Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Rii i25 vs Rikomagic RKM MK 705 wireless air mouse

The Rii i25 and RKM MK705 are both wireless air mouse with IR learning functions and a mini QWERTY keyboard on the back.

If you look at the specs and design, they look exactly the same

Rii i25

RKM MK705

My guess would be that both are manufactured by the same OEM company and simply re-branded accordingly.

Rii however has another model which is the i25A and this model includes a microphone which you can use for voice control and voice chat. So if you do not need a microphone, either Rii i25 or RKM MK705 will do. Just choose one that is cheaper.

Physical Aspects

The controller is slim and considerably light and that makes it nice when hold. This is the main reason why I chose this over MeLe F10 which is too thick for my liking.

On the main side are all the basic buttons to control your devices like the page up/down, volume, and music/video playback control buttons.

All orange buttons on the controller can be IR 'learned' and the process is very easy. This allows you to replace your TV remote controller by making it learn basic common functions like power on/off, source and volume up/down.

On the left side is the on/off toggle and also a micro USB charging port, so do remember to turn it on before use else you might think that it is malfunctioning like I did!


Left side

The built-in battery do last quite a while before it needs recharging and it can be charged with any USB powered source.

The keyboard on the other side is handy when browsing or chatting and way easier to use as compared to the Android on screen keyboard.



Mini QWERTY keyboard
The only problem is that the transceiver is located at the top of the controller therefore when used as a keyboard, depending on how you hold it, your left hand may block the transceiver and this can cause some inaccurate commands to be sent.

The buttons tactile feel is OK for me though may be a little too hard for some people.

Overall I am satisfied with the controller though the transceiver location issue do bug me at times but I guess it applies to any air mouse.

Pros

Slim and light; nice to hold
Beautiful design and good built quality
Lasting battery
Easy IR learning process

Cons

Up/down button needs to be IR 'learned' for use with Android devices.
Transceiver don't work well when used as keyboard due to design

Specifications:

Receiver: USB Nano Dongle
RF mode: 2.4Ghz GFSK
Transmission distance: Up to 10 meters
Transmission Power: Less than +4db
Power supply: Rechargeable 450mAh polymer Lithium-ion battery
Charging voltage: 4.4V ~ 5.25V
Charging current: 300mA
Sleeping Current class1: 86uA
Operation Voltage: 3.7V
Operating Current: 22mA
Product weight: 100g
Product Size: 170mm x 49mm x 16mm

Friday, July 15, 2016

Tecno TSH5030R Electric Water Heater

This is the smallest capacity model from Tecno's range of horizontal storage water heater even though the manual states that there is an even smaller capacity model (25 L) as well as various other capacities. Tecno however only sells the 30 L, 50 L and 90 L models.



Although I posted about how a vertical storage heater is better than a horizontal one, this being almost similar in vertical and horizontal dimensions (540 cm x 380 cm) will not make much of a difference

It comes complete with all the necessary accessories including the installation brackets and mounting screws. The tank can be mounted on the left or right and on the floor or ceiling therefore placement shouldn't be a problem.



According to the manual, it is energy saving as the temperature of the heated water will be maintained up to 2 days after the heater is powered off.

I recently purchased the heater from Lazada for $178 nett after using a promo code that knocks some bucks off the actual price together with their free delivery promo on their app.

Warranty is only for 1 year for heating element but 5 years for the tank itself.

Unboxing

 The box it came with



The box includes all the necessary accessories to have it installed, including brackets, wall mounting screws etc.


The technical ratings on the control panel which is configured for right side mount. If you plan to mount on the left side, you have to rotate the control panel face plate.

The simple control panel consists of a dial for temperature settings and light indicators for heating and power.



After installation (before cleanup)



DIY

If you plan to perform a DIY installation, then the following are some tips

1. Get a 16mm drill to mount the wall mounting hooks
2. You will need a torx screwdriver if you need to rotate the control panel
3. A ratchet set will help to screw the mounting bracket to the heater
4. You may need the help of someone else to mount the heater to the wall hooks but I was able to do it on my own as it was not that heavy. Just be careful


Features

Blue Diamond enamel-coated inner tank and heavy duty anode rod protects tank against rust and corrosion;
High quality Incoloy heating element;
Thermal cutout to prevent overheating;
Glasslined coating on water inlet/outlet for better water quality;
Polyurethane insulation reduces energy loss (Energy Saving);
Multi-function safety valve;
Temperature control knob;
Water tubes whirl flow technology;
Multi-angle installation bracket.

Technical specs

Capacity - 30 Litre;
Rated voltage - 230V/50Hz;
Rated power input - 1500W;
Rated max temp - 75 Degrees Celsius
Rated pressure - 0.8 Mpa;
Water proof degree - IPX1;
Dimensions - 540 x 380 x 380 cm
Weight - 12.5 kg / 42.5 (empty / filled)

Note:


The IPX1 water proof degree means the heater can have water dripping (vertically) on it with no harmful effect when tested for 10 minutes with water equivalent to 1 mm rainfall per minute.

Incoloy is a superalloy designed for excellent corrosion resistance as well as strength at high temperatures.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Latest fiber broadband promotion by Singapore ISPs

StarHub's current 1Gbps fiber broadband promotion at $49.90 per month for 24 months comes with

- Free Wireless AC Dual-band Router DIR-850L (Upgrade to DIR-868L at $120.)
- Free Fibre Termination Point installation
- Free Service installation
- Free Unlimited streaming entertainment with StarHub Go Basic and Go Premium Packs
- Free $150 Shopping Voucher.

Home phone line at $2.10 per month.

http://www.starhub.com/personal/promotions/broadband/unbeatable-home-broadband-deals.html

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M1's current 1Gbps fiber broadband promotion at $39.90 per month for 24 months comes with

- FREE 24 mths 300Mbps Mobile Broadband (1GB)
- FREE Home Fixed Voice Service
- FREE ONT Activation
- FREE Sentosa Islander Family Membership (worth $50. Valid for up to five (5) immediate family members)

There will be, however, a one-time registration charge of $48.15 (inclusive of GST).
Top up $5/month for a Asus RT-AC56S

https://www.m1.com.sg/Personal/BUNDLES%20AND%20PROMOTIONS/Promotions/Bundle%20Promotion/PKG100391

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SingTel's 1Gbps fiber broadband promotion is currently at $50 per month for 24 months and comes with

- Free Fibre Termination Point installation
- Free Optical Network Terminal installation
- Home Digital Line with free unlimited local calls
- 10% off Mobile subscription
- Online Exclusive waiver of registration fee worth $53.50

https://www.singtelshop.com/shop/fibre-broadband/plan-details.jsf

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MyRepublic current fiber broadband promotion is currently at $49.90 per month for 24 months and comes with

- Free ASUS N56 Router or ASUS AC56U (or ASUS AC87U with $99 Top-Up)
- FREE Home Voice with Unlimited Local Calls

There will be. however. a $58 Service Installation Fee

https://myrepublic.com.sg/pricing/#300-discount

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ViewQuest current 1Gbps fiber broadband promo is currently at $65 per month with free

- ViewQuest TV

Residential Voice is at $3.95 per month

Setup Fee is $79.25.

http://www.viewqwest.com/vqlp/cny2016/index.html

Friday, January 1, 2016

Novotel Melaka

We stayed for a night in a two connecting superior rooms in late October 2015.

The hotel is owned by the same owner of Straits Suites and Hotel which is just next door but managed by a different management team hence the reason why both hotels shares the same car park.

The hotel is very new. It was opened in September, barely a month ago .Located very near to malls and major attractions, you can practically venture by foot if you are adventurous enough.

Lobby is really huge and unique with interesting structures and funky sofas where we were served by very helpful and pleasant service staff while the kids spent their time in a kids room where they have game consoles, books etc to keep the kids entertained.

Rooms size are pretty much standard. There are study table with the TV on the wall, closet, fridge and water heater. 

The location of the fridge is a little weird, which is at the end of the closet/storage cabinet with the door opening to the side and not along it. No issues if you are just staying in a room but for us who requested connecting rooms, it does pose a problem when the connecting room door is opened.

The bathroom are surrounded by glass walls and comes with a motorised screen that goes up and down with a touch of a button. The bathroom doors are unique in that is mirrors the closet opposite therefore if you were to close the bathroom doors, you may not be able to guess there the bathroom is there first time you step in.

Rooms either faces the sea or the town so do not forget to request for one facing the sea.

There's a pretty long pool with a kids pool and a playground at the end where kids can slide into the pool. To get to the pool, you have to stop at the gym level and then go down a step of stairs. This could be a problem for those who cannot go up and down stairs. I am not sure if there is a way to go to the pool straight at lift level.

Other facilities includes a sauna and a gym which we didn't manage to use due to time constraints. The official site states that there's BBQ and Kids zone area but I am pretty sure those are not yet ready when we were there hence no pictures as well on the site.

Overall the hotel is OK. It is new, so it feels great. If not for the pool, I would prefer staying in Straits Hotel and Suites.


Pros

Near to shopping malls and attractions
Plenty of eatery around
Some rooms has the view of the sea
Kids pool and kids zone

Cons

Poor TV channels and signal quality

URL - http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-8155-novotel-melaka/index.shtml