I have just received my new desktop set from Microsoft. I have just been renewed on my MVP award, so I have the chance to order several stuffs directly from Microsoft Company Store. This year will be the end of wires. I have ordered a wireless keyboard and mouse plus a wireless XBox360 controller. Here are some pics.

The keyboard + mouse set that I choose was the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000. It’s a pretty awesome keyboard set and I would recommend it to everyone. I had a hard time adjusting to the new keyboard for there are some differences with a normal keyboard. First, it is more similar typing on a laptop, and since I don’t own a laptop I have to adjust with the way I type. But don’t get me wrong, it’s a good improvement compared to my old desktop set. Here are the things that you should know about the keyboard:

1. It has no Numeric Keypad (It’s just like a laptop, you’ll have to press the Fn key to access the Numeric keypad)
2. The function keys are not really keys at all but performs more of like a sensor
3. It has a built-in touchpad which is really cool, you can totally use the keyboard without the mouse
4. The windows key has been relocated on the bottom center of the keyboard, this definitely is a big adjustment for me

All in all, I am pretty quite satisfied with the performance of the new keyboard. Its pretty nice to type on, soft keys means lesser stress on the wrists and it has a semi-curve ergonomic design.

On the XBox360 controller, I guess there’s nothing else to say but it is an awesome controller!

Here are some additional pics on my new wireless desktop (only my headphones remains wired)…

(This post is long overdue) Yup, for the first time of my life I have purchased my very first mobile phone. It's not that I haven't owned a phone before, as a matter of fact this is my 6th phone. Here's a list:

• Siemens M35i
• Nokia 6310i
• Nokia 3310
• Nokia 3315
• Motorola (forgot the model name)

All of the these phones were company issued. So technically I still haven't purchased a single cellphone in my whole life. So I guess it's time to break the curse. In choosing my first cellphone, I have to be extra careful since it's my own money that I'm spending now. So after looking at some mobile reviews, I have set-up a standard for what I am looking for my phone:

• Windows Mobile 6.0 at least (standard or professional)
• Touchscreen or qwerty keyboard
• Large display screen
• Can play MP3s
• Can play Videos
• 3G/HSDPA/GPRS/EDGE in short, can access the internet
• Not so bulky
• Nice to look at

With these qualifications I have narrowed down my search to the following phones:

• Nokia E71 - Really fell in-love with this phone. I really love the metallic design and the elegance that it projects. But sadly it's not a Windows Mobile phone (if it was, I'll definitely would've purchased it)
• Motorola Q - I also like this phone. But its lack of 3G/Wifi turned me off. Though I was really tempted with the price.
• Motorola Q9h - A very powerful phone, though the lack of Wifi and its bulkish design turned me to another direction.
• O2 Atom Life - Love this phone. I'm still having second thoughts if I should've purchased this one.

And last but not the least, my choice, Samsung SGH-i780. This phone really attracted me with its design, connectivity features and super cool features, just like the touch pad. I will be posting a follow up post on this that will serve as a review. In the meantime, here's the actual pic of my new phone:

(sorry I haven't properly cleaned the phone upon taking the picture, oily hands)

And here's my screen shot:

At&t has just revealed the pricing scheme of the upcoming iPhone 3G. And they also revealed that the new iPhone can be purchased without a 2-year subscription.

iPhone 3G (8 GB) $199 + $36 Activation fee (with 2 year subscription)

iPhone 3G (8 GB) $599 + $36 Activation fee (without 2 year contract)

Apple Insider has also released documents showing the difference on At&t plans on the new iPhone 3G vs the original iPhone.

See Here

As you can see there is a great difference ($10 x 24 months) on the new iPhone 3G. So do you think it's more cheaper now?

News Source: Beta News