"Equipian"

EQUIPIAN IS BACK!

2006-10-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

The return was imminent. Now, it has arrived. Please flow to: http://web.mac.com/nfung

Check it out..

iDJ too

2006-05-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Previously on Numark's new Mark, we talked about the iDJ with two iPods replacing regular turntables and CD's. the digital revolution has changed the DJ scene in many ways, but having 2 iPods on your cross fader looks pretty lame. the original white coloring was designed to match the softness of the iPods, but music is not always about being soft and looking posh. the new iDJ 2, on the other hand, makes a giant leap by using on ONE iPod. this makes a lot more sense, and yet, it can be playing 2 songs at the same time, enabling the same mixing power, looping, pitching and cross fades. It also accommodates other mass storage like memory sticks, another iPod, and external USB drives. there's "line in" for turntables, CD players for the older school, and the graphical interface makes everything quite intuitive. the bonus? it can also record to the iPod at the same time. Did i mention that this thing looks a LOT better than the previous model? it's black and mean looking, with knobs that are functional and durable. [equipbug]
photo:www.numark.com

Ready for World cup?

2006-05-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

The world cup frenzy is abound and anyone who isn't into it must live in a cave. like me. i haven't gotten into the frenzy, but probably because i'm held inside a hospital without a TV. luckily i have the internet, or maybe not so luckily... in any case, Paul Smith seems to be getting into the spirit in a fun way. The designer came out with 4 World Cup soccer balls, my favorite being the traditional looking brown leather ball, with a twist. each piece is different in pattern, but looks like one brown ball from a distance. the others look kind of lame... and expensive. what do you expect when a fashion designer tries to do sports? [equipbug]

photo: www.paulsmith.co.uk

Powerbook's Whining problem solved..

2006-05-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

Being a diehard Mac fan, i've always trusted their hardware. From the days of Apple IIe to the powerbook G4, i've stuck to Macs. After my last purchase of the 12 inch powerbook G4, i've noticed that the hard drive really whined and buzzed. i wasn't even sure if it was the drive or not, but it was all noisy. of course, i let a month pass, then 6 and finally i had to reinstall the entire operating system... everything was going dead. so i backed things up and reinstalled. the computer started to work wonderfully and everything back to normal, except that buzz. then another 3 months, reinstall... then 2 months... reinstall. it was getting painful. by the time it broke down again last week... i was sick of it and took it into Apple. they said it's the hard disk. i need to pay them 500 USD to replace and install a new HD. obviously, i should have done it BEFORE the apple warranty expired, but i wanted to give them a chance... perhaps it was just a software thing... i thought. (500 USD... that's insane...)

Well, i took it back, wrote into the Macrumors forums and got help. most people told me that it's not Apple's fault, they outsource their drives etc. it was very helpful and i went around to www.ifixit.com and found out how to take apart my 12 inch G4 powerbook. it was a hell of a lot of screws, but eventually i made it to the drive. to my dismay, i found out the reason why my drive broke down and why it buzzed!
Apple had left out 2 vital screws which held down the drive. instead, it was left hanging out loosely in my laptop this whole time. check out the photo HERE: [click to enlarge]

Now, i've replaced the drive and put in new screws. it's as quiet as a sleeping baby and no trouble so far. it's only been a week, but hey, i'm keeping my fingers crossed. Now, when people give the excuse that Apple outsources the parts and it's not their fault when things break... i would be much more suspicious if there's an underlying problem. it doesn't take a genius to know that a loose drive spinning at over 5000 rpm would get damaged if it's not stable.

How about the recent Macbook Pros? people have been complaining about that as well and Apple better do something about buzzes and whines, because it would really suck if people had to go through a year of buzzing just to find out 2 screws would change their lives. [equipbug]

Travel 02: Tumi Raider

2006-05-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Going to Cambodia? Siem Reap? for some tomb raiding? or to Hawaii for some beaching? maybe i'm going to Africa on a Safari, but perhaps i'm just lost in translation over in Tokyo... whatever the case i carry a lot of goodies with me when i travel. it's the airport time that gets me most worried. the more bags and jackets i carry, the more likely i'll leave it some where in the lounge, terminal or airplane. i might even drop stuff in the security check. recently, i came upon a vest, and jacket, from Tumi, known for their indestructible luggage. This vest has pockets all over the place, front, back outside, inside... where ever. It's got a nicely cushioned neoprene collar, mesh side panels to keep cool, and a headphone port for the iPod. basically, i can imagine wearing this and ditching the bag. passport, books, music, everything in there and get on the plane. everything else in the suitcase.. on arrival, i can use this with the addition of a trusty camera. sure, it looks quite "safari" to take everywhere, but in places like Siem Reap, i would have loved to ditch an additional pack. Since i'm a fly fisher, i know what a handy vest can do... now i'm just taking the concept to traveling! think MIssion Impossible not James Bond [equipbug]
Cost: 150 USD:

www.tumi.com

Yet another D-Snap!

2006-05-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Previously mentioned, the Panasonic D-Snap is not going away. in fact, several new models have popped up, despite the dominance of the iPod. Perhaps the iPod is all the rage in the US, but in Asia they do not hold such a monopoly.
This little number, the SV-SD370D or SD310, is an SD flash music player. It is the worlds smallest removable flash player and has some super stats. for one, it can play up to 115 HOURS on a full charge, or 3 hours on a 10 minute quick charge. besides playing music, it has a global FM tuner, microphone recorder, and acts as a storage device for files. It has an EL display, and plays AAC, WMA and MP3. comes in silver, pink and blue. Click HERE for the Japanese Ad with Ayumi Hamasaki. [equipbug]

photos: www.panasonic.jp

Travel 01: Coach ride to the Beach

2006-04-28T01:49:00.000-07:00

travel season is nearly here and some do it in style. Coach makes some nice leather goods, but lately, i've noticed a nice tote bag they have. sure, tote bags are not exactly the manliest things, but if you're taking it on a yacht, to a secluded beach in the South East Asia, to the local country club... then who's going to say anything? i prefer messenger bags and shoulder bags myself, like the Crumpler, but i can see how the tote can work out. stuff a large beach towel in, sunblock, sunglasses, a magazine or book and some music. put on a pair of nice sandals and board shorts, it's time for vacation!
The full size Hamptons canvas tote and the drafting tote are versatile and perfect for the excursion. suede and leather lined, bright dyed canvas body and all quality. it doesn't come cheap, but i'm sure it will last many seasons. [equipbug]
Drafting Tote: 298 USD in red or light sand

The Canvas Tote: 448USD in Cobalt or light sand

Beach excursion tools:
Sunglasses
Board Shorts: search "boardies" on equipian
Sunblock for the ladies
Sunblock for the guys

10x Optical compact

2006-04-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Kodak initially tinkered with the idea of having two lenses in one camera a few weeks back. Now they have recently introduced the V610 which uses that idea and incorporates 10x optical zooms into the compact camera. With the two Schneider-Kreuznach C variogon all glass prism zoom lenses, the camera covers 38-380mm! It also has a large 2.8inch LCD, bluetooth connections, and ISO 800. with the unique system, the zoom range is automatically merged and you would never notice the when the camera is using one lens or the other. It can also do video with 30fps, an on camera photo album, panorama capabilities, on camera editing (cropping, colors) and some manual controls. The camera has 28 MB bilt in, but with 6MP resolution, you'll need to add that SD card in there. looks like Kodak is finally moving away from film and getting into the digicam market. too late? we'll see.. [equipbug]
cost: 449 USD

looks like there's a docking printer available as well: 149 USD

photos: www.kodak.com

Porta-DVD

2006-04-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sony released the basic portable DVD with the label of "walkman". Unfortunately, it's nothing more than a DVD player with a 7 inch screen and a docking system. Fortunately, it looks awesome, has over 3 hours of run time, two headphone jacks, DTS sound, plays DVD's, VCD, CD's, MP3's, JPEG's and CDR or DVD-R. Many people may think that it's not a PMP and portable DVD players are things of the past, but that's not true. bringing a DVD player on any trip would mean that you can connect it to a TV and play DVD's on the road or in a hotel room. It also means you don't have to spend hours ripping DVD's to your HD and transferring to the PMP. rent or buy a DVD on the go, bring DVD's, borrow... whatever... just put it in and play. sometimes simplicity and old technology can last a long time. Also when it looks as good as this (only 2.8 cm thick), i'm sure people will be buying it. I can imagine using this in commutes as well as longer trips. Comes with a remote and dock which also doubles as a charger. Pair it with an Apple Hi-Fi? one problem is if this was a region locked product. who knows. [equipbug]

photo: www.ecat.sony.co.jp

Tea time ..

2006-04-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

My friend bought me a pack of Camomile and told me that it helps to relief stress and promote sleep. i tried it for about 2 months and i think that it really calms me down after whole day of work. recently, i read an article saying that cold Camomile tea can be applied on allergic skin for soothing too.
What's more, some UK researchers believe that drinking camomile tea can fight a cold and banish menstrual cramps. they observed that the level of substances that are anti-inflammatory and ease muscle spasms are elevated in the urine of people drinking camomile tea, but a controlled clinical trial is needed to prove their observation. anyway, it's time for tea now ... [equipchic]

Eye Concealer

2006-04-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

When you stay up very late and wake up very early, the first point that make you look terrible is the eyes. I think the eye concealer is quite important for both women and men to cover dark circles, except you're so lucky enough that you've never had 'panda eyes'. Eye concealer and sunscreen are the must items for me every morning. I have tried 3 brands for eye concealers. However, it may depend on each person for the most suitable one.

photo: www.ettusais.co.jp

Ettusais-Eye Zone Control
The texture is liquid which is quite easy to apply on the eyelids. You have to gradually dab, not wipe. The coverage is quite good but not completely and it hardly conceal when use with blemishes. I always use the artificial tear, so it dissolved this concealer because it's non-waterproof. It costs 2100 yen.

photo: www.shuuemura-usa.com

Shu Uemura-Pro Concealer
There's also Eye-Pro Concealer, which the cream is more suitable with the eye area. However, the color in pro-concealer line is better for me. The texture is thicker than the Ettusais's but the coverage is much better. So it effectively cover blemishes and pimples. It also lasts for day. Although it's quite expensive, 21 USD or 2625 yen, but I touch only tiny bit each time, and that's enough to cover. It's also quicker to apply than Ettusais's.

Canmake-Cover & Stretch Concealer UV
This one is what I want to continue using it. I found this brand in a drugstore in Japan. It's labeled as waterproof and UV-protecting. And it costs only 780 yen. The texture is creamy but can cover as good as Shu Uemura's Pro Concealer. However, I found its homepage available only in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

photos: www.canmake.com

I also bought Canmake's Color Stick for my friend. He's really appreciated that it's very easy to use, just wipe the stick over the dark circles. However, it's not good on other areas. It costs 580 yen.

[equipholic]

IWC Spitfire

2006-04-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

According to IWC, their first pilots' watch was launched in 1936, same year as the launch of the British fighter "Spitfire". their resemblance does not end here, as the newly launched Pilots' watch Spitfire edition the dials and numbers are riveted to the dial just like the panels on the plane. The bulging result is rather nice and makes the watch an easy read. the hands on the watch resemble the propeller blades of the spitfire, while the rhodium plated face gives it a clean finish. The model comes in four models, including a chronographic version. Who would have thought back in 1936 that a german-swiss watch company would be making a dedication to a British war plane? how ironic. [equipbug]

photos: www.iwc.ch

Western rules

2006-04-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

once in a while, i go out on my gravity diamond tail for some turns and fun. not to be out done, sector 9 has released the Western, with 7 plys of maple, and 70mm wheels on randall trucks. the same camber and concave as the diamond tail and probably rides very similarly as the dimensions are comparable. i like the sick lines on this board and it has a nice full tail. its a lot thicker than the diamond tail and probably has less give and less bounce. in many ways, that can be just as fun, especially when going down hills at high speeds. less shake and more turns. wish i found these at a younger age :) [equipbug] 170 USD

little mini risers, nice touch.

photos: www.sector9.com

Cool Cat in Hat

2006-04-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

There's just something about panama hats, fedoras... that intrigue me. with summer almost here, i'm spending more and more time dreaming of places to go, beaches to see, hikes to trek and treasure to discover. but during my break, i would sit in a hammock with my white cotton shirt, tweed slacks, and a straw panama hat... just taking a nap in the afternoon breeze, out in a secluded beach somewhere in south east asia... now wouldn't that be nicer than sitting in front of this computer... in a hospital... on a weekend...? sigh... i'll hang on to that image for now. [equipbug]
this one's by Banana Republic. 48USD. not bad, not bad.

Panasonic to SD

2006-04-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

The next big thing in camcorders are HD and HD. high definition and hard disk. Sony was the latest to come out with one, but every brand is still into their first generation of hard disk recorders. High Definition, however, is almost the bottom line.

I had the opportunity to mess around with Panasonic's SD card based camcorder: S100. it's a 3CCD camera with 10x optical zoom and a compact design. shoots in high definition and a ton better than Sharps model. It records in MPEG 2, with 3 0.17inch CCDs, onto SD cards (up to 2GB currently), and shoots 3 MP stills (with pop up flash). it's palm size, easy to handle and weighs 8.5 ounces. the camcorder fits into any bag and most pockets, so it's great for those who like to take spontaneous videos. the lack of a tape and hard disk also means that it's more impact resistant, no moving parts. it's a very simple and basic camcorder, no BS, no extras.... just you and the anti shake, with the 1.5 second start up time there's no time to lose. 2.8 inch screen playback, scene presets, white balance and many manual options make this a fun camcorder. just shoot, plug it into a computer and download, then shoot again. simple things come in nice packages. [equipbug]

also in the sporty black:

photos: www.panasonic.jp

Dunhill Collection

2006-04-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

got a lot of jewelry? cufflinks? watches? pretty much any accessories become difficult to keep track of since they are all very small in size. whether is a sterling silver surf styled ring or a funky paul smith cuff link or even your everyday omega watch... it can easily get misplaced if it's not centralized.
Something every guy eventually needs, or should have, is an organizer. They come in all shapes and sizes, even portable ones for traveling. several from Dunhill's Tradition line up make the grade and looks good in any room. the Vide Poche with 3 compartments and a covered central flap. (seen above)
the jewelry boxes: 18 or 10 compartments [equipbug]

photos: www.dunhill.com

world of Orange!

2006-04-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

if you don't know by now, orange is one of the colors that just captivate me. it stands out and has a very refreshing feeling. i would probably avoid wearing that color excessively and in fact i own very few orange clothes. nevertheless, i still gravitate towards all things orange.
Hermes is one of those perfect brands which thrive on all things Orange! from ties to ties to ties... to hats, cufflinks and scarves, pocket squares... anything. their theme color is the perfect orange. i may end up getting one of those orange ties for myself, when i get tired of all the blues i have (literally). [equipbug]

ties to come later :)
photos: www.hermes.com

Frank Cruisers

2006-04-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

back in the 80's when bike cruisers were all the rage, my cousin had a spider man bike which was the envy of the town. the low riding high handle bars were too cool, too cool. even ride was different and cruising around in one of those just felt right. it's not for speed, in fact there weren't even any gear shifters. one speed, and that's the cruising speed.
Now, Paul Frank and Nirve have come together and released some new cruiser designs. they range from choppers to regular cruisers and sport the paul frank colors and monkeys. every bike comes with a bell and basket. go figure. i won't be caught dead in one of these anymore, but still it brings back the good ol' days. [equipbug]
prices range from 280-340 USD:

photos: www.urbanindustry.co.uk

T30, will it ever end?

2006-04-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

The slim wars just keep getting better and thinner. Sony's newest unit, T30, has improved anti shake tech, improved battery stamina to around 420 shots, 7.2 MP, RAW format, 3x optical zoom, large 3 inch LCD screen, music play back with slideshows, 16:9 ratio images, 125-1000 ISO for better night picts, 1cm macro capability, 9 user presets, video with audio, and sequence shots. All that in a package just larger than a credit card. With the larger screen, Sony has ditched the optical viewfinder, but with such massive battery life, perhaps it's about time? i've always been an advocator of the optical viewfinder, having been on long trips at a time without charging the cameras. this camera looks perfectly suited for anyone looking to share photos or have difficulty viewing smaller screens. the point and shoot simplicity is almost overlooked in the gorgeous shiny casing. but isn't it time that they came out with a different design concept? then again, why change what's not broken? [equipbug]

it even has an optional underwater case:

photos: www.sony.jp

Totally Revitalized!

2006-04-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

Shiseido's line for men is probably one of the most popular out there. i've been given the eye soother as well as the moisture emulsion. having cleaned out the entire bottle recently, i've decided to test out the Total Revitalizer. it's thicker, and heavier than the emulsion but once it's on the cream disappears very quickly. it smells of ethanol but has a lasting freshness. supposedly an anti aging cream, it energizes and defies fine lines or signs of aging. i personally think it's just a hydration cream that looks good and feels cool. there's a nice coolness after applying both the eye cream as well as the revitalizer. not sure if it's worth the 60 USD price tag, but you can easily find it for about half the price and really does last all day. anti aging? well, that's a bonus, isn't it... [equipbug]

photo: www.shiseido.com

Terre D' Hermes

2006-04-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

the Ground or Earth of Hermes.. doesn't sound too good for a perfume. The was forced to try a sample of this at the Hermes store recently and found it rather odd. the first whiff was very pungent but as it became lighter the smell grew on me. it's very woody and earthy. perhaps the name makes sense after all. it's a very difficult odor to pin point as it's unique and quite memorable. one of those odors that you associate with the object and not a generalized term like "sweet" or "floral" or "fruity". it's Terre D' Hermes, that's what it is. if you must describe it, i would say the smell is sophisticated and not sporty at all. It's wood, burnt a little, and very masculine but also a touch of vegetables. sounds like a BBQ? well, i'm not doing a very good job with the description so you might as well try it our yourself. [equipbug]

this brand new fragrance goes for about 32 British Pounds
www.hermes.com

Spring to Lacoste

2006-04-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

It's deep into Spring and Summer is just a round the corner, so what better casual-sports designer than Lacoste to kick it off? The super cool crocodile is unmistakable and looks good in any piece of clothing. One that has caught my eye are the "Chill" sandals. they are comfortable and simplistically designed in Lacoste style. [equipbug] My favorite off white: 125 USD in suede

or in Oil Skin: 125 USD in leather

Cool in baby Blue: in canvas

these go for about 98 USD.

For something you can wear to work or to clubs, I think the Octopi or Camden Retro can work out. The Octopi has two gaps in the sole for extra flexibility and comfort. Both designs are simple and works with a suit or track suit. I've been really liking casual shoes lately but have not picked one out yet. True it's not the same as a pair of runners or a pair of leather shoes, but i like the best of both worlds!
the Octopi:

also in Black or Green:

The Camden Retro: a touch of Lacoste Green is what i prefer, and the style of Velcro is here to stay

photos: www.zappos.com

hydra-phobia

2006-03-30T06:02:00.000-08:00

Sector 9 is out with a sleuth of new boards. one of the most interesting is the new Hydra. supposedly the first in its series of highly maneuverable boards, the Hydra uses the patented sidewinder 2 trucks from Gullwing. From the photos, the trucks look like they can produce some sharp turns with 2 joints instead of 1. the super fat slalom wheels are 69mm and grip very well. The deck is only 33.5 inches has a small tail non the less. it's probably a slalom styled board but i'm sure it would be fun to cruise with as well. bombs away! [equipbug]

photos: www.sector9.com

mini wallet

2006-03-29T22:14:00.000-08:00

This weekend, i released myself from slavery and took sometime to window shop. i happened upon this Paul Smith wallet which looks like an ordinary black leather wallet from the outside, but reveals a colorful mini cooper when opened. the Cooper is the older model and looks vintage with the beach and waves in the backdrop. the price is a bit high, but sometimes you pay for a little subtlety and for your own satisfaction of having a mini in your back pocket. sometimes i wish my wallets would not last for so many years, but i suppose that's better than the other extreme. [equipbug] 130 british pounds.

photos: www.paulsmith.co.uk

'lectric raze

2006-03-29T22:08:00.000-08:00

it's been over 6 years since my last hair cut... at a barber. i've been cutting my own as well as other people's hair since high school, after my friend lost a bet on something trivial like throwing stones into a pond. After that i even got a few meals out of cutting hair in college. now that it's all in the past, i've managed to use that same skill (or lack of), to graze my own hair. i've found that quality blades make a huge difference. after several years on the Remington, it eventually fell apart and stopped working completely. this may be partially due to the fact that the clippers where used to cut my own hair as well as my dog's.

Recently, i got the new Panasonic ER153A. not a very interesting name, but the "professional height adjustable hair clippers" really work well. the DLC (diamond like carbon) blades glide right through my mangy hair like a hot knife through butter. it comes with 4 lengths, which i find inadequate, but also has an adjustable blade. The best part is the fact that it's rechargeable and cordless. i no longer have to drag an extension cord into the bathroom, and the light clippers are very easy to maneuver. run out of juice? just plug it back in and keep going. So far, these are the best clippers i've used, but it comes at a cost. I got them for just over 100 USD, but when you do the calculations in fact i've saved hundreds on haircuts over these few years. just a tip. [equipbug]

True Starwalker

2006-03-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

Last year, i came upon the Starwalker series by the pen maker Montblanc. the starwalker comes in the standard Resin, which Montblanc is famous for, and the Metal with rubber. The two designs are available as a fountain pen, mechanical pen, ballpoint pen and the fineliner. Last time i missed out on the fineliner, which in fact was the most interesting piece. the twist open cap with the clear montblanc icon on top is so pleasant to open. it fits snugly on the end of the pen and locks into place with a twist. the over all weight of the metal/rubber version is heavier and makes it more stable. I really like the checkered design with laser etched lines. the see through icon was a bit odd at first sight but i've come to like the hidden icon. The fineliner is easy to grip and has a spring loaded tip for continual smooth writing. i am not exactly sure what draws me to pens and stationary, but this is probably the best looking pen i've seen yet. add a little monogram on it and personalize the pen. all that for a cool 300 USD. is it worth the money? well, let's just say you better use it daily. [equipbug]

photo: www.stilographica.it

Messages for Jack?

2006-03-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

I can not remember the first time i used a messenger bag, but i don't think i've really used anything else ever since. It's great for walking about, putting my groceries in, my shopping, my extra jacket, my school books, whatever. these days, it's for my work books, but it's the same bag! I've gone through Manhattan Portage, some Jack Spades, Crumpler, North Face, and many nameless bags. they all have their own identity and i've been using the Crumpler for work and travel recently. it's durable and large enough for most things. I've settled for a Barney Rustle Blanket but may end up getting a few more yet.
My sister got me two Jack Spades 2 years ago and i really like the "Warren St." Field bags. the button enclosure is hidden under the flap, there is a zip pocket inside and an outside pocket for pens and gadgets. the simple design works well and looks more formal than the "Greene St." version. The greene St bag tends to slip off my shoulders, gets loose and no matter how many times i readjust the strap, it slips back down. there are pockets for music players and all that, but the quality is just not there. i would prefer the Warren St any day, for the simple and elegant design with good functionality.
They now come in Olive and Chocolate, but mine is Brown with a Red lining. I think these bags would stand out from the posh european brands, but also look more sophisticated than the adventure Crumpler type. [equipbug]
by the way, Jack is the dog. Kate Spade is the wife.

www.jackspade.com

Lush Puppies

2006-03-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

On a weekend, i love to get out of my office clothes and wear something comfortable. During the week, i have to stand all day and walk around in dressier shoes. Sooner or later, i will get my hands on the Puma Go Court and pair it with my scrubs. no more shirt and tie for a while. but until that day, i enjoy the weekends with a nice pair of Hush Puppies Loafers. They are soft, long lasting, stylish and reasonably priced. it's no TOD, but the price won't kill your bank account either. wearing it with a pair of khakis or shorts and just kicking back. there's really no need to wear socks with it, and it may look less comfortable with socks. For 120 USD, everyone should own a pair. [equipbug]
Comes in 8 colors.

photos: www.zappos.com

Starck and Hutch

2006-03-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

Starck designs are seen through out the MoMa, and for a good reason. recently, i've found this watch on sale in the Cathay Pacific duty free catalog. My sister ended up getting it and finds it very convenient. The design is modern with Orange LEDs which show the time in 4 large displays. It's best used at night where normal watches are difficult to read. In the day time though, i noticed that the watch relies on the light of the LED and it becomes faded in bright sunlight. The strap is also cut down to size, so once you fit it to your wrist, you better not get fat. Otherwise, the cool design and unique display is definitely worthy of the 120 USD you have to put down. in this case, money does buy "cool". [equipbug]

www.cathaypacific.com

Muji Mug

2006-03-21T01:10:00.000-08:00

Muji makes some very simple yet visually appealing products. As Beer drinking is more than to get drunk, the Japanese have understood the pairing of good food with good beer. In order to enhance the taste, they have made special clay beer mugs that are course on the inside and allow the beer to form a perfect head. the taste becomes creamier and if you chill the mug in advance, it can stay cold for longer. they look simple, but it's all in the performance. i've been using them for years now and find that Muji's beer mugs are cheap and does the job. they come in taller shapes as well as more tea mug shaped versions. the outside is glazed for easier cleaning, but the inside is still raw. the porous surface makes it difficult to clean and these are definitely unsuitable for lazy dishwashers. people who don't do their dishes regularly should avoid these mugs, it will grow all sorts of nasty bugs if you give it a chance.... afterall, humans aren't the only living things who love beer. [equipbug]

www.muji.net

Angle powder for photos shooting

2006-03-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

The latest Raycious foundation by Sofina is perfect for photo shooting. why? it naturally highlight the contour of your face - brighten your nose bridge and your cheeks; dampen your jaws and make you look slimmer than usual. what's more, it works in all direction, both the front and the side. if you want to be sure that the powders are put on evenly, i suggest that you buy the 3 sided mirror case as well. btw, Sofinas' sun block is known to be nice, this foundation can also serves as a daily protector with SPF 24 ++. [equipchic]

photo courtesy of www.sofina.com

Tiger wins his 3rd!

2006-03-10T03:18:00.000-08:00

it's too bad i missed the tournament on TV last weekend, but it's getting old... Tiger Woods wins again. truth is, i'm a Tiger fan and it's always great to see him win. unfortunately, i get to play about 1 round per month and never have the chance to get to the driving range anymore.
Last round i played was a disaster. hit in the 80's but it was the way i shot my irons which disappointed. sadly, i played with a very competitive guy and he was all over me in the end. not that i want to make an excuse, but the loss was due to a foot injury from running in the Standard Chartered Marathon the week before. all i got to say is that he better not play head to head with me again, because there won't be any mercy. to prove that my iron game was off, i hit every fairway when teeing off.
in fact, i used my Titleist 983K Fujikura Speeder and cracked it 300 yards down the fairway of a 560 yards Par 5 then followed it with a 260 yard 3 wood to put it onto the elevated, bunker guarded green for an eagle putt. that's my long game, but my iron play was pathetic.. so let's not talk about it. without a full turn, it was nearly impossible to hit a proper iron.
After that round, i realize that i must take advantage of youth and health to play my best golf. well, i suppose that goes for everything and not just golf... we'll see [equipbug]

The Titleist driver is only about 360CC's, which is a dwarf compared to the newer clubs, but it's plenty big for me. i've always used titleist clubs because it's heavier and the kick is usually lower. i'm not sure what the specs are on most clubs, but this just feels right. i can go hard at it and even at 120 mph's the club can get to the ball perfectly square repeatedly. it's also a lot easier to hit due to the size, but at the same time it has a classical look and builds confidence.

The 3+ Kasco is absolutely amazing. it's a miracle compared to my 1991 bertha 3 wood. i got it on sale, and being one of the few clubs that are made entirely in japan, i thought that i can't really go wrong. well, i was right. the Power Tornado is easy to hit, and the low center of gravity makes it very easy to hit off the deck. 250 yard carries no longer require too much effort. running it up to 260 is effortless and sometimes i'm pleasantly surprised with the resulting shot because the feel of the club is stiff and the feedback is sensitive. it's not a mushy club to hit, and definitely a sense of achievement to really lean into it. i'll have to take it to the range one day and see what it can really do!

New favorite Beer: Sapporo

2006-03-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

who doesn't drink beer... and most beer drinkers know that the Japanese have come to par with any beer brewers in the world. the one i've been drinking frequently these days is the classic Sapporo Draft Beer. it's the same flavor since 1876... over a hundred years old and that alone means it can't be all bad. the full flavor is easy to down and absolutely perfect with most food. i think beer goes with most meals, and i would recommend Sapporo with Indonesian peanuts, but of course japanese snacks are all right too. the 5% beer is flavorful (and cool like a Sapporo winter), a little sweet after taste and pours a perfect head, especially when you use japanese beer mugs. a classic, without a doubt, in fact i think i'll have another now. [equipbug]

www.sapporobeer.jp

2006-03-10T02:18:00.000-08:00

Nixon's new Rotolog is a step away from the usual watch. using a rotating disc to tell time, it's not exactly the most efficient use of space and ease of use, but it's stylish. The time rotates on a single disc and the time can be read through a small square window where the "DATE" is located in most watches. the simple design comes in wood, black, white and orange. despite being a huge orange fan, i'd say that the wood looks best. but then again, i'm not all too interested in fashion oriented watches that don't impress me much. oh well... at least they tried. listed price: 200 USD. can you say "pass"? [equipbug]
click to enlarge:

photos: www.nixonnow.com

See it through the Grapevine

2006-03-10T01:31:00.000-08:00

Oakley's second female targeted release is the Grapevine. they are sleeker than the Script and Riddle, making it a bit more sporty than fashion oriented. it's still very similar to the Script, with a large face covering frame and two lenses instead of the one piece straight through. Also made from plastic, but unlike the Script the frame is a single color all the way through. They start at 120 USD and come in 4 colors. click the above image to enlarge... [equipbug]

photos: www.oakley.com

Oakley's new Script

2006-03-10T01:24:00.000-08:00

Oakley sunglass makers are turning more and more attention to the women as they have dedicated several new sunnies and a website to promote them. the large frame styles of old are back and virtually every maker has them. Oakley released the Script, a plastic frame with the famous oakley lenses put in. it looks all right and has the typical oakley straight ear piece. it will probably appeal to many as did the Dart and Riddle. the separate lenses are more traditional but have nice oakley accents on the frame to separate it from the other brands. starting at 140USD, they come in 5 colors. [equipbug]
[click to enlarge]

photo: www.oakley.com

Reviewed: Sennheiser PX 100 Headphones

2006-03-09T23:42:00.000-08:00

These Phones are Great! end of review.
hey i actually went through a dozen reviews on the web before purchasing these. i have so many pairs of headphones that i've lost count. i'm a big fan of Sony phones, and still am, but these Sennheisers have opened me to new dimensions. my iPod and Nano have been great companions, and deliver so many hours of musical pleasure, but the "buds" that are included sound terrible. but worst of all, they hurt my ears after about 45 minutes. So i decided to purchase the Apple In Ear phones. they are good on the subway, and noisy places because they cut "some" sound. it's by no means a sound proof set. but i've worked with them for a few years and will still use them at the gym. the problem is that they transmit rubbing sounds from my clothing, or they are pulled out very easily. the sound is decent and acceptable in most cases.
Now... the Sennheisers are totally different. they are open, over the ear phones. you can hear everything people do or say around. having said that, it may be a better choice for the street, so that you would not get run over without knowing what happened. it's also decent for quieter places like the office or libraries. true, if you turn the music up, people can hear it, but then the clarity of these phones will keep you happy at lower volumes. i went through Jazz and J Pop, Hip Hop and Rock, Rap and Pop, they all sounded like never before. I was especially pleased with Jazz, as the masters seem to appear in front of my when i close my eyes. the smooth bass is never distorted even at higher decibels. the sweet treble holds true without the metallic twang of the Apple "Buds". these babies just sound awesome, period.
The other great thing is that they are foldable. they fold up into a small frame for easy storage. in fact, the phones even come with a hard plastic case, about the size of a sunglass case. the hinges are steel reinforced, the wires are kevlar lined, and the transducers are neodymium magnets and the construction is superb. You would be paying a lot of money for quality like this usually, but in this case the listed price is only 59.99. you can get it at amazon for 29.99, insane. [equipbug]

for more information, check it out HERE:

Also in iPod White:

www.amazon.com, www.gentrade.co.jp

Cathay Pacific goes IWC

2006-03-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

Interesting combinations these days. Cathay Pacific was an airline who boasted an all Rolls Royce engine fleet back in the 1990's. it has been voted airline of the year repeatedly, known for the great service, posh lounges, comfortable seats and solid food. now it will release a limited edition IWC Mark XII watch to commemorate it's 50 years. the Mark XII is a very conservative and classy watch. 1000 will be made and preorder can be made online in the airline's website: www.cathaypacific.com
The automatic watch comes with a steel band as well as a black leather band. [equipbug]

[click to enlarge]

photos: www.watchgallery.com.au

Constellations are for girls..

2006-03-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

True, i'm an Omega fan. i love my Seamaster and have been using this "Bond" watch for over 5 years. it's still tickin's and kickin' because great designs never get old. i also like the newer orange seamaster, the planet ocean which i've tried on but found it too large for my taste. sometimes, i have the urge to want to wear a watch that's bright and flashy, but i know that i would never use it often enough to justify a purchase. with my Seamaster, it goes well with the daily shirt and tie, with the full suit or tux, and the casual T shirt. As Bond has proven, it can even go with the spy outfit. i really like the steel chain and tidy dial with no chronographic gimmicks. i mean, how often would i use that?

now what if you were just the opposite and wanted something more elegant? i recently checked out the constellation also by Omega and the Quad dial, diamond encrusted quartz watch was completely opposite. the baby blue leather band makes it unusable for swimmiing, the chronograph is tiny and difficult to read, the hands are thin and fragile looking, the diamonds are flashy, and the mother of pearl in lays seek attention... perfect for a girl. and indeed it's a lady's watch and probably something not many would pay 4000 USD for. who knows? maybe when i start making enough money, i may want to burn it on something like this? bag... [equipbug]

photos: www.omegawatches.com

GO Go gadget Court!

2006-03-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Puma is one of my favorite logos. I love that leaping puma. unfortunately, i've never really found anything i like from that company. their shoes are not as comfortable as the K Swiss (which i still wear everyday) or even Nikes. well, a recent release has given me a second thought. the Go Courts with the "air" cushioning on the heel looks pretty nice. basic, white, clean and hopefully comfy. when the time comes for me to work on my feet all night and day, i'll probably try to get one of these. then again, there are so many choices for comfortable sneakers these days... i'll have to choose wisely. not sure if i like all the butterflies, but the shoe is not bad. [equipbug]

Think in Pink 2

2006-03-02T18:18:00.000-08:00

i'm not exactly sure why the V3 remained so popular. true, it's solidly built and thin as a razor, but the software is mediocre and the camera is junk. functionally, it's no big deal, everyone owns one and the thing has been out for years! anyway, enough nagging. Motorola knew it had something special and milked the RAZR for what it's worth, first making it silver, then black, then blue and pink...
I recently played around with the hot pink version and it looks better than i thought. the silver inside doesn't actually clash with the phone too much. but still, it's much more an accessory than anything else.
now that motorola flopped with the ROKR, they are turning back into milking the other phones. the slim candy bar phone SLVR looks awesome and has the same solid quality as the RAZR. once again, there is a pink version to appeal to all the Paris Hiltons out there who would pay extra for the pink color... i suppose that's the best part of motorola's plan, rip off the helpless electronic consumers who only care about the color and care about nothing else if the thing makes phone calls. great! [equipbug]
click to enlarge:

photos: www.pocket-lint.co.uk

another Mini

2006-03-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Apple released the intel version of the Mac Mini. same thing but with Intel single or Duo core, apple remote, iLife 06, Front Row support, 4 USB ports, Line in/Optical in and everything else is virtually the same. WiFi, Bluetooth, up to 120GB HD, 512 RAM, Combo or Super Drive, DVI/VGA out, headphone jack etc. the Mini is whisper quiet. i've had it for over half a year now and i really like the small size and quiet operation. it never crashes, but sometimes runs a bit slow. now with the new chip installed, perhaps it's a whole different story as Apple claims 4x faster... that's a big claim. we'll see! the Mini might be the next "big" thing. [equipbug]

Downer: it costs a lot more as well. no longer the cheap budget computer.
Upside: the Mini can now be used as a "hub" so that it can stream anything in iLife to the TV or computer. Sharing photos, music and videos from anywhere in the WiFi network is now possible, just connect the mini to a TV and every other computer can stream things onto it. pretty neat.

photos: www.apple.com

Hi Fi for the iPod

2006-03-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

i don't know... when it was first in the rumors that Apple has trademarked a HiFi, i was skeptical. but seems like they actually pulled it off and went for it. how successful it will be is yet to be determined. nevertheless, the 3 speaker system looks decent and perhaps if the sound is good it may get pretty popular.
i've thought about it for 2 days now and finally decided that it's not as bad as my first reaction. perhaps it's the apple factor, but perhaps it's not. it's a relatively compact system with stereo sound and complete portability as well as a dock and remote. it can be connected to the airport express through optical cables and WiFi streamed to the HiFi. i've been using the iPAL and Equiprack has also reviewed it. we both find the portability and ruggedness a bonus over the crisp sounds and sharp FM tuning. this Apple box has no FM tuner, and probably weighs a ton.. it's 16.7 lbs with batteries.

I can see it being useful in offices though. getting there, charging it on the HiFi and going home. i'm not so sure the sound is good enough to replace a home system! in fact, i'm sure it's not... it's probably not even going to replace my JBL Creatures for now, and with a steep price of 349USD, this better sound really good... [equipbug]

photos: www.apple.com

Hot n Spicy

2006-02-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

True, we're waiting for something cool from the PMA or even the Apple Media event... but not all cool things come in electric forms. a surprising announcement came from Gravity Skateboards who introducced the new Ben Wei model 24" board. it's a long board at heart, but at 24 inches, the Tracker B2 129mm trucks look monstrous, especially with the 66mm Street G's. the board is made from a 7ply Hardrock Maple and uses Angled Risers. it should be great fun to cruise around on such a small board, especially great for getting around and putting in your pack afterwards. what really catches the eye is the red design and not to forget the graphic on the back. i still prefer a nice wave on the back, but this will do.. [equipbug]

www.gravityboard.com

Sony Compacts rule

2006-02-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

So no one has said much about the Sony's release of W30 and W50. well, they are a completely redesigned line of cameras which resemble the Canon Elph series somewhat. the Original W series was blockier and not pocket friendly, but looks like it has changed since. Sony has been good to me and i've owned the old P5 as well as the V1, both produced top notch picts in any situation. now the W30 and W50 are both 6 MP, 3X optical zoom, but have 2 inch and 2.5 inch LCD's respectively. if i were to choose a compact again, i'd go with the Sony W's, but hey i'll have to stick with what i've got for now. [equipbug]

PS: this camera also shoots in the RAW format!
photos: www.sony.jp

PMA round up: Canon

2006-02-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

With PMA underway, many of the camera companies are announcing their new line up.
There's really no point in mentioning all of them here as they can be found in most websites, namely www.dpreview.com.
So i'd just like to mention the Canons i find interesting, such as the Canon dSLR 30D which will replace the 20D. It doesn't improve much in function, but has minor upgrades in spot metering, continuous shooting speeds, larger LCD and added "picture styles" otherwise there are cosmetic changes but the 30D will take any 20D accessories as well. the good news? it's going to be cheaper, i'm not sure if that is still affordable for me, but that's good news for some.

Second thing from Canon that raised some eyebrows would be the EF-S 17-55mm lens. the original Kit lens was also 17-55 but did not have image stabilizer and has a F2.8 max aperture through out the zoom, making it faster than the other EF-S lenses. i have been using the kit lens for a while and it's not as good as i hoped. there are frequently over exposed shots with a lot of purple fringing as well as out of focus images. i think an upgrade is wise and i regret spending that extra bit to buy the kit... there are currently 4 EF-S lenses out for the 20D and 350D. check those out.

The Canon Powershot was also upgraded. the new S3 IS has a 12x optical zoom, 6MP sensor, 2 inch LCD and all in a compact SLR-like form factor. honestly, i'd say one of these are good enough for most purposes. i have been using the dSLR and as mentioned before, not getting the quality i'd like. my older Sony V1 did great and produced some amazing shots. i'm sure semi pro cameras like the Canon S3 is even better. the difference lies in not being able to change your lenses, but honestly, how often would you do that unless you're pretty serious about photography. and as you accumulate lenses, the price just get higher and higher. the Sony R1 has one of the most amazing lenses i've seen and if i want one of that quality on my 350D, i'd have to spend a fortune. so this Powershot is looking mighty good especially since it can also record video/audio which allow 60fps QVGA quality. not bad, not bad. with so many new options to choose from... it's great to be a consumer these days... just got to bring in the dough. [equipbug]

PS: there are plenty point and shooters from Canon out as well, but i find the quality of my SD50 so poor that i won't even bother mentioning Canon's compact cameras. yeah, they are compact, but that's it... they take crappy photos, purple fringing, over exposed, underexposed, very very grainy, terrible photos in dim light... it's a disappointment.

V steel is out!

2006-02-20T18:37:00.000-08:00

The popular V Steel from Taylormade has been in virtually every golf pro's bag sometime time or another. It is now rather cheap and on sale in most places. why? because the follow up is coming soon. in fact, it's already available outside of the US. in Asia, namely Japan and Hong Kong, players are already playing with the new V Steel. I had the chance to test it out this weekend and get a few shots off the deck. Not having played the original V Steel, i can not really compare it to that. i used to play a 1991 bertha 3 wood reshafted with a steel shaft. that thing was impossible to hit off the deck. but these days, i've switched to the Kasco tornado (reviewed) and hitting 250 off the deck is no problem at all.
Back to the V Steel, the difference is mainly the insertion of the tungsten block at the back of the sole. this brings the center of gravity back a bit and making it easier to hit off the fairways. the face height is also thinner, heel toe wider and the sole groove deeper. it's very easy to hit, but at the same time it's highly maneuverable. i'd say this club is perfect for any serious player who wants to control their fairways and reach par 5's in 2. off the tee, as with all fairway woods, you'll have to tee lower but otherwise it's easy to hit. there are three flexes available stock shafts from S to SR to R. the shafts are also redesigned MAS2 or the NS Pro which is a 90g steel shaft. check back from it is released in the US, probably with slightly different specs. this club is going to be hot! [equipbug]

photos: www.taylormadegolf.com (japan)

Thrill Riding Tricycle

2006-02-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle, but having worked in the emergency room long enough to know that it's almost suicide. who doesn't know someone who knows someone that got injured in a motorcycle accident? well, there may still be a chance to feel the thrill yet!
Volkswagen released information on their GX3, and three wheeled two seater that drives and feels like a motorcycle crossed with a formula one. 5.7 seconds from 0-62mph (100 kmh), fuel consumption in the city is 46 gpm... sounds great. cost? around 17,000 USD only, you get a 125 hp side by side vehicle that can take you to 1.25G's... feel the speed! the unique design means it also drives differently and reviews have yet to surface, but the minimalist space frame vehicle is made with high density fiberglass and even has a small 80L trunk in the rear. speed to the groceries? now you can. [equipbug]

photos: www.vwvortex.com

Smooth Criminal

2006-02-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

Being a Gillette fan for over a decade, i've used their twin blades to their current Mach 3 triple blade reviewed HERE. Recently, Gillette has introduced the 5 bladed Fusion to compete with Schick's 4 blade. Does more blades = better shave? from all the reviews i've read, it does. fewer strokes, closer shave and less irritation. the blades are closer together, so that you don't feel the blades, but instead one solid block moving across. i'll have to try it out to be sure, but i'll definitely be getting it once i finish off my older cartridges. problem is, more blades probably means more expensive refills. The new design comes in powered and un-powered versions like the previous Mach3. To Be Reviewed... [equipbug]
un-powered:

Powered: and live shots, including the power button

photos: google images, click to enlarge

Hand Fetish

2006-02-16T01:23:00.000-08:00

Since the alert of Avian Flu outbreak, we tend to be cautious about infection control and wash our hands more frequently. we get rid of the bugs .. at the same time .. the natural moisture of our skin. if we don't protect our skin from drying and cracking, the breaks might help the spread of infection.
this Almond Oil Intensive Hand Rescue contains sweet almond oil which provides essential fatty acids that help to repair the skin's moistrue barrier, restore smoothness and suppleness. you don't need to apply it frequently .. i usually use it at night, so the repairing process can be done while i'm sleeping .. it recommended the use of moisture gloves after applying the cream, i don't know whether the synergistic effect would be dramatic, but personally i think the use of the cream alone is already good enough. [equipchic]

photo courtesy of www.usathebodyshop.com

Pentax Waterproofed

2006-02-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

i love diving, swimming and just being underwater. with the recent digital cameras, i've been able to freely take photos underwater and the results are fantastic. aside from losing my camera due to water leak, i've been pretty psyched about taking photos underwater. waterproofing your camera also means you can take it to the beach, to ski, or any other weather conditions you might throw at it.
Pentax has gone further and waterproofed their WP series without a casing. this week, they revealed their 3rd installment and upped the megapixels to 6. now i'm not saying it's no good, but this is basically a sports camera instead of a true underwater camera. the W10 is still only water proof to 1.5 meters and only for 30 minutes. basically, anyone who snorkels will be going further down to take photos of any corals, fish or turtles... there's no way the animals will be up in the 1.5 meter water for you to photograph. this camera is suited towards skiing, beaching, wakeboarding or other water sports. i think it's really handy to have a water tight camera, so that you don't worry about the rain or weather conditions. it's also turned out some pretty nice photos, fast startup (0.6 sec) and simple point/click action. i still haven't learned from my mistake and got another camera, but perhaps one of these would do me good. [equipbug]

the first Optio WP has 5 MP, 3x zoom and a 2 inch LCD.

the next generation Optio WPi has 6.0MP, 3x zoom and 2.0 inch LCD. this is the one i've tested out and pretty much works like a point and click. i wouldn't take one home with me, but i like where it's heading. great for outdoors junkies.

the LATEST Option W10 has a new formfactor. slimmer and larger LCD. 6MP, 3X zoom, 2.5 inch LCD. I'd like to see an improvement on the waterproof class next time...

photos: www.pentaximaging.com

Foot Fetish

2006-02-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

Recently ran a marathon and hiked in the trailwalker... both of these are tough on the foot. before undertaking the marathon, i had to get rid of some callus on my sole. I went to Body Shop and hoped they had some sort of file, but was given a ceramic foot instead. the ceramic foot is quite sharp and appears dangerous to use as well as difficult to clean. along with the foot, i also got the Intensive foot rescue which is a nice peppermint foot moisturizer. yes, it works, but i'm not sure i i'll remember to use it. on top of that, i got the Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub, also peppermint. it foams up and gets into the little holes of the ceramic foot, but i suppose it leave my foot minty fresh. so far, i have not seen much difference, and i'm not convinced that calluses can be removed so simply, but it's still nice to have minty feet once in a while! [equipbug]
the smooth moisturizer is thick and creamy, almost looks edible:

The jelly foot scrub is rough and sandy, but gives off a strong peppermint smell:

www.thebodyshop.com

Panasonic TZ1

2006-02-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since a point and shoot camera has impressed me enough to write about. they are always getting smaller, pixels getting denser, zoom getting longer, batteries lasting longer, you know the drill...
Well, Panasonic came out with several new cameras this week, including the Lumix TZ1. Sporting a leica lens, the 10x optical zoom is the longest zoom by far in any compact camera. everything else standard, 2.5 inch screen, presets galore, famed panasonic stabilizer, no viewfinder, 5 mega pixels, built in flash... the works. i'm most impressed with the amount of zoom on this thing, it's the equivalent of 35mm- 350mm zoom. that's at least 2 zoom lenses put together on any SLR.
On top of that, it also takes the 4:3 ration photos as well as the more panoramic 16:9.
Of course, these gnarly numbers don't mean anything if the images don't come out nicely, so we'll have to wait for the release and review. expected in April this year in 3 colors: [equipbug]
[click to enlarge]

photos: www.panasonic.jp

match made in Heaven 3: New vs Old

2006-02-14T01:28:00.000-08:00

Things are always changing and improving, the new replacing the old. This constant change applies to most things, and sometimes a "classic" moves over for something revolutionary. in my personal opinion, this was the case with the Tag Heuer Carrera. the Carrera is a legend in itself, being linked to the legendary vehicle by Porsche. As the original Carrera has undergone many changes since 1963 (the introduction of the original Carrera Tag watch), 2006 sees a newly designed Carrera chronograph. i like the new color coordination with contrasting red second hand as well as the chronograph hands. the general layout is the same, but the sleeker casing makes gives the Carrera a modern yet classic look. it retains a similar placement of the buttons, numbers and hashes, dials and position, but somehow it's revived. not sure when it will be available but it should cost about the same as the older Carrera which will still be available. [equipbug]

The new Masterwerk 911 Turbo: Click to enlarge

on a similar note, the Mercedes SLR has been made into a Tag watch as well.

Prevously mentioned Matches made in Heaven: include the Breitling and Bentley, the IWC and Mercedes..

photos: www.tagheuer.com, www.porsche.com

Tiger wins two!

2006-02-14T01:12:00.000-08:00

Two starts, two wins for 2006. Tiger Woods in an incredible start to the season has endured two tournament, both requiring a play off to determine the winner. He played the tournaments with the same Sasquatch driver and the same set up. It's like that equipment was not a factor this time even though he was not up to his A game, Tiger managed to stay ahead of the crowd.
Let's check out his watch this time around. the "Golf Watch" is a quartz movement so that there is no mechanical self winding gears that can malfunction during the 120+ mph swings. other golfing features include the extreme lightweight titanium body, the scratch resistant face and anti reflective face, the crown is placed at the 9 O'Clock position as opposed to the usual 3 O'Clock in our watches (i've personally experienced the pain of getting jabbed by the crown), and the very interesting band which has no buckles or latches. Cost? around 1,100 USD:

a unique design to avoid any hinges or buckles:
the folding design creates a secure fit with the stretching band shown here.

www.tagheuer.com and www.watchplanet.com

Nintendo, finally.. starts looking good

2006-02-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Nintendo gameboy has been around for over a decade. I remember getting it for christmas one year and playing through the entire Mario in one day. Tetris was forever immortalized and the cord connected matches with my sister was unreal. many generations later, the gameboy gained color, backlighting and finally a dual screen, including on which has touch control. the games have also evolved and make use of the microphones, the touch screen, the gyroscopes... and who knows what else. the newest in the gameboy series is the DS lite. the lite, is smaller and lighter than the original dual screen, hence the name.. it comes in 3 colors, white, blue and light blue, and plays older GB advance as well as the new DS games.
i've never given much thought to the older DS because it just look chunky and poorly designed. sure, the games are tons of fun, but who cares when the screens are not as big as the PSP and the form factor looks a bit like a makeup box. with the new "lite" design, it looks sleeker and the corners are streamlined. the closure is flush and the overall package is awesome. i'm thinking about it...
with the introduction of the new Mario Kart DS... it's just all too tempting. WiFi racing will never be the same again! [equipbug]
available March 2nd, 2006 (in Japan) for 16,800 Yen: [click to enlarge]

the slot for stylus, slots for GBA as well as DS games.
photos courtesy of www.nintendo.co.jp

Second smelling..

2006-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

I've reviewed the Miyake L'eau D'issey last year and called it the summer scent. well, summer is sneaking up, whether you like it or not... although i rarely use fragrance, i keep getting them as presents or the bottle is too attractive and i can't restrain from buying. for the Issey, i've always like the original fragrance and the new "summer" limited version had me hooked right away. As i mentioned before, it's the original with some citrus, Yuzu-like smell. second time around, it's as clear as ever that the smell of Yuzu dominates this cologne. being a Yuzu Addict, i have grown to like it even more. so once again, i recommend this for those who want a lighter Issey. [equipbug]
Cost: 29.00 £

www.escentual.co.uk

Travel with the Bluelist

2006-02-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

Lonely Planet has gone out on a limb and put together a book of places they recommend. The Bluelist contains general information on countries to visit and things to do there. it's an overview with a few interesting points. the best reading is the first section where the "bluelists" tell you what the best places to get naked are, the best places to swing a hammock, best train journeys, best natural wonders etc etc. Basically, the book helps give you an idea and some motivation to travel. It's beautifully designed and a good read overall. I would hope for a more comprehensive review of their highlighted countries in the next edition, this one is far too generalized and lacking luster. After reading the articles, it doesn't make you understand the country anymore than before you started, but it does have great photos. and you know what some say... "a picture is worth a thousand words..." [equipbug]

p.s. you can make you own BLUELIST at their website and join the competition for some free trips and write for them.
www.lonelyplanet.com

Chopper Time!

2006-02-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Giant makes some pretty standard road and mountain bikes. I used to own one called the Giant Butte. you can imagine how people read the words... but the latest Giant bike that has caught my eye is the Stiletto. It's a Chopper influenced low rider. Fat tires, high handle bars, harley shapes, gnarly curves and a tilted seat for comfort (hopefully). on a more technical term, it has disc brakes, 7 speed shifters with Shimano Altus derailleurs, 20 inch front and 25 inch rear tires. basically, this is one sick bike, i can't imagine anyone using it though... anyone old enough would just ride a motorbike but i can almost imagine the faces of people when i ride in on my commute to work on this baby... [equipbug]

www.giant-bicycle.com

Keep it Up!

2006-02-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

That is the slogan on Sunsilk for Men's Styling Putty. After using it for several weeks, i'm pretty happy about it. i also use American Crew's Fiber molding creme. with longer hair, i find that using the styling putty is much easier as it is more liquid and easier to evenly spread in dry or slightly damp hair. the AMerican Crew Fiber is very hard but holds well. It is harder to spread onto longer hair and definitely a good choice for short hair.

The Fiber creme smells citrus and yellow in color. it is easily washed off and has not caused much build up. minding that i rarely comb my hair, let alone use hair products. I got this as a xmas gift and used it several times at parties and events.

With hair growing out, i turned to Australia's surf heads and bought the Sunsilk Styling putty. it's white, honey-like in consistency and controls without holding it too firmly. The putty smells like shampoo... there's really no other description. i find it very good and the creamy consistency is easy to handle.

The other surf look is Garnier's Surf. basically in between the Crew and the Putty, but holds tough and messy. you get the beach look, without going to the beach. i'm not sure i'd like that, but hey... [equipbug]

More M600i images

2006-02-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

Check these larger photos out:

photos courtesy of GSM Arena and Infosync World

M600i

2006-02-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

I never thought there would be another Sony Ericsson cell phone that would interest me. I'm currently using my 2nd SE phone and not quite satisfied with it as the power likes to shut off for no apparent reason. The simple form factor of my K608i is otherwise quite functional and full of nice features, like radio, speakerphone, 3G, 1.3Mp camera etc etc. Check out my review HERE.
Today, SE has come out with the latest 3G phone, a sibling of the famed P900, the M600i. It runs on a Symbian OS (rejoicing it's not windows CE), has music play back, G3 capabilites, email, web... etc etc. there's a variation of the P900 keypad for typing as well as a 240x320 touch screen! THere is 80MB on board memory, scroll wheel, all in a compact thin form factor (15 mm thick). This just might be the next phone i'd buy for the iPod-like white appearance and the large screen. [equipbug]

Other functions: Bluetooth, GPRS, INfrared, USB.
Lacking: Camera. how can you 3G without the camera??
Reason: it's likely that this business oriented phone does not have a camera as most businesses do not allow photo spying.

www.sonyericsson.com

Fu Manchu 2006!

2006-02-06T01:18:00.000-08:00

The new FuMachu's are in and sporting the same looking designs but with new colors. Gravity Skateboards claims that the mold is different as well as the durometers, although the general appearance seems to be the same. the Fu Manchu's are great for slides and the 76mm size will let you do that smoothly. druometers from 74a to 82a. i have not had the chance to use them, but i've been on the 66mm Street G's which have been impression enough for me. check out the Manchu's, they would probably ride well with my long sector 9's as well. [equipbug]

photo: www.gravityboard.com

The original Aviator

2006-02-06T01:12:00.000-08:00

When people think of aviator sunglasses, they think RayBan. Of course with the resurgin popularity of this design, every maker has come up with their own designs, including Oakley's warden and crosshair. Not to be out done, RayBan of Japan has revived the classic aviators and came out with the RB3279. i'm not a fan of their naming system, but that's what it's called. These sunnies are rounder and more streamlined than the old aviators. They appear to be a cross of the original and the modern day sporty looks. i like the mirrored finish on all the new lenses and the plastic ear pieces complete the transformation. the ear pieces are typically japanese in design and match very well with the metallic rim. they go for about 9,000 Yen and comes with an ugly faux leather case/ cloth. there are currently 4 colors i have seen and i've gone for the gradient version. all set for the summer! [equipbug]

enlarge imaged:

photos courtesy of www.rakuten.co.jp

For Your Valentine

2006-02-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is my first Bvlgari perfume, also it's my first unisex perfume. it brings different sensation to men and women. It's neither too sweet nor feminine on women, which is nice in some occasions. on men, it smells less masculine than other brands as there're no spices in it.
if you're the romantic kind, this would be a good choice for your valentine as you'll never feel uncomfortable if you want to smell like him/her that day. [equipchic]

photo courtesy of www.escentual.co.uk

Summer Rollin' in again.

2006-02-02T23:43:00.000-08:00

Well, at least if you travel to Oz..
I took along a new sun block this year. My usual line up is perfect for sports and activity, especially for pasting on your body. This year, i was mainly concerned with diving and had a sun guard so that i would avoid most stings from jelly fish on the reef as well as the sun's killer UV.
I used Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA++. it really is the ultimate protection for the face as it's quickly absorbed and doesn't leave behind the white residue. it's also perspiration, water and sand proof. i did not get any burns and avoided strange farmers' tan.
Other sunscreen reviewed by a female equipian voice: HERE
[equipbug]

www.shiseido.com

Cleanin' Oz

2006-02-02T23:34:00.000-08:00

In Australia, you're either surfing or diving... well at least that's the reason for me to go. so basically you're in the water everyday, sea water. It's also summer in Oz at the moment while it's winter everywhere else in the world (nearly). so sun exposure can damage skin but it also damages hair. I've noticed that they have pretty good consumer hair products for rather cheap prices. This time, i found some shampoo made for people with dirty heads. the kind you can actually clean...
Sunsilk has a series of shampoo for Men and one is actually called "Detox everyday for dirty Heads". I found it great for after swimming in the ocean and going through out the day without a shower available in dirty water. sometimes diving in the Great Barrier Reef can be a dirty experience as the boat's oil slick may float on the surface and attach to your body and hair. It's also good for removing styling product build ups. not bad.
worth checking out as the price is rather cheap... as long as the AUS dollar stays down. [equipbug]

www.sunsilk.com.au

Samsonite world

2006-02-02T23:26:00.000-08:00

Recently, i've traveled to several places and stayed only 2 to 4 days. i prefer traveling light and hate carrying around large pieces of luggage. That's when i decided to buy something small that i can take onto the cabin without checking in. my Swiss Army "Werks" suitcase has traveled around the world with me, but it's too big for short trips. I checked out Samsonite, Delsey, Swiss Army etc... for cabin bags and finally decided on the Samsonite Spark expandable. it's not too pricey and has a pretty durable look. i thought the build of the slightly more expensive Swiss Army was better, but the interior space was smaller. The Spark also had an expandable feature which gives me more flexibility (for shopping). i took it to australia this week and lived out of the little suitcase for 4 days. for the first time, i decided to check it in and avoid bringing it on board, but that proved to be bad news. first of all, Samsonite is used by everyone... seems like a black Samsonite is the john doe of suitcases... luckily, my bag was not confused with other identical bags. secondly, the rubbery part on the back is the archilles heal of the suitcase. it's the only spot that is not line by the ballistic nylon and it was the spot that tore. it's not a large tear but obviously can not handle more attacks of similiar nature. otherwise, i suppose it's not a bad bag, functional, looks decent, doesn't stand out for thieves to target and reliable. we'll see how it stands in 5 years.... to be continued. [equipbug]

photos courtesy of www.luggageonline.com

Oil Drum, more like Gundam

2006-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

Oakley's recent addition is not so impressive. the O matter (plastic) sunnies are large and look pretty ridiculous. but perhaps that what Oakley's been shooting for lately. the front is similar to the new SPIKE's but definitely far less elegant. i actually saw a pair of Spikes for sale and was not too impressed as the shiny rims were a bit showy. i understand that Oakley's always been about being a bit exaggerated but this is pretty silly. the Oil Drums are like plated metal, except it's plastic. so if you want to look a bit like a robot from the 80's then perhaps this is for you. [equipbug]
[click to super enlarge]

www.oakley.com

Weather Ambience

2006-01-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

ambient is a company that makes some very interesting products. one of which is the Weather beacon which glows a different color depending on the forecast. it glows all the different colors of the rainbow and many shades in between to display the temperature, humidity and weather warnings. from flashing to pulses to steady glow, it will let you know the weather throughout the day, 24 hours a day. i'd love to get one of these, although for 179.00USD, as it would make a great decorative piece. how does i gather information? it connects wirelessly to the Ambient Wireless Network and should work in 90% of the United States. having said that, it only works for the US. so if you are fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at things now), then you can go ahead and get one of these square glowing thing-a-ma-bobs. [equipbug]

www.ambientdevices.com

exactly...

2006-01-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

There's a new TV ad from Apple out there. It was released with the new iMac and Macbook outfitted with Intels' Duo Core. Basically, it's a very direct stab at Intel's feeble existence for the past 10 years or so and now Apple is here to "set it free". i think the best part is the obvious blow to every other PC maker out there. only Apple, and only Steve Jobs can and would pull off something like this. kind of like the nano vs. Motorola ROKR crap phone deal. By the way, the ROKR 2 has come out. as if anyone cares. Well... at least the ad's kind of right, so no one's going to mind. time for the rest of PC's to wake up! [equipbug]
Watch the ad HERE: shot in the actual Intel facilities.

www.apple.com

Multivitamin for eyes and lips

2006-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

i never realized that there are multivitamin products for the eyes... or lips. but this christmas i received 2 different eye products alone, and a bunch of other face firming agents. i'm not sure if it's a hint or anything, but i suppose i will learn to use them. eventually. i've been given these things before and it takes me over a year to finish one little tube. we'll see.
One of the ones i got was the dermalogica MultiVitamin Power FIrm for eye and lip area. so... what does that mean? it helps combat visible lines around the eye and lip area with a powerful complex... umm.. ok..
it contains seaweed?! vit. A, C, E (which are anti oxidants) organic silicone for healing?! what? i don't know what these things do, but the website seems to make it sound magical...
well, for 46USD, it better be. the tube is only 0.5 fl. oz. and it smells like strawberries.
i used it for about a month now and it's nice.. i don't notice any difference but i wouldn't know these things. i also mix it up with my Shiseido Men Eye Soother which i use more frequently. maybe they have different functions, since the Shiseido Men is an "anti dark Circles Gel". i like the pleasant minty smell of the Shiseido and it is a lot thinner than the Dermalogica. i can see the dermalogica being much better for drier conditions and it probably lasts a lot longer. the Shiseido goes on and disappears very soon after. This one goes for 35 USD. i just hope i can use them up, i doubt it. not to mention i still have a Clinique eye care for men, from 3 years ago... do i really need them? nah.. [equipbug]

photos courtesy of www.amazon.com and www.sca.shiseido.com

Innovation of Magsafe

2006-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

True, Apple announced the intel based "Macbook" to replace the current powerbooks. i'm sure everyone is drooling at the photos now. i think the computer is quite nice and screaming fast with the new intel Core Duo chip. and yeah, the apple design with beautiful OS wouldn't hurt either. now what makes Apple truly stand out from the rest of the hooligans?
Innovation and the dedication to improve the experience for computer users.

how? through software (which is obvious with the OS X) and through hardware. let's take the newest Macbook for example. the screen, it's high in resolution, it's bright yeah yeah yeah... but it also dims with the ambient light. i've used computers from day to night and didn't even realize how bright the screen was until i walked away. Apple dims the light and eases eye strain for you by automatically detecting the room brightness. what else? it uses the same technology to brighten your keyboard! the darker the room gets, the brighter your keys become. ingenious. i love typing in the dark... it's true.
i think i could go on and on... like the scroll pad, that actually scrolls. or the movement detector. i wrote about it previously, about my friend's iBook getting destroyed from a fall after some guy kicked the powercord... now, the hard disk detects a falling computer and locks the drive so that you don't lose the data! amazing yes.. but how about if this scenario was improved? how about if the computer doesn't fall at all and everything is safe?
welcome the Magsafe. it's the newest power cord adaptor. the powercord plugs into the Macbook via magnets and a kick to the cord or a quick tug will make it come loose instead of having the computer fly to the ground!! damn it! i love this! i love this... what can you ask for? really? Dell? HP? Fujitsu? Hitachi? Toshiba? or the "innovative" Sony? no... just Apple. [equipbug]
check out the clip:

PS: Also solves THIS problem with equipholic!
photos: www.apple.com

Intel iMac!

2006-01-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

My favorite hardware announcement would have to be the new Apple intel iMac. Fitted with the new intel Core Duo, it now runs the first intel chip with 65 nanometer process. in fact it runs two. the Intel Core Duo has 2 processors, which is why the new iMac is twice as fast as the G5 version even with the exact same specs otherwise.
Gone are the days of G5 and G4, and with the new intels out, Apple will refit their entire product line with intels before the end of the year. This is great news as it may still take some time before all software is completely native with the new processors. Apple has made the change easy by building a "translator" into the OS. Rosetta will help make the change from Power PC based apps into Intel based and you will never even notice the changes. in the future, all the software, including the Pro apps will become native and called "Universal"

Back to the iMac. Well, it's basically the same amazing package. iSight, WiFi, mighty mouse, firewire, USB, video out, mic, stereo speakers, ATI X1600 upgradable to 256MB video card, 17 or 20 inch screen, th whole works! including the new Apple remote for the new Front Row. Speaking of new, it also includes the new iLife 06. All for the same price. there's just too many better reviews out there about the greatness of the iMac, but in 2005 alone, i've bought 2 for different people and they have all loved it. in fact, i may be tempted to get one myself now! [equipbug]

PS. it's just crazy, but only Apple would do things like this.. the "Sleep" light which pulses has an ambient light detector so that when the room is dark, the light is darker and will not disrupt your sleep.. damn.

Reviewed: Canon 350D

2006-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to Cambodia, i took along my previously drowned Canon SD55. as always, i must have a spare and at least a full sized camera for the more anticipated moments. For a trip as unique as Siem Reap, i bought the "new" Canon 350D dSLR which we mentioned back in April 2005. Being a huge SLR fan, i've waited years before an affordable and near professional camera. so after reading, waiting, reading, waiting for many generations of dSLR, i have finally found one which i liked. i thought the larger, more expensive dSLR's were a tad too large for me. i like to move around, never in one place and so a bulky camera would not be ideal. even the 300D was a tad large for me. when i saw the form factor of the 350D, i knew it was the one.
it's a very easy to use camera, with all the features of a manual SLR. i found the Program mode to be best, as all features are available. my second choice would be the Sports mode, as many things happen too fast around me, and the faster shutter speed and continual auto-focus is amazing. in the ruins of Ankor Wat, time is at a stand still, in fact i felt that i've traveled back in time. there were very few tourists in most of the smaller temples, making them photographic havens. the benefit of having a digital camera is obvious, as i love to shoot and re-shoot from all angles. Siem Reap is such an amazing place, and the forest that engulfed the ancient ruins totally took my breath away. You can see from the sample photos that the weather was ideal for touring but not for photos. nevertheless, my Canon performed well and with a little exposure compensation, i was happily shooting rocks and wood. the response time for the 350D is super fast. i easily captured animals and vehicles alike, sunrise and light rays, dust and dirt all the same. from turning on the camera to taking my shot, the camera was never the rate limiting factor.
the hand grip has been scrutinized for being too small, but i find it quite nice to be able to completely grip the camera. i do agree that any thinner and it might be hard to hold, but having pretty large hands myself i did not find it bothersome.
the reason i chose Canon over Nikon is because i have been using Canon SLR's previously and have a host of lenses. unfortunately, the one lens i brought with me did not work well. there was an error when i tried to focus and shoot with it. it is a Sigma telephoto 80-300mm bought over 10 years ago. for some reason, it can not focus and virtually useless. luckily, the kit lens was good enough for my taste and i didn't have any problems with the camera otherwise.
i would advise to buy the softcase which attaches to the camera and shields it from the elements. this way, there is no need for a camera bag on travel and provides the fastest way to unsheath and shoot. other hands on recommendation is that this camera tends to make photos slightly over exposed. i had to mess around with the exposure and what not most of the time. i'm sure that for regular use, the photos will be perfectly normal, but Cambodia is a bright place...
since then, i've used the camera to photograph my sister's cat and my parent's dog. i find that the sports mode is perfect for both the sleeping cat as well as the jumpy dog.
in anycase, i quite enjoy looking through the lens of an SLR camera once again. now with the added benefit of being digital, it's time for more photo hunting! you up for that equiptrack? the black and white option is also new on this camera which should be great fun to use. i am a mac user, and not a photo tinkerer, so i get what i shoot...
anyway, i highly recommend this camera to anyone in search of an entry dSLR that can take on the big boys. if you don't want to pay for a 20D (and who would these days?) then the 350D is equally good. i've tested them both out and i don't find much in difference between the results. you can check www.dpreview.com for reviews of most dSLR cameras. [equipbug]

(Photos coming)

Macworld coming soon!

2006-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

One day, one more long day...
For now, FoxTrot will have to do:

[equipians]

ID London vs. ONE

2006-01-09T01:18:00.000-08:00

Links of London is a fine jewelry maker and started off with mens' cufflinks. They have since moved into other jewelry, such as the Saloon Identity Bracelet. the bracelet is solid and very fashionable which can also be engraved with whatever you choose. the ID bracelet has a flat section for personalization, secured by thick chain links for a more masculine look. cost? 155 British Pounds or about 270 USD.

Now, recently i've finally been sent the ONE bracelets we talked about previously. That was about half a year ago, but patience was rewarded with a nice white thick rubber bracelet. i don't mind calling it a large rubber band, but after all it's for charity. I like the comment one reader has made in that article, so i think the real motivation for these bands would be the same as those for the Yellow Band of Lance Armstrong. Whether it actually helps poverty or not, these bands stand out and have a nice meaning for each individual. cost? 1 USD.

Although good looking, I would not be caught wearing a silver bracelet jewelry. rings? perhaps. watches? definitely. others? not really. i'd go for the ONE bracelet.. easy on easy off. (and costs 269 Dollars less) [equipbug]
Links of London:

VS. ONE band:

photos courtesy of www.linksoflondon.com and www.one.org

Cuffs linked in London

2006-01-09T01:04:00.000-08:00

a pair of Links of London was given to me for christmas and being a basic kind of guy, these simple sterling Barbell Cufflinks are perfect for the low key everyday wearing. it is secure and the rigid barbell design is subtle but clearly from the prestigious Links of London. Unfortunately, i only have 2 shirts with french cuffs, so perhaps it's time to shop? these go for about 60 British pounds.[equipbug]

photo courtesy of www.linksoflondon.com

New Ferrari, Period.

2006-01-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

With the 2006 CES going on this week in Vegas, i've gotten pretty tired of all the tech news. let's turn to the automobile for a while before Apple also has a big Mac convention on Tuesday. Ferrari has replaced the 575M Maranello with this beauty, the 599 GTB. i personally like this design more although i'm not too keen on the hood design. i like the tail and the clean lines on the sides as well. it's one great looking care and will debut in Feb 2006 at the geneva auto show. the two seater is equipped with a 6.0L V12 mid front engine shared by the Enzo. rating? 620 bhp at 7600 rpm... don't we all wish... [equipbug]

photos courtesy of www.roadandtrack.com

new RAZR

2005-12-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

the news has been out that there will be a new RAZR, called the V3i. we previously mentioned that a pink, or magenta version of the V3 came out. now the V3i has some new colors as well. partnered with Dolce and Gabbana, Motorola put out the "liquid gold" V3i. it's pretty much the same thing, but it's in gold and has some unique ringtones. and it looks outrageous. there are only 1000 made, so if you want to get one, they are only sold in D&G boutiques in Europe. if you're a D&G fan, this just might be the perfect ostentatious phone for you. comes with iTunes, takes 1.23MP photos and video capture, and a updated metallic look. wooppee. equipbug]
the "regular" version:

www.gsmarena.com and www.purseblog.com

Serene phone

2005-12-21T05:16:00.000-08:00

i'm not sure if we really expect a phone to give serenity, but Bang & Olufsen have partnered with Samsung to come out with a mobile phone called Serene. the look is unlike the phones we are used to, although it can still be considered a clam shell folding phone. the screen is on the bottom and the dial is on top. there is a touch pad that you use to navigate the menus, and you have the choice of flipping the phone so that the screen is back on top. the key to the serene is that it's very basic. has a camera, takes calls, and sends messages. no MP3, no video, no bluetooth and all that. what it has is a motorized flip actions, a B&O quality speaker phone, and a cool looking navigation wheel and a docking system. price? 1000 Euros. available in January 06. [equipbug]
check it out HERE:

oh, did i mention that there's an optional phone case from Louis Vuitton?

www.serenemobile.com

Ice Ice Baby

2005-12-21T02:34:00.000-08:00

Maxfli's newest addition to the "noodle" series is the ICE. These balls i must get my hands on. what's special about them? basically, normal golf balls are white. the surlyn cover is always white and that's all you see. not with the ICE. these Maxfli's use a transparent cover so that the innards (the core), are revealed and colored. the balls come in either lemon, lime, orange or pink. sounds great, i don't even care how they play although noodles have always been pretty good, soft and long. but these supposedly enhance the visibility of the flight, which is actually pretty cool. it also helps with alignment and ball placement. but if that actually works will have to be determined when i actually get a dozen. they go for 20USD per dozen. [equipbug]
more info HERE at www.maxfli.com:

www.golf-equipment.golfalot.com

unbelievable Holiday Items!

2005-12-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

More useless items from Tiffany & Co.
sure, i know women love receiving jewelry from T&Co. but not like this! check out the "Party Trumpet" selling for 350 USD. who needs that?? any good party knows that a silver bugle is not the key.

wait... but perhaps a sterling silver "Noise Maker" is good. not. the $325 USD noise maker is no different than a dollar shop one, so save the $324 USD and buy some proper alcohol.

but there's nothing like a Sterling Silver Party hat to really get the party going. there's nothing that says "Dunce" like this... and you can be the idiot who spent $225 USD to buy it too! wow. [equipbug]

www.tiffany.com

Dry face 2: Allure after shave

2005-12-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

So regular balm may not be helpful when you shave daily. but in dry weather like the winter, you can't be using alcohol based after shave, it will make things worse. so i've picked up CHANEL's Allure after shave moisturizer. the smell is much lighter than cologne but there's a hint of Allure in there. i like the more sophisticated smell of Allure and might get the actual fragrance one day. at the moment, i will stick to the moisturizer. i find the cream much more easy to use than the alcohol after shave because i would not need to apply any cream afterwards. it's really for the lazy guy like me... in fact, i would never have thought of using a cream in the first place. nearly 100% of these creams are gifts, and thanks to those i can keep my face from drying off. now... only if i can use them up. as i find remembering to use them on a daily basis is much more difficult than using it once for review purpose. [equipbug]

www.gloss.com

Reviewed: Clinique Happy

2005-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

i've had this fragrance for over 5 years now, and i'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. i'm very slow at using up fragrances because i find very little chances to use them. in any case, i like the summer scent of Clinique Happy for men. it basically smells like mango, period. i don't mind smelling like a sweet fruit, but it's not for everyday use i suppose, and perhaps not for the winter. over the years, the Happy line has gotten into shower gels, after shaves, etc. but the initial eye catching aspect of the fragrance was the orange bottle, awesome. some say it smells citrus, but i don't really think so. if you want to smell mango, get Happy. [equipbug]

www.gloss.com

Dry face 1: Clarins Men

2005-12-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Winter is here again, time of joy and time for cheer, but also a time of dry weather. I really enjoy the cold and the dry air, but some people may suffer from dry skin. Clarins Men makes a really nice balm that is very suitable for the winter. it is non sticky, but slightly greasy. the Moisture balm is advertised to firm and anit pollute, whatever those mean. the more important factor is that it moisturizes and keeps moisturizing all day long. the only downside is the smell, as i prefer light or odorless creams. the Clarins has a rubbery smell to it. oh well, some people like having plastic faces. around 25USD [equipbug]

their line of Mens products all have the same smell, but if many find it refreshing perhaps so you can get anything from shave foam to self tanners.. check the out HERE:

photos courtesy of www.gloss.com

More Zen

2005-12-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Creative has been making Zen for nearly as long as Apple has been making iPods. the rivalry is getting heated with the newest Zen M. It has the same dimensions as the iPod V, with a large screen for video viewing. in terms of function, it has upped iPod with an FM tuner and sound recording. It has equaled it in terms of video capabilities, photo display and music. Except it plays video in more formats, such as MPEG 1, 2, 4SP, WMV9 and motion JPEG, or DivX 4 and 5 XvID etc. the screen has the same resoltion as the iPod, but appears to be a bit brighter. it uses a verticle touch pad for scrolling and i'm not sure if that is as fast as a continuous circular scroll, like in the iPod. The battery life is up to 14 hours of music and 4 hours of video, so it's just barely beating out the iPod. it won't beat out the iPod because: it is twice as thick and looks chunkier. the Zen M comes in 5 colors, pink, white, black, green and light blue. [equipbug] Costs 330 USD

www.creative.com

Card holder

2005-12-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

Hmm.. these days i'm thinking about the use of card holders. i used to think they were for name cards mostly, but as credit cards accumulate i see why people get these. Now a days, every store has a "discount VIP" card. and carrying so many cards in my wallet just doesn't make sense. so i went to see if i could get a matching Card Care from Alfred Dunhill to match my Sidecar Amber. i found the cloth a bit cheap looking on the "Amber" version. so i took a look at the Sidecar version. it's perfect. but then i look at the price. nearly 100 USD! for a piece of leather that holds credit cards. damn, i can save that money and buy a lot of things with the "VIP" cards. geez. anyway, wallets i can see being costly as they last forever and you use them daily. but not card holders. oh well. somethings are best left alone. [equipbug]

www.dunhill.com

Reviewed: Panasonic FZ30

2005-12-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

The Panasonic FZ30 is a semi pro camera that has most of the functions of a dSLR. I was able to get my hands on one of these and test it out over several days. The selling point of this camera is the 8MP, the Leica 12x lens, and the low price.
Initially, the camera feels solid, but a bit hollow. Being used to the lighter Canon 350D, i still felt that the Panasonic was a bit empty. otherwise, the grip was solid and the buttons well placed. the large lens looks beautiful and it's probably the most eye catching of the whole camera layout. the 12x zoom lens is very smooth and with a flick of the zoom ring, you can go from 0 to 12x. There is also an addition manual focus ring.
The photographic ability of this camera can not be compared to true dSLRs, but it's a fun camera to have. for instance, it can take video with audio, do some photo manipulations, and still take pretty good pictures. Since it is not a true SLR, there is no mirror sound or loud shutter noises. the viewfinder is a miniature LCD and the foldable LCD can also work for taking photos, unlike the dSLRs. the 2.5 inch LCD is super sharp and you can see exactly how your photos turned out without having to really zoom in on it. on my Canon 350D, i have to Zooooom in order to make sure there's no blur. the flip LCD can also be used to photo yourself (but i think it's pretty difficult with such a large camera), and also for some interesting views, like a medium format camera. (looking down)
The photos came out pretty sharp, and the colors were true. the larger ISO speeds resulted in some pretty grainy photos though and not recommended. i can not really get into the details of all the functions on the camera, because it's just not directly comparable to a dSLR.
All in all, this is a great camera for around 600 USD that will take sharp 8MP photos and with that great Leica lens, you won't need to change own many lenses just to cover the zoom range. the image stabilizer is pretty good and even with long shots, the result is pretty sharp. The flash is built in and quite high on the shoe. This camera has a great screen and people will be impressed when you share the photos with them right away. I would recommend this camera only to the casual shooter, but it's a great deal none the less. [equipbug]

www.panasonic.jp

Burn Baby Burn!

2005-12-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gravity boards is at it again with the newest addition. the 29" Super Slalom. It is shaped a lot like my Giant Slalom but only 3 inches shorter. it has a 5 Ply Maple wood board with a single "G Tech Fiber" layer to make it lighter and stronger. the Trucks are Tracker Darts 129mm and everything else is the standard 66mm Gravity wheels and angled risers. the board looks HOT, literally. i'm very happy with the Giant Slalom, so i'm sure this one would be just as fun. At the moment, i find the Giant Slalom a perfect size. great for cruising and sliding. if you shorten it 3 inches, it may be more portable and fun to take to parks, but i would rather cruise still. take your pick, any Gravity board will do the job. [equipbug]
www.gravityboards.com

iPod Boxers!?

2005-12-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

This is not a transformation of our equipian site into a pornographic page, don't worry. but these boxers are brilliant. usually when i walk around in my boxers and nothing else, i have no pockets to put my iPod Nano. with these iBoxers (in Orange) from Play Underwear, i can listen to music hands free anywhere at home. fun fun. i'm sure i can make a pair of these on my own, but hey these guys thought of it first. [equipbug]

22 USD per pair: Buy here

(cult of mac).

Tis the Season

2005-12-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

It's nearly Xmas, and winter is upon us. for me, living in the temperate zone means wishing for cold weather everyday. and cold weather means 13C... gone are the days of snow and -30 wind chill. after having moved here, there isn't much chance to be cold. that only means it's time to search for other ways to enjoy the weather. Oakley's new SPIKE are just what i need. some nice large optics that would work on the golf course as well as on the streets. the large lens make it vision crystal clear and with the oakley iridium colors, i'm sure it will look good as well. the frame is made of a light metal alloy they want to call C-5 Alloy. don't know why. and also Unobtainium. whatever, just as long as it looks good, ok? the price ranges from 135 to 155 USD. check it out. [equipbug]

perfectly colored for the winter: [click to super enlarge]

also comes in black and silver, but they don't look nearly as cool.
www.oakley.com

Target locked

2005-11-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Now that range finders are legal in competition, i've bought new batteries for my Bushnell. I've been using it for a few years now and find it absolutely necessary on new courses. on familiar courses, most of the time the markings on sprinkler heads or poles are sufficient. but in golf, every millimeter counts. it can be the difference of a greenside bunker shot or a nice put for birdie. it may also mean a lost ball or carrying a water hazard. golf is a game of planning and execution, and the range finders help me do that. i used it at some new courses in China last week and probably save a dozen balls. it's also a lot more fun to scan for distances and actually hit the ball exactly where you want it, even 200 yards away. Carrying a bunker 260 yards away is also a great feeling. knowing that i can carry at least 270 yards, i have more confidence when aiming. well, the Bushnell yardage pro is the simplest version. it can measure or scan for distances with the laser, but also magnify the field and help with planning. it measures in the meters as well as in yards. it is accurate to the yard! too bad my shots are never that accurate...
A newer range finder even measure the slope angle and compensates for the increase or decrease. i prefer to calculate that on my own, as there are many other variables like wind speed, wind direction, grass type, lie quality, etc etc etc. so finding the range is just the first step, but any serious player should consider it, especially if you play many different courses. [equipbug]

www.bushnell.com

MIghty Mouse fixed

2005-11-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my Mighty Mouse stopped scrolling upwards. in fact, there were other days when it refused to Left Click. everything became Right Click. i was able to fix that by simply unplugging it. the problem with scrolling up happened suddenly and perhaps something had snuck into the little hole and jammed the up rollers. what ever the problem was, i got it fixed by following Apple's cleaning guide. basically, i shook, tapped and rolled the ball until it worked again. i actually heard a difference and felt that the upward scrolling was blocked by something. everything else was good, down, left and right. so after some vigorous scrolling upwards, the jam dislodged and we're back in action. but i can imagine it happening again and in time the mighty mouse will just be an apple pro mouse again... sadly. why can't apple make it easier to disassemble? damn it. [equipbug]

www.apple.com

Power Tornado!

2005-11-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

I've been using my 1990 Callaway bertha reshafted 3 Wood for many years. i got the head from one of my dad's old clubs and put a UST heavy weighted shaft on it. the thing is impossible to hit and really doesn't go very far. but i've been enjoying that challenge ever since i've learned to play golf. recently, i decided it was time to change the club and got myself a Kasco Power Tornado 3+. i thought it would be a bit low and difficult to strike, but that club is probably easier than my 2 iron. the first time i used it, i found it a bit light at D1 swing weight, and topped the ball. ever since, i've been hitting greens and fairways with it. the crisp sound of contact is purely japanese. in fact, it's one of the few clubs that are still made in japan. the 2.1mm face is tougher than titanium, using super Hyten. the soul is made to cut through rough and fairway alike and i've managed to hit some good shots with it. this is a confidence builder and bringing me back to the days of hitting woods from the fairways. ever since i broke my 5 wood, i have not used a wood on the fairway since. this 3+ gives me a good 250 yard carry and averages 240 yards carry. it's such an easy club to hit that perhaps it's almost cheating. can't wait to get to use it again. [equipbug]
i bought it at less than half price, but the regular cost is around 400 USD!! yeah, comes at a price.

www.kascogolf.com

nananananana Talkman!

2005-11-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

PSP's library of games just got funkier with the release of Talkman. it is a game, king of, that allows the player to practice speaking and listening in a different language. namely Japanese, Chinese, English and Korean. it also has traveling tools that help you translate from any of the 4 languages into another. the game comes with a microphone which is very easy to set up. it snaps into the USB slot on the top of the PSP. the microphone is the first peripheral available for the PSP and works without a glitch. Talkman's main character is MAX, the blue bird. he guides you through out the game and makes ridiculous comments. the game is quite fun and entertaining to try languages. i hope to go to korea sometime this winter, and perhaps i can brush up on some korean before heading there. it teaches you daily conversations, travel conversations and simple phrases to interact with people in the 4 different languages. the program surprises you with amazing accuracy at times, but at the same time it reacts with very strange translations at other times.
nevertheless, a program on your PSP that allows you to speak into it in your native language and translate on the fly into another is just simply amazing. and to think it all fits in your pocket. games these days... [equipbug]
Check it out HERE:

www.amazon.co.jp and www.psp.ign.com

Apple's adapter sucks!

2005-11-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

I have been using my powerbook 12" for 2 years and a half already. Many things start to be broken. First, the full capacity of the battery is gradually reduced. When I charged to 100% and then uncharged, the computer just went to sleep immediately when the indicator was only at 50%! But this is somewhat acceptable because most batteries always have such a problem after long-term usage. And I'm gonna change a new one soon.

What made me want to complain is the power adapter. When I plugged it into the laptop, I have to move the plug which connected to the wall in many direction to get the most fit connection, although the plug at the laptop side was well-attached. Otherwise, the laptop can't be charged. At the laptop side, there's a hinge from the cord to the round piece which connect to the laptop. This part was wrapped with another tape. I noticed that it's broken. Well, I was able to continue using it for another 2-3 months and always frustrated to move the adapter over and over. Just yesterday, that I can't get my laptop charged anymore. Because that hinge was completely broken...

I then checked the apple website for the price to buy a new one. I saw many reviews complaining about this! Many people (243 reviews!) got the same problem as me. Somebody got this problem after only one year. Some have to change for 4 adapters within 3 years, some for 5 adapters within 4 years. So for those who are using ibook or powerbook, be careful on your adapter and its cord. It's not a thing that deserve to be purchased again! (I'm thinking to wrap with some more tapes on a new adapter I just bought)

Anyway, I really like its design that I can wind the cord on the adapter. But Apple should also consider more on this weak cord. [Equipholic]

Rollin' rollin'

2005-11-18T03:43:00.000-08:00

After the successful completion of the Trailwalker, it will still take a few more weeks before my knees heal up.. meanwhile, i'll be dreaming of cruising down streets on the new 27" Mini Classic from Gravity Skateboards. the Mini is the newest board and looks perfect for all missions. the size allows portability but the Tracker B2 trucks are sure to have people cruising and carving big turns. the board will feature Street G 66mm wheels soon and make it such a blast to ride. must... control... the urge... to ride... [equipbug]

got to love that graphic on the bottom. any rolling barrels just sweep me away to the ocean. dream on.

Digital video on SD

2005-11-18T03:38:00.000-08:00

With the new iPod V, videos will start picking up i'm sure. the trend seems to be moving towards hard driver based video cameras and tapeless recording. Panasonic's new video camera is sports oriented and uses the SD card as storage. the maximum size is the 2GB card which can hold up to 1.5 hours of video at 2048x1512 resolution, 30 fps.

Packed with technology, the video camera also takes photos at 3.1MP (with a built in flash) and has 3CCD sensors. it is the worlds' smallest 3CCD camera to date. the screen is 2.8 inches wide screen and the camera is ready to shoot in 1.5 seconds quick start up. with the small size and skip free mechanism, it's ready to go where you go. if only videos were as easy to share as photos, but i still don't have a use for video taking just yet. [equipbug]

also in black:

www.panasonic.jp

Match made in Heaven 2

2005-11-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

First it was Breitling with Bentley. now it's IWC and AMG (Mercedes). the result is a titanium watch created with precision and design in mind. the automatic movement has an integrated shock absorbing system, date display, a soft iron inner case for protection against magnetic field (up to 80,000 A/m), water resistant to 120m, sapphire glass coated face, luminous hands, and tells time! the red accents are only found on the titanium version, but also comes in a steel band version. AMG is the "modded" department of mercedes and their range of premium cars are powerful yet classy. it's a bit over priced and posh for most people, but still pleasant to look at. and maybe that's all i can do, so the IWC watch is the next best thing? hmm. but even that would cost me around 5600 USD... sigh
titanium: [click to enlarge]

Steel:

the car? AMG Ingenieur is a super nice CLS 55 AMG, and only 55 will be produced so you can pretty much forget about it. it has an exclusive dark titanium paint job, fog light rings, unique radiator grille louvers, and many many more specifics. the 19 inch AMB light alloy 5 spoke rims are also very nice. twin tail pipes, nappa leather upholstery in a titanium look, AMG and IWC designed dials, etc etc... there's just too much going for this car that you can not get... so just take a look yourself: [equipbug]

www.iwc.ch and www.seriouswheels.com