The Nokia 1020 Hands on with the Device!

Summary:

My first impression of the Nokia Lumia 1020 was very positive. I liked how it felt in the hand especially compared to most of the competitive devices which are more flat and square. I liked the rounded corners.

Rounded Corners

Rounded Corners

In addition, I liked the selection of available colors. I was testing the white one, which is quite nice, but personally if I adopted one I would prefer yellow or blue, and the more mat surface.

From my perception and researching it’s sister products on the internet and at–> http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/mobile/phones/all/?catalog_mode=grid&dcmpid=bmc-src-google.Brand I found that it has the same 4,5 inch AMOLED Puremotion HD+ displaythe Lumia 925, and although the body looks a lot like the Nokia Lumia 920, it weighs only 152 grams – despite the big camera sensor attached to it.

I had tested a few other entry level products such as the Nokia 635 and 530 which were decent products for their price point and feature set, but I was really impressed by the Nokia 1020. I have always used mostly Android  devices and have tested  Blackberry and Apple products, but I was  actually surprised at how nice Windows 8.1 was running on this Smartphone.

In regards to its specifications it  is 129 x 71,4 x 10,9 mm and 14,5 mm at the thickest part which would be the lens.  In addition it has a 1,5Ghz dual core processor and 2GB of internal (RAM) memory. Like the Nokia Lumia 920 it has 32GB internal storage and no room for a micro-SD card. The “High Capacity” battery offers 2000 mAh. I feel that the battery life though it could be better, was decent. I was also using a demo phone that had been tested and used by others as well so it could have skewed the results  a bit.

Here are some examples of the variety of colors found in Nokia Devices, the 1o20 is on the far left.

nokia colors

 

I found this interesting and thought provoking graphic on Nokia’s forums with regards to the nokia 1020 that talks about and illustrates the features and capabilities of the device as well(It was illustrated by Jing Zhang a talented illustrator it seems)–>

NokiaLumia1020infographic

According to Nokia here are its specifications:

Specifications

  • Display

    • Display size: 4.5 ”
    • Display technology: ClearBlack, OLED
    • Touch screen technology: Super sensitive touch
  • Photography

    • Main camera sensor: 41 MP, PureView
    • Secondary camera: HD 1.2 MP wide angle
    • Flash type: Xenon flash
  • Power management

    • Maximum talk time (2G): 8.2 h
    • Maximum talk time (3G): 12.5 h
    • Maximum music playback time: 53 h
  • Processor

    • Processor name: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4
    • Processor type: Dual-core 1.5 GHz

    In reality I found that the phone was snappy in its performance, though there are devices with faster processors available the Nokia 1020 performed well in my testing of it.

    I found that its business applications were impressive. The email application worked very well, it reminded me of the email application found on the Blackberry z10 and z30. I think that anyone coming from Blackberry would really like the phone a great deal. It also offers windows applications which work well and integrate well from the user experience in Desktop Windows 8.

    I think that the main application screen which has the live tiles is as good as Apples IOS software, I wish it has widgets like Android  but the live tiles seem halfway between Android and IOS in terms of their operations.

    The customization of the devices was quite nice. I really liked how windows 8.1 performed on the phone.

    I think that the second screen which is found by swiping to the left can be improved a bit, it is a column of words, which could be improved by using icons or having 2 or 3 columns which is not a big deal but a personal impression.

    Camera-Photo and video:

    I found that this phone has the best camera that I have seen on a smartphone and for that matter many point and shoot cameras as well.

    As they say a picture is worth a thousand words:

    Here is a sample video I shot on it recently–>

     

    and another at a Breast Cancer Event that Olivia Newton John was Speaking at in Las Vegas at the Linq Observation Wheel–>

    The video quality was quite nice, but what really impressed my was the sound quality.

    Overall I was highly impressed by the Nokia Lumia 1020. I would love to test and review more of their products as they launched into the marketplace.

    The only thing that could be better is the number of applications available from the Application Store as well as the battery life. I can hardly wait for later iterations of Windows Phone to see where they improve it. If the serious  improvement of Windows 8.1 phone versus Windows Phone 7.5 and Windows phone 8 is any indication as it appears to be, then the best is definitely yet to come! We could at some point see an upset in the market versus its competition IOS, Android and Blackberry OS’s.

    Here are some sample  photos as well:

    First a close up of a 20 dollar bill to show its macro abilities and some nice distance shots. As you can see the quality of the images and the color rendition is very nice for a camera or camera phone for the matter.

    WP_20141002_17_49_32_Pro

 

WP_20141001_17_35_15_1_Pro

WP_20141006_10_30_30_Raw

Blackberry Passport we are intrigued, check out more information below!

 

 

We have not seen a real one, but would love to test and review it.

 

Passport

Here are some videos on the new device:

First, the work wide video highlights some information on the device:

Second the Passport Design Story–>

and a bit more information–>

I know I am intrigued, it is good to see something a bit different as well.

Specifications:

Device Size

  • Height 128 mm / 5.04 in
  • Width 90.3 mm / 3.56 in
  • Depth 9.3 mm / 0.36 in

Weight

  • 196g / 6.91 oz

Navigation

  • All-touch screen, with intuitive gesture based navigation
  • Touch-enabled keyboard

Keyboard

  • Capacitive touch 3-row BlackBerry® Keyboard, featuring contextual auto-correction, next-word prediction and a personalised learning engine that gets to know the way you type

Dedicated keys

  • Volume Up/Down, Mute, Lock (for Power On/Off)

Display

  • Height 128 mm / 5.04 in
  • Width 90.3 mm / 3.56 in
  • Depth 9.3 mm / 0.36 in

Weight

  • 196g / 6.91 oz

Navigation

  • All-touch screen, with intuitive gesture based navigation
  • Touch-enabled keyboard

Keyboard

  • Capacitive touch 3-row BlackBerry® Keyboard, featuring contextual auto-correction, next-word prediction and a personalised learning engine that gets to know the way you type

Dedicated keys

  • Volume Up/Down, Mute, Lock (for Power On/Off)

 

 

For more information check it out here–>

http://us.blackberry.com/smartphones/blackberry-passport/specifications.html

 

MICROLAB ANNOUNCES ULTIMATE HD AUDIO GIFT FOR FATHER’S DAY MAN CAVES – FC60BT

MICROLAB ANNOUNCES ULTIMATE HD AUDIO GIFT FOR FATHER’S DAY MAN CAVES – FC60BT WIRELESS BLUETOOTH/NFC 2.1 SUBWOOFER SPEAKER SYSTEM –         Microlab Patented HC2D Technology (High Clarity Close Distance) for Crystal Clear Music –         Powerful Integrated Subwoofer with 2 See-Through Enclosure-less Stereo Satellite Speakers for no Harmonic Distortions or Vibrations –         360 Degree Remote with Bluetooth/NFC Settings – Easy Set-up   FC60BT Photo2Microlab is a CES Innovations Award Winner April 10, 2014, ShenZhen, China – Microlab www.microlab.com, a leading audio manufacturer of portable and Hi-Fi speaker systems for the digital home and office and a CES 2012 Innovations Award Winner, announced today the FC60BT HD audio wireless Bluetooth/NFC 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System, featuring Microlab’s patented HC2D Technology, a powerful subwoofer, and 2 advanced stereo satellite SQ speakers without enclosures for crystal clear sound without harmonic distortions or vibrations that often happen when speakers are enclosed.    HC2D Technology for Supreme Immersive Sound & Modern White Lycosa Mirrored Acrylic Styling  The perfect Father’s Day gift for the ultimate fully immersive “man cave” audio listening experience, the FC60BT brings audio perfection to dad with Microlab’s innovative patented HC2D (High Clarity Close Distance) technology that provides an impeccable 105 Watt crystal clear output, with EQ parameter for automatically balanced sound, a 360 degree remote control that works from any angle in the room, modern white acrylic styling, and quick and easy set-up.   360 Degree Remote for Access from Any Angle in the Room — Lying on the Couch, at a Desk, or Anywhere Else The FC60BT features a modern design which fits into any environment, with sexy clear see-through speakers and a luxurious Lycosa mirrored white acrylic subwoofer with a matching powerful whitecircular remote.  The system connects to Bluetooth, NFC, and optical devices, including smartphones, tablets, HDTVs, CD, DVD, and Blu-ray players, and PCs and Laptops through its convenient 360 degree RF remote control that works from any angle in the room, so dad can access the system while relaxing on the couch, at his pool table, desk, bar or from anywhere else in his man cave, office or studio.  The remote quickly controls on/off, input choice (Bluetooth, NFC, or optical), volume and bass level, pause/stop, and track selection.  FC60BT Features:

  • 2.1 subwoofer system with 2 see-through stereo satellite speakers.
  • Patented HC2D Technology (High Clarity Close Distance) for crystal clear sound with full resolution range when listening at close or from a far distance.
  • Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology connects to smartphones and tablets.
  • NFC (Near Field Communication) function quickly connects to Android, Windows and Blackberry devices without pairing — just tap the device on the remote control’s NFC logo for instant music.
  • Powerful integrated 8-inch bass subwoofer with built-in amplifier.
  • 2 stereo enclosure-less satellite SQ speakers for no harmonic distortions or vibrations.
  • Digital signal processor for clear HD audio sound.
  • Connects to most media players with included stereo 3.5mm jack.
  • 360 degree RF remote control for Bluetooth, NFC, track, input, volume, and bass controls that works from any angle in the room.
  • 1-inch tweeter and 5-inch midrange set up in tandem for perfectly clear sound.
  • EQ parameter for automatically balanced sound.
  • Quick and easy plug n’ play set up in a few minutes.
  • Amplifier output: 105 Watt RMS.
  • Tweeter:  6 Ohm, Midrange:  8 Ohm.

Availability & Pricing  Priced at $449 SRP, the Microlab FC60BT will be available in May distributed in the U.S. by Ma Labs.  For information, contact:  email microlab@microlab.com.cn,website: www.microlab.com.  The FC60BT includes subwoofer, two satellite speakers, remote control, 3.5mm stereo – 2RCA cable, optical S/PDIF cable, and user manual.  For more information, see www.microlab.com.  About Microlab  Since its founding in 1998, Microlab has specialized in designing, manufacturing and marketing a full range of speaker products, from battery-powered portable speakers to high-fidelity home audio systems.  Microlab prides itself in providing high quality sound at affordable prices.  This is accomplished by their continued focus on acoustic research, with an R & D team experienced in driver and electronics design and an industrial design team skilled at creating trendy, yet functional designs. Microlab’s 320,000 square foot (100,000 square meters) production facility is state-of-the-art, capable of producing over 4 million units a year.  To ensure quality and performance of their products, Microlab makes all critical parts (drivers, plastic parts, etc.) in house.  Microlab has over 1,500 employees and is based in Shenzhen, China, a city of 15 million people, a 30 minute train ride from Hong Kong.  The company has established an extensive sales network in China and around the world.  It has distributors in around 50 countries and generates over $60 Million in revenue each year.  Microlab has become the top brand in multimedia speakers in many markets, a testimony to the quality and performance of their products.

NEW FUJIFILM XQ1 COMBINES STUNNING IMAGE QUALITY WITH ULTRA PORTABILITY

Pocket-sized XQ1 features bright F1.8 4x zoom lens, 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor and amazing 0.06 second AF speed

Valhalla, N.Y., October 18, 2013 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image resolution, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM XQ1, a premium pocket-sized digital camera with a bright FUJINON F1.8 4x zoom lens, an advanced 12 Megapixel 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II*1 sensor with phase detection, and the EXR Processor II that delivers the world’s fastest autofocus speed in its category of up to 0.06*2 seconds.

Fujifilm XQ1 Digital Camera (Black)

The XQ1 combines the amazing image quality of the Fujifilm X Series with ultra-portability that makes taking beautiful pictures enjoyable anywhere,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions. “The XQ1 is the most portable X-Series camera ever developed, and people can now experience a premium compact that easily slips into a pocket or purse.”

X-Series image quality and advanced focusing

The FUJIFILM XQ1 uses the 12 Megapixel 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor that is designed to control moiré and false color generation by using an original color filter array with a highly randomized pixel arrangement. This technology removes the need for an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) that degrades resolution. The image quality in the XQ1 is further enhanced by using a Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) for stunningly sharp pictures, as well as a 3.0 stop*3Optical Image Stabilization for shooting in low light situations.

The newly developed FUJINON F1.8 4x zoom (25-100mm*4) is constructed with 4 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion lenses and each lens surface is coated with HT-EBC to reduce flare and ghosting. The XQ1 also has a wide sensitivity range from ISO100 to ISO12800 so you can take realistic and vibrant images even in low light.

The EXR Processor II in the new XQ1 more than doubles the processing speed*5 of the previous generation, and it easily captures the information taken from over 100,000 phase detection pixels incorporated in the X-Trans CMOS II to deliver astonishing images.

Superb shooting speed and premium compact design

The XQ1 boasts that world’s fastest AF of 0.06 seconds, a shooting interval of just 0.3 seconds*6 between shots, and a shutter lag of 0.015 seconds to capture even the most fleeting and memorable moments.

With its auto switching AF, the XQ1 combines contrast AF with an improved phase detection AF algorithm that provides accurate capture of low-contrast subjects in low light as well as high-speed responsiveness. The XQ1 also gives users Focus Highlight Peaking that outlines high contrast areas of subjects during focusing, which helps users focus accurately for picture results that look fantastic on-screen and in print.

The XQ1 is made with outstanding craftsmanship and the classic design that the X-Series is known for, all within an ultra-small body that is 3.93” (w) x 2.3” (h) x 1.3” (d). With a sharp 920,000 dot LCD screen made of anti-reflective glass, the XQ1 gives photographers an amazing 85°vertical and horizontal viewing angles as they frame every shot.

Improved movie performance

The FUJIFILM XQ1 shoots full HD video with up to 60fps and AF tracking performance for quick and smooth focusing that records clear subjects, even when moving the camera body thanks to its dedicated image stabilization.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button

The FUJIFILM XQ1 includes a WiFi button that lets users transfer high quality photos and movies*7 to smartphones, tablets and computers for easy sharing on social media sites.

To connect the XQ1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 picturesat a time from the XQ1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Once paired, users can press and hold the WiFi button to begin sharing images and movies immediately to their smartphone or tablet.

The XQ1 also has an Advanced Filter function and Film Simulation modes to give users a range of creative filters and film effects to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks.

FUJIFILM XQ1 key features list:

  • 12 Megapixels 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II Sensor

  • EXR Processor II

    • Start-up time of 1.0

    • Shutter lag time of 0.015

    • Shooting interval time of 0.3

  • AF speed 0.06 seconds

  • F1.8-F4.9 4x optical zoom equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm format

  • 4x Intelligent Digital Zoom (16X combined with optical zoom)

  • Lens Modulation Optimizer for improved image quality

  • 3” (920,000 dot) premium clear LCD (High contrast, High Brightness and Wide viewing angle)

  • Built-in Super Intelligent pop-up Flash

  • ISO100 – 12800

  • Full HD Movie

  • In-camera RAW converter

  • Film simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia and Monochrome)

  • Artistic features: Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key, and Partial Color Selection of Bracketing functions (AE/ISO/Dynamic Range &Film Simulation)

FUJIFILM XQ1 accessories list:

  • Bottom leather case (Black BLC-XQ1 BC and Brown BLC-XQ1 BW)

  • Waterproof case WP-XQ1 for depth to 40 meters

  • O Ring Kit ORK-XQ1

The FUJIFILM XQ1 will be available in October 2013 for $499.95 in both all-black and all-silver.

*1: X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation

*2: FUJIFILM research as of September 2013. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with 2/3-inch sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and using internal measurement methods under high performance mode

*3: CIPA standard

*4: 35mm format

*5: Compared with the EXR Processor Pro

*6: In High Performance Mode

*7: FUJIFILM Camera Application for iOS can save movie files up to 1280 x 720

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2012, and in the year ended March 31, 2013, had global revenues of $26.7 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 83 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

###

A New and innovative miniature business card scanner SlimScan SS100 !!

Receipt Organization Made Easy

A totally new concept in convenience…

First Ever Credit Card Sized Portable Scanner with Receipt Management System- The perfect combination. Easy to use – Can Save You $1,000s and Many Hours.

Planon SlimScan –Credit Card Sized Scanner

The Planon SlimScan SS100 introduces a totally new concept in convenience: the first ever credit card sized portable scanner.

slim scan

slim scan

Imagine – a full featured, powerful, high resolution color scanner so small and light that it fits easily into your wallet or credit card holder, so it goes wherever you go. Crafted in classy yet durable stainless steel, SlimScan’s elegant compact design sets a new standard for professional-class portable scanners that combine unprecedented convenience and the most powerful scanning functionality available. SlimScan is the only portable scanner that puts instant scanning capabilities literally in the palm of your hand.

Scan Receipts, Contacts, Pictures, Info into separate directories in the SlimScan.

slim scan

slim scan

Then connect to computer and transfer files just like a USB memory stick.

For Business and Tax Receipts

Whether you’re a business professional, a small business owner, or need to keep track of receipts for your income tax returns, managing these receipts can be a challenge. Creating digital images ensures you never lose expense receipts and forget to be reimbursed. SlimScan makes it easy. With the SlimScan stored in your wallet you can scan the receipts anytime and don’t carry all the extra paper. You can create folders to group your scanned receipts by personal or business, business trip or client, by travel date, by location, by week or month and more. SlimScan includes Planon RMS Receipt Management System Software that lets you easily assemble them into reports to expedite expense reimbursements and tax record keeping.

For Capturing Business Contacts

SlimScan captures important contact information from business cards, even your handwritten notes on the back. The business card capture is a module already inside Planon RMS that lets you easily organize the scanned contacts by the meeting, trade show, conference or business event where you made the contact. Optical Character Reader (OCR) software will automatically convert the scanned images into editable form so you can import the contact information into Outlook, Microsoft Word or Excel spreadsheets to facilitate your follow up.

BUY NOW – Fathers Day Specials!!

Micro Fibre Case
USB Cable
Lens Brush
Windows Driver
Planon RMS-Receipt Management System SW
Quick Start Guide

Customization:

For gifts to show appreciation to clients, or useful tool for corporate staff.  Great for sales people, management, promotions.  We can add value by putting your message in front of your important clients or staff each time they use the SlimScan.  Your corporate logo and message can be put on the unit, or on the LCD screen and load marketing files in memory for your customers or staff to view.  Contact us for further information.

Specifications:

  • Resolution: 300 dpi
  • Scan: 24bit Color – Jpg 2.75 inch (70mm) wide by up to 36 inches (90 cm)
  • Dimensions: 2.0 x 3.1 x 0.12 inch (50x86x3mm)
  • Memory: Onboard Memory for about 600 Images – works as memory stick
  • Battery: Re-chargeable Lithium Polymer
  • Connectivity: USB
  • Platforms: MAC OSX, Windows XP, Vista, Win7

Planon RMS- Receipt Management System Software.

We know you do not want to waste money or time in this fast paced world. Some software for receipts management are very elaborate and confusing to use. Our objective was to create a powerful, yet straight forward software that you can start using in minutes. With Planon RMS software – Receipt Management System, never miss claiming an expense for reimbursement for your company or tax return.

Just 1 non-forgotten expense could pay for your investment alone!

Also find the receipt you need for warranty claims.

Planon RMS –allows you to scan all your receipts into monthly directories, then import to software to view, OCR into expense database, edit, create Excel report for the period, and also a report containing Excel and all related expense images together to easily send by email.

Step 1: Scan Receipt

Select Directory to scan into: expense/month And then scan.

slim scan

slim scan

 

Step 2: Transfer into Planon RMS

Connect to Computer with USB and select receipt images to transfer to RMS and auto OCR recognizing of text to fill data fields.

slim scan

slim scan
Click the images above to enlarge

Step 3: Categorize and Edit

Select categories from the pull down menus and edit any field as desired for each receipt.

slim scan
Click the image above to enlarge

Step 4: Create Reports

At the press of a button have all the expenses of the month (or any period desired) summarized in a spreadsheet report and/or an email with report and receipt images automatically attached to send for reimbursement.

slim scan

slim scan
Click the images above to enlarge

User Testimonials

Richard: “I have tried other receipt scanners before but the SlimScan is by far the easiest to use…. It’s always where I need it – in my wallet – can’t get more convenient than that.”

Joanne: “I know that I commonly missed giving some receipts for reimbursement… I know that my $140.00 investment in the SlimScan has paid for itself already …I have only had it 3 months.”

Raja:  “software is basic and simple – just what I wanted – didn’t want something complicated and time to learn….to organize, find past expenses and make reports is fast”

David: “I have been a customer of yours for years and have your docupen scanner and printer, the Slimscan is a great invention – I have no excuse to lose any receipt again. Every time I take it out of my wallet I have to do a sales pitch for you …maybe I should get commission LOL”

Matt: “Our company gave your product (Slimscan) out as a gift at a recent corporate meeting with our dealers. …Everyone liked it….it was the talk of the event. Thanks for your help.”