Today, I found myself.. (Day 343)

Today, I found myself taking on a new medium and a good change to the monotony of the dreaded.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 338)

Today, I found myself a year up and a day away from change.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 336)

Today, I found myself a wreck of a day gone right in the end.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 334)

Today, I found myself taking the first bite into the Apple.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 335)

Today, I found myself not trusting technology as much as I would want to.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 333)

Today, I found myself selling my soul to Jobs.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 327)

Today, I found myself watching a much waited switch with much delight while waiting for my own.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 324)

Today, I found myself embracing rest for the yet again busy week by shooting myself in the head.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 318)

Today, I found myself experiencing first hand difficulties of studio production though illuminatingly enjoying the learning process.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 305)

Today, I found myself uncovering the ugly, playing with great interest as well as anxiously waiting for Jobs. What a rollercoaster of a day!

Today, I found myself.. (Day 291)

Today, I found myself struggling for a breather as the energy used to combat the previous takes a toll.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 280)

Today, I found myself hitting myself awake and that I should get a grip to make things better, even if they already are.

Epic.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 269)

Today, I found myself getting annoyed by the redundant educational assessments as the impending dawn of a new member looms closer.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 267)

Today, I found myself mildly satisfied and sapping knowledge from the size of my palm.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 119)

Today, I found myself on a spree to save with motivation.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 38)

Today, I found myself treated to an anticlimax.

i(am)Here

A little something happened on a certain weekend, during a certain time, at a certain place...

Its like telling the world that you've just bought an Apple product and you're loving it (which is largely true).

This is it.

I totally dig the packaging; its really attractive. Two separate boxes overlapping one another, in sleek black finishing, of course.

The iPhone 3G. And its finally within my possession. *inserts evil laughter here*

*

Well yea, a couple of days back, I took action and purchased the new Apple iPhone 3G. Loads of consideration were put into this consumer purchase process before I made my decision; some of you guys might recall my dilemma which I brought up, a couple a posts back.

Trust me, it was a largely intensive and volatile process as I had to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the purchase as compared to other products of either the same function and use.

It wasn't easy.

But in the end, I decided to pursue the trends of tomorrow and also due to the added fact of the new semester's workload, I'm sure the iPhone will fulfill whatever tasks its entrusted with and in doing so, maximizing its potential for use and improvement of efficiency.

Ta-dah!

My purpose of this post is mainly to help potential iPhone users, or rather, to warn them of the limitations as well as the (huge) benefits of the iPhone. Though I've been doing a little product research about the iPhone for about 3 months prior to my purchase, I was in for big "surprises" (good and bad) upon my first use of the beautifully crafted device.

Here's why;

Awesome-ness

Need I say more? I'm sure you've been hearing a steady flow of praises about this new product from Apple. From a marketing perspective, Apple has always been at the forefront of branding and positioning, whats more, with their avid use of awareness creation in their promotional tactics, Apple has established itself on a steady foothold in today's technology market.

And the iPhone 3G, doesn't by any means, undermine that fact. But in actual reality, has further consolidated Apple's world dominance on the technological market.

With its sleek appearance, sensitive (but durable) touch screen feature, this device will win tech geeks, as well as babes alike, over in a jiffy.

It isn't all looks though; the iPhone function as well as it looks. With awesome built in features, like the conventional iPod, the ever helpful Google maps, Photo viewer as well as the ever helpful Notepad, it pretty much speaks out for itself.

Its simply:
- an iPod (awesome music player)
- a Street directory
- a photo album
- an organizer
- a mobile device
- a web browser
- a mini computer
- a very sophisticated device

And I've not even started on apps yet.

The presence of the app store is what makes your iPhone different from your Uncle's business mobile device. Apps can do ANYTHING (okay almost anything, think logically). From being a lightsaber (from the app "Lightsaber Unleashed", Star War fans will understand what I'm ranting on about), to having a mobile online chat with your contacts, apps top this crown of gold with beautiful gems.

The iPhone is after all, a mobile device, and does not disappoint. I particularly enjoy the text message interface, which is in the form of a continuous chat orientation, which I'm sure, will be a huge hit to the next generation who are more obsessed in texting on their mobile devices rather than actually talking.

The iPhone is also very interactive. So interactive that I'm surprised that it actually can't talk. Every flick of the finger, tap of the thumb or swipe across the screen results in instant reaction from the iPhone. The brightness of the iPhone is also determined by the light intensity of your surroundings and you can't say that's not awesome.

It makes us wonder if technology can someday, take over the role of humans.

Why it blows (skip this part if you're a delusional Apple fan).

My first problem when I got my iPhone really got me on the nerves. Sure the package and everything else were perfect BUT the instruction manual, if it can be considered one, was really just a piece of "something that told me nothing useful".

For instance (and this was my second problem), I discovered that all my SIM contacts weren't in my iPhone. I looked through the product package and "instruction manual" in hopes of finding possible solutions but were largely in vain. The internet wasn't too helpful.

After a couple of taps and flicks on the iPhone, I finally found out why my SIM contacts weren't in the phone; they weren't imported from my SIM card, yet. Note that the manual or troubleshooting guides weren't able to offer me the solution.

Then comes the issue of the much talked about Battery life of the iPhone. Though this isn't a major issue for me as yet (probably due to my new battery), I foresee the limitations of the iPhone's battery, accredited due to its numerous functions.

Typing has also been a hassle for me though I'm slowly getting the hang of typing via tapping. For conventional cellphone users, it may take awhile to get used to tapping on the iPhone's screen for both speed and precision.

Don't have a stable internet connection? Well that will reduce your iPhone to a simple, "not-so-cool" device. Simply because a load of the iPhone's functions (ie. Maps, App store, Youtube, Safari and more) are internet intensive.

Think of an iPhone without the internet as say, Slash without his guitar or Ronaldo without his soccer boots.

Probably one of the most taxing problems (to me at least), is the absence of the Apple itunes store in the country that I'm living in; Singapore. This means that one of the most important feature of the iPhone, the itunes feature, is rendered totally obsolete until Apple decides to open a store locally.

For now, the app store is the only salvation to this problem.

Technology has its improvements, and thus humans must do the same.

All in all, I feel that the pros outweigh the cons, which is why I decided to purchase the iPhone as compared to the iPod touch or another Sony Phone.

Alright, that's all for this post I guess. Time to go get my accessories now the iPhone feels naked and unprotected. Remember to check back for updates, as well as articles and stay golden, my readers.

Cya'll later.

*Disclaimer. The owner of this blog and its management team holds no relation to the Apple corporation and does not get paid for promoting or analyzing its product(s). All Apple brand names and products belongs solely to the manufacturer and producers.*

iDifferent

Time for a quick update (and yes, in case you were curious about the picture, I'll touch on that as well later on).

Subway dinners are awesome especially this particular outlet I went to a couple of hours ago (I'm not trying to plug for them but those who love Subway sandwiches will get the deal). To top it off, they had this awesome promotion; buy ANY Subs and get a large meal totally FREE.

So yea, I ended up with one of my favorites, Cold Cut Trio, foot long, no pickles and green chili, sweet onion sauce WITH a large meal (3 chocolate chip cookies, 1 huge cup of coke) entirely on the house.

You can't say that isn't awesome.

Ended up feeling really (really) full and as often when you're feeling full, sleepy (pig much?).

The pass couple of days for me were somewhat enriching to a certain extend.

I've been doing an extensive research about Apple and Apple products. Partly because I'm really impressed with their range of products (with form as well as function) like the newly released iPhone 3G, iPod Nano Chrome and partly because Apple has a really unique marketing system, both in terms of sales as well as conceptualization. Allow me to elaborate.

Apple's sales and production ideas function on the basis of

If I have a phone as well as an MP3 player, why not merge them together?

as well as

I (the company) think the product is cool, you (the consumer) should too.

correct me if I'm wrong about the above observations but as a common consumer in the modern market, that is what Apple is trying to say to its customers.

This is however, not necessarily a bad thing.

In a recent conversation with my folks, we've talked about a myriad of issues, one of which revolving around the idea that teenagers (young adults) yearn to be different in whichever way they can.

Be it in terms of their dressing, hairstyles or even their attitudes, young people nowadays are really being over of the box huh?

as commented from one of my folks.

Yet I can't agree more. Being a member of the "young people" classification myself, I can't help but agree to that observation that the "people of tomorrow and the future" want to and more often, strive to be different.

I guess we prize individuality as an asset and rightly so, in my opinion. I've always believe that being a unique individual is something that no one, will and can ever take away.

And that recollection kinda linked me back to Apple.

The reason why they're doing so well in terms of worldwide sales (for their iPods, Macs, as well as the iPhones) would probably reason down to the simple fact; they approach their businesses differently.

Companies nowadays adopt the marketing concept as it is largely considered "safest" and that's what the consumers generally want, as claimed by marketers. Customizing products to suit its customers' needs and wants may sound really vital and smart in the modern competitive market. But is it what it seems?

With Apple, it is largely believed that they adopt a product concept, generally going along the lines of "Hey, if I think my product is good, it IS good". Simply put, the producers believe in their product.

These guys do not take the consumers' needs and wants into top priority but instead ask themselves stuff like "It would be pretty cool to have a device which you can communicate, listen to music, watch videos as well as surf the internet altogether in one wouldn't it?" and in doing so, conjuring up with fantastic and innovative products.

In a way, Apple is lucky to have received such a response, for it is a huge risk; what if the general consumer base rejects the way the company thinks?

Yet millions of people own Apple products worldwide and I'm pretty sure that a large number comes from the young adults and their ideas of "being different".

Sure, Apple is different from other companies, but it works for them and up till now, I'm trying to figure out why.

This coming from the fact that I have a Safari browser (an Apple program) running looking up facts of the iPhone and just a couple of hours ago, downloaded iTunes (another Apple program) to sought out my music.

And in case you're wondering, yes, I'm seriously contemplating a purchase for the newly released iPhone.

Why the appeal?

I'm afraid its a mixture of the right marketing tools as well as an excellent production process. Both the marketing process, the hype generated thrown into the blender with an already excellent technological marvel results in an exclusive result, something that will attract consumers en masses.

Being different isn't a bad thing and for that, I applaud you Mr Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) for bringing the such innovative and revolutionary gadgets into the world of not only young adults, but also the world of human beings as a whole.

I know that the people of tomorrow, will carry not only the knowledge but also the gadgets of tomorrow.

And I, being one of them, have some serious considerations to make before my final decision.

This isn't just a trend, but also a statement. Not a fashion equivalent but a statement to being different and a statement of revolution.

Should I or shouldn't I? That is the question.

Alright, as I ponder over that little question, remember to check back for updates as well as the upcoming review and revisit on Hysteria's Call right here on metallic-stains.

As mentioned previously, articles might flow in slower during this period of time and thus I express my sincere apologies. But be sure to check back for updates and remember to share your thought via the comment option you see right after this post.

Cya'll later.

Best of 3 Worlds?

Glad to see that the third and final installment of Hysteria's Call warrants such positive feedback from you guys; really appreciate feedback as well as your comments and a big...

THANK YOU!

I really hope you guys enjoyed the short (look, its just 3 posts long yea?) narrative and from it all, learn of something new as well as a little food for thought. I will be doing a follow-up post (not this one) on the various themes and share a couple of thoughts I have for the story itself so check back when that's posted.

And ahhh, yes. On to today's update and main substantive...

*GEEK MODE ACTIVATE*




Okay, I guess the picture pretty much sums up what I'm thinking but before the confused faces pop up, let me explain. Slowly.

This past couple of days have been, well kinda dry, so I decided to do a little research to induce a certain change in a part of my life.

I mean come on, what better way to change your daily lifestyle then to search for new Internet browsers? Well I guess I was kinda attracted to Google's newly released internet browser, (what's its name again? *runs off to search*) Chrome, as featured on the Wednesday paper (or was it Thursday, oh well).

After a rather comprehensive research on the net, I ended up with 2 other browsers that enticed me, personally; Mozilla Firefox and Safari.

Awesome.

I've been using IE (Internet Explorer) since god knows when so yea, I guess it would be a decent change. I was strangely nervous, partly because I didn't really know what to expect from these browsers (I've never actually used them firsthand, though have had experience from other sources) and partly because I was a teeny bit reluctant.

So yea, lets start off with the household standard, Internet Explorer.

Walk into any PC store (NOTE the word PC, not APPLE, PC), purchase a standard desktop or laptop and you'll get this browser, flat out. I guess this explains its tremendous market share as compared to the others. But take nothing away from it.

IE serves well through its standard functions and "down right to earth" user interface, making research and finding information a breeze. And face it, anyone who's been to the internet has at least used IE ONCE, thus its ease of use.

Firefox however, is a whole new ballgame.

Hmm... How should I put this. Customizable themes, User-friendly interface plus faster loading times, its certainly a breath of fresh air. I guess Firefox won me over with its awesome looking interface (which as mention, can be customized according to the user) as well as its "safer browsing" and downloading interfaces.

No wonder most of my friends and people in my social circle use (and often promote the use of) Firefox.

Safari may sound like a zoo, but if only zoos were this sleek (but hey, I love the zoo).

Originated from and made for the Mac OS (operating system for apple computers, kinda amounts to the same thing really), Apple users out there will know what I'm going on about.

Apple Computers define technology in style. Even geeks with Apple computers get the chicks (metaphorical analogy). Though the colors of the user interface may strike as dull (dull grey-ish), I was particularly into the scroll bar (typical Apple scroll bar) and the font used. Simplicity is sleek and beautiful.

So yea, as you might have already have guessed, I couldn't really choose from the 3 browsers. But what the heck, if the world was filled with so many restrictions, what's the point of living life to the fullest?

So I decided to keep all 3 browsers (big surprise), each with its own distinct use and place in my lifestyle.

Take now for example; I have all 3 browsers opened, IE's doing some sought of research about wine, Safari's looking up on Guitar Hero 3 and Apple products while I'm blogging on Firefox.

The thought of changing my desktop to an iMac, is however, a very very appealing prospect... (not counting the financial issue)

*All respective brand and company names, products and programs belong fully to the company itself. There was and will not be any biased intention though this post by the owner of this blog or its managing team. All references can be found at the respective company websites.*

*GEEK MODE OFF*

Yep, so there you have it. Just a short review and update I guess. Its not entirely often that I diverse into technology on metallic-stains, but I'm sure it'll be a breath of fresh air for you guys here.

I guess its good to bring about a change in your life once in awhile, it keeps you going and makes you think that there always more to life then our routine. It also forces you out of your comfort zone, something which I think is vital for self improvement.

Just a little food for thought for you guys to ponder over (once again). And yea, a very big thank you again, for all the feedback and response regarding Hysteria's Call.

Be sure to check back for updates and articles on metallic-stains. Remember, life is full of changes and turnarounds.

Cya'll later.