SimpleClix Studio

When we design websites, it’s always interesting to know how the web browsers perform. According to a “lab research”, we found out that Windows 7 RTM really enhanced a lot comparing to Windows Vista. However, it still can’t beat its “elder brother” Windows XP, especially when with XP SP3. According to this index, on average testing for web browsers, XP SP3 is 13% faster than Windows 7 RTM and 29% faster than Windows Vista SP2. The gap between Microsoft’s new system and XP is obviously smaller, but will some day they can win the battle with the competitor that was born in 2001?

On the other hand, it’s not surprised that Microsoft’s two latest internet browsers, IE 7 and IE8, are the two slowest browsers, on their OWN platforms. Overall in all these, Google Chrome, in version 2 or 3, have the best performance in all 3 systems.

(Source: http://www.winandmac.com/news/7-seems-improved-windows-web-browsers-are-tested-under-windows-7-vista-and-xp/)

Walt Mossberg released an official chart on upgrade to Windows 7 yesterday and here it is for those who is planning to upgrade to the Seven.

All of the others, denoted by blue boxes, will require what Microsoft calls a “Custom Install,” also known as a “clean install” — a procedure Microsoft doesn’t even refer to as an “upgrade.” For most average, non-techie consumers whose PCs have a single hard disk, that will require a tedious, painful process with the following steps: temporarily relocating your personal files to an external drive or other computer, wiping your hard drive clean, then installing Windows 7, then moving your personal files back, then re-installing all of your programs from their original disks or download files, then reinstalling all of their updates and patches that may have been issued since the original installation files were released.

Microsoft will provide a free “Easy Transfer” program to assist in this process, but this software won’t transfer your programs, only your personal files and settings.

http://mossblog.allthingsd.com/20090804/deciphering-windows-7-upgrades-the-official-chart/

I think it’s not a big deal to transfer personal files, but if we need to install all the programs again, that’s a bit troublesome. According to Walt, MS will provide a free software to help, but you will need to completely re-install all the softwares.

It’s been more than a year since the last update on Apple’s iPod family. One of the Chinese manufacture posted out some photos proving that the 5th generation iPod Nano and the 3rd generation iPod Tocuh will have integrated camera.

If this is true, with camera built in, the difference between an iPod Touch and an iPhone is less. I personally look forward to seeing a mobile music/internet device to have camera add-on, especially if the camera is the new 3MP with auto focus on iPhone 3G S, but will this arise an issue of public security? Just image the person next to you on bus might be taking photos with his/her “mp3 player”.

Same as last year, when WWDC is approaching, more detail of Apple’s new product will be put online. Here you go:

- 600MHz CPU Speed (up from 400MHz)
- 256MB RAM (up from 128MB)
- Digital Compass and FM
- 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus
- 32GB size
- No major changes in battery, screen and external casing.

I was hopping they can change the plastic casing at the back; now I believe it still another trip to wait. But hey, 3.2 MP camera and FM is a good one. Personally I believe this specification, why? Because WWDC is just a month away. ^-^

Take a look at the leaked out image:

The highly anticipated HTC Magic & Dream will now be shipping to North Americans at your nearest Future Shop on June 2nd. Looks like Canadians will get a piece of their own Android-powered device before hitting the summer.

Just got this email today. Seems like the Windows 7 final version is coming very soon. At the mean time, I can tell you that I received a final debug version of Snow Leopard as well. However, due tho the NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) agreement, I couldn’t post it here. We will see a big combat between Windows and Macintosh this October probably. Nice job Microsoft and Apple!

Windows 7 Release Candidate Announcement

Thank you very much for your help in testing the Windows 7 Beta. Your feedback is invaluable in helping make Windows 7 a high quality operating system. With your help, we have reached the next major milestone on the journey to Windows 7: the Release Candidate (RC).

I heard that the core group of thePirateBay.org (TPB), one of the biggest BT sharing sites of the world, was under arrested in Swiss a couple days ago. Yet, a lot of people confimed that they can still access TPB normally.

However, since today, people find out that the favorite site they go on every day was blank out and doesn’t respond any more. Here is one of the ping record I made:

10 packets transmitted, 0 packets received, 100% packet loss

Obviously, this is not something as simple as the “hardware maintaining” they made before.

I have a feeling that this bay is gone for the pirates.

UPDATE: ThePirateBay.org is back online, don’t know how long it is gonna last.

Just found an interesting pricing today. I am planning to get an iPod Touch, and found out FS is even cheaper than Apple itself.

Futureshop iPod Touch 8GB $239

Apple Store online iPod Touch 8GB $259

However, Apple does provide high quality refurbished ones.

Apple Store refurbished iPod Touch 8GB $229

Basically, here is the list:

Futureshop: $239 + tax +environmental fee for BC (where I am located)

Apple store online: $259 +tax , or refurbished $229 +tax

Apple Store: $259 + tax + environmenttal fee for BC

From a reseller source, $239 is basically the cost for iPod Touch 8GB’s cost. Hmmm, why is Futureshop doing that? Interesting.

However, Apple online does provide engraving service for free for brand new iPod Touch.

Today I brought everyone the review on Lorex LW2100 Wireless Surveillance System.

The whole package includes:

- Surveillance system

- Receiver

- 2 AC adapter (identical, one for the camera and one for the receiver)

- Battery pack, substitude for AC adapter for the camera if you need it to be portable

-Necessary cables and manuals

First of first, I was surprised that I didn’t need to do any setup at all, everything is just plug-and-play. And the instruction on the receiver is quite sale-explained. I don’t want to talk too much on the deatil numbers that are on the package, let’s look at the actual effects of this camera.

(Sorry about my picture on TV since I couldn’t take a good one using my camera, the actual image is better than this one I show here.)

As you can see, the camera actually delivers color image to your monitoring system, in my case, it’s my old traditional TV. However, the camera is a off. Yet, when testing the night mode, it actually impresses me a lot.

When I tested it with all the lights off and it can show my plam very clearly on my TV while I use my hands to cover the camera. .

Just like the wired version, this camera is available in Futureshop and Bestbuy in April, if you want a surveillance system but you don’t want troublesome in setting up nor asking for professional set up, this Lorex LW2100 might be a good choice for you. It supports up to 4 wireless cameras as well.

More photos:

Hi everyone, ive been busy lately, but here is my first 2009 post. I just got my hands on one of these Lorex Mini Security Camera SG6182S. This is your commercial low-medium end wired security camera.

It features a 1/4″ Colour CMOS image sensor with a 2.6mm F2.0/ Fixed Lens. Runs in NTSC at 510 x 492px. Now operating temperature is recommended at (-10 – 45deg) so anyone out in the pacific coast should have no problem. People living out in the prairies and east may not find this suitable for outdoor use.

Once you open the package, there are 3 components to this single user security camera.

1) Your Security Camera of course

2) Power Adapter

3.) Extension Video/Audio feed Cable.

Setting the camera is all plug n play. Video feed is quite fast, I would say it to be clear enough to identify people’s appearance on a monitor that is between 10″-26″. But I am running this camera on a 40″ LCD TV and its not as visibly apprehendable but nevertheless good enough for a security camera.

This sucker…is going to be in Best Buy stores as early as April, so if your looking to add some extra security to your home or store, the Lorex Mini Security camera might just be what your looking for.

Lorex Security Camera