Yes I know “Media Keg” sounds like the brand managers and marketing directors who named Kenwoods new portable player line are college jocks after a party or an alcoholic drinking binge, but don’t let the name fool you, the Kenwood Media Keg series hit’s a serious punch and let me boldly say the best-sounding PMP hands down, ‘nough said.
Ok if it wasn’t enough, I need to add that this brand previously produced amplifiers for automobiles, head-units, CD-Players, Car Stereo sets and the like. They have just currently entered the HDD(Hard Disk Drives) and solid state music player market. Kenwood is an Asian brand, it is thus hard to get a hold of their player overseas. You need to import it from Korea, Japan or Hongkong just to get one.
If you need to know more about the Kenwood Media Keg series of players, go search for it on Google or something, I don’t need to explain further about it. I just need to get some beer and go sound-trippin’ with my all new Kenny…
Kenwood Media Keg the cheaper model
* I borrowed an image on pocketables.net for the 1st photo. You can visit them for their particular review of the product above. Kenwood Media Keg HD30GB9 Review.
2nd Best Sounding PMP
You may have been wondering why there’s a void in the updates of my post. I have been having my scheduled check-up to the doctor regarding my previous medical incident. Anyway, most of my time was also taken by developing and designing several logos and brands and an organizations website which I will share with you all soon.
Now on to what this site is about, affordable yet quality items on review.
I spent the last few days looking for an mp3 player, being also an audiophile added to one of the list I am described about, like techie, geek, computer addict, blogger, gearhead (I like tinkering with engines too) and all other labels like freakishly handsome, lol!. So anyway, this week, my audiophile alter-ego kicked-in. I owned several mp3’s before even “ipod” ever became a word and a product. I thought it’s time for an update.
I already gave my ipod several generations ago to my niece, only went up to 2nd generation and I stopped even getting the popular white music player. Not that it is a bad gadget, it is a really well-designed, quality piece of electronic device. My qualms with it? The ipod hardly sounded good even amplified or with a professional set of ear/in-ear/head phones.
So my criteria was Best-Sounding mp3 player under USD200. To my surprise what I found is the best-sounding on any price range. However, remember my title? This is the 2nd best, so what is the best-sounding mp3 player? I can confirm it’s existence, but I am reserving it for a personal review. So the under USD200 criteria still stands on this review.
Cowon iAudio D2
The 2nd best mp3 player is priced at under USD200, as the best-sounding I found is above that price range but under 500USD. The 2nd best-sounding mp3 player i found, not only plays mp3’s but other formats as well. It is actually a PMP (Portable Media Player), Media meaning, music, pictures and videos. I won’t explain the technical details to this as I already found a blog that reviews this product as I would have reviewed it, so I’ll just share the link instead.
Now why do you say this mp3 player sounds best? Because I have a frequency meter, some amplifiers and testing equipment, I also had tested an archos, a creative and the ipod on my system, and prior to this one, only creative labs set of mp3 players sounded good to me. The fact is, what is currently attached to my car audio system is a creative branded head unit.
Not until I plugged this mp3 player I noticed that it sounded much better. This is the Cowon iaudio D2. Now go here to read a review of the Cowon iaudio D2 as I would have reviewed it. I’ll post what I found is the best mp3 player next time, as I haven’t had the chance to put my hands on to it. But why am I so confident it is the best-sounding mp3 player? At the moment, the specs says it all.
Now, if your a real audiophile, you would have noticed I said best mp3 player, because an audiophile would not use an mp3 as a file format, they would have used other lossless music formats. Now the best mp3 player I am still keeping a secret is also the best in playing lossless formats, so wait for it.
Gary Fong Lightsphere 2
If you don’t know what it is, it is generally called a lighting modifier in photography. It is often called though as a Flash Diffuser.
The Gary Fong Lightsphere 2 is the newest version of Gary Fong’s Lightsphere series. It comes either in Clear and Cloud versions. The clear one for slight softness of light and the Cloud one which I recommend adds moderate softness to your flash light, making photos appear like it was taken using natural lighting not the harsh one a regular flash produces. It has a top attachment if you want to use those, it is actually a lid to close the dome to be able to point the Lightsphere directly on your subject . Imagine it looking like a Tupperware attached to your Flash. Most version fits the Nikon and Canon Flashes, so to make it fit a third-party flash like the Nissin Di622 reviewed before, slight modification and cutting required to fit.
When you buy one, it comes with the Cloud White dome lid, but other lids can be bought separately like the Amber Lid and the Reflective Silver Lid. The Generic version of the Gary Fong Lightsphere2 if you want to save some cash is called a Lambency Flash Diffuser. Some are named even crazier, but the best replicas are the Lambency ones.
Gary Fong Lightsphere 2 Clear
Gary Fong Lightsphere 2 Cloud
One downside when attaching it to a Nissin Di622 is that the weight added to the flash head makes it bow down to 90 degrees, so you either just point it up instead or rest it at 90 degrees, anywhere in between will drop down the head, unless you put in some fitter to the head to lock it tight.On Nikon and Canon Flash systems, it works pretty well as it is designed for those, the locking mechanism of those flash units are better. However, there is a Universal Lightsphere now available for all types of external Flashes.
The Gary Fong Lightsphere2 is really good to use on portrait photography, you need to practice a lot thought to get a hang of the proper settings to use when using an external flash and the Lightsphere 2. First thing I learned is to make sure you set a custom White Balance when bouncing the flash using the Lightshpere to achieve optimum results.
Gary Fong Lightsphere 2 Universal
Here are a couple of my observations:
- When there is insufficient light, the best distance would be around 6ft. from the subject bounced upward with the Lid at f11 and iso400 1/125. Flash power set at TTL. Bouncing at low light, it is best to set your White Balance to Tungsten.
- Pointing the Flash with the lid, you just need minor adjustments. For good all around flash strength, set at TTL and add +1 to the flash assist power.
I tried it on my SB-600 and it works like a charm, on the Nissin Di622 after slight modification, it works even better, I think it is because of the flash rating of the Nissin Di622 being higher than SB 600. Sample shots Below.
Regular Flash Left with Lightsphere 2 on the Right
Using the Amber Dome
If you have other observations on the Gary Fong Lighstphere 2, please suggest it by commenting and I will gladly test it and add the notes if confirmed.
Do you need to know more? Comment below and I’ll try to answer all your questions.
You can actually make a DIY (Do It Yourself) version of the Lightsphere.
Get one, I highly recommend it, tell Mr. Fong you read it here.
X-Mini: Max Sound
Was browsing one of my favorite tech blog for overseas stuff one day and I saw one Advertisement that caught my eye. The Blog was at yugatech. I was curious what this capsule like product is so I decided to click. Then it sent me to it’s homepage where I was presented with two models. One a monaural (mono) version and the other stereo. Mono is where in you only hear one unique sound source while stereo is where you hear two distinct sound source. Currently they don’t have a 5.1 or 7.1 versions. (which defeats the element of portability). It’s pretty small and sleek, although color option for the mono version is available, the stereo version only comes in black. The mono version they call X-Mini Capsule Speakers and the Stereo one X-Minimax. Both boast of their BXS system which is basically the structural bass-boosting effect of their accordion type folding body.
X-Mini as One...
The Stereo version is much more practical, since you can convert each detachable part as a mono version. They are both carry-along because of their individual internal rechargeable batteries, which I guess is Li-ion and not user replaceable. What you see above is the single mono function and it’s accordion bass magnifying body extended a little. Below is when they are attached to each other.
X-Mini as Two
They are fastened by a magnetized bottom and they have line-in attachments and usb line for charging and attaching to an audio source. It’s a good replacement for other mini speakers out there for your mp3 players like creative, zune, ipod and the likes. You can also make it your PC/Mac speakers for your desktop computers and Notebook Computers.
Phone: The New Musical Instrument
What does a Musical Genius do with a bunch of Phones? No, not make a bunch of phone calls, but play them like musical instruments. See the video below and tell me if this ain’t pretty sick (in a good way).
GP Gold Achievers
GIZMODO- JooJoo Tablet Gets New Interface With Updated Home Screen, Navigation and Keyboards [Jooojoo] March 11, 2010
- Intel's 6-Core Gulftown Gets Tested, Blows Us Away [CPUs] March 11, 2010
- Apple iBooks' Many Ebook Categories Include "Erotica" [Unconfirmed] March 11, 2010
- I Would Be Happy With Just Half an Infinity Bath [Bath] March 11, 2010
- Heavy Rain: A Peek Into the Future of Movies and Games [Entertain Me] March 11, 2010
- Emergency Vehicle Gadget Overload Will Kill/Save Us All [Trends] March 11, 2010
- The Barnes & Noble eReader iPad App Is On the Way (But Will Apple Maim It?) [Apple] March 11, 2010
- Chatroulette Map Shows You Where These Creeps Live [Chatroulette] March 11, 2010
- Pink Floyd Wins Legal Battle to Only Sell Full Albums Online [Downloads] March 11, 2010
- Where Next for the Manned Space Program? [Space] March 11, 2010
Recent Comments
- Chris Administrator Gee, Please...: Hi Worried. Yes, most Nissin Di866 depending on where you bought it from has some...
- Chris Administrator Gee, Please...: Hi Ricky, Not unless your Metz Manual flash is set to trigger at TTL, then it...
- worried: i just bought mine last saturday, to shot for my brother’s wedding… it was very noisy...
- Ricky: Hi, firstly, good job on this informative review. I’m looking for a 2nd slave flash for my Pentax...
- Chris Administrator Gee, Please...: Hi Sorry for the long wait, as you can see we haven’t updated the site yet,...
- Migs: Sir! I have two questions. 1) I have a Canon 430EX II, planning to buy Di622 which will serve as my slave....
- Jack: Hi, I just bought a Nissin Di622. When I try yesterday the unit with my Canon 7d as slave the di622 work but...
- Chris Administrator Gee, Please...: @Michael: It will work off-camera via ttl triggering. @Long: The red glass...
- benting: hello newbie here. which do you think is a best buy? two nissin di622 or 1 nikon sb-600? and i really...
- long: my red glass have broken and scattered to pieces…do i need to buy a new flashlight or can change the red...
