I’m back.. Its been ages since i updated. I was going through some changes, thus the lack of posts, or energy to update.
Anyway, I’m back, with more new gadgets. Apple in fact. I got myself an Apple Mac Mini, using some profits from the trades i done through stocks. Bundled with the new Bluetooth Wireless Aluminum Keyboard and  a Microsoft Arc Mouse, and a new system have i. Switching over from Owndows was real easy. So much so that after switching, i actually din see the need to install Windows in bootcamp. In fact, my previous working desktop was donated to a friend to be used as a HTPC.

Just recently, i got myself an iPhone 3G. Finally, my desire was satisfied. And of course, that meant my iPod Touch was sold off. To a very nice person infact.

My next few posts will have pictures of my purchases aka Hoots.. So stay tuned for them.

Peace out..

First and foremost, i must say tat i have been enjoying myself with my 16GB Refurbished iPod Touch. Some changes made are a new Case-Mate Signature Leather case in red, replacing the present Incipio. Since i couldn’t find any 1st Gen iPod Touch cases no more, my only option was to ship it over. The case with discount costs 5.99USD on case-mate’s website. That’s cheap one might think. But include the shipping and you end up paying $30 odd SGD. Quite acceptable for something not available locally anymore. Best part is, casemate actually provides a screen protector along with the case as well. Way neat..

Another new toy that i got before CNY was a Garmin 205W. This takes the hassle of installing MapKing on my O2 Mini every other quarter off my shoulders. Not to mention that my O2 speakers have died. Well, after using the 205W for over a month, its one of those gadgets a driver like me must have. Especially with those speedtraps and red-light camera warnings.

Just recently ( 1 week back)) i got myself a Singtel BroadBand on Mobile(BBOM) Plan as a VAS. This would allow me to surf freely on my E51. Now, for those who dont know, my E51 has been with me for more than a year now. And in fact, i stuck by it even after getting a Motorola V9, which was sold shortly after 2 weeks. The downfall of the E51 is the camera quality, which isnt very important to me, and the battery life. Which made me purchase the E71. Sporting a full qwerty keypad, with heavenly battery life, and a 3.2MP camera, it made my day.

As the title says, my Fiio E5 has finally arrived from HK. After a month’s wait, literally, due to a lack of stocks from MP4 Nation. For those who have no idea what the Fiio E5 is, heres’ some specifications.

E5-portable headphone amplifier
World’s smallest metal case headphone amplifier with higher power output, better Signal to Noise ratio and Lower Distortion.

Features
●Designed for high impedance and low sensitivity headphones,
●Easy to carry and use in the outdoors
●New amplifier IC, with higher S/N and lower distortion!
●Very high PSRR, and with metal case. Reduces the noise caused by GSM mobile phones! So you can now connect to a GSM music mobile phone!
●Individual power switch;
●Two sound effects: Flat and bass boost mode;
●Built-in Rechargeable battery, gives about 20 hours playtime at normal volume;
●Mini USB charger port!
●With a built-in metal clip, you can clip the E5 onto anything !

Specifications
Output Power: 150 mW (16 ohms Loaded)
12 mW (300 ohms Loaded)
Signal to Noise Ratio: >= 95 dB (A Weight)
Distortion: < 0.009% (10 mW)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz
Suitable Headphone Impedance: 16 ohms – 300 ohms
Weight: 30g
Power Supply: build-in 200mAh rechargerable battery
Dimensions: 44.2mm x 38 mm x 12.6 mm

Sound solution:
Pre-amp: OPA2338UA From TI (Texas Instruments)
Power-amp: TPA6130A From TI (Texas Instruments)

Accessories Included
15cm 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio line *1
80cm 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio line *1
60cm USB-A to mini USB charge line *1

Some pictures.

Package

Amp

Amp – Top View

Amp – Bottom View

Accessories

Comparison with iPod Shuffle

Charging

-

Well, first impression where good to begin with. Nice build and size. Not too big, with affordable pricing. My particular set was the Nationite Edition by MP4 Nation. Upon using the amp with my 1st Generation iPod Touch with Cross Roads Dock, i could feel the bass increase with my Audio Technica ATH-CKM 50 in-ears. Clarity was also slightly improved. With my *ahem* fake OEM Sennheiser PX200, the amp proved itself even more. Bass, which was non-existent before, could now be felt, and to a great level. Even with the base boost switch off, it was a pleasure. Pairing with a pair of old phones, the ATH-F5E, the amp provided a tighter bass, with clarity as well.

In a nutshell, the Fiio E5 is great for anyone on a tight budget and would like to tryout a portable amp without burning a hole in his/her pocket. It is also recommended for bass-heads.

Best part is, if you are interested in owning one of these, feel free to contact me as i will be selling my review unit, together with the Cross Roads iPod Line Out Dock.

For those who don’t exactly keep themseleves updated, some details on USB 3.0
.SuperSpeed USB 3.0′s 5Gbps data rate (compared with Hi-Speed USB 2.0′s 480Mbps)
.A 25GB HD movie will take 13.9 min to transfer with USB 2.0, and 70 seconds with USB 3.0
More here.

Incoming Mail Settings
. Incoming Server – pop3.live.com
. Port – 995
. SSL – On
. Username – username@xxxx.com
Where xxxx = live/msn/hotmail
For TP students case is student.tp.edu.sg
. Password – password used to access email

Outgoing Mail Settings
. Outgoing Server – smtp.live.com
. Port 25 or 587 if blocked
. SSL – On
Username and password field are same as incoming settings *they are required else you won’t be able to send mail.

More here

And the TNT Courier came with my Xmas present from Apple. Purchased through Apple Store Online on the 22nd Dec was a Refurbished 16GB Ipod Touch 1st Gen.

As with my previous experiences with Apple’s refurbished item, the condition was well expected, brand new. Not a single scratch or ding. Only diff was a not so standard box. Even the accessories were what a first hand default would have.

After which, the original firmware (1.1.4) was replaced to a 2.1 and was subsequently jailbroken. Though I must say the jailbreaking process was one which was ‘interesting’. At least the risk of bricking an iPod touch was unpresent.

Here’s some screenshots of my springboard (the desktop of the device)

P.S. – I have a RSS link at the right hand side of my site. Subscribe it to get updates on your mobile, ipod touch, iphone, desktop or laptop news reader.