Caperture

Nokia 808 – Mother of Camera Phones!!

dchen — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:14:59 +0000

Camera phones have been quite of low performance over the recent years but today Nokia takes a ground breaking leap with its Symbian powered smartphones with a 41-megapixel camera on board. The mother of camera phones was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The phones packs a 41-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lenses and Xenon flash. Carl Zeiss lenses have been used in many digital devices today and even on compact cameras. But on a smartphone with a whopping 41-mp camera, that is certainly amazing for Nokia. Samples at the end of the post.

The first of its kind, the Nokia 808 actually takes wonderful photos mainly due to nicely programmed algorithms built into the Symbian Belle OS. Not the best mobile operating systems but it certainly has lower hardware requirements compared to other mobile OS like the Windows mobile and Android. Video demos on the phone actually look smooth and perform great. What's great behind their programming is that the camera stills shoots 41mp even when set to 5mp. The system just packs all those pixels to fit into the 5mp. With that 41mp, you can zoom into the photo and make a ton of adjustments through post processing. The Nokia 808 also packs a 16gb internal memory for added storage while also having the option to expand up to 32gb more through the microSD slot. A disappointing 640 x 360 resolution on a 4inch AMOLED screen. 512mb of RAM and a 1.3ghz single-core processor.

Also the phone does not have the prettiest form factor mainly due to its camera but for camera performance, it beats everything else. The phone first launches in Europe at a price of 450 Euros or at around $600 in the US. May even cost more when it arrives here in the Philippines. Roughly 25.5k in PHP. Add some taxes, the price will go up higher. What are your thoughts about this phone? Is it worth the price?

[box type="warning"] High res images. High file size.[/box]

[gallery link="file" orderby="title"] Photos from Nokia Conversations.

HTC One X – HTC’s First QuadCore Smartphone

dchen — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:04:16 +0000

There has been quite a buzz over smartphones in the recent years as Android and iPhone users battle it out on whose phone is better in terms of performance. With the latest development of the phones, I am sure everyone would find themselves in awe for the quad core phones HTC has been putting out [...]

Caperture Tech Project For 2012

dchen — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:11:36 +0000

Starting 2012 right is to reach the goal of getting a gaming rig before the year ends. Target specifications will be stated after the jump. Its been a very long time since I've been able to use a gaming rig for my needs and I say I am pretty bored right now to not be doing any gaming stuff as I used to several months back. Stuck with a really old dual core laptop with no dedicated GPU, I can't get to play the latest games and even my BF3 game since my big move. Anyhow, half way through saving up for the rig, I finally got my candidates for what to put into my rig. And here they are... (Feel free to comment and discuss as I need more input regarding this my setup)

Motherboard

The motherboard will be a Z68. The main problem for me would be the features as I want my rig to be kept cool by being able to power as many fans as possible. Also overclocking is something I really want to look into in the near future after I get the rig. Here are my candidates.. Asus P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 1155 ATX This board was recommended to me by my brother. The board has a ton of unique features to it especially the added USB 3.0 slots that can be placed at the front of the rig. Capable of handling the latest processors and may go for Ivy bridge when it comes out.

The second candidate is a tough one. The Maximus IV and it is a beauty! From the Republic of Gamers, this board was meant for overclockers and that is something to really look into. A ton of great futures plus it carries USB 3.0 slots instead of 2.0. It's pricey but then its pretty much worth it.

Between these two boards, I really want to get the Maximus IV mainly due to its added overclocking features and added fan capabilities. If things turn out well, then I'll push through with the Maximus. If not, the P8Z68 is not that bad either.

Graphics

I only have one thing in mind for my GPU and that would be to have the latest card, and this would be the HD7970 PowerColor 3GB 384bit GDDR5.

The reviews on this GPU are amazing. One of the fastest GPUs out in the market and better architecture. Capable of multiple displays (a thing I plan on doing in the future once the rig is completed) and better thermal management makes this card a great option.

Processor

I have looked into some processors and found that the 2600k is an amazing yet fast processor. A flagship of the i7 Sandy Bridge processors, this suites my needs perfectly. I love to multi-task especially when gaming and running several needed applications as well. The 2600k also grants overclock capabilities to better speeds.

RAM

This would be pretty much confusing on my part on what brand would be best for memory. Did a bit of research and just thought of following what other people mostly use and that is the Corsair Vengeance. I'm looking into getting an 8gb kit first then expand to 16gb later on.

Cooling

I wanted to go for fan cooling for mainly safety reasons. Lesser risks for accidents unlike water cooling systems. I'm new to this 'make your rig' thing and its still quite controversial on my part. I am convinced though that water cooling is the best way on keeping your rig cool especially when you overclock it.

So for cooling, I decided to get a closed loop cooling with the Corsair H100. This cooling system has gotten great reviews and I believe it will suite my needs. I'm really hoping that it won't leak later on. I won't leave it to the H100 an stock case fans alone. I also plan to add a ton of fans to the case as much as possible. Make it also look great to really enjoy using it.

PSU

I have no idea as to how much power I'll be needing for this rig. May need to use a ton of hard drives later on for archive and also to help power added fans as I really want to keep my rig cool enough to run almost all day long - no plans of shutting down the rig. I've asked several people regarding my setup and they think I'm on the brink of the 850w on overclock. As I do not have any idea, I'm also thinking of future proofing this rig for added modifications like crossfire or SLI later on, and also to power several added cards and drives. I'm looking into Corsair PSUs. But if you have anything to recommend, I'll take that into consideration.

Chassis

Now all these parts require a home. And I'm looking into something big. A big case grants better space for large boards and cards. It also grants better air space for helping the hot stuff vent out steam while keeping them cool. There are a lot of gaming chassis that is out in the market. One of the top recommendations given to me is the Coolermaster HAF X.

The HAF X is a full tower gaming chassis. It has great cooling due to massive fans in the front, side and back. Allows a ton of configurations and easy management of cables and drives.

Its not the most pretty of cases but what lacks in beauty fights back with performance for outstanding cooling design. The HAF chassis is defined as 'High Air Flow'. There's no mistake with that name and the HAF X has been the reigning chassis when it comes to cooling.

Next up is the Storm Trooper.

This new chassis adds modern tech into the chassis. When compared to the HAF X, the Storm Trooper lacks a little bit in cooling mainly due to not having a side panel fan which helps cool your GPU. And you really need to cool down that GPU for better performance.

What is great about the Storm Trooper as its design is great for LAN parties. It comes with a high duty grip at the top to assist in carrying it. Mesh design adds better cooling possibilities for this chassis. I have seen some modifications of the Storm Trooper in which they have added a side panel fan to help cool the GPU. Now that is a wonderful idea if I were to buy this chassis.

This would be a great chassis especially for travelling gamers as myself but then, I do not participate in LAN parties that much anyway. It's still a great chassis to have even at home though.

If the money fits, I would certainly get this big baby right here. And I really mean BIG! The Cosmos 2!

The Cosmos 2 is an ultra tower and is a very heavy chassis. The chassis alone weights 22kg! It is the most expensive chassis that I have ever known. Its design is wonderful especially with the side panels having latches to open instead of screws. Easier to manage cables and better cooling. A lot of possible tweaks and this big baby cools by a tremendous rate. A ton of fans and great cooling design makes this case ideal for not just gaming but also for other applications. Getting this case would just make me drool. The price hurts my wallet but then again, its a great deal for that price already.

Its a lot of expensive stuff we have laid out here and I do hope that this project succeeds.

What do you think of this setup? Will it work? Let me know of your thoughts and discuss by leaving a comment below. :)

Davao Fights Back

dchen — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:42:32 +0000

Just in the news this evening on TV Patrol World. News reports states that Davao City Police Officers have a quota to apprehend at least 10 criminals a day. This news certainly brings a lot of hope in making Davao City secure again. With the leadership Davao has, it will not take long until they [...]

Davao City Authorities Taking Action

dchen — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:30:02 +0000

After the sudden rise of crime rate in Davao City, the city authorities have taken active action to strike down the criminals. Citizens feel very happy about their actions and bringing justice to those who deserve it. Several days ago, social networking sites especially on Facebook wherein users have been continuously sharing photos and reports showing how officials have stroke down several criminals. We have seen what Davao can do to criminals, certainly the authorities have done a great job striking them down. As far as reports told us, these criminals were armed with deadly weapons. Here are a few photos that have been spreading across social networking sites. You can see in the images that Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, several police officers and the body of the criminals. [gallery link="file" columns="2" orderby="title"] Despite these actions, criminals are still on the loose as news reports continue to inform individuals of recurring robberies and killing sprees. I do hope the authorities would apprehend all these individuals in order to make Davao City safe again. Davao City will still be one of the best places I've ever lived in. What's your take on the issue? Share to us by leaving a comment below.

Explosion In Kidapawan With Possible Gunfire

dchen — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:30:28 +0000

10pm this evening here in Kidapawan City, I have heard a sudden explosion in this supposedly peaceful night. The said explosion near Quezon Boulevard was then followed by numerous gunfire sounds from high caliber weapons. Possibly an exchange of gunfire between authorities and rebels. A second explosion was again heard minutes after the first explosion. It seems like the commotion has not yet stopped. Current time is 11:30pm and I still hear minute sounds of gunfire and men screaming. A sudden change in vehicle traffic along the highway brings clues of trouble in the area. I cannot confirm this incident as there is still no official news of the matter. But rumors suggest that Kidapawan City Jail has been bombed. And that the possible suspects are out to rescue a certain high profile rebel. UPDATE: News reports confirm the incident. Around 50 armed rebels were responsible. An RPG was used to blast the Kidapawan City Jail (first blast) and a grenade was used during the escape (second blast). The rebels were going to rescue a certain rebel named 'Lastikman'. The said mission failed to rescue the high profile rebel leader. Some of the rebels and police personnel were in Molos Grill before the said incident. News reports told us that there were 15 people who were wounded and 3 dead during the attack. Like WOW! How were the rebels able to sneak in an RPG into the city? I thought they have checkpoints in and out of the city. Did the police not see this? The police have to be more vigilant these days in fulfilling their duties. Tighter checkpoints on all roads going in and out of Kidapawan City. This incident and that in Davao are very alarming.

The Cry For Blood Of Criminals

dchen — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:28:37 +0000

In an article by Ben Tesiorna from Sun Star Davao, many individuals are crying for the blood of the criminals who have ended the live of Marj Kwan. It is a truly understandable issue, that the public is hungry for the blood of criminals who take the lives of the innocent. Many cry out for [...]

Justice For Marjorie Kwan!

dchen — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:14:39 +0000

February 18 started out as a slow today for many of us around the world but this day shall never be the same for the family of Marjorie Kwan. [caption id="attachment_1580" align="aligncenter" width="538" caption="Share this image and it be heard. Let justice be given."][/caption] Information came from social networking sites as a storm of comments regarding the said incident gave out clues as to how she has died. Based from what we have gathered, it seems that the young nurse was headed home after her hospital duty and was then shot (in broad daylight) multiple times near her home in Banggoy, Davao City (Unsure but based from Facebook comments). News over Twitter (#JusticeForMarjKwan) reveals the same information. TV Patrol Mindanao has tweeted the incident with a blurry photo.

This incident angers me quite a lot and do hope and pray for justice to be given. This incident breaks the security of Davao City and must be addressed as soon as possible because the public's safety is at stake.

I humbly ask for everyone to please pray for Marjorie Kwan to rest in peace and justice be served.

Update: The suspects of the incident were aboard a motorcycle whom attempted to steal her bag. Witnesses said that the victim refused to hand over her bag which prompted the suspects to shoot her. She was shot four times, sustaining gun shot wounds on the hand, chest, back and head.

Update Source: ABS-CBN News

Update: Supporters of Marjorie Kwan have created a Facebook Page to show their support. Join the group should you wish to show your support.

Justice For Marjorie Kwan Facebook Page

Rest in peace Marjorie Kwan. My dear colleague and batchmate. BSN, San Pedro College Batch 2009.

What are your thoughts of the incident? Share to us what you have to say about the incident. Leave a comment below.

Adele’s 54th Grammy Performance 2012 Video

dchen — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:06:18 +0000

After conquering the world by storm with her songs, Adele once again returns to the stage singing her award winning song "Rolling In The Deep".

In the 54th Grammy Awards, Adele was awarded with a total of 6 awards: Rolling In The Deep

Album of the Year
Best Pop Vocal Album
Record of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Short Form Music Video

Someone Like You

Best Pop Solo Performance

The power of an honest song has really gave out a clear message out to the world. Her songs have touched millions of hearts. Here is the video to Adele's performance in the 54th Grammy Awards.

Nautilus, The Titan of The Depths Champion Spotlight

dchen — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:32:30 +0000

The Titan of The Depths joins the league with his giant anchor. Check out his champion spotlight by Phreak of Riot Games.

Abilities

Staggering Blow (Passive) – Nautilus’ first basic attack against a target deals bonus physical damage and immobilizes the opponent briefly. Staggering Blow cannot trigger on the same target more than once every 12 seconds.
Dredge Line - Nautilus throws his anchor forward. If he hits an enemy, he'll drag himself to his target and his target to him. If he hits terrain, he'll drag himself to the terrain and the cooldown is reduced.
Titan’s Wrath - Nautilus places a shield on himself that absorbs additional damage based on his maximum health. While the shield is active, Nautilus' attacks deal damage over time to units around him.
Riptide - Nautilus slams the ground, causing the earth to ripple out in waves. Each wave deals damage and slows the targets hit. This slow decays over time. Multiple waves that hit the same target deal reduced damage.
Depth Charge (Ultimate) – Nautilus launches a depth charge towards a target that picks up speed as it travels. This charge knocks up all enemies it encounters while traveling and explodes on impact, stunning the target and launching them into the air.