Rapoo E6500 Bluetooth Keyboard (for Android)

These past two years I had the opportunities to travel to a few countries and each trip I will bring back loads of photographs and memories. I often will tell myself I will write or more accurately TYPE about it when I get home. I type faster than I write, however I normally do not carry my notebook with me when I travel. I do have a tablet but it does not feel the same typing on a screen instead of a keyboard; no feedback and the feeling of the keys springing back up as you strike the character keys.

Why can’t I type after I reach home?

• Perhaps it’s because I have to get back to work immediately
• My partner just says that I’m making excuses and being lazy.
• Perhaps it does not feel the same looking at hundreds of photographs and trying to recall a few days’ experience all in one go. 

Samsung Tab S - keyboard accessory

So to overcome this, I started looking for my latest gadget; a Bluetooth keyboard. We have a Samsung Tab S 8.4” and a Samsung Note 10.1 (2014 edition), and we were thinking which tablet should we get the keyboard for. To my shock, the keyboard accessories for Samsung (brand) cost between RM100 to RM450






I decided to look for an alternative and here are some of the criteria;

• it should be able to work with most if not all of my android devices. We also have Smartphones running on android.
• it should be light weight and easy to bring along during travel.
• it should be able to operate for a fair amount of time per charge. Personally I’m hoping for at least a day per charge.
• hopefully it will not cost more than RM100.

As usual I started looking online and this time at www.lelong.com.my first then followed by www.lazada.com.my. There were a number of options available when I searched for "Bluetooth Android Keyboard";

Results of Bluetooth Android Keyboard on Lelong

Results of Bluetooth Android Keyboard on Lazada

The model that caught my eye was this; Rapoo E6500 Bluetooth 3.0 Ultra-Slim Android Keyboard (http://www.rapoo.com/) at an IT shop before. It is not a new or latest model as I have seen at AllITMart at section 14 Digital Mall (www.digitalmall.com.my/) months ago. Finally got a reason to get it.

Rapoo E6500 Bluetooth 3.0 Ultra-Slim Android Keyboard
Here is my video of its un-boxing, describing its features and also a demonstration of connecting to a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition).

Other demonstrations;
Connecting to a Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Connecting to a Samsung Galaxy S4

Connecting to a Samsung Galaxy S3

There is another model which is mean for iPhone & iPad, the Rapoo E6300 Bluetooth 3.0 Ultra-Slim Android Keyboard.

Final Thoughts:
I am pleased with this purchase that cost me RM95 (including GST).
After years of tapping on the screens of my smart android devices, I now have the means to type naturally as I would with a normal physical keyboard. There will be a period of adjustment due the fact that the keyboard is more compact than the conventional computer keyboards, but in my opinion it is still better and faster than typing on the respective devices' screen. As demonstrated on the videos above, I only need one Rapoo E6500 keyboard and it will work with my different android devices.

Philips Driving Camera CVR300 - Finally the one

Our first purchase of a car camera was a horrible failure. So for our second purchase we decided to go for a more reputable brand.

On 5th April, we saw walking at Ikano Power Centre (IPC) and Popular Bookstore was having a Fair on the ground floor, and we saw one of their concessionaire called Ascom. They were selling projectors, storage devices and car camcorders. They had three models available;

• CVR700 (RM499) - has a built in GPS logger
• CVR300 (RM399) - has a rotatable camera
• CVR200 (RM369)

My first instinct was to check the prices online, and I had the Lazada mobile app installed. From my previous posting you’ll noticed I’d made numerous purchases online as it was more economical, but this time I was shocked.

Lessons here:

• Not everything sold online is cheaper from physical stores.
• Don’t believe the claims of so called ‘discounts’ - do more survey & comparison.

Hence our second purchase of a car camcorder is the Philips Car Driving Recorder CVR300 for RM399.00. On top of already great price, we gotten 3 x RM10 book vouchers from Popular (there was an ongoing promotion for every RM120 spent, a RM10 voucher will be given).

Here are the videos of the Unboxing, and Usage experience;

[Updated, 20 April 2015] Here are some sample videos that have been uploaded unto YouTube.

The videos were not edited in anyway prior to uploading to YouTube. The camera was set to record at Full HD 1920x1080 30fps 16:9. Time stamp enabled. Audio disabled.
 
If you wish to view the original video files, please click here.

Here is the list of the Philips Car Driving Camera model CVR300 detail specifications;

Video Quality
Resolution

• Full HD(1920x1080p) at 30 fps
• HD (1280 x 720p) at 60 fps

Formats

• AAC Audio compression
• H.264 video compression
• MP4 files format

Photo Resolution

• 5MP

Camera
Picture resolution: 12/8/5/3MP

Lens & Sensor
Lens: 4G Wide Angle
Sensor: 1:3.2 inch, 5MP CMOS
File format: MP4
Video format: H.264 video compression, AAC Audio compression

Recorder features
Video loop recording: 3/5/10 min
Motion Detect function
Record auto start at power on
Auto save at power off
Microphone mute in recording
Date stamp

Lens & Sensor
Lens: 4G Wide Angle
Sensor: 1:3.2 inch, 5MP CMOS
File format: MP4
Video format: H.264 video compression, AAC Audio compression

Display
Resolution: 480(RGB) x 240
Auto screen switch off: off/1/3/5min
LCD size: 2"

Digital Storage
Recording Media: Micro SD card (class 6 or higher, up to 32GB)

Connectivity
USB: Mini-USB port
HDMI: 1080i/720p
Microphone: Stereo directional microphone
Speaker: Built-in

Battery & Power
Charge Time: 10min
Power supply: 5.5V DC
Backup battery: Built-in 300mAh lithium battery
Life: 2 Min for last capture backup

Dimensions
Product dimensions (WxDxH): 50 x 25.5 x 100 mm
Product weight (g): 55.5 g

Accessories included
User Manual

• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese

Suction cup mount
USB cable
Car Charger: 12V Power adapter with 2.5m long cable

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera - My Very First Action Cam.

Capturing memories, I have an entry-level Sony camcorder and a compact camera from Samsung (W250F), and most of the time I take photos and videos with my Xioami Redmi Note 3G phone. So I normally wonder how people can spend hundreds to thousand of ringgit to buy something that small - I am referring to Action Cameras.

I must admit that I have no experience with these type of cameras, and since the prices of these gadgets are deemed high (to me), I did not explore or research further. However on 2 March 2015, Xiaomi launched an action camera called 'Xiaomi Yi Action Camera' that cost only RMB 399 (converted to approximately MYR 233.96) - that caught my attention!

I thought it was within my price range but alas it was only available in China and knowing from history how long it takes for Xiaomi to launch new products in Malaysia, I was left dishearten again. On 26 March 2015 I saw the camera on my usual online shopping site, Lazada and it was priced at RM 349.00 and after applying a discount code for 10% off, I secured the item at RM 314.10. The item was 'Sold & Fulfilled by Lazada' and it came with '1 Year Supplier Warranty'.

Since this was my very first action camera, I was very excited! & I was going to make sure I studied it properly and find out how to maximize the my enjoyment using it. Below are the videos of my review of the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera and also the accompanying App.

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (JAT Part 1: Unboxing)

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (JAT Part 2: Functions & Usage)

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (JAT Part 3: App Connection & Settings)

Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (JAT Part 4: Maximizing The Experience)

And here is a playlist of videos captured from the camera;

• The first five videos are captured during the night time driving around residential roads to highways. Some videos have 'Lens Rectification' enabled.
• There are two videos during the morning and one in the afternoon. 'Lens Rectification' enabled.
• Two videos driving during the evening, and one is of them was in the rain.

 

Below are some sample photographs taken indoors and outdoors (click to enlarge);

A view overlooking a car park - taken during high noon

A view overlooking a car park - taken during high noon

On the roof of an industrial lot.

The indoor open area of Sunway Pyramid

Visual Effect

The car park of Citta Mall, Ara Damansara

Lens Rectification ENABLED

Lens Rectification DISABLED - default

Kepong Gangster 2 (甲洞2) - Meet The Fans Session

I was at Paradigm Mall on 28 February 2015 to catch the Prosperity Drums by Kwong Ngai Lion Dance troop but unfortunately that event was cancelled the last minute. It so happen there was another event taking place, a "Meet The Fans Session" from a local movie production. So I stuck around to watch this instead. This is the first time I met Stars from the entertainment and movie industry. This "Meet The Fans Sessions" was for a new local movie called "Kepong Gangster 2 (甲洞2)". The casts and director of the Kepong Gangster 2 have been traveling across Malaysia to promote their their movie, which was to be released in cinemas on the last day of Chinese New Year 2015 (Chap Goh Meh), 5 March 2015 (Thursday).

It was great to see that there was a substantial crowd that was present to support this movie. The session started slightly passed 7:30pm and it lasted close to 1 1/2 hours. The director and casts were given time to share the interesting moments and challenging bits they experienced in the movie. There was an opportunity for some fans to volunteer and pair up with their favourite stars to participate in a game. Finally, three of the stars gave the audience a treat by singing a song a piece.

The following is the session recorded in 3 parts;
Casts & Director (Left to Right): Danny Wan, Agnes Lim, Brien Pien, Queen Wei, Henley Hii 許亮宇, Billy Ng, Crystal Lee, and Director 馬逸騰 Teng Bee

Interview & Sharing by Director 馬逸騰 Teng Bee & Casts

Games & Interaction with the Fans

Singing by Henley Hii, Brian Pien and Queen Wei.

《甲洞2》《KEPONG GANGSTER 2》
元宵節 3月5日 全國戲院 情義上映 !!
IN CINEMAS CHAP GOH MEH 5 MARCH 2015 !!
#‎keponggangster2‬
http://www.facebook.com/kepongmovie

2.5" HD Car DVR IR Night Vision 270° In-Car AV Recorder - Dashed

My first purchase of a car dash camera - dashed. There is an old saying, "If it's too good to be true, then it probably is."

I had no idea about car dash cameras hence what I usually do in a situation like this, I'd 'Googled It'. There are a lot of good tips & write-ups available online and one of the sites that explained them very well is Techmoan. After reading and watching some of these reviews, I thought I was ready to make my first purchase. Since this was my first attempt, I wanted to be 'safe' and not spent too much money on it ... so as usual I looked online for the best deal. I found on MyDeals.com.my this: "2.5" HD Car DVR IR Night Vision 270° In-Car AV Recorder" sold at discounted price of RM59.00.

Extracted from the online deal site;

• Comes with 6 IR lights that will help you record day and night or in a dark environment
• Records automatically after the car starts
• High speed recording
• Support Real Time & Date display on video
• Cycled recording and repeat storage by section
• Image sensor: 1/4 color CMOS WXGA Sensor  
• Recording resolution: SXGA 1280 x 960 Pixels, 30fps(interpolation)  VGA 640 x 480 Pixels , 30fps
• Support SD/MMC Cards: Up to 32GB(memory card not included in the package)

(Source: http://www.ensogo.com.my/deals/7-day-delivery-25-hd-car-dvr-ir-night-vision-270-car-av-recorder)

What was included;

1. 2.5" HD Car DVR IR Night Vision 270° In-Car AV Recorder
2. Mounting bracket
3. USB Cable
4. Box
5. Car Charger
6. Battery

The overall experience;

 Purchasing & Customer Experience

• The product had a delivery promise, it was suppose to be delivered within 7 days, the item was ordered on 21 Nov and was estimated to arrive on 28 Nov - That did not happen.
• When the product was not delivered at the promised time, I'd wrote an email to the Customer Service. The Customer Service was not helpful and told me to contact their supplier directly via email. However, the email address provided by the Customer Service was incorrect which resulted further delay in proper follow-up and delivery. It was only delivered on 12 Dec.

Product Experience;

• It is made of plastic and the finishing is very poor. It feels like it will break very easily. The buttons are hard to press, and if I applied a bit of force, I am afraid I will break them.
• The bracket was not able to secure tightly around the ball-joint, this resulted the camera to shift/move slightly when the car goes over bumps or uneven roads.

• Battery cannot hold a charge even after a full day of charging via USB connected to a notebook. 
• There is no proper marking to indicate the direction the SD card is suppose to be inserted into the slot. (Refer to Arrow #1 below).
• Since the battery was useless the only way to power the device is with the car charger to the USB point (Refer to Arrow #2 below). Later, I noticed because it solely depended on the car charger, once the car engine is switched off, the device powers off immediately and could miss saving the last segment of the video it was recording.

Video Quality;
I believe the videos captured by this dashcam will speak for itself. The following video playlist consist of 9 situations (1 minute each);

1. Car is stationary during daytime.
2. Car moving slowly making some turns during daytime.
3. Car traveling down a highway during daytime.
4. Car moving through KL Sentral station during daytime.
5. Car exiting a car park.
6. Car traveling on a highway in the rain during the evening.
7. Car traveling at night in the rain. 
8. Car traveling on a highway at night in the rain. 
9. Car turning into a row of shops at night.

You can download the original video files produced here by clicking the link here.

In summary, this car dash camera is a piece of crap. I would not recommend it to anyone to buy it.


I am still looking forward to owning a car dash camera ... just be careful about this one (2.5" HD Car DVR IR Night Vision 270° In-Car AV Recorder).

Butterfly Air Fryer BAF-601D (JAT Demo)

In our previous posting we shared about our purchase of the Butterfly Air Fryer BAF-601D (http://www.justathoughtah.com/2015/01/a-step-to-healthier-living-air-fryer.html)

To provide a bit more information on the product, we prepared this simple 3 minute clip to demonstrate its usage.

Quill City Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Located along Jalan Sultan Ismail is a new mall called ‘Quill City Mall’ (http://www.quillcitymall.com.my/) which opened its doors in the month of October 2014.

It used to be an abandon project for about 10 years after former owner of the project Vision City (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd ran into difficulties during the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis (source: The Star)

It has 7 floors (Lower Ground (LG) to 6th floor), at the time of writing this only the LG till 3rd floor are open with various shops, eateries, and boutiques. The main anchor tenant is AEON (http://aeonretail.com.my/).

With Christmas is around the corner, the centre court of the mall is decorated with a Candy Theme. The weekend program from November till December (2014) includes dance performances, Christmas Carollers, and Santa Claus.

I was able to record the performance of the carollers on 30 November, and this group is from the Young Choral Academy (http://www.youngchoral.my/).

If you wish to see the live performance, the Young Choral Academy will be on every Sundays at 12:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm (till Christmas day).

Santa Claus appearance are on the Saturdays and Sundays till Christmas day (25 December 2014). Shoppers were welcome to take photographs with Santa and Santa was also giving lovely treats to young children.

There are two sessions; ‘Meet & Greet’ where Santa is stationed at the centre court stage to meet the shoppers and their children for photo opportunities, and ‘Santa's Walkabout’ where Santa will be walking around the mall to spread joy and treats to all.

Getting There

Location: Same side of the road & just before University Kuala Lumpur, and directly opposite Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. Google Map location.
Monorail station: Medan Tuanku station (http://www.myrapid.com.my/rail%3Fcode%3DMRL#monorel)

A few Pros

• The location. If you’re not keen to drive there you have the option to take the monorail and stop at Medan Tuanku station. If you are working around the vicinity, there is an elevated & sheltered walkway / linked bridge that is connected to the mall.
• The walkways in the mall are large and there are sufficient benches for you to rest your feet when you are tired.
• There are ample car parks. 3 floors of them (P1, P2, P3) and designated areas for women drivers.

A few Cons

• The location, if you are driving to the mall. There is a possibility you will overshoot and pass the mall’s entrance ramp because the Medan Tuanku monorail station blocks its view. There is insufficient signatures before the monorail station stating that the mall’s main entrance & driveway is coming up.
• The Parking Rates. RM3 for the first two hours, RM2 for the subsequent hour, and then 5th hour onwards, it will be RM3 per hour (yes, the hefty parking charges is not the only turn off but it test your math calculation as well).
• The Exits. Existing the car park you have two options; the front of the mall which is ‘Jalan Sultan Ismail’ and the back of the mall which is ‘Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman’. If you’re exiting through Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, the road goes through a road that is completed and you have to drive pass some roadside eateries which conveniently place tables on the road (meant for vehicles).

A few final thoughts

The GSC cinema and food court (Food Junction) are targeted to open in the month of December 2014 and January 2015.

To encourage more people to visit the mall, the PARKING FEE will be waived on WEEKENDS for the month of December 2014. YES FREE PARKING. You will still need to collect the entry ticket and validate it before you exit the mall - I suppose it is to keep count of the number of vehicles entering the mall.

The official opening of the mall was said to be on 13 January 2015 and there will be celebrative events & performances leading to the weekend, 18 January 2015. There was also rumours that the K-Pop artist Rain (Jung Ji-Hoon) will be performing there.

Bayers Dual Stage Slow Juicer (JAT Demo)

A month ago we shared about a purchase, Bayers Dual Stage Slow Juicer.
Write-up: http://www.justathoughtah.com/2014/09/bayers-dual-stage-slow-juicer.html

To provide a bit more information on the product, we prepared this simple 2 minute clip to demonstrate its usage.