OfferStation, HotUKDeals alike for MYS & SG

For deal lover in Malaysia and Singapore, OfferStation offers 1-stop-up-to-date deals, saving you RM and SGD before you shop at the high street. I'd browsed it and find the deals are very recent. Definately worth your time if you are ready to spend.

£ depreciating since September 08

British Pound £ set a new low against Euro today at 1:1.12, while depreciate in value against major foreign currencies since September.

Bypass Company Firewall with JoikuSpot

This morning I found out my company has blocked remote access via TeamViewer. What a bummer! I loss the ability to remote control my HTPC to download stuff from rapidshare, megaupload and so on. I tried LogMeIn via O2 free GPRS. I find it is not very friendly when comes to key input as the text is out of sight, and impossible to put a complete url.

Luckily, my new addition to my powerful N95 save the day. With JoikuSpot, my phone is now a wifi access point, by sharing the free O2 GPRS data allocates to my mobile. What a good idea that is. I have no problem using TeamViewer now as I can surf via Joiku to bypass the company proxy server :)

Online Remote Control: LogMeIn vs TeamViewer 4

I've been using TeamViewer 3 for remote desktop control for several months, and it is the only way to control my HTPC in office since OpenVPN, OpenSSH, LogMeIn etc all blocked. Recently TeamViewer release version 4, where you can remote control over web browser. I'd tested yesterday, and I like the fact I still have all the functions as I control via desktop version. But I don' like the display resolution of my HTPC as I couldn't zoom in/out the desktop. To counter that, you can enable auto panning when mouse over the edge of the remote screen.

LogMeIn has been well known for remote control over web browser long before TeamViewer. I like the auto fit remote desktop resolution feature that is missing in TeamViewer. Since it is a free account, I'm unable to remote transfer files as in TeamViewer (althought TV is free).

Browsing from my N95, LogMeIn works perfectly over the internet. I can control the display zoom by setting my prefer %. It is not working from mobile when browsing TeamViewer web login page. When I'm at home, I use VNC+ instead.

This is a brief comparison between TeamViewer 4 and LogMeIn. I've both installed in my HTPC to benefit from both product.

Netgear DG834N touch down

I got my DG834N eventually as I discovered the 2nd floor bedrooms are getting bad wifi coverage with the DG834G router. I'd patched the firmware with DGTeam and it works fine.

Getting a draft N router, it is part of my wishlist to upgrade my home networking for better coverage and future proof. As I might get a Slingbox SOLO and a Mini 1000 netbook from HP next year, the router will serve me well when slinging the Sky+ box (or Freesat) over wifi to my netbook. Just a thought.

Asus Nova P20 Docking Station

I was surfing for comment on upgrading P20's processor to E7300 before I saw the new docking station at Asus homepage. It comes with card reader, usb ports and tv tuner. But since I planned to get a Slingbox SOLO as part of my wishlist for 08/09, the reason I might get it is for the card reader.

One of the OZ web site is selling it for $75.

Update: 12/12 - Apparently P20 is not popular in Singapore as compare to Australia. I got an email from the Asus distributor in Singapore that the docking station will not be available in SG.

Update: 30/12: Thanks to jying, I got my TV Dock for AUD$131.75 inclusive of sea postage to UK.

Patched my Netgear DG834Gv3 with DGTeam firmware

A few days back, I posted a new release of DGTeam custom firmware for Netgear. Since then I'd been trying to get dgteam's firmware to work but without success until a revised firmware 0849 released early today. Internet and wifi connection are fixed in this minor release.I've tested the WOL function and it works as expected. Cheers for that! Hence I can turn off my HTPC and wake up in office whenever I need to download stuffs :)

O2 GPRS Speed Test

My O2 monthly plan come with free 1GB GPRS data. So I was testing my company internet speed using ZDNet SpeedTest, I thought I can run the same test using my mobile. The result shown 49kbps.

Bank of England drop interest rate to 2%

Today Bank of England has announced a drop in its interest rate from 3% to 2%, lowest since 1951. Continue read here.

DGTeam firmware for Netgear DG834Gv1-3

Just 2 days ago DGTeam released firmware for DG834Gv4, it is now available for v1-v3! The WOL function I wanted for so long can finally be materialize without buying a new router. This release saved me ££ as I was so close from winning a DG834N bid at eBay yesterday, and I'm thankful I didn't win it.

DGTeam firmware for Netgear DG834Gv4

I have been searching for Wake-on-LAN solution for months for my Netgear router as I like to shutdown my HTPC and wake it over the internet, but none has been working. Until recently I found out DGTeam has released an updated firmware for DG834XX series early this month, and was eagerly waiting for DG834G turn. Finally after days of browsing, I noticed it is out now.

As I'm using Sky's converted Netgear router and it is DG834v3 equivalent, this means either I try to upgrade the firmware and perform recovery if it failed or buy an used DG834v4 from eBay.

Samsung NC10 for £289 delivered

With 30min less, you can get a Samsung NC10 netbook at dixons for £289 using "HAPPY5" code upon checkout.



Update: Dixons has up the price of NC10 from £299 to £309.

Retailers implementing lower VAT from 17.5% to 15%

Announcement was made a few days ago where the VAT tax will reduce to 15% for 13 months. Retailers are offering rebate effectively yesterday although it should be starting next Monday.

London to Kuala Lumpur for £99 1 way

I believe this is one of the best news I get since credit crunch. You can make advance booking to Malaysia for just £99 one way with AirAsia. Hurry, the promotion expire on 30/11/08.

Nikon D90 and D200

I got my Nikon D90 kit yesterday but I only have time to open the box today while I'm working at home waiting to sign a parcel for Cherlyn.

Comparing to the big brother Nikon D200+SB800+17-55mm f2.8, Nikon D90 is smaller and lighter and match well with a Speedlight SB400, a perfect combination to bring for travel along with Nikkor 18-200mm VR.

WTS: Nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR

Got my Nikon D90 kit today, yahoo... and the first thing I want to do is to sell off the kit lens. I'm looking for £160 ex p&p. Lens is brand new, and not mount to any body so you are getting it brand new.

Free Nando Combination with 1 purchase

Only valid in Bristol, until 29 Jan 2009.

Facebook Updates via WLM

It is now possible to get Facebook updates via WLM via the Facebook tab. Way to go Microsoft.

UK Bank Interest rate now 3%

This is a big news! Good for mortgage owner and bad for saver.

Travelodge £9 deal for Spring

Back again, Travelodge £9 sale start today.

Guy Fawkes Night a.k.a. Bonfire Night

Today is Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night is an annual celebration on the evening of the 5th of Novemeber. It celebrates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot of the 5th November 1605 in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the House of Parliament in London.

Obama wins historic US election

Democratic Senator Barack Obama says "change has come to America", after being elected the first black president of the United States.

Freezing temperature after daylight saving

Daylight saving adjustment was on 26th Oct, and day after that the temperature dropped to freezing level. Yesterday morning it was 0.5 degree and light snow in the evening...

Amazon UK free delivery with >£5 order

Good move Amazon! Before 16/10, you need to purchase >£15 to eligible for free super saver delivery, it is now £5, 1/3 reduction of previous amount.

£5 off on First Great Western Train

Get your £5 off your train farewhen you register at First Great Western. Only for the first 200,000 registeration only.

Train fare comparison from Swindon to London

I was comparing for cheapest train fare from Swindon to London Paddington for next day travel, departing after 9am and return at 5:15pm on the same day. By using raileasy, thetrainline and firstgreatwestern, the cheapest ticket for both thetrainline and firstgreatwestern has to be bought as single way, costing £75.50 in total. However cheapest goes to raileasy, at £67.50.

Alliance Leicester 12% Regular Saving

Another good saving rate I found out today. A massive 12% AER on a Alliance Leicester premiere regular saving account. When invest the maximum of £250 per month, a total of £3,000 will be paid into your account during the 12 month term and no withdrawals were made. At 12.00% interest, you would earn approximately £195 gross.

Halifax 7% Web Saver

Today I noticed Halifax has introduced Fixed Rate Web Saver at 7% for 6 months deposit. This is the best short term deposit deal for the moment.

Reminder for Register of Electors 2009

I received a post from Swindon Borough Council about 1 month ago to submit the name of the elector from my home address. At that point, I didn't pay attention to read the form as election is something related to the citizen. 2 days ago I received a reminder as I didn't response to the Council. And by law, I need response asap before 15 October 2008.

As Malaysian in UK, I'm ebiligle to Vote according to here. I can choose to



I also got some details from About my vote web site.

How troubled Iceland banks affected UK

I'm surprised to learn a lot of county desided to bank in with Iceland bank instead of UK, I can understand partially due to the fact that interest is higher. But it is troubling UK government as Iceland banks have now been nationalize, hence what will happen to the large amount of UK deposit? Individual saver is guarantee to a certain limit, but council deposit is not. In months to come, I'm sure the government will feel the burden, and we might hear another rescue plan...

On 8/10/08 publication report, Bank of England has a ready reserve of £50billion, and I suppose it has deducted the £50b bailout amount on UK Banks. How much more bailout can the government afford in future?

ING Direct has acquired the savings customers of Kaupthing Edge UK

KaupthingEdge is the largest Iceland bank, with £50k deposit guarantee by UK has got their customer saving deposit acquired by ING Direct. KaupthingEdge offered attactive interest as they don't have any branch in UK. I'd withdrawed my saving from this bank as I rather put my money in a UK bank as a cautious move.


The government's decision to take control of Kaupthing, the country's leading bank, which has assets and debts across the continent, means that the Financial Services Authority now has control of all three of the country's major banks. The other two, Landsbanki and Glitnir, are in receivership. - AP

For futher reading, Iceland suspends stock trading, creates new bank

Icesave halt deposit and withdrawal

Icesave, was once the recommended top ISA bank by Moneysavingexpert.com is now facing financial problem. I was considering to open an account with Icesave half year ago. Lucky me.

It has been another tough day for banks elsewhere in Europe, with the government of Iceland taking control of the country's second-biggest bank, Landsbanki. Landsbanki owns the internet bank Icesave, which has stopped allowing customers to withdraw money. Icesave is thought to have 350,000 customers in the UK and Netherlands. If Landsbanki were to fail, savers would be entitled to their first £16,000 from Icelandic authorities and then up to another £34,000 from the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme. - BBC

Share market lowest in decades

Yet again today mark another downfall of the share market, especially Russia lost 17% or more in a single day.

BBC iPlayer 1.5 for Mobile

Just as I'm trying to settle with iPlayer 1.0 yesterday, BBC iPlayer 1.5 Beta is out. The only feature I noticed is BBC radio channels. Give it a try here.