world of ice // gadgets

iPad “not charging” issue

ice15 — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:57:56 +0000

So I believe you are reading this post since you have an iPad but everytime you connect it to your PC’s USB 2.0 it doesn’t charge.

(“Not Charging” appears in the status bar next to the battery icon)

This is the problem I encounter with my office PC, a Lenovo Thinkpad T410.

Here’s a link from Apple Support.

While searching for solutions, I found Asus’ Ai Charger.

Just download it from this link.

After installation, you will notice this added to your toolbar.

Acer Aspire One ZG5 (AOA110)

ice15 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:06:31 +0000

One of my new toys for 2012…

An Acer Aspire One ZG5… It’s actually not new since I bought it as a used Netbook from ebay.

Specs are as follows:

Intel Atom N270 (clocked at 1.6GHz, single core)
8.9inch screen (1024×600)
1GB RAM
8GB SSD

This unit was pre-installed with Linpus which looked like this.

Linpus on the Aspire One was good, it was snappy with a start-up of around 20-30 seconds, Apps such as OpenOffice and Firefox were also very usable.

The Acer Aspire One has 2 card readers, the one on the right is a multi card reader and the one on the left is for SD (SDHC) only.

When using Linpus, the right Memory Card reader works like a normal card reader BUT if you insert an SD Card on the left SD Card reader, the OS will ask you if you intend to use the inserted SD Card to expand your internal memory. After Selecting YES, you will notice that the internal memory of your Aspire One has increased.

However, after using it for a couple of days, you will feel that the Linpus OS installed is dated… This device was manufactured mid-2008 and I feel like updates for the Aspire One’s version of Linpus was NOT updated…

I can’t even install Skype and Chrome.

I have read a couple of information about the Aspire One and I have decided to change the OS, I always thought that the easiest thing to do was to install Windows XP (Professional).

Although my SSD will meet the minimum hardware requirements of XP I have decided to use nLite in order for me to save up precious SSD space.

XP sadly made my Aspire One run really really bad, it was really really slow. Maybe because of the slow SSD installed on the device. It was unusable and the biggest hassle is that you will need to install all drivers.

Since I do not want to install Windows 98 (or 95) I have decided to explore Linux. For a guy like me who uses XP for Work and Lion and Windows 7 at home, exploring Linux seems complicated since there are lots of choices available.

At first, I tried Puppy Linux as it’s suppose to run on my RAM and therefore the use of my very slow SSD will be minimized. Puppy Linux was ok, but my wifi was a hit and miss, there were times when I can figure out how to make it work and there are times when I can’t. I didn’t want to have a small notebook with a howto on connecting to a wifi network.

Second, I wanted to be a bit nationalistic so I tried Bayanihan Linux. Bayanihan was fun (at first) but again I cannot seem to make the wifi work. Presently, I am communicating with Bayanihan’s Support Team on how to make wifi work and hoefully I can post an update here soon.

Lastly, after additional reading, I installed Linux Mint. I was surprised that everything worked without the need for drivers.

I downloaded the CD version and after testing the live CD for a day, I have decided to click the install icon.

The Aspire One will need around 1 minute and 30 seconds to start and around 30 seconds to shut down. Firefox is the default browser but you can also install Opera, Chrome is also possible but you’ll have to do some research on how to install it using Terminal.

Software installer is also very easy to use, I have removed the apps that I do not need (like Thunderbird) and installed LibreOffice and Skype.

Only issue I have is that there seems to be some issue with my card readers. It can detect my SD Card if I boot it with the SD Card inserted.

Other than the SD Card issue, everything seems to work great! (I haven’t tested inserting a LAN Cable and the VGA out).

My experience with Linux Mint is so far so good, it covers all my needs for my Netbook. I cannot recommend running your Primary PC with this OS, my Netbook has a specific function at home which is too heavy for my iPad and too light for my iMac.

Here’s a short video I have created on how the Linux Mint runs with an Acer Aspire One ZG5.

Bialetti Mukka Express

ice15 — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:55:50 +0000

One of my new toys for 2012…

The Bialetti Mukka Express!

My first stove top coffee maker was also from Bialetti, 2 years ago me and my wife bought a Moka Express with its frother called “Tuttocrema”.

The Moka Express easily and conveniently made Espresso… Simple and quick, just what I needed in the morning.

It was clearly a no brainer that I had to get a Mukka Express because the Moka Express worked so well.

First challenge I had was that Bialetti products are (as of this time) no longer sold in Singapore! I sent an e-mail to their office and Italy and they told me that presently, they do not have a distributor in Malaysia and Singapore.

Luckily I was scheduled for a vacation in Manila and the Bialetti’s Philippine Distributor was very easy to contact.

I finally found an actual unit in Rustan’s Makati. First thing you’ll notice is that this thing is way bigger than my Moka Express!

When I reached home, I read the instructions, washed it and filled it up with water for its initial use… Sadly, it leaked!

I filled it up with water again, closed it tighter this time and sadly, it leaked again…

I’ve noticed that the lower part (solid black part) pressurizes the water in order for the milk to froth. Any dirt (in my case black paint) on the threaded part must be removed!

So I scrubbed it with my Scotch Brite until it was shiny silver!

In my specific unit, you also need to “close it properly” in order a avoid leaks.

The photo above does not work properly as it will definitely leak again!

Photo above is the correct way!

In case you didn’t notice any difference, the handle is on the left side while the “silver button” is facing you.

Make sure it’s tight and finally it will start creating Cappuccino!

Don’t get me wrong, my Mukka Express didn’t give a good first impression, but the coffee it makes every morning makes this device really worth it.

It’s not for everyone since it took a lot of trial and error before I made my first cup of coffee but once it was working, it was all worth it!

Goodbye: Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard

ice15 — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:57:10 +0000

Lunar New Year is coming and sadly, I will be saying goodbye to one of my prized possessions…

My Bluetooth Keyboard just stopped working and I guess it’s time to let it go…

Although it was never made for the iOS, it did the job well and for the SGD $100.00 I have spent for it, it lasted for more than 5 years, was used on 3 different gadgets and was always a conversation piece in coffee shops.

All good things come to an end and it’s always sad to let go of old reliables…

HubStation HD DC182SHB

ice15 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:11:27 +0000

My latest gadget for 2012? Something for the living room…

Me and my wife have decided to upgrade our set-top box to Starhub’s HubStation HD.

Although we presently only have HBO HD, we decided to get this specific set-top box because it can record our favourite shows which are normally aired at around 11pm on a weekday which are too late for my daughter who goes to school.

The DC182SHB is very easy to use but it’s a bit annoying that the remote acts strange when resolution is set at 720-1080.

Not only does the remote act strange, the menu, information and guides also do not work!

Best solution I’ve found for this is to just set the box at standard resolution (576p) then just raise it when watching HD content.

Chaging the resolution is easy… just press the “#” button on the remote, the display of the box (the one that shows the time) will change from 576 to 720 to 1080.

Starhub will also not give a free HDMI cable so better have one ready when you plan to upgrade your box.

So far the experience in using the HubStation is great, I just HOPE Starhub gives us the option to plug an external hard disk to expand the memory (it already has a USB port at the back), having more memory can help during long vacations… And an option to watch recorded content on our PC, iOS and Android devices will also be great!

WD Passport Essential SE

ice15 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:58:10 +0000

I have just tested the 1TB WD Passport Essential SE.

It may look like a regular hard disk but the USB 3.0 seems like a big reason why people are purchasing it.

Yes, if you look at the tip of this hard disk’s cable, you’ll notice that it’s blue!

Although the USB 3.0 may seem futuristic or new, it doesn’t do anything if connected to USB 2.0, in fact I did not see any improvements when I plugged it to my ThinkPad.

Another thing you may want to consider before buying this hard disk is that it uses a different cable.

I am not sure if all USB 3.0 devices will be using the same cable but for now, this cable looks like “another cable” I have to carry separately when travelling (in addition to my Apple Cable, regular USB Cable, laptop cables, camera cables… etc, I know you get my point).

This hard disk may look good but it does not age gracefully.

It honestly looks like coloured plastic therefore you’ll see a black line when scratched.

The unit I played with already have black spots on the edges due to regular use.

I also do not understand why WD decided to put a very small blinking light on the side, its almost unnoticeable!

Honestly, I cannot recommend this hard disk NOW due to the following reasons…

Being a Mac user at home and we all know that 2011 Macs do not have USB 3.0 (they use Thunderbolt).

There’s also no improvement in performance when used with my ThinkPad since it does not have USB 3.0 Ports…

Maybe in 2-3 years time, when more devices are released with USB 3.0 then I can recommend this hard disk but as of this time, the 3.0 compatibility of this device looks and feels like marketing!

Useless as of today and by the time you use a computer with a USB 3.0 port, you have also bought a new and bigger hard disk.

my favorite (next) iPhone rumors

ice15 — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:05:14 +0000

The next iPhone is coming and the internet is full of rumors about its features.

Here’s a list of my favorite rumors and some of my comments about them.

1. 8 megapixel camera

I love my dSLR but for quick shots, my iPhone’s camera is very handy. A better camera will definitely be a great addition.

2. lighter than the iPhone 4

3. availability of a laptop dock

http://www.t3.com/news/iphone-5-laptop-dock-incoming?=55049
http://www.itproportal.com/2011/04/01/exclusive-apple-preparing-iphone-5-laptop-dock/

This is my favorite rumor and I really hope this pushes through.

I have played the Atrix’s laptop dock and its honestly rubbish! I think Apple is the only company who can execute this concept well and if priced correctly, this will be a bigger blow to laptop manufacturers.

I would also want to see HDMI Mirroring (just like in the iPad 2) and compatibility with the iPad’s Camera Connection Kit.

The new iPhone is definitely coming before the holidays. Lets see how many of these rumors tends to be true.

By the way, here’s the funniest rumor I have seen online.