Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas! Praise to the birth of Lord Jesus!

May the Heaven Angels and People on Earth sing praise of His deeds.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Computer Monitor

Windows 8 has introduced touch screen capability in the operating system. It is a further extension of the power of touch screen interface from Ipad and Android tablets and phones. However, hardware manufacturer namely monitor suppliers are still selling monitors that are non-touch screen. So far, there seems to be only 2 models of touch screen monitor, Dell ST2340T and Acer T232HL. Both have flat screens that are flush with the bezel. It allows finger to swipe so that Windows 8 control panel can be activated easily. But both are not cheap, in excess of USD$500 at current price.

On the other hand, TV and monitor manufacturers are focusing other technologies, such as smart TV and 3D TV. There is no coordination and coherent strategy from a consumer point of view. Are we moving towards more touch screen or more 3D effect?  Smart TVs seem to be moving towards their own user interface, ie using hand gesture for operation.

My opinion is that 3D TV may not take off as watching 3D effect is a fad. It is not comfortable to watch 3D for long duration. In addition, non-movie PC/Ipad/Android applications do not promote actively 3D effect.

With Windows 8 joining the party in touch screen, manufacturers should produce more touch screen monitors at reasonable prices (under USD$250). I believe prices will drop in the medium term when manufacturers realise there is a demand for it. Imagine, you can connect ipad, android, windows 8 tablets to a larger monitor with touch screen capability through HDMI or compatible connector.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Quote of the Month

"I am called 'the poorest president' but I don't feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more."

"This is a matter of freedom. If you don't have many possessions, then you don't need to work all your life like a slave to sustain them, therefore you have more time for yourself."
Mr Jose Mujica, 77, President of Uruguay, 2012. Interviewed by BBC.

Note: He donates about 90 percent of his US$12,000 monthly salary to charities supporting small entrepreneurs and the poor. His preferred means of transport is a 1987 Volkswagen Bettle worth US$1800.