mitodna

Things getting more expensive

2011-07-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

DiGi has post some Notices via its website:

Prepaid maximum charge of Pay-As-You-Use Internet will be RM8 effective from 1 Jun 2011, it used to be RM5
DiGi Prepaid Campus rates effective 8 Jun 2011, another good view of the rates, before and after: http://blog.rodger.my/2011/05/26/digi-prepaid-campus-to-follow-new-rates-starting-8th-june/
DiGi Postpaid Free Video Calls Discontinued effective from 1 Jun 2011.

Things really getting more expensive.

And so I got myself a BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300

2011-02-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

Not for bragging right. I got myself a BlackBerry after so much hype of it. I been used it like 2 days for now and here are the things about it.

Curve 3G 9300, comes with 2GB microSD, stereo headset, micro USB cable, a lot of plug adapter for charger - RM1075 from U Mobile RM40 for monthly BIS. Voice, SMS and MMS goes to PAYU rate. Tethering to at PAYU 5sen/Mb.

This only on BIS, not BES, although I know I can get on BES but I don't think I want it. [Read Below]
This [rants] on OS 6.0.0.380.

Some good thing:

Curve is a light device, surprisingly light compare to the phone I use Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
A truck load of instant messenger apps (MSN, Yahoo!, ICQ) almost out of the box, tried, Google Talk, worked.
The trackpad worked really well, properly better than Nokia E72 optical navikey.
Update to OS6 via BlackBerry Desktop Software is simple enough, well, I am pretty sure, there is much rant over updating BlackBerry OS in a lot of place.
If you have exchange mail, just put the e-mail address and password, and it just work. I understand it using OWA. Which in this mode, you don't have a sync calender and query company contacts. (May be that is what BES for)
Battery life is okay, last more than 1 day.
Facebook and Twitter notification is okay, a minor advantage.
Camera picture taken (no flash) appeared in the screen are surprisingly good, may be due to the low def. screen.
BBM? I don't have friends or know people using this, so I don't mind this.

Here are the not so good thing:

It is (very very very) expensive, even at RM1075+RM240 = RM1315 for 1 year BIS service on U Mobile, promo for free 6 months.
This thing, can't even view .csv , but it can view Excel
Opera Mini 5.1 is not usable at all, I read Opera Mini 5 beta 2 worked better, I did not try. The OS 6 internal browser is usable.
Most of my mail has .csv files, and uuencode from server, uuencode attachment is garled text here, I don't know any solution, this is a deal breaker, I don't know, may be BES can help? I serious don't know.

If you have 1 thousand to spend, looking for a e-mail, and social, it is better get an iPod Touch 32GB, even it can't play Flash, the mobile safari just work. On iPod Touch on iOS 4.1, in my scenario, the Exchange mail work, can show .csv attachment nicely, no company contacts query (a feature in Nokia's Mail for Exchange), can't forward calender, but you can have the synced calender.

After using this, I still liked my Nokia 5800 XpressMusic:

JoikuSpot, the handy tether app just worked, although just WEP, but it works, I think BB has a solution, but it is expensive.
Nokia has solution for Google Talk, Ovi Contacts.
Mail For Exchange is great implementation, I mean, for me I am okay no need to be pushed every mail. Company contacts query is great.
Opera Mini worked very well, Nokia internal browser no that good compare to OS 6 browser.
Free Ovi Maps, this Ovi Maps actually worked great in Malaysia, some places I go, spot on.

Conclusion, if this is cheap, like may be RM288 to begin, at RM30 monthly, it is a okay for messaging and social device. If you have a thousand to spend, and have an iPod Touch, properly you should look elsewhere, maybe some Android phones, or iPhone 4 or even Nokia E5, C6-01, C7 and N8 range is better.

Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Holiday to you.

[Update 01] U Mobile PAYU data now at 5sen/MB?

2011-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Update 01: It is confirmed that PAYU data is 5sen/MB. http://u.com.my/all-about-u/important-notice

21 January 2011

Effective 21 January 2011, our new data Pay As You Use (PAYU) rate is charged at 5 sen/MB instead of 1 sen/kB. It is applicable to both postpaid and prepaid plans.

This means U Broadband subscribers who have exhausted the data allowance for UB6, UB10, UB20, or UB40, the PAYU rate of 5 sen/MB will apply.

---

On its BlackBerry Launch FAQs while explaining what is BIS:
* Internet tethering & Streaming services (e.g. Youtube) is not included in this plan. Data usage will be charged at 5 sen/MB

Not too sure whether this only applied to BlackBerry plan or all subscriber. If this is true, then it is same rate with Tune Talk.

http://u.com.my/faqs/blackberry-launch-promotion

[Update 01] U Mobile offering Blackberry Service

2011-01-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

U Mobile will be officially launch BlackBerry Service on 21 January 2011 at Boulevard Area, Ground Floor, Berjaya Times Square.

As part of the launch, BlackBerry devices are available at really special price.

1. RM 3 : for 1st 10 units (BlackBerry® Bold™ 9780 smartphone)

2. RM 33 : for next 50 units (BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G smartphone)

3. RM 333: for following 50 units (BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G smartphone)

To subscribe, you can send SMS to 28118 or via *118#:

BIS Plan:

BIS Daily - RM1.50 (SMS: ON BB DAY to 28118)

BIS Weekly - RM10 (SMS: ON BB WEEK to 28118)

BIS Monthly - RM40 (SMS: ON BB MONTH to 28118)

Ref: http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1638344&view=findpost&p=39459607

* Internet tethering & Streaming services (e.g. Youtube) is not included in this plan. Data usage will be charged at 5 sen/MB

Semiaccurate on Apple ARM laptop

2010-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

SemiAccurate.com is an interesting site with load of interesting article. Evidence points to Apple designing ARM laptops is one of them. While I believe that Apple with that kind of cash, will certainly explore doing things on their own.

What interesting point is that Apple does not have really have to build another "Rosetta" to what iOS is capable of now. Would there be a new Mac Book Air that make photo/video edit faster, and last longer?

I do believe that ARM is everywhere. ARM might be the key to ubiquitous computing.

Computing

2010-12-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

While celebrating the Malaysia win on AFF Suzuki Cup 2010, I thought I should write my thought on computing.

It is a pretty remarkable year on 2010 on computing, writing in none chronological order, and particular order.

Google Chrome OS.
Windows Phone 7.
iPhone 4, iPad, iPod Touch 4th Gen, iPod Nano (a music player which happened to be a watch too), and Apple TV 2nd Gen. (All iOS powered devices)
Mac App Store in 2011.
Samsung Galaxy Tab, Galaxy S and its variant.
A galore of HTC devices/phones.
Nokia still don't know what to do with Symbian.
USB 3.0
Affordable Fast Samsung 1TB, Affordable Samsung 1.5TB and 2TB.
Nokia N8, C7, C6-01 all has gorilla glass.
Nokia C3 Touch and Type.
Blackberry Pearl 9105. RIM Playbook in 2011.
Affordable DDR3 4GB (late Dec 2010, as far as I know, Mushkin 4GB is now RM139)
Corsair F60 SSD (late Dec 2010, RM390)
YTL powered WIMAX operator branded as Yes launched with no price limit.
The Social Network, Endhiran, Iron Man 2, Salt (Ops, I felt these film has wide impact on computing)
Unifi, U Mobile DC-HSPA+ (42mbps capable)
Astro B.yond HD
And, it seems, ~~everyone~~ every business seems to be on Twitter and Facebook.

Broadband Revamped for Year End: Celcom and DiGi (Now with Lite version)

2010-12-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

Via: http://mytechnews.info/b/2010/12/unable-to-compete-with-maxis-offerings-celcom-takes-aim-at-a-smaller-fella-but-misses-the-mark.html

Celcom Broadband Lite RM48/month (1GB with up to 384kbps), save RM10 for 6 months*. 5% rebate with direct debit. Modem available with RM100 activation fee. Hmm, I am not sure, I think this plan is all these while, may be the RM10 discount is something recently, just that Celcom just started to put an ads directly to Digi's Discover Day Plan (3GB with likely 700kbps (d/l) and 200kbps (u/l) from 7am to 7pm, other time, 128kbps) ~~RM38~~ RM33 with direct debit.

Via: http://mytechnews.info/b/2010/12/dg-smart-plan-lite.html
DG SmartPlan Lite ~~RM33~~ RM28 for 300MB with direct debit. Not technically a broadband only, its come with a PAYU voice plan (Voice 15sen/min, 10sen/SMS, 20sen/MMS). Its none lite version DG Smart Plan remains ~~RM68~~ RM63 for 3GB. I don't know, I remember it used to be RM58 with Blackberry (BIS), tethering at PAYU. Then, RM68 with tethering and BIS. Then, RM68 without BIS. BIS now available at RM10 add-on.

Elsewhere, U Mobile is still offering RM20 for 300MB (PAYU after that). RM40 for 2GB (PAYU after that), and RM68 for 5GB (Speed reduced to 128kbps*). So, U Mobile actually cheaper in 300MB range, but without voice plan.

U Mobile has cheapest MiFi plan in town, from RM378 comes with 1 month service, which RM210 for the modem, RM100 for activation fee, and RM68 for advance payment. No contract. RM20 rebate for 5 months.

iPad 2 features and rumours?

2010-12-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

A better screen, same physical size, HD resolution (1080p)
Front-, rear-facing camera
SD card reader built-in
Cortex-A9 implementation, with a new GPU (PowerVR SGX543) may be a dual core
Get announced on February 2011 with new SDK for developer, April 2011 release
iPad 16GB WiFi will be $399

What to expect in 2011: Telco

2010-12-11T00:24:00.000-08:00

Prediction. (P)

In just around 3 weeks before the end of 2010, it seems a pretty solid year. Let me write a prediction on 2011.

Q: Will we see a cheaper call rate?

P: Unlikely. U Mobile 3G prepaid promotion rate 12sen/min which end this 31 December 2010. Yes, hitting the market at 9sen/min. Then, I believe Telco having a hard time to keep ARPU for Postpaid at minimum RM50. Let's breakdown, Maxis is quite healthy in term of outlook due to phone bundling. Digi will be (getting) more expensive. Celcom, may not introduce any new postpaid voice plan. Phone bundling may be 2011 theme.

Q: What to expect from Blackberry, HTC and Nokia in 2011?

P: I expect Blackberry likely to have 2-4 models for 2011. RIM may goes price war with Nokia with telco bundling, with all model is 3G. RIM will all-in its Playbook for Enterprise. HTC will ship 25 models. HTC will properly gaining 'smart-phone' momentum, with 50% Android. Nokia is taking a major hit from low cost mobile operator which does not ship its mobile phone. We will still see Meego.

Q: Will there a free 3G phone in 2011?

P: Very likely. Let says monthly commitment is RM100 (RM70 3G data add-on, RM30 usage). Commitment period would be at least 6 months. 3G Phone will properly cost around RM200. In this, I believe it is doable.

Q: Broadband will likely more expensive in 2011.

P: Not a question, but this properly will happen. It will be faster, around 4mbps, more likely charged by bandwidth.

2010-12-06T22:53:00.001-08:00

An update for 20 November 2010, price list from Compu-zone.com

SATA 3.5"
500GB - Hitachi RM115, WD Green (32MB) RM118, WD CCTV RM145, WD RE3 RM215
640GB - WD Green RM170
1TB - Hitachi RM175, Samsung RM170, WD Green (64MB) RM178, WD Black (64MB) RM265
1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM215, WD Green (64MB) RM255 RM260
2TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM285, WD Green (64MB) RM310, Hitachi RM350, WD Black (64MB) RM495, WD RE4 (64MB) RM719

Comments:
Price seems stable, and some RM5 increase on WD on Black 1TB and Green 1.5TB. Samsung 1.5TB drop RM5 to RM215, and 2TB to RM285. Still not below RM270. While WD Green 2TB drop to RM310.

U Mobile IDD 1310 9sen/30sec to USA, China & Singapore

2010-11-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

Source: http://www.u.com.my/idd/overview

U Mobile IDD 1310 9sen/30sec to USA, China & Singapore

FAQs: http://www.u.com.my/faqs/idd-1310

The steps are as follow:
1. Key in 1310
2. Country code (e.g.: USA: 1 / Singapore: 65 / China: 86)
3. Area code (e.g.: Manhattan: 212 / Shanghai: 21)
4. Mobile or fixed line number
5. Press dial

The IDD 1310 service is applicable all year round and the IDD Bonanza rates are promotional rates that will end 31/12/10.

This is a very competitive IDD rates.

The whole 128 kbps throttled speed is not good at all

2010-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Source: http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1501043&view=findpost&p=37891774
It is yet to be confirm, it seems like U Broadband now throttling speed limited to 128kbps for some of its subscriber. My favourite mobile broadband is now doing a DiGi (128kbps). It used to be 384kbps. Hope this is just some random event.

On the same thread, another user did not able to 'tahan' the 128kbps and get another U Broadband. http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1501043&view=findpost&p=37907251

I hope that U Broadband :

Throttle speed to 384kbps or 256kbps?
Launching a higher rate plan and quota, inline HSPA+ offering, this is more likely, HSPA+ need a lot of money
Happy hour 384kbps or 256kbps for the exceed quota at during the working hour, 7am to 7pm?
Option to buy bandwidth? 1GB for RM10, 2GB for RM20, 5GB for like RM38?

Please don't do a 128kbps. I know mobile broadband is never a replacement of those fixed line broadband. But this 128kbps is not good at all, if this all real. I still keen to recommend U Broadband for others.

Rate Summary: RM68 for 5GB, excess will be throttled. Source: http://www.u.com.my/policies-terms-and-conditions/fair-usage-policy

Yes4G

2010-11-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

Yes4G launches on 19 November 2010. Prasys has a good write up on this.
Source: http://prasys.info/2010/11/yes4g-the-yes-or-no/

The beauty of is the phone service , which means if they have an app for iPhone/Android , PC/Mac and other platform. I sign them on , and suppose if i’ve an incoming call , all these devices would ring , which is convenient . I just give my 018 number out without exposing my real number !

My take, Yes is trying to be a Google Voice, I know big name behind, Cisco, Samsung, VMWare?, whatever, if they come up within next year, it is going to be big indeed. Good luck and all the best to them.

Reduce ”monthly fees” . RM 30 may be too step to keep the line active. Something like RM 5 or RM 10 a month would be pretty good and some people do not mind keeping them. I think it would attract a lot of students to use your service

The whole Yes model do not work well here. I frankly agreed that reducing it RM10 commitment may work.

Rate summary: 9sen 3MB, or 1 min voice or 1 SMS

What next with Yes? I really thought that they would stuck up AMAX, it did not happen, I hope they really do. To be honest, they should start to put a max capping rate (RM300 and below) and throttling speed thing. Although, I am not a fan of the latter. And what about the rate? 9sen per minute is affordable, but the device is not, a long way it became affordable, unless Yes is going to be Google Voice thing.

Current thing in the pipeline, TV:
YTL to work with RTM, PrimeworksYTL to work with RTM, Primeworks
Source: http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101115164751/Article/index_html

In stating this, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd's executive chairman Tan Sri Francis Yeoh said the company would host RTM and the Media Prima Group's channels and capitalise their existing quality local content via its hybrid television, which is likely to be in the market in November next year.

YTL hybrid TV by end-2011, cost between RM1bil-RM2bil
Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/12/business/7206645&sec=business

YTL Comms is investing RM2.5bil for its WiMAX network and that amount does not include the RM1bil to RM2bil for the TV offering.

TV business is one "hell" of expensive business, did you see the number, you can build a WiMAX network with just 2.5bil but you going to spend 2bil just for TV. I think they did buy Sezmi 20% stake, a good call.

Sezmi has an arrangement with content providers such as CNBC, Warner Brothers, Disney, Fox, ESPN, The History Channel, Planet Green, CNN, Animal Planet, Bravo, Discovery, Nickelodeon, MSNBC, MTV, Lionsgate, Boomerang, Paramount, Sony, Cartoon Network and Universal.

U MOBILE First to Deploy 42 Mbps Mobile Broadband Network

2010-10-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Source: http://u.com.my/media-room/press-releases/umobile-first-to-deploy-42mbps-mobile-broadband-network

Kuala Lumpur, 25 October 2010 – U Mobile today announced that they are taking the first steps to deploy their 42Mbps Mobile Broadband network. Capable of delivering online connection speeds of up to 42 Mb per second, this is deemed the fastest broadband to date in Malaysia and U Mobile is the first to deploy it.

Also quoted in the press release,

The first setup point will be in Berjaya Times Square. This will be followed by the commercial deployment of the service within Klang Valley starting with Subang Jaya and Sunway area and followed by Penang and Johor by end of the year.

This really mean that U Mobile is expanding to Penang with HSPA+. This is great news.

Source: http://www.mobileworld.com.my/v3/news/793-u-mobile-leapfrogs-to-the-fore-with-42mbps-hspa.html

U Mobile claimed that its HSPA+ network has under 50ms latency compared to under 100ms for regular HSPA and under 200ms for Wideband CDMA R99 3GPP standards.

Package prices will be announced about three weeks from now but U Mobile shops will begin taking orders from next week.

Three weeks from now, mid November 2010?

Western Digital now shipping 2.5TB and 3TB hard drives

2010-10-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Source: http://mytechnews.info/b/2010/10/western-digital-shipping-worlds-largest-capacity-sata-hard-drives.html

Price and Availability

WD Caviar Green 2.5 TB hard drives (model number WD25EZRSDTL) and 3 TB hard drives (model number WD30EZRSDTL) are available now in Malaysia at select resellers and are distributed by Achieva Technology Sdn Bhd, Eternal Asia (M) Sdn Bhd, EZY Infotech (M) Sdn Bhd, Genuine C & C (M) Sdn Bhd and Servex (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. MSRP for the WD Caviar Green 2.5 TB hard drive is RM 599 and the 3 TB hard drive is RM 749.

So there you have the price, here is the tech. part, using 750GB-per-platter, Advanced Format technology. Go to http://products.wdc.com/largecapacitydrives for the OS support, comes with three-years limited warranty. These drive most likely to ended in home users NAS. Other than that, it is really not worth it, considering you can just shop a Samsung 2TB hard drive for RM290.

Storage Prices

2010-10-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

An update for 23 October 2010, price list from Compu-zone.com

SATA 3.5"

500GB - Hitachi ~~RM125~~ RM115, WD Green (32MB) ~~RM130~~ RM118, WD CCTV RM150, WD RE3 ~~RM220~~ RM215

640GB - WD Green ~~RM175~~ RM170

1TB - Hitachi ~~RM190~~ RM180, Samsung ~~RM190~~ RM170, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM195~~ RM178, WD Black (64MB) ~~RM270~~ RM260

1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM250~~ RM220, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM265~~ RM255

2TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM350~~ RM290, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM355~~ RM325, Hitachi RM350, WD Black (64MB) ~~RM500~~ RM495, WD RE4 (64MB) ~~RM795~~ RM719

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)
320GB - WD ~~RM140~~ RM130, Hitachi (7200rpm) ~~RM215~~ RM170, WD (7200rpm) ~~RM255~~ RM180
500GB - WD ~~RM175~~ RM160, WD (7200rpm) RM215 Hitachi (7200rpm) ~~RM250~~ RM215
640GB - Samsung ~~RM220~~ RM195

Comments:

Sorry for less update. Samsung 1TB, the famous F3 series, is steady at RM170. Interesting, WD Black is RM260.

Samsung 1.5TB is now RM220, as WD Green 1.5TB is dropped RM10 to RM255. Still WD is about 15% premium over Samsung.

Samsung 2TB just drop to RM290 finally, with WD Green dropped RM325, a 12% premium over Samsung. While Hitachi stay at RM350.

Price seems to be very stable. I expect Samsung 2TB will drop to RM270 within 1 month.

U Mobile launches U Prepaid Plan

2010-10-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

This is a bit old news by now. U Mobile launches U Prepaid Plan on 23 September 2010. I been tinkering about http://bit.ly/prepaidrates just now. It seems that U Mobile almost the most affordable all the rates.

By the way, this is not a auto switch plan, existing 018 Prepaid Plan can opt for free switch to U Prepaid Plan via *118#.

Key Features:

18sen/min voice over 30 second/block if outside U Mobile own coverage. A 2sen expensive than TuneTalk 16sen/min over 60second/block. (For every 8 minutes with U Mobile, you can made additional 1 minute with TuneTalk, not too bad). But U Mobile has its advantage with a promotion rates 12sen/min (3G phone logged to U Mobile coverage required) (Till 31st December 2010).
3sen on-net SMS, 8sen off-net SMS. Best on-net SMS beside DiGi hit RM1 usage which is 1sen/SMS. Second best off-net SMS rate with 8sen. First is 5sen/SMS from TuneTalk.
3x reload validity. RM10 for 30 days, RM30 for 90 days, RM50 for 150 days and RM100 for 300 days. (Also applicable to 018 Prepaid Plan)
Reload bonus is back. RM10 - 10%. Above RM10 - 15%. (Credited within 2 hours)
Strange but true, U Mobile tied with DiGi rates has 25sen/MMS and 30sen/min on-net Video Call.
Still no Friends and Family alike thing, but who needs that if you got this kind of rates, 12sen/min and 3sen/SMS. Of course, the cheapest SMS rate for 0.5sen for Xpax (15pax).
Almost the best promotional IDD rates till 31st December 2010. http://u.com.my/idd .

More information available at http://u.com.my/prepaid-packages/rates-and-validity .

DiGi easy Prepaid with Free Calls + SMS to Buddyz

2010-10-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

DiGi easy Prepaid launches quite a while now. Key Features:

Buddyz™ - Free Calls and SMS up to 3 Digi numbers. (First registration for 3 numbers is free. Subsequent change is RM10/slot. Yeah RM10/slot.
Free SMS (on-net, off-net and IDD messages) has no validity expiry from RM10 reload.
Reload Amount(per transaction) FREE SMS Granted
RM9.99 and below None
RM10 - RM19.99 10 SMS
RM20 - RM29.99 20 SMS
RM30 and above 30 SMS
RM3 a day UNLIMITED Internet from 10sen/10kb.
Reload Bonus™ and Birthday Bonus™.
FnF™ Easy - 1 free change, Subsequent change is RM2/slot.
SIM Pack Price (RM10.80 with RM8 preloaded, 5 days validity after activation).
Charges
More information available at http://www.digi.com.my/whatshot/promotions/prepaid/index.do

A view on WiMAX

2010-09-10T21:12:00.001-07:00

This post is just much my view, I do not have any insiders news nor gain anything while posting this directly.
P1 W1MAX just simply can't deliver fully yet. Yet, they are still selling the services now in West Malaysia. They also has plan to venture into Singapore, and East Malaysia. Red Tone, the one that offering WiMAX service to East Malaysia is rumoured wanted to provide services to West Malaysia. P1 W1MAX too wanted to go East Malaysia. Expect a cross-over between them soon?
AMAX is one weird company, the company that out of service due to major network re-engineering.
YTL WiMAX should launching before end of year. Looking at November maybe. They also has 018 mobile prefix that I read on some news. This properly mean they going to have HTC Evo 4G offering in the pipeline?
Ok. Enough of gossip. If I am WiMAX player and truck loaded cash, I will just buy AMAX and get to setup 1WiMAX initiative, that is inter-op devices, infrastructures, backhaul, site sharing initiative.
Don't be greedy, because many WiMAX players going to switch to LTE.
3G players are now able to subsides due to vastly cheap and vast availability HSDPA modem, that's 100myr. Thus, it only hurt when in price war. I reckon the standard of subsidy is taking 2 months worth subscription fees.
Service availability, it seems that WiMAX will be more used on fixed location. Thus, site to covered first, is the structure you owned. I know it is pretty much one WiMAX is property developers. If you don't provide service to them, then they all having one now binded to some else. Targeting each other food, WiMAX is a small market, most of the one well known this technology subscriber will change to new, read AMAX (if their re-launch is real) or YTL. People may not giving up on WiMAX yet, but it's fading. The technology may work, but it may not sustain competition.
Simple plan please. 1 day prepaid plan. 1 day 1gb data? Offers it cheap 30 day prepaid plan (20x 1 day plan). CPE, I know this a big risk. If you offers to cheap, competitor just buy truck load of yours and resell it. I let you all figure the CPE question. But if the inter-op initiative a success, you won't eating each other, hurting margin.
Someday, I wish that WiMAX players (here) dive in to LTE.
Sent via mobile phone

Shall we see a cheaper rate on broadband, mobile services?

2010-09-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

Think about it. It is pretty a dull year, it is not end of the year yet. Hope to see what year end party is. Postpaid plan pretty much the same. No one willing to go for price war. Imagine telco still reporting billions of revenue, who would mind extra.
Part of it, they wanted more cash for Capex, think LTE in 2011, more FTTx or even go shopping or do some promotion/giveaways.
TM Unifi starts charging 200myr for installation is a sign. Maxis together with Huawei for its FTTx. Maxis has a long interest of fibre, they didn't succeed, but a quick bet on mobile, they are no. 1.
So, now, they are back, it doesn't offers any price war, but it does help when they decided to cross sell contents from Astro.
First, they talk with Celcom Axiata, a MOU on Advance Network Collaboration, most interesting is RAN sharing.
Then, they migrate its Bonus Points programme to Bonus Link.
But, Digi did something, slashing its iPhone plan price.
On broadband, Unifi has roll out, the FTTx from TM. It's also offers IPTV. Thinks we are heading content based selling. A reason that Astro de-listed, they prepare for future. They don't want to limit what public listed company has. Content are very much expensive. It's doesn't guarantee an expensive content will sell more.
So, there isn't any interesting postpaid. But, coming iPhone 4 might change reveal something else. Blackberry are doing great here. To my suprise, they launches Curve 3G in almost every market, but Pearl 3G still no where seen here yet.

On Wimax, to be continue . . .
Sent via mobile phone

U Mobile Broadband Promotion

2010-09-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Source: http://u.com.my/broadband/promotion

Pay upfront RM168, which RM68 is the advance payment, RM100 is activation fee.
This is "postpaid" plan because the will rebate your non-refundable activation fee over 5 months.
"Free" modem is ZTE MF180 via https://twitter.com/umobile018/status/23113065857
Promotion ends at 31st October 2010.
Hit the source for the usual TnC and FAQs

Comment:
This promotion only offers new sign up only. Well, in recent months, there isn't any contract broadband plan from U Mobile, thus, that might not be a problem. If you are current subscribers, tempted to the free modem, just goes ahead to terminate your current one and sign up this promotion. This is still a contract free plan.

There isn't any 7 days trial with this promotion. The modem is yours, it does come with 1 year warranty. One thing on UB40, is that data allowance which is 2GB, once exceeded, it will be going PAYU rates with max capped at RM176, this is very much different than competitor which often throttle to 128kbps. UB68 does not have excess charges.

I wished that U Mobile enhance its UB40 plan may be throttle after exceed data usage or max capped at RM68 (the rate of UB68). Or may be overhaul it broadband plan, going more data allowance plan like 10gb, 20gb, or even 30gb while maintain throttled speed after usage exceeded as UB68 Fair Use Policy (FUP) is at 5GB. This certain doesn't "scare off".

Storage Prices

2010-09-05T11:47:00.001-07:00

No drop on desktop hard drive almost over 1 month. But very interesting development on external hard drive.
320gb 2.5" - Seagate GoFlex 169myr, Seagate FreeAgent 174myr, WD Passport 186myr
500gb 2.5" - Hitachi X 195myr, Seagate GoFlex 219myr, WD Passport 223myr
640gb 2.5"- Buffalo 249myr
1tb 2.5"- Buffalo 429myr, WD 429myr
1tb 3.5" - Hitachi XL 220myr, Buffalo 259myr, Seagate 269myr, WD 269myr
1tb 3.5" USB 3.0 - WD 349myr
1.5tb 3.5" - Buffalo 309myr, Seagate 329myr
2tb 3.5" - Hitachi XL 399myr, Buffalo 419myr, WD Essential 449myr

U Mobile and Celcom Extend Domestic Roaming for next 3 years

2010-09-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.u.com.my/media-room/press-releases/umobile-and-celcom-extended-dr-agreement

3 years effective on 1 July 2010.
Later this year, U Mobile subscribers will able to roam to Celcom's 2G network also able to access data services such as Mobile Internet, MMS and Content Downloads.
Domestic Roaming with DiGi will not take effect. Source: https://twitter.com/umobile018/status/22874111144

Full Press Release Below:

Kuala Lumpur, 3 September 2010 – U Mobile Sdn Bhd and Celcom Axiata Berhad [formerly known as Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad] have extended their partnership on domestic roaming arrangement for another 3-year duration. This arrangement made effective 1 July 2010, and is an enhancement of the existing agreement.

The Domestic Roaming agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of U Mobile, Dr. Kaizad Heerjee, on behalf of U Mobile while the Chief Executive Officer of Celcom, Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, signed on behalf of Celcom.

The existing domestic roaming agreement between the two parties was first signed in year 2007 and was a landmark agreement, being the first such agreement of its kind in the country that allowed customers to enjoy complete nationwide mobile coverage at no additional cost to the users.

Through this renewed domestic roaming arrangement with Celcom, U Mobile customers will continue to enjoy nationwide coverage and improved user experience, with seamless hand-over of voice calls from U Mobile’s 3G network to Celcom’s 2G network. Later in the year, U Mobile subscribers roaming on Celcom’s 2G network will also be able to access data services such as Mobile Internet, MMS and Content Downloads.

Dr. Kaizad Heerjee, the CEO of U Mobile said, “The seamless integration between U Mobile’s 3G network and Celcom’s 2G network will deliver an unparallel level of mobile communications to the end users who constantly need to stay connected.”

“This move demonstrates the industry’s ability to arrive at a commercial agreement that helps meet the objective of the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture to benefit the consumers by providing nationwide coverage,” he added.

“We are pleased to continue the working relationship with U Mobile on the domestic roaming front. Through this collaboration, Celcom can carry on empowering U Mobile’s customers, offering them the convenience of the widest and the best coverage in Malaysia,” said Dato’ Sri Shazalli.

With the new commercial arrangement with Celcom, U Mobile will maximize the benefits for its customers by offering competitive products and value added services riding on its 3G network which provides fast, smooth and stable connection.

-END-

About Celcom Axiata Berhad

Celcom Axiata Berhad [formerly known as Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad] is now the country’s most experienced and premier mobile cellular telecommunications company with 10.6 million customers. It currently has the widest network coverage covering 98% of the populated areas in the country. It was the first to launch 3G services in Malaysia and has the widest 2G, 3G and 3.5G coverage in the country. Celcom was also awarded the Mobile Service Provider of the Year, Broadband Service Provider of the Year and the much coveted Service Provider of the Year at the 2010 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Telecoms Awards.

Celcom offers international roaming service in 156 countries and over 414 networks worldwide, and is an Axiata Company. For more information on Celcom, log on to http://www.celcom.com.my.

About U Mobile Sdn Bhd

U Mobile Sdn Bhd a 3G service provider in Malaysia offers comprehensive Postpaid, Prepaid mobile services and a range of flexible Broadband packages for customers in both the consumer and enterprise segments. Subscribers can enjoy a variety of mobile content such as music downloads, multi-player games, news alerts and other applications.

Through advanced 3G technology, U Mobile offers high speed mobile broadband services utilising High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) which ensures consistent and fast mobile communication speeds for data, voice and video.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Celcom Axiata Berhad
Puan Rohizan Ismail
Head Media/Government Relations
Corporate Communications
T : +603 2688 3939 (Ext: 3808)
F : +603 2681 0361
M : +6013 3449 690
E : rohizan@celcom.com.my
W : www.celcom.com.my

U Mobile Sdn Bhd
Ms. Sherlyn Soh
Manager, Corporate Communications
U Mobile Sdn Bhd
T : +603 2117 9888 (Ext. 1012)
M : +6018 200 8988
E : sherlyn.soh@u.com.my
W : www.u.com.my

Celcom Broadband Package

2010-08-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

A bit old by now. Decided to note this down. Celcom has revamp its Broadband package early August 2010.

For more information: http://www.celcom.com.my/broadband

Full press release: http://www.celcom.com.my/pdf/aug-2010-1.pdf

Some interesting bit of the press release. Celcom has retract the follow statement:

To improve browsing experience, Celcom has also installed local caching in collaboration with Google and Akamai.” due to the confidentiality of the subject matter.

Part of it, it look like WCDMA 900MHz is good to go, and 900 additional sites by year end. I hope Celcom does not retract this statement.

On top of that, 900 additional new sites nationwide will be installed by end of the year. Celcom will also introduce Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) 900 in rural areas to provide extended 3G service. At the end of the year, Celcom aims to cover at least 76% of the population.

Celcom is also planned to four fold its capacity via HSPA+ or HSUPA, IP-enabled base stations and fiberising all key backhauls nodes.

Celcom has also commissioned new IP transit in Kuching to cater for increasing broadband demand in Sabah and Sarawak.

Source on statement retract: http://www.malaysianwireless.com/2010/08/new-rm48-broadband-package-from-celcom

Storage Prices

2010-08-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

An update for 14 August 2010, price list from Compu-zone.com

SATA 3.5"

500GB - Hitachi RM125, WD (32MB) RM130, WD CCTV RM150, WD RE3 RM220

640GB - WD Green RM175

1TB - Hitachi RM190, Samsung RM190, WD Green (64MB) RM195, WD Black (64MB) ~~RM275~~ RM270

1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM250~~ RM235, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM285~~ RM265

2TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM360~~ RM350, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM365~~ RM355, Hitachi RM350, WD Black (64MB) ~~RM565~~ RM500, WD RE4 (64MB) RM795 stay

SATA 2.5"

Seagate Momentus XT 500GB is listed at RM489.

Comments:

Samsung 1.5TB is now RM235, as WD Green 1.5TB is dropped RM20 (within 1 week) to RM265. Still WD is about 13% premium over Samsung.

Samsung 2TB just drop to RM350 finally, with WD Green dropped RM10 to RM355, while Hitachi stay at RM350. At this week, it would be another 2 weeks, I hope, that Samsung 2TB to drop to RM335.

The big drop is WD Black from RM565 to RM500, that is RM65.

Storage Prices

2010-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

An update for 6 August 2010, price list from Compu-zone.com

SATA 3.5"
500GB - WD (32MB) RM130
640GB - WD Green RM175
1TB - Samsung ~~RM195~~ RM190, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM215~~ RM195, WD Black (64MB) ~~RM285~~ RM275
1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM255~~ RM250, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM305~~ RM285
2TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM360 stay, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM410~~ RM365, Hitachi ~~RM365~~ RM350, WD Black (64MB) RM565, WD RE4 (64MB) RM795

Comments:
Samsung 2TB did not drop to RM350 as I liked, may be the demand is not that great. Samsung announced EcoGreen F4 should starts shipping by September 2010.

Samsung 1.5TB may be hovering around RM240 at certain place, but it is a rare items at that price.
The big drop is WD Green, its Green 1TB is RM195 rivaling Samsung SpinPoint RM190, and its Green 1.5TB at RM285 rivaling Samsung EcoGreen RM250. I would expect WD Green 1.5TB to drop RM265 within two weeks.

U Mobile IDD Bonanza

2010-08-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.u.com.my/idd/idd-bonanza

U Mobile bringing IDD Bonanza. Make IDD calls at low rates and stand a chance to win RM18,888!

Make as many IDD calls to the IDD Bonanza countries* and stand a chance to win great contest prizes.

Monthly Winner Selection
Grand prize:
Participant with the highest total expenditure on IDD calls wins RM1,888 cash.

2nd prize:
Every RM10 spent on your IDD calls entitles you a winning chance to win RM50 free airtime.
Year-end Winner Selection
Participant with the highest total expenditure on IDD calls accumulated from 10/8/10 to 31/12/10 wins RM18,888 cash.

The next 30 participants with the highest total expenditure on IDD calls accumulated from 10/8/10 to 31/12/10 win a 3G phone each.

Promotion IDD Rates from 10 Aug 2010 – 31 Dec 2010.

Country	Mobile (RM/min)	Fixed (RM/min)
Australia	0.75	0.15
Bangladesh	0.15	0.15
China	0.24	0.14
India	0.14	0.14
Indonesia	0.28	0.22
Philippines	0.48	0.48
Singapore	0.24	0.15
UK	0.75	0.16
USA	0.15	0.15
Vietnam	0.21	0.21

Hit the source for FAQ and TNC.

DiGi revenue up 3.5% to RM1.335 billion in Q2

2010-07-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

DiGi posted is Q2 quarterly results on 20 July 2010.

8.1 million customer base
ARPU at RM53
EBITDA grew from RM576 million to RM578 million from previous quarter
PBT and PAT were RM378.0 million and RM278.4 milion
declares second interim dividend of 35 sen per share

In some other facts:

DiGi has widened its 3G/HSPA to Johor Bahru, in addition to Klang Valley, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Ipoh and Kuching covering around 35% of the population in Malaysia.
DiGi appoints new CFO Terje Borge, who will succeed Stefan Carlsson on 2 August 2010.

Source: http://www.digi.com.my/aboutdigi/media/mr_press_det.do?id=5600&pgPoint=1&year=2010

DiGi has discontinued its Bonus Points, replace with Bonuslink

2010-07-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

A bit old news by now, but I think this is an interesting one.

DiGi has discontinued its Bonus Points from 1 July 2010. If you are mass postpaid and postpaid broadband customers, please do register your BonusLink by 25 August 2010.

Hit to the source for the method to link your DiGi account to BonusLink:
http://www.digi.com.my/rewards/bl.do

Hotlink International SMS adjusted to RM0.50/SMS

2010-07-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, I missed this news, Hotlink International SMS adjusted to RM0.50/SMS from RM0.20/SMS take effect beginning 23rd June 2010.

Good news is that SMS rates to Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia & Singapore will be maintained at RM0.20/SMS.

DiGi Prepaid BlackBerry (BIS) now available at RM2/day

2010-07-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.digi.com.my/whatshot/promotions/bb_prepaid/index.do

FAQ: http://www.digi.com.my/whatshot/promotions/bb_prepaid/faq.do

- RM2/day APN is Blackberry.net

- Daily FUP of 100MB, exceed quota may be throttled to 128kpbs.

- Service renew appox. 12pm daily.

- Does not include tethering and streaming

- For tethering and streaming, please use diginet as APN, up to RM5/day in addition to RM2 for BlackBerry Internet Service

- To stop subscription, just send STOP BB to 2000

Digi vs Maxis iPhone 3GS on 24 months tenure

2010-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Maxis has just dropped iPhone 3GS on 24 months tenure till 31 July 2010.

DiGi has slashed is iPhone plan to RM88->RM60, RM138->RM90, RM238->RM160.

Some comparison :

Maxis : 16GB model for RM1790 + (RM100 * 12 months = RM1200) = RM2990

Maxis : 16GB model for RM1390 + (RM100 * 24 months = RM2400) = RM3790

DiGi : 16GB model for RM2062 + (RM60 * 24 months = RM1440) = RM3502

DiGi : 16GB model for RM2042 + (RM90 * 24 months = RM2160) = RM4202

Maxis : 32GB model for RM1790 + (RM100 * 24 months = RM2400) = RM4190

DiGi : 32GB model for RM2462 + (RM60 * 24 months = RM1440) = RM3902

DiGi : 32GB model for RM2542 + (RM90 * 24 months = RM2160) = RM4702

Comments :

iPhone plan is freaking expensive. On the price point, Maxis looks cheap, of course, there is without any consideration of the bundles minutes, data, SMS and MMS.

While DiGi is busy slashing on its iPhone rate plan. It has higher up front payment, and over 24 months, compare to Maxis on 16GB model is (RM3790-RM3502) = RM288.

One weird thing on DiGi offering on 32GB, with RM90 (iDiGi 138) plan, phone price is RM2542 but RM60 (iDiGi 88) is RM2462. That is RM80 different, while to some, it might not much, but clearly, price slashing has gone wrong in paper. Of course, in DiGi view, RM138->RM90 = RM48, while RM88->RM60=RM28. With all the funny numbers, it is kind of funny, you pay more for the phone up front on higher rate plan.

So, what will happened?

If you got a contract free iPhone and light user, just take Digi RM60 plan. You get no bill shock (DiGi word) on exceeded monthly quota.

If you finally want to get iPhone, just wait for iPhone 4.

Do you think both Telco can clear 3GS stock? I don't think so. But, it is freaking weird world, you get people willing to pay for nothing. I don't know, it just happened.

Storage Prices

2010-07-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

An update on 13 July 2010, price list from Compu-zone.com

SATA 3.5"
500GB - Hitachi RM130, WD (32MB) RM135
1TB - Samsung ~~RM200~~ RM195, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM220~~ RM215, WD Black (64MB), ~~RM290~~ RM285
1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM275~~ RM255, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM319~~ RM305
2TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM370~~ RM360, Hitachi RM365, WD Green ~~RM420~~ RM410

Comments:
Look like Hitachi desktop is coming back, with Hitachi 2TB is RM365. Samsung 1.5TB just dropped RM255, a strong RM20 drop. Samsung 2TB a slight RM10 drop. It look like Samsung 2TB will be going to RM350 within 2 weeks.

Anssi Vanjoki , Nokia: The fightback starts now

2010-07-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

An interesting blog post at Nokia Conversations by Anssi Vanjoki titled The fightback starts now. The new head of Mobile Solutions of Nokia.

I find this post is very interesting. It confirms few things, Nokia is not giving up Symbian, a Symbian^4 is a strong possibility, in his word. Nokia N8 is the only N Series on Symbian^3.

To Nokia:

Another interesting post in the comment is http://mynokiablog.com/2010/06/08/what-nokia-needs-to-learn-from-apple-keynotes-pointers-from-steve-jobs-iphone-4-announcement/

I don't want to see you dying. Symbian is ~~was~~ great platform.

1. Please make your N8, double the RAM

2. Make it a strong possibility of supporting on Symbian^4. Apple has done it right, they release iOS 4 to iPhone 3GS (its previous generation).

3. Next step, try to talk to Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and LG on Ovi.

I found this interesting point on Symbian-Guru.com farewell http://www.symbian-guru.com/welcome/2010/07/symbian-guru-com-is-over.html

4. Sony Ericsson has move on to Android, but they did built the best Symbian^1 phones around, Vivaz and Satio. They are Sony, it is quite for them to ditch PlayNow, but you can convince them. Your recent deal of Ovi and Yahoo! Give some Sony likes, eg. Ovi Maps. You spend billions on this, free navigations, now it is time to milk them.

On Samsung, they are busy with Android and its own platform, Bada. Make no mistake, Samsung are like the old you, they chunking new phones every season if not months.

5. Convince them to build a Samsung Wave S8500 on Symbian^3. Yes, you can. The whole biggest open source migration project about.

LG has Windows Mobile Apps Store.

6. They built phones too, phones that the US telco wanted.

Last the all in Android and Windows Phone 7 Series, HTC and Motorola. May you learned from them, they make no hesitate on using the best hardware. You know you can.

7. Please start shipping N8 and Novarra secret sauce, and don't paper launch your product any more, if you can.

At last, I hope the best of MeeGo on computing space.

The full blog post:

Source: http://conversations.nokia.com/2010/07/02/the-fightback-starts-now/

ESPOO, Finland – Yesterday was the first day in my new job. I’m fortunate to say that I must have one of the most exciting jobs in the business. As head of Mobile Solutions, it’s my aim to ensure Nokia stays as the market and intellectual leader in creating the digital world. I’m under no illusions; it’s no small task.

Over the coming months, we’ll be advancing current projects and working to simplify the way we work in order to deliver products and services faster, and with a laser focus on quality.

I am committed, perhaps even obsessed, with getting Nokia back to being number one in high-end devices. Achieving this will require performance and efforts over and above the norm. This is a role I’ve personally been preparing for over the last 20 years. We have all the assets — including R&D and product development – at our disposal under one roof – to produce killer smartphones and market-changing mobile computers.

Over the coming months, we’ll be releasing the Nokia N8, the first Symbian^3 phone from Nokia. I have been testing the N8 and I believe it is going to surprise a lot of people with its power and speed. The camera and HD quality video and deep integration with Ovi services will make this an entertainment powerhouse. We also plan to deliver our first MeeGo device this year. And MeeGo has me buzzing.

Symbian and MeeGo are the best software for our smartest devices. As such, we have no plans to use any other software. Despite rumors to the contrary, there are no plans to introduce an Android device from Nokia. There has also been some confusion about Symbian and Nseries. The Nokia N8 will be our only Nseries device on Symbian^3. Of course, we ‘never comment on future products’, but a Symbian^4 Nseries device is a strong possibility. A very strong possibility :)

Symbian is our platform of choice for Nokia smartphones. Symbian has taken a lot of criticism lately – some of it fair, some not. But what is consistently overlooked is that Symbian still accounts for more than two-fifths of the global smartphone market. We believe the Nokia N8 will have great appeal. People want a smartphone that is familiar, packed with features, offers great performance. With products like the N8 and others to follow, we have preserved the best and most familiar parts of Symbian, making it effortless for the largest population of smartphone users to upgrade. We are determined to win back supporters, including Ricky, our favourite Symbian Guru.

MeeGo offers us an opportunity to take mobile technology beyond the smartphone, and into a new world of connected devices. As Symbian gears up to compete with the likes of iPhone and Android, MeeGo is taking clear aim at the computing space.

The current phase of MeeGo development is looking awesome. We believe it will power the computers of the future. And the computers of the future will not be tied to a desk or even a lap – they will fit in your pocket.

From the ground up, MeeGo is a computer operating system. Working with Intel, we’ve combined our assets to create a software platform that completely integrates mobile elements such as GPS, Bluetooth, NFC and more. This will offer developers a rich environment to create new possibilities for users.

For consumers, it will mean true computing power in your pocket. Something that can deliver everything you want, but be with you all the time.

Together, Symbian and MeeGo will form the backbone of our Mobile Solutions unit. This unit contains all the assets it requires to develop and deliver inspiring and game-changing products.

There is no denying, that as a challenger now, we have a fight on our hands. The first battle is to bring you products and services you will want to own and use, to inspire you to create and do new things in this ever changing digital world.

I’m ready to take this challenge on, and so is the entire Nokia team.

Storage Prices

2010-07-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

An update on 1 July 2010, pricelist from Compu-zone.com

SATA 3.5"
500GB - WD (32MB) ~~RM137~~ RM135
1TB - Samsung RM200, WD Green (64MB) RM220, WD Black (64MB), RM290
1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen ~~RM285~~ RM275 , WD Green (64MB) RM319
2TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM370, WD Green RM420

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)
320GB - Hitachi RM130, WD ~~RM145~~ RM140, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM215, WD (7200rpm) RM255
500GB - WD ~~RM18~~4 RM175, Hitachi (7200rpm) ~~RM299~~ RM250
640GB - Samsung ~~RM230~~ RM220
1TB - WD RM569

Comments:
Hitachi 2.5" 7200rpm 500GB has dropped to RM250 from RM299, on 320GB range, it is pretty much stabled at RM130-RM140 range. WD 500GB is now RM175, which means, only RM35 different than 320GB, that is RM35 for 180GB. This also mean that 500GB may be start shipping as a standard storage for RM1599 notebook.

WD Green (64MB) is now RM220, with this, it is RM20 premium over Samsung F3, if you prefers the brand, and not the speed, WD Green (64MB) which is an Advanced Format Drive. With this, it is more likely, WD Green (64MB) 1.5TB highly likely to drop to RM300 or below. It is also a high chance of WD Green 2TB to drop to RM400.

Little drop, Samsung 2.5" 640GB RM220, Samsung 3.5" EcoGreen 1.5TB RM275, Samsung 3.5" EcoGreen 2TB RM370.

It is going to be a good month for hard disk.

U Mobile Prepaid now 12sen/min

2010-06-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

It is official launched on 30 June 2010, U Mobile Prepaid now 12sen/min when you on U Mobile 3G network with a 3G phone.

I just tried, upon calling, you will hear a double 'beep', so you know you are on 12sen/min rate.
This promotion is valid until 31st December 2010.

Further information on http://u.com.my/prepaid-packages/u3g

Comment:
This is the cheapest prepaid rate yet that has no commitment per day provided you are in U Mobile 3G coverage which is expending. Digi has this 12sen/min upon reaching RM1 usage. Tunetalk rate is on 16sen/min.

It is a good call for U Mobile.

Storage Prices

2010-06-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

An update on 17 June 2010, pricelist from Viewnet.com.my
SATA 3.5"

WD 500GB (32MB)- ~~RM138~~ RM137
WD 640GB (64MB) WD6400AARS - ~~RM175~~ RM169
Samsung 750GB - RM154
1TB - Samsung ~~RM205~~ RM199
2TB - WD (64MB) ~~RM435~~ RM419

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)
500GB - WD ~~RM189~~ RM184

Comments:
It looks on some other place, WD 2TB is RM419, Samsung 1TB, unknown series is RM199, less than RM200. Samsung 750GB at RM154 is really a bargain in term of GB/MYR.
On the 2.5" notebook hard drive, seems like WD 500GB is a bargain right now, just at RM184.

Storage Prices

2010-06-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

An update for 12 June 2010
SATA 3.5"

WD 500GB - RM138
WD Green 640GB - RM175
1TB - Samsung RM205, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM235~~ RM230, Seagate RM245, WD Black (64MB) RM300
1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM285, WD Green (64MB) ~~RM339~~ RM319
2TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM380, WD Green RM435, Seagate RM455
2TB - WD Black (RE4) RM825

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)
320GB - WD RM145, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM215, WD (7200rpm) RM255
500GB - WD RM189, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM299
640GB - Samsung ~~RM230~~ RM220
1TB - WD RM569

External HDD 3.5"
Buffalo DS 1TB - RM285

Commentary:
WD Green (64MB) 1.5TB has dropped to RM319, a drastic RM20 drop, this could either mean, I expect another RM20 range drop for its WD Green (64MB) 2TB range, within 2 weeks.

Seagate Barracuda LP ST32000542AS 2TB 5900 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.5" Hard Drive has dropped to 99USD on Newegg
Seagate ST31000528AS Barracuda 7200.12 Hard Drive - 1TB, 7200 rpm, 32MB, SATA-3G, OEM is 39.99USD (~131MYR with 3.2845 rate) after rebate at TigerDirect

Samsung F3 Model

2TB EcoGreen F3 --> HD203WI
1.5TB EcoGreen F3 --> HD153WI
1TB EcoGreen F3 --> HD105SI

1TB Spinpoint F3 --> HD103SJ
750GB Spinpoint F3 --> HD754JJ
500GB Spinpoint F3 --> HD502HJ

Storage Prices

2010-06-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

An update for 6 June 2010
SATA 3.5"
WD 500GB - RM138
WD Green 640GB - RM175
1TB - Samsung RM205, WD Green (64MB) RM 235, WD Black (64MB) RM300
1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM285, WD Green (64MB) RM339
2TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM380, WD Green RM435
2TB - WD Black (RE4) RM825

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)
320GB - WD RM145, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM215, WD (7200rpm) RM255
500GB - WD RM189, Samsung RM230, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM299
640GB - Samsung RM230
1TB - WD RM569

Asiaspace: High TM charges prompt network re-engineering

2010-05-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/27/business/6348784&sec=business

In response to Asiaspace Sdn Bhd (AMAX) (http://amax.my) who will not charge its 2000 subscribers from May 1 till completion of network re-engineering.
The re-engineering is said to be triggered by high TM charges on metro-E link, will replace with microwave link as backhaul.
It is spending RM20 million to Huawei. So far, the company has spend RM90 million for its network build-up.
It has 42 people.

SK Telecom to invest US$100mil in Packet One

2010-05-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Source: TheStar http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/28/business/6353059&sec=business

Seems like its US$100mil on U Mobile stake likely back to Malaysia for Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd (P1).

Expected in June, about 25% stake.
Shares in Green Packet shot up 13.5 sen, or 15.8%, to close at 99.5 sen.
If the deal is on, the South Korea’s biggest mobile service provider the second-largest shareholder in P1 after Green Packet.
P1 has 175,000 subscribers at 31 March 2010, expected to double this year to 280,000 with ARPU of RM80.
Has announce to expand its WiMAX services to Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.
SK Telecom want this to be as its "springboard" for its expansion in South-East Asia.

Storage prices

2010-05-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Storage prices for 28 May 2010.

SATA 3.5"

1TB - Samsung RM220, WD Green (64MB) RM240, WD Black (64MB) RM309

2TB - WD Black (RE4) RM845

Samsung EcoGreen (5400rpm)

It looks like Samsung 1.5TB has dropped to 95MYR/500GB (RM285), while Samsung 2TB is 96.25MYR/500GB (RM385).

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)
320GB - WD RM150, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM220 WD (7200rpm) RM255
500GB - WD RM195, Samsung RM230, , Hitachi (7200rpm) RM320
640GB - Samsung RM245
1TB - WD RM569

Seagate FreeAgent Go 320GB - RM229
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500GB - RM275

At the time of writing, Kingston DDR2-800 2GB Desktop RAM was RM144.

Desktop storage thoughts

2010-05-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Last two days, I discovered that one of my 1TB is failing drive. Windows 7 dskchk utility as repaired it.
But what it did was zero byte one of my truecrypted file container. That was bad. It was a bad sector related failure.

After buying some 'cheap' storage over the months. Now I back to wonder the brand. In case you wondering, with this drive failed, I started to rethink, whether I should spend more for warranty/utility hassle.

WD
WD got the convenient RMA service, that has pickup for 7.50USD in Malaysia for drive > 6 months.
It also has a good web registration that allow its customer to update warranty and register their products that own. They also offers Windows diagnostics tool.

Seagate
After the aftermath of 7200.11 series, I sold most of my Seagate. It is cheaper for me to RMA Seagate. It also features a good Windows diagnostics tool. I still buy Seagate external storage.

Samsung
I am not a big fans of Samsung. But they are almost the cheaper in 1.5TB, that is like RM330 for last 2 months, now RM310. Yet to experience any RMA, I believe soon I may have one. Its diagnostics tool (ES Tool) was only DOS based. Did not know whether if they have any web registration for their product.

Sidenote: Samsung 1TB F3 has most of the good performance review, its 1.5TB EcoGreen F3 was also one of the fastest drive on 'Green' class.

Looking at the price, 1.5TB was 103.33MYR/500GB (RM310) for Samsung, 113.33MYR/500GB (RM340) for WD.
In 2TB, things are slightly expensive, WD 2TB was 112.5MYR/500GB (RM450), Seagate is 113.75MYR/500GB (RM455).

I am thinking I should move back to WD, instead of saving some on Samsung.
I want to promise to myself, had to stop buying any unnecessary storage devices from 21 May 2010 till 30 June 2010. We shall see what is the price then.

Storage Prices

2010-05-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Storage prices for 18 May 2010.

SATA 3.5"

250GB - WD Blue RM120

320GB - WD Blue RM130

500GB - WD Blue RM140

750GB - Samsung RM170

1TB - Samsung RM230, WD Green (64MB) RM245, WD Black RM299

1.5TB - Samsung EcoGreen RM310, WD Green (64MB) RM340

2TB - WD Green RM450, Seagate RM455

Intel X25-V SSD 40GB RM415

Intel X25-M SSD 80GB RM825

SATA 2.5" (5400rpm unless stated)

160GB - Samsung RM135

320GB - WD RM155, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM220 WD (7200rpm) RM255

500GB - Samsung RM230, WD RM230, Hitachi (7200rpm) RM320

640GB - Samsung RM275

Seagate FreeAgent Go 320GB - RM229

Seagate FreeAgent Go 500GB - RM279

At the time of writing, Kingston DDR2-800 2GB Desktop RAM was RM148.

Hotlink BlackBerry

2010-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Source: http://www.maxis.com.my/cnypromo/bbcurve.asp
Source: http://www.hotlink.com.my/web/portal/hotlink/hotlinkpage?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/web/wcm/connect/Hotlink_Content_lib_en/Home_Site_en/Whats_New_SA_en/blackberry_packages_en_web

BIS Prepaid Premium from Hotlink is 98MYR per month.
Fine note: For Premium package, usage cap is 1.5GB. Subsequent data usage will be charged at a pay per use rate of 1 sen per kB (peak) or 0.5 sen per kB(off peak).

Start the New Year with 12 months of unlimited access to emails, instant messaging, social networking and a brand new BlackBerry®!
Get the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 at a complete package price of just RM1,364 or the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 for RM 2,464!

Bold 9700 coming to DiGi from 1st week of March 2010?

2010-02-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Bold 9700 (RRP: 2099MYR) is coming to DiGi from 1st week of March.
on side note, Curve 8520 RRP is 1199MYR.

Source: http://www.digi.com.my/blackberry/app.do

Digi To Invest RM100 Million To Widen Services In Perak And Sarawak

2010-02-07T08:01:00.001-08:00

Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/news_lite.php?id=473687
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd is set to invest RM100 million in an effort to broaden its Turbo3G network and mobile Internet services in Perak and Sarawak over the next three years.
The investment will be used to increase the population coverage in the two states and to widen the Turbo 3G services to other main towns in Perak and Sarawak, DiGi said in a statement Friday.
"Our current population coverage of 68 per cent in Ipoh and 45 per cent in Kuching will experience a growth of 98 per cent and 55 per cent coverage respectively by March this year," said chief executive officer Johan Dennelind.
"As at present, we are only available in Ipoh and Kuching, we are looking to expand the services to Taiping, Kamunting and Kampar in Perak and Miri in Sarawak by the second half of 2010," he said.
Dennelind said that DiGi, with 29 per cent population coverage in Malaysia to date, was planning to launch its mobile Internet services in more than three new market centres this year.
"Our mobile Internet service is available in five states currently, and we hope to penetrate more markets with Johor Baharu as the next launch location," he said.
In addition to Perak and Sarawak, DiGi today reaches almost 100 per cent population coverage of Kota Kinabalu and 70 per cent of both the Klang Valley and Penang.
The company currently has more than 500,000 cumulative 3G mobile Internet customers, out of which around 10 per cent are mobile broadband customers.
-- BERNAMA

Milking Prepaid follow-up

2010-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Interesting, first of all, sorry for the haitus, I celebrate most of the January 2010, well, I was addicted to Twitter, this is follow up on Idea: Milking Prepaid earlier January, what you read was unedited.

Kudos to DiGi recent move, my comment in light yellow highlight
Link: http://www.digi.com.my/whatshot/promotions/prepaid/faq.do
and http://www.digi.com.my/internet/promo_limited_pre.html

~~100 SMS on-net for RM5. (by account, current rate 7sen on-net SMS), valid for 30 days upon subscription.~~ Just for RM3, you can get 300 on-net SMS valid purchase for February 2010. This is a really a promotion rate. Only for a month, good February.
100 SMS off-net for RM10, free 100 on-net SMS, valid for 30 days upon subscription. Where is it?
100 minutes of voice call for RM15, valid for 30 days upon subscription. My hope is still on high on this, this is not an expensive implementation.
~~24 hour passes, RM2, 100MB of data usage, reset 24 hours. Excess charges RM1/10MB, max RM10 over 24 hours.~~ Digi Limited Edition Prepaid Internet™ is now RM2 per day, 3GB data allowance on 384kpbs, after speed cap. Minimum reload RM10 for 5 days. Denomination available at RM10, RM30, RM50 and RM100. Almost spot on.

2010, because it is fun to see things

2010-01-04T10:16:00.001-08:00

Warning: Pure speculation.
Now Arrandale and Clarkdale is out in the wild, expect CES to features a lot of it. My reading Clarkdale GPU matches 790GX, and is shipped with AES-NI while Via has apporach similarly long time ago with its Pad-lock. This is cool. While Arrandale numbers are 20% increase overall performance but not much on battery life, the graphics part not suck.

Nvidia Fermi may see the daylight in between Q1, but I expect to see a quick refresh followup very soon.

I expect Nvidia to partner with Microsoft to put Windows Mobile 7 on steriod, Tegra 2 either a hit or a miss. ARM computing may be gaining its momentum in 2010, if 99usd Smartbook or those portable N97 alike, this is so cool.

On Nokia, I would like to see the Tube as appear Gotham city, a slimmer profile, wifi n, HSPA+, and Snapdragon. I see Apple and Nokia will works something out for 4G devices. I predict Nokia will fund S60 emulator on Maemo. Also, video recording, HD recording devices, N93 line.
Still if on schedule, AMD may ship mobile Radeon 5xxx part begins of Q2, still a thought call. Back to NVIDIA, revisiting VIA prospect, since Fermi is late, we may see more partnership on this.

On Enterprise arena, Oracle will snap a Java accelerator.
HP will push what Linksys and Belkin is doing with 3com.
Cisco more likely to snap up A SSD controller company.

Wireless N will be a common thing, slow uptake on WiMAX here.

Idea: Milking Prepaid

2010-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

In 2010, postpaid market was long gone, whoever in the industry tell you that it is alive, they are lying. Okay, jokes aside, prepaid ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) was like RM40 till RM50, while postpaid ARPU stands RM100, that is on a good day.

Here's an idea. Much prepaid user likely ended not talking anyway, but its alive on a network.
I am pretty sure, it was implemented before, time to revive some old trick. Give it a new name, I am sure it will be a hit.

100 SMS on-net for RM5. (by account, current rate 7sen on-net SMS), valid for 30 days upon subscription.
100 SMS off-net for RM10, free 100 on-net SMS, valid for 30 days upon subscription.
100 minutes of voice call for RM15, valid for 30 days upon subscription.
24 hour passes, RM2, 100MB of data usage, reset 24 hours. Excess charges RM1/10MB, max RM10 over 24 hours.

On 4. U Mobile almost similarly implemented as UB10 which is RM10 per month on prepaid , http://broadband.u.com.my/plan.html.

There is a risk, RM2 for 100MB may not be reaches by most of the mobile serving, a follow up with RM1 per 10MB was to milk for heavy download. Current rate of daily passes Celcom (RM6), Maxis (RM8/500MB), U Mobile (RM6/500MB), DiGi (RM5 auto capped, no subscription needed). Weekly passes Celcom (RM20), Maxis (RM8/2GB).

I suggest all telco should open starts its speed on 1mbps.

DiGi revised its DG150

2010-01-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Via: http://www.malaysianwireless.com/2009/12/readers-letter-confusing-digi-postpaid.html#links

DG250 plan was discontinued without any announcement. Qoute from the post:

What is the major different between the old DG150 compared to the new DG150?

The old DG150 subscribers can enjoy "unlimited" free Digi-to-Digi call and sms after hitting RM150 usage within the month.

The new DG150 subscribers can also enjoy free DiGi-to-DiGi call and sms, but capped at RM300 which is not "unlimited" like the old plan. For example, once your current month unbill amount has touched RM150, you can start enjoying the free DiGi-to-DiGi calls/sms but limited up to RM300. After you hit the RM300 free call/sms, DiGi will start charging RM0.10/sms or RM0.10/minute.

So right now, Digi has 3 postpaid plan:
DG30 - RM30 commitment fee, Voice 20sen, SMS 10sen, MMS 20sen (via http://www.digi.com.my/whatshot/promotions/dg30/chart.do )
DG50 - RM50 commitment fee, Voice 13sen, SMS 10sen, MMS 20sen (via http://www.digi.com.my/postpaid/digi_postpaid/faq/post_faq_iheart.do?page=cha )
DG150 - RM150 commitment fee, Voice 10sen, SMS 10sen, MMS 20sen and the above perks.

Notice their website hide the call rates, I called this 'No One Is Working' on New Year : http://www.digi.com.my/postpaid/digi_postpaid/call_plans/post_call_iheart.do

This move is not unusual.

Not my first post

2010-01-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

It is 2010. I leave 2009 for good. Good thing, life moves on. I just powered up the scanner, and scanned some receipts. Seems like I did really buy quite a lot of hard disk and some memory.

I notice I buy 2GB of DDR2 RAM SODIMM at 60MYR, that is Dec-2008. Looking at it, the price now is 155MYR, when to RAM will fall like that price? I wasn't so sure.

I submit two RMA over the week. One to 3com, on behalf actually, which has advance replacement on next business day, but its http://www.3com.com/esupport is pretty have room to improve. Another one is WD, err, I think I wasted 7.50USD on this, the warranty is so near, but I opt for pickup and return. Well, that is I am waiting for good Monday ahead. In case, you wondering what is that i RMA, for 3com, it was a ADSL Modem Router, on WD, it is 500GB RE2 recertified disk, this is second time the disk fail.

Not for bragging rights, the following storage is my main PC:

Seagate 500GB and 1TB
WD 640GB Green, 1TB Green (EADS), 1TB Black (FALS)

My plan for 2010:

I will buy less disk, targeting 1Q, 1 drive.
Reduce to 4 disk within Q1, 3 disk Q2, 2 disk Q3

Just a note on current hard disk price:

WD Blue (PATA) 160GB 155MYR, 500GB 260MYR

Samsung (SATA) 160GB 124MYR, 500GB 160MYR, 750GB 195MYR, 1TB (F3 series) 264MYR, 1.5TB (EcoGreen series) 330MYR

WD Blue (SATA) 160GB 130MYR, 320GB 150MYR, 500GB 165MYR,

WD Green (SATA) 640GB 185MYR, 800GB 235MYR, 1TB (EARS, 64MB cache) 299MYR, 1.5TB 385MYR, 2TB 675MYR

WD Black (SATA) 1TB 320MYR, RE3 1TB 480MYR, RE4 (64B cache) 2TB 1000MYR

On side note: I did shop for Seagate FreeAgent Go 500GB on 30 December 2009 for 309MYR.

Reload Amount(per transaction)	FREE SMS Granted
RM9.99 and below	None
RM10 - RM19.99	10 SMS
RM20 - RM29.99	20 SMS
RM30 and above	30 SMS