Nokia X3-02 Touch and Type Review

Nokia lent CTB another handset for review, this time an entry-level Nokia X3-02.

I’ve been using the handset for more than two weeks already and it’s a great experience trying another Nokia phone running Series 40 platform. Released in September last year, the Nokia X3-02 is a Touch and Type phone with a candy bar and lightweight form-factor.

It’s already available in Nokia stores here in the Philippines and if you thought of getting one, I suggest you read my review first to help you decide whether this phone would fit your lifestyle.



Nokia X3-02 Key Features



Series 40 UI

Touch and Type functionality

2.4-inch QVGA touch screen and physical keypad

Slim design with brushed aluminum cover in colours: Dark Silver, Dark Metal, Petrol Blue, Pink, Lilac

3G, HSPA, and Wi-Fi

Dedicated music key for instant music player access

Dedicated messaging key for direct access to SMS/MMS

Email and IM

Facebook and Twitter with Communities client

Access to Ovi Store to download apps and games

5MP camera with 4x digital zoom

FM Radio



The Build

When I get to hold the Nokia X3-02, its build reminds me of my Nokia 8250 when I was still a sophomore back in 2002. It’s very portable, lightweight, slim, easy to hold, and fits well even in small pockets. The Nokia X3-02 is originally inspired by its predecessor, the Nokia X3, just that it got a wider display (2.4-inch) and no vertical-slider mechanism to reveal the keypad.

Nokia X3-02 comes in to fill the gap of available mobile phones, that is a candy bar handset featuring a keypad with dedicated keys for instant player and messaging access, and a touchcreen complementing for the entire Touch and Type experience. The lower portion in the frontage has been trimmed, making it look stylish.

There are no functional buttons in the curvy sides except for volume control and lock switch in the upper right.

The back is designed with brushed aluminum cover which can be removed by pressing the notches in both sides, and pushing the cover back to reveal the phone’s battery, MicroSD and SIM card slots.



There’s the 5MP camera and Nokia decided to have the connectivity ports at the top including the 3.5mm AV, microUSB, and charger ports.



Functionalities



Nokia X3-02 touchscreen provides quick access to the popular features of the phone. The Home screen is customized with Favorite contacts, the Communities client, and quick access to several apps like Email and Chat, camera, and Ovi Store.



The Communities client is for social interaction in which users can access their Facebook and Twitter accounts easily. Applications are available from the Menu, but users can download more apps and games from the Ovi Store. I downloaded 2 apps (check out Apps for Series 40) to test the phone’s Wi-Fi and it works seamlessly, thanks to its WLAN 802.11n support.



Using a Touch and Type phone is easier when you’re used to keypads. Most of the tasks in Nokia X3-02 like sending SMS and Emails, updating Facebook and Twitter, and etc. can be done through the use of the physical keypad, while other functionalities are available in the touchscreen. That basically explains that you need to use both most of the time, hence the name Touch and Type.

For photography aficionados, the 5MP fixed-focus camera on Nokia X3-02 probably won’t suffice. I must admit that I’m not really good in cameras, but with basic knowledge in photography - I would say that it can only take decent shots if there’s enough amount of light. Without flash or any way to have higher film speed (ISO), still images in low-light condition using the phone’s camera is not really that much impressive. The camera is capable of recording videos though, but it’s only limited to 5-seconds per video.

The audio is great. I tried playing MP3 files and it’s good the phone’s music player supports shuffle and repeat modes. There’s an FM Radio too, though it requires a headset as antenna - you can actually hook a portable speaker. I used my iTour-Pop speaker and it’s a perfect match.



Another thing I liked with Nokia X3-02 is the USB connectivity. With USB On-The-Go support, you can connect any USB drive to transfer files from the phone, a great help when you’re running out of mass storage. The phone can also be charged through the USB port.



Though I haven’t tested the phone’s battery life in different cases, charging it just once in a week (less calls) is an indicator the 860 mAh power source inside is more than enough.

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Norton 360 Version 5.0 Review

It’s more than a month already since I started using Norton 360 on my PC.



Norton 360 Version 5.0 is the more-advanced security suite as compared to Symantec’s Norton Internet Security 2011 (NIS 2011). I’m using NIS 2011 on a separate system, and I must say that what NIS 2011 users are missing on Norton 360 is the inclusion of file backup and PC maintenance capabilities.



Norton 360 is being marketed as the “all-in-one” security suite by Symantec, and you can read CTB review after the break.



About Norton 360 V5.0



With the increasing online threats, we also need to have a security suite that can offer best PC protections. Having an updated antivirus program alone that only scans and detects the existence of malicious programs in a computer might probably not enough. There’s a need of an all-in-one security solutions that will not just protects PCs from viruses and other malicious programs, but also backup essential files and increase system performance. And that’s definitely the reason why Norton 360 comes in.

The Norton360 All-in-One security suite has four basic components: Security, Identity Protection, Backup and PC Tune-up. Each quadrant of the security software includes a variety of additional tools and features that combine seamlessly into a powerhouse that delivers protection and performance.



Installation

Installing Norton 360 through the CD installer takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, that includes downloading updates from the web. Initially, the setup will attempt to update from the internet, however you can skip this process. Like the usual installation of most software, you’ll be asked for the product key and after the installation is completed, Norton will ask you to register the product on its website.



Features



Key features of Norton 360 All-in-One security can be executed immediately from Tasks section of the UI.

click to enlarge

Norton Insight - instantly checks where files came from and how long they’ve been around to identify and stop new crime ware fast for industry-leading online threat detection.



PC Tune-up - frees up memory so applications start up and run faster, and removes unnecessary files to improve hard drive performance. Provide recommended tasks on how to boost up the performance of your computer.



Automated backup - securely and automatically backs up your photos, videos, music, financial documents and other important files. Initially Norton provides you a 2GB free space from their online storage. You may need to register first to be able to configure your backup settings using the Norton 360 all-in-one security suite.



Norton Safe Web Social Media Scanner - lets you check your Facebook Wall and News Feed for bad links and other threats from your Norton Control Center.



Proactive Performance Alerts - a notification balloon pops up on the bottom right corner of your screen letting you know when an application is slowing down your PC so you can make changes to improve performance.



Parental controls management - provides the latest updates on your kids’ online activity from your Norton Control Center, so you can help keep them safe from online dangers. This will require your email address to be able to configure on what sites to block and allow specific access on websites.



Online recovery and restore - lets you quickly and easily download, view, edit and share files you backed up online, anytime, anywhere, to any computer through a password-protected website only you can access.



Norton Safe Web - warns you of unsafe or fake websites right in your search results and automatically blocks them.



SONAR 3 Behavioral Protection - monitors your PC for suspicious behavior to quickly detect new attacks and other crime ware.



Free 24x7 support - lets you get help and answers by phone, email, live chat or online whenever you need it.



Performance Benchmarking

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I initially run a benchmark on my computer before and after installing the Norton 360 to validate if it really improves the system performance after executing the PC tune-up tasks. To do this, run the diagnostic results and then execute the tasks recommended by Norton 360 to enhance your PC's performance. The result is quite impressive considering I haven’t done any upgrade on the components of my computer particularly its memory.



Verdict



Most security software is deemed successful if it protects your computer without causing significant slowdown. Norton 360 goes above and beyond, offering all the right features that help you get the most of your computer. Norton continues to innovate with new features and technology to combat the ever-evolving online security landscape.



Norton 360 is a truly comprehensive all-in-one internet security suite that essentially combines the features of over five standalone products. Norton 360 isn’t just the most complete security software from Symantec, it’s also one of the best premium security suites overall.



Price and Availability



Norton 360 Version 5.0 is available for purchase at major computer stores here in the Philippines with a suggested retail price of Php 2,700. Each package can be installed for a total of 3 PCs.

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Nokia N8 Unboxed

Nokia Philippines sent Cebu Tech Blogger a review unit of Nokia N8 through its PR agency in the Vis-Min region, PR Works.

The Nokia N8 was announced late April last year and it officially arrived in the Philippines last October, so it’s a bit late that it took almost half a year before I do a full review of the unit. Anyway, the good thing is it’s here now on CTB’s crib and I’ll be using it for 3 weeks, just enough to explore everything Nokia built unto the device. I did unbox the unit earlier and I’m excited to tease you first with some of the un-boxing photos before I write about my first expression of the handset.

So there you have it. The unit Nokia lent to me was enclosed in a blue elegant threaded box which also has some accessories on it including the battery charger, USB and HDMI connectors, and Nokia headset. I noticed it’s not a brand new unit though; but not a big deal, really. So expect this blog to talk more about Nokia N8 in the next few days, and I think those who have been eyeing for this would have an interesting read. Stay tuned!



Update 1: Nokia N8 Review: First Impression

Update 2: Symbian^3 OS on Nokia N8

Update 3: Nokia N8 Sample Photos and Video

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Samsung Galaxy Ace is here in Cebu, Check out Hands-on Video

Three weeks since the official release here in the Philippines, we finally spotted the Samsung Galaxy Ace in one of the local stores here in Cebu.

I actually got a tip from a friend who is also a fan of Cebu Tech Blogger in Facebook, saying the device is already on the shelves somewhere at the SM Cyberzone. Had a time to visit the place the other day, and indeed, the Galaxy Ace is already there. This Android Froyo handset is selling at Php 14,750 which is quite cheaper than the first announced price tag of Php 15,580. Hit the hands-on video after the break.







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Samsung Punch (C3222) Review [With Hands-on Video]

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you would notice or perhaps get surprise why the heck I'm featuring a phone not considered being a smartphone.

Well, my apology for that. I understand that most of the featured articles here about mobile phones are those equipped with sophisticated or high-end specs and features, but for the sake of a friend of mine who happened to request a review of this unit and also for those who remain loyal to “Feature” phones, I really have to. And since I started this thing, expect from me more feature phones in the future. To end this drama- go read the review after the break.



Overview



The Samsung Punch is the local name here in the Philippines for the dual-SIM phone released by Samsung back in November last year. It’s originally called as Samsung C3222 or Samsung Ch@t 322, but if you happened to see this advertised on TV – those jolly folks are calling the phone as Samsung Punch.



Samsung Punch Specs and Features



Dual-SIM

Quad-band on 2G Network (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) for both SIM

QWERTY keyboard

Optical trackpad

1.3 MP camera with video recording

2.2-inches 220 x 176 screen

54 MB internal memory (with microSD slot for up to 8GB)

GPRS and EDGE, (no 3G or WiFi)

Bluetooth

WAP web browser

microUSB

FM Radio

Standard Li-ion Battery

95 g; 109.5 x 60 x 12.3 mm



Build

The Samsung Punch features a 4-row QWERTY keyboard with functional buttons just above it, including those used in making calls. There’s the rectangular optical trackpad at the center along with dedicated buttons for messaging and internet browsing, and the 2.2-inch screen and the speaker moving upward. At the bottom, you will see a tiny mic of the phone.

The Punch is covered with a silvery matte throughout the edges, but its entire build feels plasticky and light.

On the upper-right side is where you can find the memory slot and in the upper-right side is the button used in switching active SIM cards.

There’s the 3.5mm audio jack at the top and the microUSB slot on the opposite side. Flipping its back reveals the 1.3MP camera and the loudspeaker.

I had a quick hands-on with the Samsung Punch, and was able to record a short video while playing and exploring the interface. Well, too bad I’m not good of using optical trackpad – so, just pardon me from being “noob” in using the phone. Without further ado, hit the play button below to watch the video.







Verdict



Samsung Punch is just above-average feature phone that is an ultimate choice for those who are looking for a dual-SIM yet reliable phone. According to the rep, this is the first “branded” dual-SIM phone released in the market to date, which I agreed. There are lots of dual-SIM phones out there, but mostly are clones and have reliability issues. Note that the Punch has really nothing more to show-off rather than the dual-standby capability of the dual-SIM. It has no 3G and WiFi capability, but still the WAP browser allows user to connect to the web via GPRS and EDGE. Other features are very common like support for MP3, MP4, video recording, FM radio, and etc. There are built-in games on this phone in which you can add more through downloads. Overall, at a dropped retail price of Php 4,890 – the Samsung Punch is one of the best phones to consider on its category.



Anyone here rocking the Samsung Punch? Do share your experience in the comment section below.

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iTour-PoP Speaker and SkullCandy Riot Headphones Unboxed!

It’s almost a month already since I received these gifts last December, the iTour-PoP portable speaker and Skullcandy Riot headphones; but still I haven’t tried using these stuffs until now.

Looks like my Apple headset (the one came with the iPhone 4) is looking for a replacement – its whiteness is actually fading away due to continuous use. Though it still works perfect and continues to bring great audio experience, it didn’t stop me picking these new stuffs out of the drawer and unboxed it. I’ll make a review of these gadgets probably tomorrow, but for now – let me show you first the unboxing photos. Here we go…

Skullcandy Riot Headphone 

Skullcandy Riot Headphones on iPhone 4

The iTour-PoP Portable Speaker

iTour-PoP Speaker on iPhone 4

So, that’s it! My apology for the low resolution photos- I know that actually s*cks. Nope, not really. Those are still fine shots. Stay tuned for the review! J



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Apple iPod Shuffle 4G, Did You Get this on Christmas?

Of all the latest iPod models available to date, there’s no question the iPod Shuffle 4G is the most affordable Apple gadget to date yet still provides a great experience for music lovers either on the go, on workout sessions, or even when laying down in bed.

With a variety of colors to choose, sleek design, wearability, and most importantly its unique features - this portable audio player would fit any gender, age, or even your personal lifestyle.

The holiday season is almost over, so I thought some of you had this toy either as a Christmas present, won from raffles, or bought for yourself at a regular or discounted price.

So, did you get the iPod Shuffle 4G last Christmas? If not, what alternative you have?



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