Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Musicians Friend: Back-to-School coupons+ free shipping on $99

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Is TelstraClear Mobile just in Beta?

Is TelstraClear Mobile just in Beta?
It seems that TCL Mobile doesn't quite have their system sorted.
Two and a half weeks ago I bit the bullet and decided to stick with TCL and join their mobile plan.
I started by ringing and trying to get my number and existing handset ported from Telecom.
And so the dramas began!
After being told that that was impossible and insisting it wasn't, I was set to be connected "in the next 5 business days" and would be sent a text message the day before. After waiting 5 days and hearing (and receiving) nothing, I decided to give TCL Mobile another call. I was told that the mobile people had all gone home and it should've been done already. I was given a ticket number and told to call the next day. I rang the next morning (Tuesday, 30th September) just to be told I had already been connected! Yay! But I still hadn't received my text and thought that it might contain some useful information so I requested it be sent. "Not a problem" I was assured. Ha!
After waiting the 3 days I was told my voucher should arrive in, I rang again. "We will look into it and get back to you." Ok, I thought to myself, I'll give them another couple of days. That afternoon, our existing cordless phone decided it had had enough. Great, no other phone in the house. That voucher will be the perfect thing now as we'll be able to get a new cordless!
After waiting another 3 days and hearing nothing, I decided to call again. This time I was told an email would be sent and I would definately be sorted ASAP.
The next morning at work I have 4 missed calls from the better half (who had borrowed an extremely old phone from her parents).
While with telecom I had my voicemail turned off as I often operate loud machinery and dont quite have time to shut down the equipment/park the truck and get my phone out of my pocket before it went to voicemail. No problems without it!
I also notice some texts and breathed a sigh of relief. It was just about my dental appointment and not because something had happened with her pregnancy. Apparently my phone now goes to voicemail!
Last night I rang again and was told they will forward an email to someone on the mobile side of things to sort my voucher.
Today, I go to the dentist and while I'm home (and barely able to talk), I ring TCL about 3 things.
Any news on my voucher? Nope. "You should have a reply soon" I was told again.
Ok. Can I have voicemail turned off please. "Sorry, that is part of the package". Um, no it's not. Nowhere was I told i HAVE to have voicemail. Can I please talk to someone else? "Ok"............ (on hold)........... "Yes we can do that for you.... oh, no we cant. Not for at least for the next couple of days until your whole swap over is completed."
Does that mean I have to wait for my voucher? "I can't tell exactly, but we can't do anything until the mobile team finish with your account. Call back in 2 days".
("FFS" goes through my head).... OK, one last question. Do you have a number I can ring to find out how many text messages I am using in a month? "Not at the moment... But we're working on it!"
O...K.... Thanks.
If I was told TCL never had a mobile service before, I'd believe it. Unfortunately, I know differently.
This is the sort of stuff I'd expect if I was on the beta test for B+W, not one of NZs biggest phone, tv and internet providers. Not to mention their parent company....

Please TCL, don't charge me for the privilege of being your guinea pig!

I feel better now.

Except the bit where my 2 teeth have been removed.


(and I still haven't received my text.)




Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby
This unique clothing line allows your baby to sport the unique iPod interface.

Complete Nikkor lens range with details and prices

Complete Nikkor lens range with details and prices
If you're shopping for a Nikon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we now additionally provide details of the complete Nikkor lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Nikkor Lens Listings.

NewEgg: NETGEAR WGR614L Open Source Linux Wireless Router $40 shipped AR

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NewEgg: Canon PowerShot SD880 IS 10MP 4X Zoom 28mm Wide Angle Digital Camera $269 shipped + 2GB SD

NewEgg: Canon PowerShot SD880 IS 10MP 4X Zoom 28mm Wide Angle Digital Camera $269 shipped + 2GB SD

Apple iPhone 3G 16GB

Apple iPhone 3G 16GB

The iPhone 3G is mostly what we were hoping for in the second version of the too-popular-for-itself handset. Apple addressed call quality concerns, as well as demands for a faster Web experience via 3G and corporate email support, already making it a worthwhile upgrade for many first-gen iPhone owners. And while the addition of stereo Bluetooth and Assisted-GPS are mere catch-ups to other smartphones, the new App Store boosts it way ahead. We're a little disappointed that the iPhone 3G still lacks video recording, and we'd like a user-replaceable battery and expandable storage, but overall it's a thoroughly satisfying phone and iPod. � Check out our Top 15 iPhone Applications! Also check out our Apple iPhone Application Wishlist!

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

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Fast and Furious - New Movie coming `09.

Fast and Furious - New Movie coming `09.
This looks like they have gone back to the basic formula and blown it all up, hopefully they haven't worried too much about the story line, and mainly focused on the action, but I think this should be a pretty good watch especially considering the budget they likely have. looking forward to it.

Park Cameras officially open Burgess Hill store

Park Cameras will be holding the Grand Opening of their new store in Burgess Hill this Saturday. Read More

Introducing CloudAve

Introducing CloudAve
SaaS, Software plus Services, Cloud Computing... You (or your organisation) are looking for more information on these ideas - either to validate directions, learn more or simply have some common topic for tonight's dinner with your geek friends.

Then I suggest you visit CloudAve, a new blog edited by Ben Kepes and Zoli Erdos.

I am actually attending the TelecomcomOne un-conference with New Zealander Ben Kepes (Ben's Twitter is here) this weekend.

CloudAve is initially sponsored by all things cloud company Zoho but committed to an independent, vendor-neutral position in its coverage of the vendors, products, services, and trends in the online business application market. There is even a CloudAve Sponsor Statement affirming this editorial independence.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

PowerPoint 2003 - Charts and Graphics - Objects Missing in Some Views

Are objects visible in a slide show but missing in the normal view? Your graphics card or driver may be to blame.

Microsoft Knowledge Base articles 898750 and 907349 refer to a condition that some Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 users may experience. Objects appearing in the slide show view such as photos, movies, or charts may disappear when switching to the normal view.

In some circumstances this may be due to a graphics card or graphics card driver issue....

Read more at MalekTips. Read More

Photographic extravaganza with DayMen

From the 14-16 October join DayMen for photographic seminars hosted by some of the best photographers around. Read More

Western Digital ShareSpace 4 TB Network Storage System Review

Western Digital announced its ShareSpace 4 TB network storage system this morning. We have an in-depth look at this photographer friendly image storage solution. Read More

Abes Of Maine: PANASONIC TH50PZ800U VIERA 50in Plasma HDTV $1837 shipped

Abes Of Maine: PANASONIC TH50PZ800U VIERA 50in Plasma HDTV $1837 shipped

Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm pancake lens - full review and video tour

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm is the smallest and lightest lens available for DSLRs based on the Four Thirds standard. Weighing 95g and measuring just 23.5mm thick, it justifies the pancake nickname, and transforms smaller Four Thirds bodies into working kits which could squeeze into larger coat pockets. With 50mm equivalent coverage and an f2.8 aperture, the lens is ideal for general-purpose use, but do its compact dimensions compromise quality or performance? Find out in our Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm pancake lens review where we'll compare it against other Olympus zooms and the specialist 50mm macro lens. And to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Olympus 25mm video tour. Read More

NewEgg: GARMIN nuvi 205 3.5 Automotive GPS Navigation $159 shipped

NewEgg: GARMIN nuvi 205 3.5 Automotive GPS Navigation $159 shipped

Sony KDL32P3020 Tv

Sony rolls out some high standard high definition LCD TVs that quite frankly, knock our socks off. Read More

Large Hadron Collider - More bust, No Boson.

Large Hadron Collider - More bust, No Boson.
The Big Bang is still holding off its illusive secrets for a while long as it was annouced recently there has been more issues delaying the much anticipated collisions in the collider.

Although it was hoped the problem could be resolved quickly, it turns out that unfortunately, it won't be as quickly as hoped.

whilst the anticipated time to fix the problem is tiny compared to how long its taken to get this far - 2 months at least to fix the problem - but we've been waiting in anticipation for this project to complete for 20 years now,

but two months just seems a very long time to all the people waiting for results.

so what was the issue at hand?
Well the symptom was:
<>They had to shut down the LHC when temperatures rose by rought 100°C
causing around 1000kg of liquid helium to leak into the tunnel.

This sounds like a hell of a lot, but you need to remember, your average room temperature of 23°C is roughly 294°c hotter than the temperature they run the LHC at, so when the temperature rose by 100°C it was still pretty chilly in there (around  -171.15 °C)

The LHC runs near absolute zero, absolute Zero is defined as 0 kelvin, with the LHC running at 2 kelvin, which is -273.15 and -271.15 degrees celsius respectively)

The actual problem has not be precisely defined, they anticipate that it was caused by a faulty electrical connection between two magnets that stopped superconducting - then melted, which caused a mechanical failure leading to the helium getting out.

So we'll be waiting a while longer for the really intensive experimentation to begin, that said, if the doomsayers are right, or the scientists get the equivalent of winning (some percentage of all the lottery competitions in the world on the same night that I saw being bandied around as the chances) then we get a couple more months on this Earth.

Although at least if you are in NZ, apparently based on a number of calculations, if the highly unlikely event of a large enough singularity does occur, it'll take a wee while to grow big enough to destroy the planet so we'll get plenty of warning!

New processing envelops from Fujifilm Professional

New processing envelops from Fujifilm Professional
The new processing envelopes from Fujifilm Professional can be used for both 35mm and 120 films.

Canon EF 24-105mm for cropped-frame DSLRs - full review and video tour

The EF 24-105mm is a premium quality zoom from Canon's 'L' series. It features superb build and mechanical quality, quick and quiet USM focusing and Image Stabilisation to counteract camera shake. It's an ideal general purpose lens for owners of full-frame Canon DSLRs, but what about those with cropped-frame bodies like the EOS 400D / XTi, EOS 450D / XSi or EOS 40D? In this review we'll examine how the EF 24-105mm performs on cropped-frame Canon DSLRs and as always, check out our video tour for a demonstration. Read More

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Canon EOS

There are new cashback offers on the EOS 1000D, 450D and 40D available from Canon. Read More

Nikon Announces Coolpix P80 with 18x Optical Zoom

Nikon Announces Coolpix P80 with 18x Optical Zoom
Nikon has today announced their first entry into the super zoom point and shoot market with the Nikon Coolpix P80, a 10MP compact camera featuring an 18x optical wide angle zoom, in camera CCD shift image stabilization, an electronic viewfinder as well as a large 2.7-inch high resolution 230K LCD rear monitor with wide viewing angle. See full story...

Apple iPod Nano 8GB (4G)

Apple iPod Nano 8GB (4G)
Apple iPod Nano 8GB (4G)

Apple's latest iPod nano continues to loom over the heads of its competitors despite players with better sound and more features from companies like Sony and Microsoft. The redesigned body almost seems like a brush of nostalgia, though it definitely improves on the previous generation and keeps the device current. We're more impressed with the new firmware, which provides the best level of polish yet on Apple's non-touchscreen devices, and the on-board accelerometer adds some pizzaz to a player some consider to be getting stale.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs


Pentax K20D - full review and video tour

Pentax K20D - full review and video tour
The Pentax K20D is a 14.6 Megapixel mid-range DSLR which packs-in a broad range of features. It inherits an impressive core specification from its predecessor, the K10D, including a dust and weather-resistant body, built-in Shake Reduction, a decent optical viewfinder, a number of innovative exposure modes, a wealth of custom options, and the option of recording RAW in Adobe's DNG format. To this Pentax has increased the screen to 2.7in, boosted the sensitivity to 6400 ISO, added Live View, an X-Sync port, and improved the optional DA 18-55mm kit lens, along with that big jump in sensor resolution. The big question is how it measures-up to today's other 14 Megapixel DSLR, the Sony A350, not to mention Canon's EOS 450D / XSi and the semi-pro EOS 40D. To find out how the new Pentax compares, check out our Pentax K20D review, and as always for a demonstration of its highlights, see our K20D video tour.

ZEISS Victory binoculars integrate laser rangefinder

ZEISS Victory binoculars integrate laser rangefinder
Carl Zeiss has incorporated a laser rangefinder into its new Victory RF binoculars, providing hunters, hikers and birdwatchers with an all-in-one viewing solution in a compact form factor. The Victory 8x45 T RF and Victory 10x45 T RF binoculars feature a world first design that incorporates a folding bridge without separate transmission optics and boast fast rangefinding capabilities that can determine the distance from an object up to 200 meters (300 yards) away in less than one second with an accuracy down to one meter. ..

Tags: Sports

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Sony KDL-40S3000 40 in. HDTV LCD Television

Sony KDL-40S3000 40 in. HDTV LCD Television
Sony has ensured the best technology possible has been included in the shape of the Bravia Engine and

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 with 4x Wide-Angle 25mm Zoom

Panasonic has today introduced the 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX35 with an impressive 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens and 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 100 mm on a 35mm film camera). Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode, which includes various shooting-assist functions, has been enhanced in the DMC-FX35 by adding an Intelligent Exposure feature and Digital Red-eye Correction. See full story... Read More

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review and video tour

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review and video tour
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a 9.1 Megapixel compact with nothing less than a 10x optical zoom range. It's the successor to the enormously successful Lumix TZ3 and features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a pocketable form factor, but along with two extra Megapixels, upgrades the 3in screen to 460k pixels, adds HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and tops it off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode which combines Face and Scene Detection, Intelligent ISO and Panasonic's latest Intelligent Exposure mode. Has the one of the best compacts just got better? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 review, and for a demonstration of its features, see our TZ5 video tour. Note the TZ5 is known as the TZ15 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Canon WFT-E3(A) wireless transmitter - full review and video tour

Canon's WFT-E3(A) wireless file transmitter is one of the most powerful accessories for the EOS 40D. It equips the 40D with Wifi, allowing you to transfer images or remote control the camera without a cable in sight, even from the other side of the world. It also includes USB connectivity to external storage devices and even GPS navigators to record your co-ordinates on images. And the whole thing is packaged into a portrait grip for comfortable shooting on the side. To find out how it performs in practice, see our detailed Canon WFT-E3(A) review and for a demonstration of its features, check out our video tour. Read More

LG 42LT75 Television

The LG 42LT75 is a revolutionary LCD TV that has an integrated 160GB hard drive allowing you to pause Read More

Monday, September 29, 2008

Wellington Tweetup

Wellington Tweetup
Wellington Tweetup starts tonight at 5pm, at the Malthouse http://www.themalthouse.co.nz

I have shouted a few free beers - Epic Pale Ale

More Info

If you go send me a tweet or upload a pic to flickr so I can see what I have missed out on.

Cheers
Luke
http://www.epicbeer.com

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area. Read More

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side
With the announcement of the new 15.1 MP Canon EOS 50D and the 12.3 Nikon D90 enthusiast digital SLR cameras coming on almost the same day, there is certainly a lot of excitement (and debate) happening among photographers within the Canon and Nikon communities. We have just posted a side by side comparison overview between the Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, and the D300 and D80 and highlighted the major differences in order to hopefully help make the buying decision process a little easier. See full story...

Abt Electronics: Sony Blu-ray Disc Player - BDPS350 $263 shipped

Abt Electronics: Sony Blu-ray Disc Player - BDPS350 $263 shipped

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 full review and video tour

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 full review and video tour
The Alpha A200 is Sony's new entry-level DSLR and the successor to its debut model, the best-selling Alpha A100. It features the same 10.2 Megapixel CCD sensor as its predecessor, but squeezes it into a smaller and lighter body; there's still room though for the built-in stabilisation to counteract camera shake. Sony's also increased the sensitivity to 3200 ISO, accelerated the AF by 1.7 times, enlarged the screen to 2.7in and employed an InfoLithium battery for accurate feedback. Today though the entry-level DSLR market has never been tougher, so to see how the latest Alpha compares against its predecessor and the current crop of rivals, check out our Sony A200 review, and for a demo of its features, see our Sony A200 video tour.

NewEgg: OCZ RALLY2 8GB High Performance Dual Channel Flash Drive $12 shipped AR

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Sony 75-300mm telephoto zoom review - new video tour

Sony 75-300mm telephoto zoom review - new video tour
Sony's 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens remains a popular option for owners of Alpha DSLRs. It's a common bundle with the earlier A100 and likely to find itself fitted to many of the new A200 bodies. As such it's an ideal time to revisit our Sony 75-300mm lens review with a brand new video tour, using the Alpha A100 body. Remember the new A200 has the same sensor, so our quality results are equally applicable for this new body. So to see - and hear - how this budget telephoto zoom compares, check out our Sony 75-300mm video tour.

Apple iPod nano green (8 GB) MP3 Player

Without changing the name, Apple has upgraded the iPod Nano by changing its size and colour options Read More

ZEISS Victory binoculars integrate laser rangefinder

Carl Zeiss has incorporated a laser rangefinder into its new Victory RF binoculars, providing hunters, hikers and birdwatchers with an all-in-one viewing solution in a compact form factor. The Victory 8x45 T RF and Victory 10x45 T RF binoculars feature a world first design that incorporates a folding bridge without separate transmission optics and boast fast rangefinding capabilities that can determine the distance from an object up to 200 meters (300 yards) away in less than one second with an accuracy down to one meter. ..

Tags: Sports

Related Articles:

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II Full Frame SLR with HD movie

Canon has today introduced the much anticipated Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D camera so successful, Canon has coupled the creative power of a full-frame CMOS sensor in a relatively compact and affordable camera body, together with groundbreaking HD video capture that opens the door to a much wider range of imaging possibilities for photographers. Along with the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution, Canon's EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera features a 21.1-megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and significantly lower noise. See full story... Read More

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Complete Canon lens range with details and prices!

If you're shopping for a Canon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we're pleased to also now provide details of the complete Canon EF lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you, how the three 50mm primes vary, or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Canon EF Lens Listings. Other lens manufacturers coming soon! Read More

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols

Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document. Read More

Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!

Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!
It's the first day of a new month which means a new Assignment in the Camera Labs forums. The theme as suggested by the winner of January's Assignment, Big Pix, is 'Time'. To enter, visit the March Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of Drazen Gal's 'My Place' theme. So to vote, head on over to our February Assignment Submissions thread.

Google Chrome - Download the Google Chrome Web Browser

Google Chrome - Download the Google Chrome Web Browser
Looking for another way to browse and search the web? Try out the Google Chrome web browser.

An alternative to other web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome offers Windows users another way to browse and search the Internet. Sporting a "minimal design", Google Chrome offers features such as:

* Malware, phishing, and unsafe website detection...

Read more at MalekTips.

[MODIFIED] SpywareBlaster - View and Change Internet Explorer Default Pages

[MODIFIED] SpywareBlaster - View and Change Internet Explorer Default Pages
Use SpywareBlaster to change Internet Explorer home, search, and other default pages that may have been changed by spyware / adware.

SpywareBlaster lets you change the default Internet Explorer start, search, and other pages for the current user as well as the local machine defaults. This is useful in case spyware or adware changed these pages to one not of your choosing.

Note that if your machine is still infected with malware when you make changes with this tool, those changes may get reverted. First, clean your machine up with spyware / adware removal tools, and then use this tool to change the pages back to what they used to be....

Read more at MalekTips.

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols
Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document.

NZ Shopcity = spammers

NZ Shopcity = spammers
I use to buy the odd thing from http://www.shopcity.co.nz but have gone off there stuff,  so I unsubscribed from their mailing list.  But a week later I get another email of their specials,  so I unsubscribe agan. Another week passes and they spam me again.

If you visit http://www.shopcity.co.nz don't subscribe as you will go into there spam list for ever.
Why do NZ company's break the law of the land,  it just shows how dodgy they are.

http://www.shopcity.co.nz = spammer

I sent an email, and they replay with this.
Thankyou for your clear and concise email. If you tell me what email address the
letters are going to or your ShopCity handle we will happily disable your account.

Why are they making it so difficult.

update:  Thanks for all the help,  I went to their website and had to fill in a contact us,  which I hope has sorted the problem.

The unsubscribe on their mailouts, doesn't work.