NextBook M805ND - Best Buy 8 Inch Tablet

If you are currently looking for a tablet that is at the 8" category but aren't quite ready to dishout a hefty lumpsum of what one would normally spend for an iPad Mini, then the NextBook 8" (M805ND) is you next best thing. This is a fully featured 8" tablet that is powered by Google Android's 4.1 Jelly bean OS and comes equipped with so many features that'll make you feel that spending the Php 7, 495 on it was well worth it. - For those that are interested in buying this you can check it out at SM Nort Edsa Department store.

Features:

AML8726-MX Dual Core and Front Camera

NEXT8D12F is equipped with AML8726-MX Dual Core CPU and its main frequency up to 1.5GHz. You can surf the net, play games, or stream videos smoother than ever! It also comes equipped with 0.3MP front facing camera to capture that special moment wherever you are!

Capacitive Touch Screen and BT 2.1

NEXT8D12F Dual-core comes equipped with a 8 inch capacitive touch screen for smoother operation. With resolution of 1024x768 pixel, you can be sure of the crispy. Moreover, it is built-in bluetooth 2.1, which enables you to transfer and share your precious things with your friends or colleagues anytime and anywhere.

8G ROM & WIFI & MicroSD Card Compatible

NEXT8D12F Dual-core comes with built-in WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, you can surf the World Wide Web faster than ever. Your new Next8D12F Dual-core is also equipped with 8GB memory, which can also supports up to 32GB with Micro SD card slot.

Google Android OS 4.1

The NEXT8D12F Dual-core is preloaded with the Google`s powerful Linux-based Android operating system 4.1 designed specifically for mobile devices. You can play, listen and surf and never miss a beat!

Overall with ML8726-MX Cortex A9 Dual Core 1.5GHz, Nextbook NEXT8D12F Tablet PC is much clearer and better to use. It uses the Google Andriod 4.1 OS and 8GB nand flash. The camera is 0.3MP. With its 8 inch digital high-definition LCD screen and the capacitive touch panel, you can enjoy a more splendid life. 

Specifications: 

Model NO.:Nextbook NEXT8D12F 

Operation System:Andriod 4.0.4 updated to 4.1

CPU:AML8726-MX Cortex A9 Dual Core 

Frequency:1.5GHz 

Screen:8" High Light TFT 1024*768 Resolution?Capacitive Touch Panel 

RAM:1.0G DDR3 

Nand Flash:8.0GB 

Micro SD,TF Card:Up to 32GB(No Card Includes) 

Camera:0.3 MP 

Bluetooth:Support 

Audio:Support MP3,WAV,OGG,FLAC,APE,AAC,WMA?license? 

Video:Support AVI,3GP,MP4,RM,RMVB,FLV,MKV,MOV,MPG,VOB,DAT,WMV,ASF 

WiFi:Support WiFi, 802.11b,g,n 

3G Dongle:Support 

Image Format:Support JPEG,BMP,GIF,PNG 

E-Book:Support Epub,TXT,FB2, RTF 

Read Speed:30~31MB/S(MLC flash) 

Write Speed:4~5MB/S(MLC flash) 

Gravitity Sensor:Support 

HDMI:Yes 

OTG:Support Mouse,keybord,uDisk 

Other Applications:Apk installer/ASTRO/Browser/Calculator/Calendar/Camera/Clock/Downloads/Email/Ebook/File Browser/Gallery/HDMI Switch/Office Suit/Search/Settings/Slide Me/Sound Record/Task Killer/Weather Forecast (optional),Recording 

Language:English,Chinese(China),Chinese(Taiwan) 

Interface:Micro SD Card 

USB Interface 

3.5mm Earphone Interface 

Color:Black 

Power Adapter:US Plug AC100/240V 50/60HZ DC 5V/2A 

Battery:Li-polymer 4720mAh 

Battery Time:Use to Listen Music:about 6-hour; Use to Watch Video: about 5-hour 

Use to browse:about 5-hour

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Processing Lost Plate Numbers in the Philippines

We had lost our plate number last year when we went through the flood waters and had to go through the tedious process of getting a duplicate. Below are the steps that one would have to undergo in order to do so.

Note: The process might change, so kindly validate with your experiences as well.

I   Verification of your vehicle

II  Vehicle inspection

III Filing for Lost plate and request for New one at your OR/CR filed district office

I. LTO East ave

  

   Requirements: Affidavit of loss (LTO format) *notarized

                         Photocopy of OR and CR

                         Photocopy of your License and OR (not sure if its actually needed)

Here are the details for LTO east ave.

1.) Went to Window 24A for the validation of Plates (I think they'll check if your plate was confiscated/used in a crime/apprehended..etc) 

*The clerk will stamp on the document for initial inspection.

2.) He/she will direct you to window 19 for the creation of the LTO Clearance document 

* you will be given a note to fill in your name, plate number, and reason for the validation

3.) Proceed with counter 19 to pay for the certification

4.) Go back to window 19 for the release of the document

5.) Proceed with windows 24A to have it signed

II Proceed with NMVIS office near LTO east ave, its before chowking north bound of east avenue.

Objective: Vehicle inspection

Requirement: Body, engine etching. Have it etched in any of the guys outside of NMVIS

1.) Go to counter A for the receiving of copy and evaluation

2.) You need to pay for the inspection (Php 50.00)

3.) Proceed with the inspection of your vehicle (Ask for help with the NMVIS aide's)

4.) Wait for the release of your document at window "C" (i think)

III Filing for LOST plate and Request for duplicates

Requirement: Validated document from NMVIS

                    Validated Document from LTO (clearance for records from LTO main)

* This may change per different District office that your car is registered at.

1.) Requested vehicle record at the customer service, fill out the form and wait for your record

2.) Once record is release proceed with the evaluation

3.) Pay the amount at the Cashier

4.) Wait for the release of the receipt and creation of the document (certification to use temporary plate)

5.) Have this photocopied (2 copies) and return this to the same counter

6.) They will now release a certified true copy of the certification and your now done.

7.) Wait for around 1-3 mos for the new duplicate plate and have it availed

Hope this helps those that have to go through the same situations that we have. If there are any changes to this process, please leave a comment below for updates.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Simple Yet Elegant - Smart Launcher Pro

I rarely would go to a different launcher UI for my HTC One X as there are very little that are out there that show a sense of style and yet not hog up my battery and phone's memory just to work. I was fortunate enough to have gotten to stumble upon one Android Launcher that is capable of giving me the simplicity and functionality of an Android environment but yet is elegant and smart in its design. That is what Smart Launcher Pro has provided for those that would be willing to pay out a little bit more for something that gives a very intuitive UI.

Smart Launcher is an innovative launcher characterized by a minimalist design, low memory usage and an user-friendly UI that let you start any application with a few taps.

It is currently the only launcher on the store to features automatic cataloging of installed apps!

I don't use any license check, it's useless. I update this app weekly, spend few dollars is easier than download a pirate version every week.

Features:
- Main screen with Quick Start
- Drawer organized by categories
- Ready to use without special configurations.
- Support for Live Wallpaper and screens of different sizes.
- Support of set of icons for Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher

I like how quick and easy it is to navigate around the Smart Launcher Pro. You can tap on the side or the app launcher button to get to the app drawer. The automatic cataloging of the installed applications makes it so easy to find your applications. If ever you do find that one of the applications have been placed in the wrong category, transferring them around is as simple as dragging it to the appropriate category. 

It is also quite rare to find an alternative launcher that supports live wallpaper and this one does. The flower patterned quick buttons make it all the more attractive to look at. 

Overall, the Smart Launcher Pro is a must use launcher for those that are tired of the usual Android UI that has come with your phone. It's simple and yet elegant. It is also quite fast and easy to use. The amount of memory that is uses to work is even far less than what Samsung or HTC have come out with in terms of UI build. If you are still unsure though you can download their free version called the Smart Launcher and see for yourself if this is something that you would like to use on your Android Smartphone. I am confident that you'd like how it feels, and like many others that have used it will most likely be using it moving forward. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Get Engaged with Starmobile's Engage 7HD Tablet

After my experience with Starmobile Astra, I took time to get to review and test out their latest Starmobile Tablet called the Starmobile Engage 7HD. I was pleased to have been able to do so as with my review of the Starmobile Asta, the Starmobile Engage 7HD has, in more ways than what one would expect from a budget tablet, performed exceptionally well and is feature packed making it a worthy consideration for those that want more out of what they spend, especially when on a budget.

Starmobile Engage 7HD's first impression doesn't scream that it is a budget device in anyway. It is well built and once you start browsing through the widgets and application browsers, will immediately notice the smoothness and fluidity that I had noticed with Starmobile Astra. The screen quality is pretty good and makes viewing of photos, websites, and videos quite pleasant. I would compare the quality of build and performance to that of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 that is currently priced at Php 12,990.

I love the way that it comes pre-loaded with the most downloaded applications like Facebook, twitter, skype, etc giving you ample space for other apps that you might like to download. It has very little bloatware and runs on stock Android ICS OS. Gaming though is pretty much at par with that of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 so heavy graphics type of gaming such as Modern Combat would strain the unit quite a bit. Games like Contract Killer Zombies One and Two will work fine with it though.

The Starmobile Engage 7HD is also equipped with an 8MP rear shooter and a VGA front camera. Just like the Starmobile Astra, the Starmobile Engage 7HD would need ample lighting in order for you to get the most out of the image. Low light would still produce grainy shots.

Memory is at 8GB but is expandable to 32GB and aside from Wifi, it supports 3.5G USBs allowing you to be constantly connected anywhere you go.

The only downside that I have noted about the device is the lack of bluetooth and its battery life as it is equipped with only a 4000mAh internal battery that gives about 5 hours of continuous video playback. The USB Cable doesn't support anything else but the 3.5G USB stick so placing a bluetooth USB wont work.

Overall at the Php 7,990 price point, The Starmobile Engage 7HD does pack a lot in terms of value and provides an overall pleasant user experience. There are points in which I would have liked to have seen some improvements and feature inclusions, but given the long list of features it has already jam packed into this budget tablet one can be a bit forgiving. I am already looking forward to the successor of the Starmobile Engage 7HD.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Asia's Best Dining Experience Only at Marina Bay Sands

There is no place better in terms of Culinary Experience than being in Marina Bay Sands. Here in today's special feature dining article, I have compiled a list of the most recommended places to visit at The Shoppes of Marina Bay Sands which were made by Celebrity Chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Justin Quek, Guy Savoy, and Tetsuya Wakuda.

CUT
by Wolfgang Puck

The Steakhouse CUT is Wolfgang Puck's first forray into the Asian Market. It brings to Singapore an elaborate menu of only the finest cuts in beef, a premium selection of over 500 wines, that is matched with an impeccable sommelier type of service. The bar and lounge at CUT is also the venue to enjoy a relaxing cocktail, hand-crafted by skilled bar tenders.

Type: Steakhouse
Attire: Smart
Contact Info: 6688 8517
Reservation Recommended
Located at The Shoppes, Galleria Level B1-71
Main Dining Room: Sun - Thur 6pm to 10pm | Fri and Sat 6pm to 11pm
Bar & Lounge: Mon - Sun 5:30pm to 12am

db Bistro Moderne
by Daniel Boulud

Chef Daniel Boulud's re-invention of the Parisian bistro offers classic bistro fare, an approachable wine list, relaxing bar and a selection of hamburgers transformed into works of art.

Type: Contemporary French
Attire: Smart Casual
Contact Info: 6688 8525
Reservation Recommended
Located at The Shoppes, Galleria Level, B1-48
Lunch: Mon - Fri 12pm - 5pm | Brunch: Sat & Sun 11am - 5pm
Dinner: Sun - Mon 5:30pm - 10pm | Tue - Sat 5:30pm - 11pm

Guy Savoy
by Guy Savoy

The youngest of the great French legends and a pioneer of "Nouvelle Cuisine", Guy Savoy's restaurant in Paris is considered one of the finest Haute - Cuisine establishments in the world. His attention to detail and an intimate knowledge of the very best ingredients the has to offer, guarantees that every dish he creates is an appetizing work of art.

Type: French
Attire: Smart Elegant
Contact Info: 6688 8513
Reservation Recommended
Located at The Shoppes, Atrium 2, L2-01
Lunch: Fri & Sat 12pm - 2:30pm | Bar Dining: Tue to Sat 6pm - 10:30pm
Dinner: Tue to Sat 6:30pm - 10:30pm

Osteria Mozza
by Mario Batali

Osterio Mozza is the creation of Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, and Nancy Silverton. Discover Artisanal Salumi, fresh homemade pastas and a hearty meat, game and seafood cooked to perfection on the wood burning grill.

At the heart of the Osteria Mozza is a fresh mozzarella bar where a wide array of dishes featuring imported Southern Italian bufala and burrata mozzarella are prepared nightly.

Type: Italian Fine Dining
Attire: Smart Casual
Contact Info: 6688 8522
Reservation Recommended
Located at The Shoppes, Galleria Level, B1-42
Dinner: Daily at 5pm - 11pm | Brunch: Sunday 12pm -2pm*
*Last reservation at 1:45pm, Bellini free-flow until 2:30pm

Pizzeria Mozza
by Mario Batali

In addition to serving renowned artisanal pizza from its wood-fired ovens - Pizzeria Mozza boasts a wine bar offering over 100 Italian wines all under $100. Signature dishes include the Mozza Caprese with Burrata Mozzarella, vine roasted tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto, Crispy Duck Leg with Lentils, the famous Nancy's Chopped Salad and the Butterscotch Budino.

Type: Pizzeria
Attire: Casual
Contact Info: 6688 8522
Located at The Shoppes, Galleria Level, B1-42
Lunch and Dinner: Daily 12pm - 11pm (Last reservation at 10:45pm)

Sky on 57
by Justin Quek

Singapore's very own celebrity chef Justin Quek's grandest venture yet is found 200 meters above the ground on the spectacular Sands SkyPark. Showcasing the best of local flavors while adding his own unique twists to classical dishes, offering a delightful arrray of Franco-Asian cuisine at Sky on 57, garnished with warm Asian hospitality to compliment the breathtaking view of the city and the Gardens by The Bay.

Type: Franco-Asian
Attire: Smart Casual
Contact Info: 6688 8857
Reservation Recommended
Located at Sands SkyPark, Tower 1, L57
Breakfast: Daily 7am - 10:30am | Lunch: Daily 12pm - 2:30pm
Dinner: Daily 6pm - 10:30pm | Terrace Bar: Daily 11am - 12am

Waku Ghin
by Tetsuya Wakuda

Waku Ghin's European/Japanese cuisine features dishes made with the freshest ingredients sourced from the region and beyond. Tantalize your taste buds with signatures such as Marinated Botan Shrimp with Sea Urchin and Caviar at this elegant restaurant. Waku Ghin was voted No. 39 in the coveted "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" 2012 list.

Type: Modern European/Japanese
Attire: Smart Casual
Contact Info: 6688 8507
Reservation Recommended
Located at The Shoppes, Atrium 2, L2-02
Lunch: Fridays 12pm - 2pm | Dinner 6pm and 8:30pm (for two seatings)

Getting a chance to dine in one of these restaurants is definitely a must for both Singapore and Foreign Visitors. All of these restaurants bring a quality of experience that you can consider as enriching for both your soul and your taste buds. Take time to see which of these you'd like to consider dining in with your special someone or even your family and friends in your next visit to Marina Bay Sands. Just don't forget to give them a call first ;)

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Starmobile Astra - Amazing Home Grown Budget Smartphone

It is quite rare that I get to say this about a budget gadget, but the Starmobile Astra is definitely a budget smartphone that does not feel and function like a cheap smartphone. The moment you get to handle one in person and once you get to browse through its application and widgets, you'd be amazed by how well built the Starmobile Astra is. The ICS Android Software and Starmobile Asta's Hardware have perfectly blended together to create one amazing user experience considering its spec sheet on paper.

The Starmobile Astra was really such a surprise for me as it was the first time I had encountered a budget smartphone that I would personally want to keep for myself. I discovered this the other day as I was shopping around the Mall of Asia with my mom and family to get her a new phone that would be pretty much of an upgrade from her old iPhone 3G. Since I have been able to review many of the budget phones that were released in the Philippine Market I naturally went and introduced it to my mom to see if she would like any of them. But as we were going around, a White Starmobile Astra was on display in one of the shops and it just caught my attention. I asked the store if they had a demo unit that we could play around with. I had first dibs and was shocked at how extremely fluid and smooth it operated. it practically functioned as quickly as my HTC ONE X in terms of browsing and Navigation. It also did pretty well when we played youtube video as it loaded them as quickly as it loaded on my HTC ONE X. What shocked me even more was that it was running on a dual core processor that is clocked at 1Ghz and 512MB of RAM. No lag whatsoever was noticeable and operation was buttery smooth. It even had an awesome touch koi live wallpaper that it was using as a default background and was functioning without a glitch. I had it compared to a Huawei model that was being sold as a higher end model compared to the Starmobile Astra and trust me the Starmobile Astra was out performing it in every single way.

Another factor that caught my attention too was that of the Camera. Mom was looking for something that she could use to take decent photos and the Starmobile Asta had an 8MP shooter which considering its price point of only Php 6,990 is quite a rare find. Though it doesn't use BSI tech that allows for photos to be exceptionally clear for low light situations, the Starmobile Astra does pretty well in good light conditions. The flash does help out a bit during low light shots though the grainy photo can be a downer if you are used to camera phones like the HTC ONE X and Nokia 920. But again you'd have to consider the pricing and be a bit forgiving of the fact. 

We also got to discover that the model we got and I guess I can presume for all Starmobile Astra's, is that the ICS Android Software is already rooted and ready. It also has very little bloatware and has the most used applications such as Facebook, twitter, and even skype and viber pre-installed. This also helps in storage issues as you don't have to trouble yourself into downloading these fave applications. If space is a problem you can use a MicroSD card as it supports upto 32GB and you can even choose to have the MicroSD card as the default storage, thanks to it being pre-rooted. 

Other plus factors about the Starmobile Astra - GPS support, dual sim card, and even mobile TV which shows pretty good channel reception as it has an extendible antennae. The 4.3" IPS screen is also beautiful to look at though it only has 240ppi this shouldn't be too much of a problem as it is of decent screen size. The design is also quite attractive though reminiscent of an old HTC model. I like the way it looks in both white and black and I have to admit it does standout as it got me interested on first glance. It really doesn't feel cheap when you hold it either. 

Gaming is also pretty decent though, this is where one shouldn't expect too much from it. It can play Contract Killer Zombies One and Two pretty well but if you are planning to play Modern Combat and other very graphic intensive games then this isn't going to be something you'd want to use. This also brings me to another minor concern - battery life. Battery is only at 1,500mAh which should pretty much last a user a day of moderate use. Thankfully though the battery is accessible and you can grab a spare if it is available at the store where you are purchasing it. 

Overall, I really like the Starmobile Astra. It really brings in a lot for something priced as little as Php 6,990. Every other phone that is at that price point would be put to shame when placed side by side with it. Even those that are of a higher price point would be threatened by it. Heck, if it can function as well as my HTC ONE X in terms of average use then this is something you should really consider buying if you want a budget smartphone that is full on specs and maximizes features for every scent you spent on it. It is sexy, extremely pleasant to use and is proudly pinoy(at least that is what I have been told-need to get that verified). Either way, you really can't go wrong with this unit, power user or not. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Kasbah: A Refreshing Mediterranean Food Experience

We just got off from the gym in The Fort strip and was wondering where to grab dinner that was both healthy and yet quite tasty. We were supposed to head to Mango Tree, but for a change we decided not to go any further and just pay a visit to this rather Mediterranean ambiance of a resto nearby called Kasbah (A kasbah or Qasbah (Arabic: القصبة al-qaṣbah) or qassabah is a type of medina, Islamic city, or fortress). 

Upon walking in, you'd immediately identify the strong Middle Eastern feel of the place, from the 

furnishing to the lights and sounds and even the way the flooring, windows and wall fixings have been placed. All to be honest reminds me of my time in Saudi Arabia, making me miss my home a little bit. I personally love the music and the artworks that showed muslim culture (though I am not a muslim, but I just really love their art pieces and accents). Everything about the place just made everyone feel so relaxed. Outside one could even get to use the Shisha or water pipe, with family and friends. 

Beautiful Rustic Appeal of Kasbah - It literally takes you to a different world

Guests really feel at home as they are surrounded by beautiful pieces of art from the lighting to intricate designs of the windows and more.

The main theme of Kasbah is surrounded by these inspirations

On to the food, Kasbah has a huge selection of favorite arabic/middle eastern comfort food that just made my mouth water. It is all made from the freshest ingredients from the salad to the main entrees. Service is also quite exceptional and it just brings the overall positive feel about the place. 

We were looking for something vegetarian in the menu and we decided to go with the Parsley Tabbouleh that we ate with warm and moist pita bread and hummus. We also ordered Fish Kebabs as the main course partnered with Seven Vegetable Couscous, which was just divine to the taste. The Seven Vegetable Couscous was my favorite especially when they mixed the vegetable broth with a bit of spicey yoghurt. It was so good and quite filling. Our plates were literally wiped clean from the sauces. The vegetable broth we also used as a dip for our oven warmed pita bread. 

The Skewered Fish Kebabs were just so Juicy and tasty. You can add the pesto and yoghurt sauce to add more flavor and trust me it takes it to the next level.  

This was my personal favorite - Seven Vegetable Couscous. It really reminds me of home cooked Arabic meals that just fills you up with all the best Middle Eastern flavors in a bowl. They even added the Vegetable Broth and Spicy Sauce to add even more flavor to a dish that is already pretty amazing.

This was our starter dish - Tabbouleh - We had it with pita bread and hummus. It was the best salad/appetizer of the day. 

Drinks are also quite unique and is a must try for those that want to get a taste of something a little different in terms of mixes. 

Overall, there is really nothing I can say to make people realize how wonderful the place is. It is one of those places where you really just have to take time out from your day to come and visit and experience Mediterranean Cooking at its finest. It's healthy and yet so tasty that you'll get to start a craving for their dishes from the moment you take your first bite. 

If you want to contact them or see where else you can visit them check their info below:

Till Next Time...

-Metz-