Broke my 4S, got replaced by a 5C

This is the iPhone 4S. I have this one since early January 2013 when me and my family decided to switch networks from T-Mobile to AT&T. Don't know why but hey, it's all for a good cause right. I spent a year and six months enjoying my iPhone 4S until...that fateful moment came...



It was the 18th of June, 2014, when our cousin, Grace, wants us to spend some time shopping at a familiar place known as The Outlet Collection, Reason why it was familiar to me because I've been there last summer with one of our cousins, named Christian. With my sister Elise spending time in the Philippines with her baby Irvine, me, my sisters Bea and Cecille, mom, dad, and Grace spend some time shopping in a small and quiet shopping mall that has less people than any mall I can remember...



The photo in question is my last ever selfie I have ever done using my iPhone 4S. Wanna guess what happened to my 4S? Yep, I accidentally dropped it and when I picked it up...the screen has gone all stripey and unreadable. The software's fine but the screen is officially broken and I've panicked. I told the truth to my parents and they knew it. They said I should bring it to the Apple store at Westfield South Center and that made me skeptical because...it will cost around $199 to fix an iPhone but I'll talk about that later.

Anyway, back at The Outlet Collection, I'm in panic mode right now, knowing what should I do with my broken 4S while my family's taking a break in a boring manner. Yes, I know. That place is so boring, there's nothing else to shop...unless there's a Hot Topic branch in case you need to know.

After spending hours at The Outlet Collection, we went to Westfield South Center and then, rushed to the Apple store to fix my iPhone 4S but suddenly, one of the clerks told that the appointments are full and I'm totally desperate to have my phone fixed in time so I saw some mechanic and when I'm going to spend less than a hundred dollars to have my iPhone fixed to some techie in question, my dad came and he got very angry. So angry, I got his iPhone back and my hundred grand while I'm persuading my dad to calm down but believe me, my dad's so angry, he can't be contained.

Gosh, I hate my dad when he's angry and while meeting my mom and my sister Cecille at the Daiso branch in South Center, I explain about the situation to my mom and she told me that we can set an appointment on the Apple store on the next day and I agreed.

Having agreed on that decision, me and my mom went back to the Apple store and we asked one of the store clerks to set next day's appointment to have my iPhone fixed. Of course, I had finals for my math class in Seattle Central College, I decided that I should have mom and dad to go to the Apple store at the appointed time to have it fixed.

The next day, I went to the Seattle Central College to take the final exam for my math class while Mom and Dad went to South Center at the appointed time. While I was busy finishing the exam (which is kinda more of a recap to the last three quizzes as well as that final homework I took), my parents arrived an hour before the appointed time at South Center. Moments later, they went to the Apple store and it seems that with a broken screen, the Apple technicians can't fix it and instead they provided a replacement to my broken phone.




So what they did is they replaced my broken 4S with an iPhone 5C, a similar scenario that what happened to my iPod Touch when its screen was broken. Looks like the Apple idea was when a screen is broken, they can't fix it but instead a replacement is provided. Good thing I backed up most of the stuff from my broken 4S and I carried over to my new phone. All the stuff were here...well sort of because my hard work from playing that School Idol Festival app is gone for good! NO!

Oh well, I'm not kinda interested on that game anyway, but still, with my stuff from 4S now carried over to my new 5C, I'm glad things are back to the way things are but the only downside is that when I connect it to the computer, the iTunes keeps showing up that "unknown error" (-54) stuff. Don't know why and that's why it's called an "unknown error".

So, is Apple's idea of providing you a replacement when a screen is broken is worth it or is it just a waste of cash? Gosh, those technicians should learn how to fix a broken screen next time if they want to save their iPhones. A broken screen from your iPhone is like a total wreck on the car. When totalled, that's it. It's over.

Apple iPhone 5

The Apple iPhone, this gadget was been around for five years since the first one debuted in January 2007 and undergo several changes through the years has been languishing through the smartphone wars. Sure, it maybe the king of the smartphones but because of the arrival of emerging Android phones, I still find that Android phones are rubbish and complicated but for the iPhone, doesn't. Apple tries to think of new and exciting ways to keep the iPhone fresh and better in today's ever changing trends.

iPhone 5

But now, they've launched the new version called the iPhone 5 and Apple claims that they made it even better. Firstly, it's been lightened to about 112g of weight, 20% lighter than last year's iPhone 4S and Apple claims that this is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever made. Much fun like what Land Rover did to their new generation Range Rover, dropping too much weight. Weight loss is cool but not in a Doctor Who Adipose kind of way. It's in a technological matter for Apple to make it lighter so it would be easy to carry around and yes, thanks to its thinnest look, I was thinking that it really fits to your skinny jeans but I recommend not to put it in your skinny jeans because it would be notoriously difficult to pull it out when your new iPhone's ringing. Best to put it in your bag.

There's more into this Superleggera smartphone, what Apple did is they make it even more clearer and even more longer thanks to its 4-inch retina display. Even though it maintains the same width, the iPhone 5 is nearly 9 millimeters taller than iPhone 4S so that takes about time to see the full body view of a woman wearing a one-piece competition swimsuit. He he he....

There's more good news too because internet connection is faster thanks to its LTE however, let me explain. Ideally, 4G LTE is common in Android phones this days. The reason why past iPhone models especially the 4S doesn't have the LTE while sticking to conventional HSPDA is simple, LTE may cause iPhones waste space quickly and drains the batteries quickly. We know it's bad but to get round the problem, the iPhone 5's LTE has been optimized for better battery life and designed for ultrafast connectivity in a thin profile. This is amazing and very clever indeed.

Couple that with the A6 chip and you get an Apple-estimated 8 hours of LTE browsing time, 8 hours of talk time, and 10 hours of video playback, all because of its extended battery life courtesy of that chip that provides quicker CPU performance, faster graphics, and that's about it.

This is the best iPhone most techies want because of its superleggera-ish weight, slim profile, 4G LTE, and tons of enhancements. As for the pricing, well this is a very complicated story. In America, Apple's home market, the new iPhone 5 is available only at AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon with prices start from $199 for the entry-level 16GB, $299 for the mid-range 32GB, and $399 for the flagship 64GB model, plus tax.

With all that upsides do come with the cost of ownership. Because it's a new iPhone, they also been fitted with the updated version of Apple's iOS, which is called iOS6. So, what to expect on this...um, on this iOS6, there's a problem, the YouTube app's gone, the maps are now Apple-powered instead of Google maps and now, there's a very inutile they called it...Passbook. Passbook? What's that? Very inutle about that, forget about it. Anyway, why does iOS6 dropped the YouTube app and the maps are now Apple-run instead of Google maps? Very simple explanation because I once had a talk with a mate and he says that Apple's been on a fight against Google. Well, because Google is all about Androids, Apple decided for an annulment against Google and Apple says "Hey Google, because you want Androids to rule over the smartphone market, I think that I really don't need you anymore." and then, the annulment against Google occurred and with this iOS6, the YouTube app is gone and the Google maps has been ditched and replaced by a Apple-made navigation which doesn't make any sense.

If you have last year's models and if you're opted to update it to iOS6, my best recommendation is not to update it and stick to the iOS5 but that's not a good recommendation because it will render it useless, unsecured, and my best bet was...update at your own risk.

Sure, the iOS6 is the most of our problems, there's more to this iPhone 5 conundrum. Traditional models do have a 30-pin connector but now, for this new model, Apple created a new type of connector called the Lightning connector.Apple once said that this all new Lightning connector is smaller, smarter, durable, and best of all, reversible so it doesn't matter which side you'll be connecting to. In the future, all accessories will be compatible to this Lightning connector and for me, that's a bad thing because there are so many gadgets in the world still depend on the 30-pin connection, much like the BOSE connectors but some say, Apple made an accessory that transforms all 30-pin gadgets into Lightning courtesy of this 30-to-Lightning connector. This is much like turning 110 to 220 and back but this is somewhat very complicating.

In summary, the iPhone 5 is an ambitious but rubbish version of the venerable Apple iPhone. Sure, it maybe available in countries like USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but for some, I'm afraid that you have to wait even further to have one. An iPhone without a YouTube app is just the least of the problems but because of those very complicated technology, I'm afraid that you have to consult on the onboard instructional manual to figure that out. This gadget maybe a waste of money and a waste of time but this is somewhat a technological achievement.

Should I buy one? LEt me figure that out soon when the time's right for me but in the meantime, NO.

Third-generation iPad

The new iPad

What you're looking here is the all new, third-generation iPad. Don't call it iPad 3 because Apple retained the "iPad" naming that traced back in 2010, when the first one is released. I spoken to a number of people who used previous iPads in the past, especially Tokyo Stock Exchange correspondent from NHK Newsline, Robert Jefferson, and they all say a same thing, this new iPad is in a different league. It's the same name with a different flavor that differs from the previous two generations.

The best bits about the third-generation iPad is it's breakthrough retina display, the new 5MP iSight camra, iLife, iWork, ultrafast 4G LTE, A5X chip with quad-core graphics and that's about it, most of the features from the iPad 2 are remained.

Happily however, the new iPad has the best resolution that is twice as high as an HDTV because while an HDTV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the third generation iPad has a resolution of 2048 x 1536. It's the best display ever on a mobile device. For battery life, well thanks to its A5X chip, the iPad will last about 10 hours of power to read, watch, play, write, whatever floats your boat.

The brand new iSight camera is a first from Apple. With advanced optics, it lets you shoot good photos and 1080p HD video, making your memories never been so clearer than this!The 5MP iSight camera comes with a backside illumination sensor that captures the best photos whether by exposure or lighting. It was all thanks to a larger f/2.4 aperture and the advanced hybrid infrared filter that keeps out harmful IR light for enhanced accuracy and uniform colors. It's very professional.

A new feature called Dictation is added and in fact, this feature lets your talking do the typing. I should warn you that this new feature needs some clear-talking techies because mine wasn't clear enough.

The new iPad comes in two colors; black and white, and it is available with prices ranging from $499 for the Wi-Fi 16GB model up to $829 for the Wi-Fi + 4G 64GB model (which requires AT&T or Verizon). What you get from the packaging is the new iPad, USB cable, an utterly useless Dock Connector, and a documentation on how to use it.

So there you have it, it's the same old iPad name with some seriously new features. I JUST WANT ONE!

Filipinos poke fun at Siri with Vangie!

Vangie: The Pinoy Virtual Assistant

When the iPhone 4S came in the Philippines in mid-December 2011, most Filipinos just can't get enough with the Siri feature. Unfortunately, most of the Siri features are not available in the Philippines and worse, it can't understand Pinoy English, like for instance, you are asking Siri where is the nearby C.R. (Comfort Room) but Siri said it can't find maps in Costa Rica (?).

A video pokes fun at Siri's inaccessibility in the Philippines by showing the so-called Macapuno Systems their Pinoy version of Siri called Vangie. Whoa, Vangie sounds more like the name of your middle-aged neighbor but indeed it understands you more than Siri. What's so funny is that it can detect a snatcher by saying that "bakit iba ang boses mo?" when the snatcher asks Vangie.

If that come true, most Pinoy iPhone 4S users will take advantage of Vangie for sure and..this would be fun. Watch the video!

Apple's iPhone 4S coming to Smart this December 16

iPhone 4S

Smart Communications, one of the finest telecommunications brands in the Philippines, will be the exclusive telecom to bring out Apple's new iPhone 4S this December 16! The announcement came at the official site of Smart.

Love the iPhone 4S but you're still on SMART? That's your one!

Be the first: http://www1.smart.com.ph/postpaid/iphone4s

iPhone 4S

Apple iPhone 4S

The pride of Apple, the iPhone 4 just underwent its first mid-life update as the new iPhone 4S. It's better but does it matter? Let's see...

Picking up where the previous iPhone 4 left off, this new 4S has some of its good features that some people would adore this updated version. First off, there's Siri. So who is Siri? Think of Siri as your personal assistant on the go. You can use Siri when you want to ask something such as knowing what time it is, set a reminder on your calendar, ask for directions, almost anything. Siri knows almost everything as if you're being helped by someone. It would be generous to ask Siri for help but it would be best to know how to use the iPhone 4S by yourself. If you're stuck, Siri is there to help.

The iPhone 4S is the first to equipped with the all new iOS5 operating system and this new system has loads of new features such as Notification Center, iMessage, Twitter integration, Reminders, Newstand, and now you can take full advantage of the all new iCloud feature. The new iCloud feature allows you to store songs, movies, photos, and more, providing all-access on all devices.

What's more, this one has a dual-core A5 chip that provides two times the power, seven times the graphics, making the most out of its powerful chip that provides the best battery life, faster response, and impressive graphics that makes playing games more vivid.

This phone has advanced optics with custom lens, larger aptitude, and a sensor to provide more lively yet powerful photo shooting and you can record videos in amazing 1080p HD so when you upload them on Youtube, you might shock the world with fame with perfect sound, perfect picture, perfect quality. Well, almost perfect...

My Comment:
The iPhone 4S may be the minor update to the iPhone 4 but I think this new phone looks cool if you're a first-timer who has no knowledge to iPhone models yet. Some seasoned iPhone users may have to think twice about buying the new iPhone 4S or wait for something special. It maybe somewhat a lacking force but this iPhone 4S has a 60% chance to succeed against the Androids. The odds are somewhat made me sad...

The whole world bids farewell to Steve Jobs

Obituary to Steve Jobs

Apple's gain is also Apple's loss. The company recently launched the iPhone 4S served as a (so-called) gain but the death of Steve Jobs served as Apple's biggest loss.

Steve Jobs was one of the forefathers of Apple, Inc., who was one of the legendary faces who've revolutionized the Apple brand forever. He died from cancer at the age of 56.

The statement from Apple Inc said that it had lost a visionary and creative genius. In fact, we will never forget Steve Jobs as a legendary genius that helped Apple created the most memorable items such as the Apple I from 1976, Apple II from 1977, Apple Lisa from 1983, Macintosh from 1984, NeXT Computer from 1989, iMac from 1998, iPod series from 2001, iTunes Store from 2003, iPhone from 2007, and iPad from 2010.

A few months ago, Steve Jobs resigned from being Apple's head and his position was passed to Tim Cook. It is said that he had an indefinite medical leave in January without reasons.

It has been an honor to have Steve Jobs because Apple Inc wouldn't gotten this big if it weren't from him. Thank You Mr. Steve Jobs for everything to help Apple stand up against the competition no matter how bad today's economy is. The global community would like to express their heartfelt condolences to the death of Mr. Steve Jobs.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

Steve Jobs declared quits!

STEVE JOBS CALLS IT QUITS! Why? Because Steve Jobs resigned for being the CEO of Apple Inc., ending his decade-reign of being the head of the computer giant. Because of that, his position will be passed on to Tim Cook, a Chief Operating Officer and longtime heir apparent.

Apparently, Steve Jobs took a medical leave since January because of the cancer he had. Never though he had a longtime fight against his disease since 2004. Good thing, Tim Cook does Steve Jobs' job while he was on a sick leave. 

We seek him as an inspiration that brought the computer giant upbeat and crushed Microsoft ten-fold. 

Don't panic and remain calm. Even though he resigned from being CEO, he's still the chairman.

Scoop: http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/08/24/idINIndia-58957720110824

iPad 2

Apple iPad 2

When the Apple iPad came on sale in April 3, 2010, Apple ushers in to the new category of "portable tablets" that later on other companies making their own tablets that have something that the iPod can't have.

The missing camera function is just one of the main weakness of the iPad, forcing them to buy some tablets with the camera function, causing the first iPad to go belly down on the sales chart. To resolve this, Apple made a major minor change to the iPad, and this iPad is leveled up as iPad 2.

This iPad has progressed, and now has two built-in cameras attached in front and back. With the new camera, this new iPad can now take pictures everywhere and perform FaceTime with your friends and family. Once more, the iPad 2 can do almost everything that its predecessor can't do, such as a faster A5 chip, faster graphics, longer battery life, LED-backlit display, multi-touch, advanced iOS 4, instant on with the push of the home button, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, new accelerometer that recognizes your every move, AirPlay, new Video mirroring, and AirPrint.

Sold separately are the stylish Smart Covers available for the iPad 2 to bring protection and style without the bulk. The iPad's Smart Cover comes in 10 colors and finding which color that suits your personal preferences is up to you.

More info: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

MY COMMENT:

The iPad has progressed and it's got a camera as seen from the latest iPod Touch and iPhone! Cool! Think of it as an enlarged version of the iPod Touch, even better. Great things come in large packages for this one! With sales of the iPad 2 started on most North American markets in March 2011, I hope that Power Mac Center, official Apple retailer of the Philippines, sells this latest iPad upgrade and let those tech junkies do with the new camera function of the new iPad 2! This is the next big thing for Apple!

Photo: Apple Inc.

iPod Nano Mk.VI

The sixth-generation iPod Nano

The iPod Nano of the new decade is now changed and its no longer more similar to the classic iPod. The new sixth-generation iPod Nano is now an iPod Touch with a shape of the iPod Shuffle, as part of the new iPod range, consisting of the 4th-generation iPod Touch (now with the camera), and the new 4th-generation iPod Shuffle which goes retro but with the new voice recognition feature.

What impresses the new iPod Nano is the new touch screen feature. I think this new feature borrowed some aspects of the iPod touch but the size makes it eccentric. What makes it on this size, this iPod Nano is now fully focused on playing music. With the lack of the video camera feature, voice recorder, and video playback, this would be rather disappointing.

This new iPod Nano is not my type, unless if someone had it with their old iPod Shuffle may be ready to get their hands on the new iPod Nano. For this iPod claimed as "the iPod Touch look with the iPod Shuffle size", this would be the cutest of the iPod range. Most tech-savvy girls are welcomed to purchase this cute gadget and put some of their favorite songs and enjoy their music trip.

Can this new iPod Nano be a hit? Let's pray that Power Mac Center, the official Apple retailer in the Philippines, will sell these.

Photo: Apple Inc.

iPod Touch (Fourth-generation)

Apple iPod Touch (4th Generation)

With the introduction of the iPad and the iPhone 4, our favorite fun-loving Apple iPod Touch made its full-model change and this will be called the Apple iPod Touch 4.

Why this iPod Touch reached its fourth-generation model? In this model, the iPod Touch can now do things the same as the iPhone 4, such as the new FaceTime feature. This feature does the same trick as the iPhone, you can do a little talk with your pals face to face thanks to the new camera feature, for the first time attached on this model. This app makes video calling at its finest. Also new to the iPod Touch 4 is the new retina display, which brings the most clearest view to this wonderful handheld gadget. From webpages, games, apps, and more, this display will shock you with excitement.

If you want to capture videos in High-Definition, there's an app for that. The new iPod Touch 4 now comes with the HD video camera, which allows you to snap photos and HD video that you can wow them when you send them by Facebook, YouTube, and others. This iPod is way better than my old iPod Touch.

My comment:
This iPod Touch is even better than my old iPod Touch because it now has video call, HD camera, retina display, and more that meets the gadget junkie's eye. With the SRP of $299 - $399 (about 25,000 to 40,000 Pesos), most Apple fans will start saving up some moolah before buying this! I hope this new iPod Touch will be on sale soon at the Power Mac Center, the Philippines' number one Apple retailer.

Photo: Apple Inc.

See what Ogie's holding at...

Ogie, as one of the rich kids, has an iPad

Recent episode of Bubble Gang showing another one of the "Rich Kids" sketches titled "Mayamang Raliyista" or Wealthy Protester in English. As I can see in this sketch is some familiar stuff Ogie Alcasid (the guy who was spoiled brat Angelina, or even Desperadas 2's Lugaluda) holds. Seems odd to me that what kind of stuff he's holding as if it was paper, notepad, or something else....

Oh, wait! He's holding some kind of iPad!



(Nosebleeds) Geez, makes me jealous that I want to have that kind of iPad because Angelina...I mean... Lugaluda... I mean.... Ogie Alcasid has one!

Even Showtime's Vice Ganda has one!

Take note, you can find the iPad at your nearest Power Mac Center dealers all over the Metro Manila.

iPad

The newest addition to the Apple family (the geniuses behind the Mac, iPod, and iPhone) has arrived to bounce against Amazon's Kindle and of course, there will be a certain love-hate scenarios for computer egoists from across the globe. Meet the iPad, Apple's first of its kind.

At first, the iPad looks more like an enlarged iPod Touch, meaning why would they copy something they already had. Of course, we do not blame its superiority, but Apple made a good job creating a hand-held computer built for the next-generation nerds and the nerds-at-heart. If we can say that, the iPad can do everything for the sake of our love for computers, there are a few key points regarding Apple's first of its kind:

- Safari web browser

- Mail app for e-mail purposes

- LED-backlit IPS display gives photo viewing to a completely new level

- 9.7-inch screen allows movie geeks to watch downloaded movies via iTunes like no other. It is also perfect for watching full-screen YouTube videos.

- Same features of the iPod touch; such as listening to music, purchase apps, and the use of iTunes.

... and so much more to mention this wondrous handheld computer. From its introduction, the Wi-Fi connectivity is a standard feature for the iPad. A 3G option may come in later.

Get the full story at :http://www.apple.com/ipad/
My Words on the iPad:
It is not going to be easy obtaining the iPad, because of the pricing of just $499 (or supposedly 23,000 Pesos when it hits our stores), but despite the pricing, the iPad is one of the finest creations by Apple, and it will crush the competition led by the Kindle from Amazon. This gadget not only enlightens the geeks, but also for real men. Try it.