The Electrophoretic Display. Say what?!
Ok, so the Motofone started my interest juices flowing and my curiosity did not end from just reading the specs and reviews from the web. I just had to learn more. From my readings, there are going to be 2 versions for this phone, one for each of the GSM (F3) and CDMA markets (F3c). That covers everyone unlike KDDI's Infobar phones which bums out my childlike id that wanted to own an ichimatsu badly for the longest time.
I had this nagging idea that the dummy unit I saw was more or less what the Motofone is. Matte and slim and flat. With no internal light-emitting contraptions whatsoever. And the thought was made flesh by an article through
here. The link discusses how Motorola uses the Electrophoretic Display (EPD) technology to come up with a suitable phone display for this unit that's just fitting for the needs of people in emerging/developing markets. Something that's high-contrast even under highly intense direct sunlight or lighting conditions.
It's either you miss your LEDs and own one or get another unit to light up your day. It's fairly simple. For me, though, the price is well worth its short comings, being only a phone to serve as backup just in case I leave my phone again in the cars of friends who graciously transport me all around. Plus that it's slim (at 9mm) and has enhanced speaker phone features. Also, the fact that it could run
7 days on end on talk-mode (and 16.5 days on standby) and not run out of battery is a mile of a head-start from all other phones in the market. Now, that's superiority in my book which is why I'm so looking forward to February 2007.
Labels: Gadgets, Practical Stuff
Back to basics with the MOTOFONE
There was a time, not too long ago yet so distant in technological aspects, when owning a 5110 makes you lord above those who own a Panasonic or Motorola's Microtac. When downloading ring tunes were unheard of and changing face-plates to suit your personality was the only thing there is for aesthetics. When there was nothing else to do. The need was simple and so was the identified and available solution: mobility in telecommunications. Marking an end to our bepper-slash-pager days.
In the advent of a raging war among manufacturers of feature-packed handhelds, when everyone dreams for the fabled iPhone to come to each of our shores, Motorola develops something for an untapped segment of the market. Along with their portfolio of state of the art clam-shell and candybar phones is something which may not be for me and you but which I would definitely get for the heck of owning one. Don't get me wrong. It's not a purchase that's compulsive nor impulsive. Seeing the display model at Avant made me want to get one right there and then if only it was already available. I'm talking about the MOTOFONE. And, if the sales person's pitch holds true, this would cost you well under PHP 1,500. Ok, I jacked the pricing up a bit because I would not like to get my hopes high. The sales person actually claimed for the phone to only cost PHP 990. Yes. That's a measly PHP 990! And that's not all... (trying desperately to sound like the As Seen On TV voice over).
The target market for the MOTOFONE are actually those who may not have used a mobile phone unit, ever. These are those who are in the remote suburbs, either living in bare subsistence or in relatively poor and under developed countries. It is the so-called answer to ultimately connecting our underprivileged brothers with the rest of us via telecoms.
The unit boasts to have a very long talk and standby time, owing to its screen display which looks like that of your trusty calculator. It doesn't have a menu but, in its stead, it has dedicated keys to access the phone's basic features. The matte-finish and robust construction is made to withstand rugged and harsh environmental elements. Color ranges from black to red and blue, says the official Motorola website for the MOTOFONE.
The MOTOFONE will be made available in February of 2007, again, if the sales pitch holds true.
Labels: Gadgets, Lifestyle
Almost a month of caffeine overload
It was more thrilling to fill in the promo card with the needed 21 stickers than finally getting to ultimately own the planner. The black synthetic leather cover makes it manly but the layout of the inside somewhat veers towards the feminine. The pen is mighty nice, though.
I do not think I will ever use it. I'll save it for my sister who had one in 2005. I think she'll like it more. I'll keep the pen, though.
Often, the prize of something we work hard for do not seem to live up to what we expect of it. Sometimes, it's just so plain in close scrutiny making it seem to be not worth the trouble.
It was once said that finally having the prize may not be as rewarding, even after so much expended effort. It is actually not the prize that you ultimately win from the exercise. It is much simpler than that.
It's getting what you once wanted.
Labels: Lifestyle, Opinions
All I Want for Christmas is to Give
We all have grown accustomed to it. Some on receiving moreso than giving. I know of those breed who just wait and pretend to be kids, ridding themselves of the grown-up's burden to give not even in the spirit of the Christmas Season. Some give because they want to give. Some take this time of year as an opportunity to rid themselves of white elephants, making their homes less cluttered of redundant stuff.
Some part with gifts with a kind of theme in mind. I did so two years ago with officemates. I gave them all toys: girls with small dolls that breathe sweet scents when their cutesy heads are squeezed and boys with Scooby-Doo or Shrek soft toys. Reason being, it might have been long ago when they last opened up a gift and got a toy. I told them I wanted to take them back to the forgotten times when our needs were simple and toys gave us joy. The year before that, I gave dream catchers. I got one for my birthday that year and it has improved my sleeping aetherscape with pleasant and forgettable dreams in place of recurring and irrepressible nightmares. One recipient of the gift, though, hung it by the window of her office to maybe rid her window of bad dreams. Her window! Whatever the reason was, and I pray it is not of lame stupidity or cluelessness, I think I shall never ever know as I have made a resolve to not even care or give a shit.
Some take the giving a notch higher by really thinking about what to give with the particular recipient in mind. It takes more time and effort to consumate. Careful planning and execution is key. Kudos to them who may only give the ladies bracelets but in the process took them hours to look for those kinds that are intricately made and whose likeness are actually wearable.
Good thing I've no nieces nor nephews nor godchildren yet. I had a hard time looking for a gift for a newborn last time. Took a look at toys and ended up bookmarking ones I wanted for myself. I ended up getting her crib stuff that I think are more appropriate. Then there was this good friend's nephew who I remembered would want anything dinosaur-related so I got him a robotic raptor whose bigger version I'd also want for myself.
It's not so much on receiving, for me. Really. Honestly. It's hearing shrieks of delight and seeing a different glow in the eyes of those dear to me that makes me not care so much on the cost of giving. Getting something back, that would only be an unexpected and welcomed bonus. The unconditional friendship and love I get from friends and family would have already lasted me a lifetime anyway. Add to that, the gift of life to continue on experiencing joy, triumph, passion, and success.
On that note, as the season had already passed, I'd like to wish one and all better success with the next and coming years.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Labels: Memoir, Opinions
Ok, so the Motofone started my interest juices flowing and my curiosity did not end from just reading the specs and reviews from the web. I just had to learn more. From my readings, there are going to be 2 versions for this phone, one for each of the GSM (F3) and CDMA markets (F3c). That covers everyone unlike KDDI's Infobar phones which bums out my childlike id that wanted to own an ichimatsu badly for the longest time.
