SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 8
For someone who always works outside the office, I never leave home without my laptop; and though I also have a tablet, I only use it to check my emails and keep updated with my social networks—that was until I got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
I admit I wasn’t quite impressed when it was first launched a couple of months ago, but it was mainly because of the average camera and the lack of a flash. Still, I was quite apprehensive about leaving my laptop during a recent trip and choosing to just bring the Galaxy Note 8 instead.
And it was liberating to say the least.
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| The Note 8 alongside the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Xperia SL |
The first thing you have to know about the Note 8.0 is that it is more of an update of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 rather than the Galaxy Note 2—so it’s a tablet with phone capabilities, rather than a phone doubling as a tablet. The difference lies in your expectations—it wouldn’t fit your pocket and is quite uncomfortable to use when calling someone unless you use the headphones. But as a tablet, the screen size is perfect, (better than the 7 inch size) for viewing movies, browsing the internet, editing photos, and reading digital comics and ebooks.
With the right apps and a bluetooth keyboard, I quickly forgot about my laptop, as I was able to write a few articles and edit some spreadsheets and presentations easily. In short, I was able to work and coordinate with the office, using just one device.
The S Pen is also such a joy to use when taking down notes, doing some scribbles and drawings and creating a travelogue with the S Journal. It really does capture inspiration wherever or whenever it strikes.
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| Happy to have brought the Note 8 to my Hongkong Trip instead of my laptop |
Reading Mode optimizes the screen to provide perfect illumination and tone, delivering a comfortable reading experience in all lighting conditions. And with the ability to annotate directly with the S pen–all on a size made easy to hold, reading has never been more enjoyable, even on the go.
Another very useful feature is the Multi Window display. Since it is also a phone I could jot down notes about the conversation or look up directions, check email, or search the web while making a call without having to switching apps. You can even reposition, expand to full screen, or close any window immediately.
The Note 8 is powered by a Exynos 4412, 1.6GHz quad-core processor, 2GB memory and runs on Android Jellybean. It has a 16GB storage with microSD support up to 64GB; 5MP back camera and a 1.3MP front camera;and has a WXGA (1,280 x 800) Resolution screen.
I honestly felt quite sad about returning the unit after using it for two weeks, and would have immediately bought one if I didn’t have a Samsung Tab 2 7.0, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one device that you could carry around anywhere, look no further than the Galaxy Note 8– its definitely better than that other ‘mini.’
NEVER MISS A MOMENT: NX300
School events can bring out the most endearing memories, but unfortunately the guilt of failing to capture the perfect photo often lasts longer.
Whether it is for school projects, the school paper or capturing unforgettable memories with your classmates and friends, the recently introduced Samsung NX300 camera raises the bar of excellence in smart cameras with its record-breaking features that surprised even the most critical photography enthusiasts.
The NX300 offers the fastest shutter speed at 1/6000th of a second to capture fast moments in the clearest and most precise way possible. Together with a 20.3 megapixel sensor, it can shoot continuously at an ultra-fast rate of 8.6 frames per second that brings crystal clarity to fast-moving subjects and helps capture fleeting moments before the subject moves out of frame. It also has an advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system that determines the distance of the subject while fine-tuning the focus for maximum contrast.
The same enhancements from the inside resonate on the outside. It has a revolutionary 3.3-inch AMOLED touch screen display for easier navigation, which can also be tilted for taking low or high angle shots. The AMOLED screen is the same screen found in high-end Samsung smartphones that give better image and playback clarity. Unlike regular DSLRs the NX300 is lightweight and portable, so you can easily bring it anywhere.
You can also quickly share photos and videos to Facebook, Youtube, and Picasa with a few taps via Wi-Fi connectivity. Photos can also be automatically shared or transferred to a tablet or a smartphone through Autoshare by downloading the Samsung Smart Camera app in Play Store.
More importantly, the NX300 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, which means photography buffs may use other lenses to suit their needs. All these features are encased in a light-weight, sleek, premium body that spells elegance and style.
With the NX300 unforgettable moments that happen in split-seconds are captured in the clearest way possible, with vibrant colors bursting with life, and can be shared easily for everyone to enjoy.