The X-mini II Capsule Speaker: Less is More

When it comes to superior sound quality, a decent set of headphones will usually make the cut. However, headphones are best appreciated alone and not in a social setting.

Technology has come to the rescue with portable speakers, the solution for the sharing of tunes at a picnic, gathering or even during presentations. These useful devices plug into MP3 players, cell phones and laptops, with sound that can effortlessly fill a small to medium sized room.

In today’s day and age, a new breed of tiny portable speakers has been unleashed. Obvious convenience and aesthetics aside, these small wonders manage to hold their own against their larger counterparts, which are quite a chore to lug around.

Best of all, a good set of tiny portable speakers usually cost well below $100, which means that life can be injected to a party…without breaking the bank.

After reviewing numerous speakers, this is the one worth considering investing in – The X-mini II Capsule Speaker.

Winner of the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards and the Infocomm Singapore Awards, the X-mini II Capsule Speaker promises an audio revolution. True enough, these speakers live up to their tagline – “Sound Beyond Size”.

Recently released, the X-mini II Capsule Speaker retains all the best features from the groundbreaking first generation unit and further combines new innovations for an improved audio experience.

Still present is the X-mini patented extendable vacuum that mimics and produces the resonance of an actual sub-woofer. By simply unlocking a tiny switch at the side of these speakers, the bass vacuum can be expanded upwards.

Because of this clever bass vacuum technology, all X-mini speakers are capable of producing an impressive volume and bass over ten times their physical size.

The X-Mini II Capsule Speaker now boasts a larger 40 mm driver that allows the delivery of an even richer and fuller sound for users. Battery life stands at approximately 11 hours, following which a recharge can be easily accomplished within two and a half hours via a 2.0 USB cable.

To eliminate cumbersome audio cables dangling from the X-mini II Capsule Speaker, a built-in retractable 3.5 mm audio cable has been designed. When not in use, the cable can be tucked neatly into the base for a cleaner and sleeker look.

This enhances convenience and portability, as it reduces the need to lug around loose cables.

One note-worthy new feature of the X-Mini II Capsule Speaker is a "Buddy Jack" system (pictured above). The retractable audio jack usually used for connecting to the audio output now allows users to connect one X-Mini II to another, forming an endless daisy chain with formidable volume capabilities.

Even with all these in-built features, the X-mini II Capsule Speaker is small, measuring a mere 60 mm x 60 mm x 44 mm with a closed resonator and weighs in at just 83 grams.

One downside to the X-mini II Capsule speakers is that it is only capable of producing a mono sound, as the sound will only be resonated through one speaker. However, it more than compensates for this flaw with a crisp, crystal clear sound quality.

All in all, the X-mini II manages to strike the perfect balance of palm-sized portability and uncompromising sound quality, making it perfect for people on the go. Indeed... size does not always matter.

The X-Mini II retails for $49.90 at all good electronic stores.

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Note: Check out this video review for more information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpeYdWSdw2U

Even more noteworthy: I finally caved and got one for myself!

The cold hard truth about cheap ice cream

Did you know that getting the most out of your ice cream might be as simple as paying more for it?

Ever wondered why a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream costs so much more a scoop of Magnolia ice cream? Some might argue that this is a case of brand superiority, but studies show otherwise.

Contrary to popular belief, quantity is in proportion to quality when it comes to this tasty treat. Research has shown that 20-50% of ice cream is literally made up of nothing, or rather, air.

During the early stages of freezing, air is whipped into the ice cream mix, more so in the case of cheaper ice cream. As a result, costs are slashed and volumes multiplied. This enables manufacturers to market these ice creams at attractive prices. Doubling the air content results in soft ice cream, which is commonly served in fast food chains at highly affordable prices.

A quick survey of 20 people revealed that not a single person was aware that cheaper ice cream contained more air than premium ice cream. Melissa Tan, 21, was clearly puzzled, asking: “Isn’t ice cream, regardless of quality, supposed to be made out of cream and not air?”

By weight, ice cream is mainly comprised of water (from milk and cream), sweeteners and flavouring. Milk fat is responsible for giving ice cream its distinctive richness and characteristic texture.

However, manufacturers of cheaper ice cream have discovered a way to deceive the palate. Additives such as guar gum or locust gum enable watery and bumpy “concoctions” to freeze with the consistency of real ice cream, thus fooling consumers.

While premium ice cream brands contain up to 20% milk fats, their cheaper counterparts contain a minimum of ten percent milk fat. Thus, more sweeteners and flavourings are used to compensate for the difference in taste.

Nonetheless, you can take comfort in the fact that the honest goodness of traditional homemade ice cream is not lost in this era. Chronos Chan, co-owner of Tom’s Palette (pictured above) that specialises in homemade ice cream, strongly feels that consumers have the right to know what they are putting into their mouths.

In fact, so insistent is Chronos on delivering fresh and natural ice cream that he is even willing to suffer a few losses along the way. “We do not add stabilizers into our ice cream as it gives a gum-like texture. But without this preservative, the lifespan of our ice cream is greatly reduced,” he explained.

One method of identifying the quality of any ice cream is simply to melt it. Premium ice cream melts into a rich, smooth liquid with little or no foam. On the other hand, cheap ice cream often melts into a sickly liquid topped off with a layer of foam.

The layer of foam is caused by air that escapes as the ice cream melts.

Another telltale sign of cheap ice cream is their density. A quick experiment showed that a cup of premium, homemade ice cream weighed 102g while the exact same amount of commercial ice cream weighed a mere 23g.

So the next time a friend insists that snacking on this sinful dessert is “nothing”, there might actually be some truth in that statement.

Stop and Stare

In the spirit of citizen journalism, I snapped a picture

of this sign spotted on the train.

It made me chuckle, and I hope it will inspire you to do the same.

PBL - Probably Beneficial Learning

So, its been a while since my last reflection on PBL. While it will take much more time for PBL to be integrated into my daily problems, aka: running late for school, deciding what to wear, I now turn to PBL when handling projects. However, I do not exactly whip out a piece of paper and draw a FILA chart on it. The process is on a mental, subconscious level.

In my mind, I lay out the Facts, Ideas, Learning Issues and Action Plan. That serves as a starting point for me, which is helpful because I often suffer from information overload and end up running around in circles. I now am able to navigate from Point A to Point B, from the conceptualisation of ideas to the actual delivery of product. So I now get work done in a linear manner. Which is pretty ironic considering that PBL is actually student-CENTRED learning. Pun intended.

Alternative places to hang out

Been there, bought the T-shirt and came back? Hanging out with your friends can become mundane, especially if outings are limited to the usual tried and tested destinations.

Forget congested, suffocating shopping malls or overpriced eateries. The next time round, ditch the concrete jungle and hit the great outdoors for a truly memorable experience.
These three unusual locations, some opened not long ago, are perfect for chilling out.

So stop by... and discover that the best things in life are indeed free.

Henderson Waves

Henderson Waves is a 274 metre long pedestrian bridge that connects Mount Faber Park and Teloh Blangah Hill Park. Standing at 36 metres above Henderson Road, this sculptural structure remains the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore to date.

This picturesque bridge earned its name from its wave like form, consisting of seven curved steel “ribs” under the bridge deck that rise alternately. Apart the visual element, these curved ribs also double up as alcoves that function as shelters with seats.

Look out for carvings on the Balau wood deckings that mark out the height you are at along various points of the bridge. Do drop by between 7 pm to 2 am daily, as that is when the wave-forms of the bridge are lit up with orange LED lamps, creating beautiful shadows from the rib structures.

Enjoy a chatting session with your friends or even just a leisure stroll at Henderson Waves. But remember to bring along your camera, for it will be a night you will never want to forget.

Marina Barrage

The Marina Barrage is a dam built across the Marina Channel, between Marina East and Marina South.

Located near Marina Bay, the Marina Barrage is home to the first reservoir in the city, Marina Reservoir. As the water in the Marina Basin is unaffected by tidal activity, the water level is kept constant, making it ideal for recreational activities such as canoeing or dragonboating.

Landscaped to incorporate the surrounding environment, the “Green Roof” doubles up as an open recreational space, where kite-flying is a popular activity. It is the perfect spot to have a picnic while overlooking the panoramic skyline.

Do drop by the Sustainable Singapore Gallery for an impressive showcase of Singapore’s efforts towards environmentally sustainable developments.

Learn more about Marina Barrage at http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/Pages/default.aspx

Kent Ridge Park

Spanning across a staggering 47 hectares, Kent Ridge Park is a spacious and unspoiled nature habitat. Lying between the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Science Park, this public park is an official World War II site.

The park boasts several trails, including one for mountain biking enthusiasts. For those who prefer traveling by foot, a 280 metres long canopy walk conveniently links Kent Ridge Park to the war museum, Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Along the canopy walk, there are information boards providing educational insights on the various flora and fauna found in Kent Ridge Park. Catch a breather at the half-way point, while taking in the scenic views of Normanton Park and the National Parks Board’s plant nursery.

Check out the three life-sized statues and a plaque outside the war museum, honoring the Malay Regiment and commemorating the lives of those who died. This history lesson will be anything but boring for you and your friends.

Student by Day, Entrepreneur by Night

Answering countless emails, handling cash transactions and scripting sales invoices on a daily basis is not what most students would willingly do during their free time. But for a handful of passionate individuals, that is a small price to pay for owning a personal blogshop.

Blogshops are making their mark in the local retail industry with a quick search on Google Trends revealing a sharp spike in their numbers over the past two years.

Many assume that fashion and income are the only reasons behind the steady rise of people jumping onto the entrepreneurship bandwagon and starting blogs.

But that is not the case.

Twenty year old Ashley Tan, co-owner of three blog shops, explains that the thirst to run their own business and be their own boss is also a huge contributing factor. “ Most of my friends with existing blogshops started it because they wanted to get the hang of running a business. Personally, I feel that being one's own boss means more flexibility and independance and of course, it's a great avenue to do something I really love and earn money at the same time!”

Besides acting as a source of income, blogshop also benefit their owners in more ways than one. For starters, the resume of a blogshop owner practically reads like a marketing textbook.

Fellicia Seow 19, owner of blogshop 'lockedup-stars.livejournal.com' (LUS), enthusiastically agrees. “I believe it (LUS) helps develop my customer relation as well as communiaction skills because at flea markets or pushcarts we have to 'sales talk' to customers.”

Customer relation skills is not all these blogshop owners hone. With so many other players in the market, each owner has to up their game in order to remain at the forefront of the competition.

Michelle Sim, owner of 'myrosebullet.livejournal.com' utilises as much promotional tools possible to put themselves on the map.

Customers can follow Michelle on twitter to get the latest updates on blog offerings and promotions. Over and above, they also have a facebook page to boost interectivity with customers. Their killer marketing strategy also boasts a fashion blog that aims to inspire readers and, of course, direct them to their blogshop.

Those who think that owning a blogshop is easy business are mistaken. Not only does it involve careful planning, hardwork and dedication, owners mustbe ready to sacrifice much time and effort.

Of course, Michelle knows all about the time and effort needed to keep a blogshop running.

“ During the holidays, We (Michelle and her sister) would fly overseas to source for goods” she reveals. “ It's not easy when we are busy with projects and exams. Some customers expect our blogshop to be updated almost everyday so we have to learn to strike a balance so neither area suffers.”

It seems other owners dedicate much quality time and effort on their blogshops too. A survey in the Straits Times found that 30% of blogshop owners spend over 20 hours per week on their sites.

Alot of hard work? Of course. But then again, since when has starting a business been the easiest process?

What matters is that these young entrepreneurs are willing to go the distance and in time, they will be tasting the fruits of their labour.

Stop and Stare

Today on the bus ride home, I was greeted by a

green notice on the TV Mobile Screen thanking

commuters for their support through the years.

Basically, this service ceased operations with the

dawn of 2010. What are your thoughts?

Was TV Mobile a pest or a companion to you?