iPhone 4 Vs HTC Desire - A Technology-Challenged Consumer's Opinion..

As promised, here is my post on the pros and cons of both the iPhone 4 and HTC Desire. Let me just make some things clear. I'm am NOT an expert on Smartphones, I just got my own for the first time ever less than a week ago.

Thus, this is a CONSUMER's point of view (a technologically-challenged on at that). So I apologise in advance if I fail to mention counter-explainations (if there are any) to the list of disadvantages listed below. Know that I am not with-holding information on purpose, I just don't know about it. So don't sue me.

So here goes:

iPhone 4

Pros
- Gorgeous visuals.
- Video Calls.
- Zoomed text still looks like ink and not blurred, unreadable whatchamacallit.
- Better connection (antennae along the left-side of the phone) than iPhone 3gs.
- Spoiled for choice when it comes to phone covers and cases.


Cons
- Does not have 4g technology, thus, cannot be used as a modem (correct me if I'm wrong about this).
- Video calls can only be made between iPhone 4 (it's the only 1 that has video call feature after all).
- Bluetooth can only be done between iPhones.
- Music can only be downloaded from iTunes (iTunes need to be downloaded and installed to one's laptop or PC).
- Need to add on RM220 for a two-year warranty if you get it from Digi.
- 2 year contract if you get it from Digi.

Dee...

HTC Desire

Pros

- Lower price than iPhone.

- No 24 month commitment with Digi (It’s not on promotion).

- I t uses android technology so it can be used as a broadband for PC or laptop.

- When not connected with a laptop/PC, it acts as a pocket PC.

- User friendly.

- Open application, meaning it can transfer data to and receive data from other hand phones such as Nokia, - Sony Ericsson, etc.

- Unlimited free apps from Android Market.

Cons

- No video call.

- Not a lot of options for phone covers and cases.

- Short battery life. Need to charge twice a day with heavy usage. Not sure if there is a way to save battery life.


Excuse me while a hide from the pitchfork-wielding iPhone owners.. 

I Finally Got It... But Not Quite...

Okay, if you're one of my friends on Facebook, you'd know that I have been lusting, yes lusting, after an iPhone and I was torn between the iPhone 3gs and the iPhone 4. Actually, I have been wanting one from when the first model was launched about two years ago. I mean who doesn't right? However it was only the recently that I have an actual possibility of getting one.

The decision between the 3gs and 4 model was made for me however, because when I called the Digi Center at 1Borneo, they told me that they don't have the 3gs model in stock anymore and it's being discontinued. Obviously, 4 is the only way to go.

When I finally arrived at 1 Borneo Digi Center, the guy who attended to me told me that the video call is only for between iPhone 4s and the Bluetooth function only for between iPhones. As we all know, all songs and movies or clips are also only available at iTunes. All this is because it's a closed function phone.

Then he showed me another smart phone which is the HTC Aria. This Smartphone is an open function phone and is much cheaper even with all the add-ons. Facts-wise, my brain KNOWS that HTC Aria is cheaper and convenient BUT since I have been wanting an iPhone for years now and it's so difficult for me to even contemplate buying a phone that is other than that.

Also if I were to be honest, another reason why I was hesitant was because... Well... The iPhone is famous whereas the HTC is... Quite unknown... I mean it's out there but there's not much exposure about the brand as the iPhone has.. Superficial, but true.

I called my eldest sister up who bought the 3gs model just this year and asked her opinion on which I should buy. Her answer was something that I never expected. She actually told me that the HTC is better though she was not familiar with HTC Aria as she was with the HTC Desire. She was really singing it praises up to the point when I actually asked her "If HTC is so good, why on Earth did you buy an iPhone?". She said it was because she didn't know about it at first.

I went back to the Digi Center and asked to see the Desire model. I looked almost like an iPhone. After testing the function and looking through the quotations of various add-ons, I happily purchased the HTC Desire in Grey. It's the only one left of that model by the way.

I'll be posting the general pro's and con's between the iPhone 4 and HTC Desire in my next post. Not as an expert, but as a consumer based on my personal preference. I know it's too soon to tell but I know that if my Dee (that's my nickname for my phone.. Hehe..) fulfills all that is promised, it's certainly an exceptional phone, which was what I wanted in the first place. 

Will keep you guys posted. Cheers!

Is There A Doctor In The House?

On Sunday I went to eat lunch at Juara Restaurant when a woman approached me asking to take my blood pressure for only RM1. I agreed and after going through the painful process (to me it’s painful because the pressure only stops until I felt like my arm was 1 second from literally exploding) I got my result which I never ever dreamed I would get which is  116/70.

I had low blood pressure! Well, I’m guessing that it’s not too low, just slightly, and the exclamation mark is not a sign of happiness but of surprise. After all that I’ve been going through the past few weeks it’s amazing that my blood pressure is not sky high. I’m grateful nonetheless that I do not have high-blood pressure. That wouldn’t have been very fun I’m sure.

Now I know the reason for my tiredness which has been on-going for the past 3 weeks. I just chalked it up because of insomnia and maybe that IS the one and only reason but at least I have another factor to consider now. I’m still not over the fact that I have low-blood pressure.

I mean, when you’re plus-sized I’ve always thought that you can only get two results; normal or high blood pressure. Low blood pressure are for the slim and slender, those who don’t eat red meat. Right? Then again, I guess that there must be a lot of other factors that contribute to this other than the obvious ones.

I’m not sure what I should do to improve my condition since I’m allergic to red meat. I wonder if there are other things that I can do to normalize my blood pressure. Is there a doctor in the house that I can consult?

Happy, Happy Day...

I went to 1Borneo yesterday (been going there quite frequently the past few days) just to enjoy a day out by myself. After having lunch at La Fuente Restaurant I decided to check out an event organized by the Alamesra Youth-PREP Center which is the Youth Art Festival with the theme Voice Out.

They had music performances by up and coming local bands, display, auctions and there were booths selling cupcakes (Cupcake Calendar), insurance (AIA) and a performing arts group which I unfortunately forgot the name of. Some of the bands were great, some were lousy and others were unique.

The painting that caught my attention. It retails for RM300

The brochure..

Their calling card, in case any of you are interested.

I did buy a chocolate cupcake from Cupcake Calendar but unfortunately I ate it before I remembered to take a picture of it. Hahaha... They cost RM5 each and thought they are pretty pricey (I've seen cupcakes sold for RM1 elsewhere) but it taste really good. I'd give them a 4/5 rating simply because I wish their chocolate chips were bigger. :)

 After that I went to MAC to buy a few things (More info on the products at phoebe-loves-makeup.blogspot.com) and to Queen Beauty Hair Saloon (Sorry if I got the name wrong) on the 3rd floor. This is my 2nd time to this saloon and so far I'm liking the service the hair stylist there provides. from the way she answers my questions, she certainly knows her craft.

If you're living or working near 1 Borneo, do give this saloon a try. I have yet to try any of their chemical treatments but I'm satisfied with my hair cut on both the occasions I've been there. It's a bit pricey and far from where I live and work but after experiencing so many disasters with my hair at random saloons I think I'd rather pay a bit more then have a disaster that takes me almost 2 years to grow out.

If you know any affordable saloons in Kota Kinabalu, do tell me about it.  :)

In a nutshell, yesterday was a happy, happy day. I got to go anywhere I wanted anytime I wanted and bought anything I wanted (and could afford obviously). How did your weekend went?

La Fuente Restaurant, 1Borneo

Yesterday I went to 1Borneo and decided to have lunch at La Fuente Restaurant. In case you can't guess from the name, it's a Spanish restaurant. The ambiance was quite nice and the decor interesting. Spanish music played in the background including songs from the Gipsy Kings which I love.

 The ambience... I love the stain glass chandelier..

The menu. I really love the black and red contrast.. So Spanish-ish... Hehehe...

Notice the half-bodied statue of a singing lady? They have a lot of such statues around the restaurant. Reminds me more of Blues music and New Orleans rather than Spanish. And yeah, tht's me reflected in the mirror. Hehehe..

The pictures on the wall..

This is the ceiling.. How cool is that? :)

I ordered Prawn Tandoori in Pocket Sandwich which is a prawn cooked in Tandoori style and served with minted yogurt in pita bread (RM19.90). For dessert I had initially wanted to try out the Chocolate Volcano (I'm a sucker for all things chocolate, can you tell? Hehehe...) but unfortunately it was not available on that day so I ordered the Crema Catalana which is a Spanish version of Creme Brulee (RM8.90).

Prawn Tandoori in Pocket Sandwich

The Prawn Tandoori was to die for! I remember taking the first bite and thinking, "I never knew food could taste so good" over and over again. Hehehe... I was a bit apprehensive about the minted yogurt but it complemented the dish perfectly. I even ate the lettuce that came with it and that's something because I am quite (okay, very) picky when it comes to vegetables.

Crema Catalana

The Crema Catalana was quite good too. The thin, golden layer of burnt sugar cracks to reveal a fluffy, creamy interior when you dip your spoon into it. The the caramelized shards taste sweet but not overly so and infused with a touch of cinnamon which rings true to the spicy style of Spanish dishes.The creamy part is only ever so slightly sweet.

 They have a stage for a live band but I'm guessing that they only play in the evenings. The only thing that I disliked immensely is the cheekiness of the male staff. They acted like randy bucks in heat if you know what I mean. For an expensive restaurants, such behavior is not acceptable. The waitresses are nice, friendly and more disciplined though.

That's the stage with some band equipments and Penelope Cruz at the background. And no, that's not a real person playing the guitar, it's one of the statues I mentioned earlier.

In terms of price it's quite pricey with certain dishes reaching up to RM60 including taxes such as the Paella. There are some moderately priced dishes though so you can choose according to your budget. Overall, I think that it's a nice restaurant that's great for special occasions.
  

Only You...

I've tried my hardest but I just don't get it. Why is this all turning out to be a nightmare? When? How? Why?

What did I do to you? What did I do to all of you?

It doesn't even concern most of you. Napa sibuk sangat sampai mau take sides?

Allah, you know the truth. If it is for the greater good that they know and realize that what they are doing is wrong, then please open their eyes. If for some reason only known to You that it is best otherwise, let it be so. I do have one favor to ask of You though, and that is to give me the strength and guidance I need to navigate through this mess.

Allah, only You can help. It is only You who listens patiently, without judgement . 

Let me learn from my mistakes for I've done many. Help me attain peace of heart and mind and help me to be in a better place, literally and figuratively..

Help me to have patience and not submit to the insanity of it all. Help me to do the right thing, to say the right thing. Help me to hold my silence if need be. Protect me from those who intend to hurt me in any way.

Ameen...

I'd Rather...

I'd rather that people would say what they mean and mean what they say.

I'd rather that they tell me what they're not happy with instead of talking about the issue to exhaustion yet come up with no solution behind my back.

I'd rather that they say nothing then pretend to be concerned only to dig up dirt for them to spread to all and sundry.

I'd rather that they talk about the truth no matter how ugly instead of weaving stories that they heard from a tertiary source.