Tech Review: Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica

I may blog a lot about beauty and fashion, but I have a "techie" side in me in which I call it my "nerd mode".  I am very particular in every product I purchase and gadgets are no exception.  The more money I need to spend the more research time is needed.

I recently changed my mobile phone after using my trustee Nokia 6300 for more than 3 years.  I took care of my mobile phone and I am proud to say it looks brand new up to this very moment.  On choosing a new phone, there are some requirements needed and one of them is WIFI function.  I need to check important emails at times and I don't have my laptop with me!

I was given a lot of phone recommendations, from Iphone to Blackberry to Nokia E-series phones.  What did I end up with?  Intrigued?  Read on....

Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica says ---

The Samsung Galaxy Spica is SAMSUNG Ireland’s first device powered by Android, giving customers instant access to familiar applications, as well as access to a range of ever-expanding services being developed for the Android operating system. Whatever your lifestyle, there will be an Android application for you and with its expandable memory, you can personalise your Samsung Galaxy Spica with as many apps as you desire. Go directly to the Android market via a widget on your Samsung Galaxy Spica and download a variety of unique applications.

AMW says ---

Pros

• design: love the sleek, easy to hold phone

• it runs on Android Operating System (OS) 2.1.  Android OS has thousands of applications available.
• one of the cheapest Android phone in the market to date
• WiFi and 3G ready and with Bluetooth
• comfortable 3.2" touchscreen

• it auto rotates from portrait to landscape and vice versa
• expandable memory up to 32 gig using microSD card
• very important for music lover like myself: 3.5 mm standard jack so you can use your favorite earphones.  I have a favorite earphone because the earplug size fits my tiny ear perfectly!

• has voice dialing feature for other voice dialing lovers out there (not my thing though)
• bright and clear screen
• comes with an extra back casing (red) the original one is in black
• high capacity battery: used whole day with an hour of surfing, several phone calls and a lot of texting, got home with 1/4 battery capacity!

• good calendar and clock
• love the Android Market!  Most of the applications are free! (Ex. Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Gmail, etc.. and a lot of games!)
• 1 Year Warranty Part and Service

 

Cons

• No flash support on built-in browser (read tip on how to deal with this) 
• No built-in camera flash, which is a big downside for me!   
• No multi-touch (for those who want the “IPhone” experience).  Multi-touch are used to zoom in and out the screen using 2 fingertips at the same time.  In Samsung’s case, you just need to double tap for zooming in and out. (read tip if multi-touch screen is very important for you)
• Contacts:  is a tedious task to transfer from a different mobile phone
• For those expert texters like myself, using touchscreen for texting is a big challenge! 
• What added the challenge? QWERTY Keypad!  
• No free mobile pouch or strap

Overall

I made the right decision purchasing this phone because all the requirements I have in a mobile phone has been met by the Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica and a lot more!  I have used this phone for 2 weeks and I am still surprised on a lot of functions it can do.  

The best part?  I got all the features of what other phones can do in half the price!

Tips

• install third party applications like Skyfire for semi-flash browsing experience
• for multi-touch screen lovers: there’s a new Samsung Wave out in the market which does the job!  (I believe it’s locally sold around Php19,000-20,000) 
• must purchase: phone strap, phone case and screen protector
• don’t use your fingernails please!  It won’t work!
• for local readers:  If you don’t want to be charged with surfing rates.  Disable the 3g Service.  (Go to Settings --- Wireless & Networks --- Mobile Networks ---Access Point names --- (service provider name insert here) Internet --- APN type --- choose MMS only) 
• unsure if you have 3g on?  Check if there’s a 3g logo on the upper portion of your phone
• want to prolong your battery life?  Switch off automatic WIFI search, lessen the screen brightness and remove the keypad sound
• purchase in Cash payment for cheaper rate

Will I recommend this to others?
Yes!  Definitely!!!  I am very happy with my purchase!


Where to purchase and how much?
Any mobile phone stores, price ranging from Php13,500 to Php14,100 (approx $293-$307)

Here's side by side look on my old Nokia 6300 phone 

with the new Samsung Galaxy Spica

Sleek and easy to store, rounded edge which I like

Easy click button on the sides of the phone, be careful not to click it when you don't need it though!

A look on the first page of the screen once turned on

A closer look on the icons on screen

Very clear

Applications that are included on the phone

Note: You can always download via Android Market

for extra applications!

I am a happy camper!  It was a wonderful purchase!
Feel free to comment if you have any questions as the Nerd Mode is definitely turned on!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo

My love for hair products will always be there!  From elementary until this day, I've been testing so many hair products I can do a special blog about it!  I've wanted to try Kerastase hair care products as long as I remember!  Well it was really those times I started to earn my own money and read so many positive reviews about it but just can't seem to shell out such amount for hair care products!  I remembered getting in a posh salon, stalking on the prices of these products and wanting to charge it on my credit card but always left the salon without it!

Thanks to Frances of Topazhorizon, I was actually in Macau when I got a message on Facebook that I won because I was her first Facebook "liker".  She told me to ask for any product for a prize and since she's an Editor-in-Chief of OK! Magazine, she may have means to get them.  I did not hesitate blurting out "KERASTASE" right away!  I am glad she said she has them!  Yup! THEM! Because I got 3 Kerastase Reflection products and I will blog about them one at a time.  I have to savor this moment!  So thanks Frances!!!! 

AMW Got All 3 of these!

**photo from Kerastase

Now let me start reviewing one at a time and I'll start with the Shampoo...

Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo says ---

When color treated hair comes up against daily attacks such as heat styling irons, UV rays, external pollutants and chemical treatments, Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche will soften and bathe the strands to help hydrate and give back intensity and shine. Formulated with Kerastase Aqua-Ionic System, it re-sources with essential elements and fills the fiber with micro prisms and light refractors, leaving your hair fibers with a luminous, mirror-like shine.

Features and Benefits:

• Vitamin E protects from UV rays and photo-oxidation related damages
• Enhances your colors vivacity and deepness
• Hydrated and softens hair fibers

AMW says ---

Pros

• packaging: Sealed to show product is new

• smells great
• hair feels really soft right after shampooing, even without conditioner!
• my hair color looks healthy and shows up really nice 
• does not dry up hair even after blow dry
• hair looks silky and looks like leave-on conditioner was used
• easy to comb, no tangles
• the ends of my hair doesn't look that dry anymore
• no dandruff or scalp itching!

Cons

• I prefer easy squeeze packaging or pump
• quite expensive for a shampoo
• cannot use this and not shampoo on the next day as hair will look greasy due to its rich moisture content
• I don't see the instant shine, maybe my hair is just too damaged to be able to see it in an instant

Overall

If your hair is colored and dry, try to use a product that's meant for that type of hair.  Color-treated hair are usually not given the time of the day and we tend to use regular shampoo which can strip off moisture and even the hair color which makes it dull.  So I think if you love coloring your hair, it's nice to invest on hair care products to keep the shine!

The shampoo works well for dry, colored hair beause it seriously moisturize my hair!  

Tips
from Kerastase

• Apply a quarter-sized amount to wet hair and massage with flat hands.  Emulsify and rinse thoroughly.  For maximum results, follow with Kerastase Reflection Chroma Riche Masque.

from AMW

• since this product is rich, try to use a clarifying shampoo to wash off excess residues and oil once a week or once every 2 weeks.
• if you find this line expensive, you can save up, and purchase only 1 from the line, then mix and match with regular drugstore conditioner
• to save up, you can alternate this shampoo with regular shampoo on other days 
• if you are off for a party and need to style your hair, do not use this shampoo as it tends to weight my hair straight and down
• adding conditioner is still the best especially if your hair is super dry, does not have to be the same brand
• don't have enough money?  Test on other cheaper products, if the cheaper alternatives work for you?  Then lucky you!!!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, once in a while if I want to treat my hair something luxurious

Where to purchase and how much?

At local leading salon approximately Php1,150 (approx $25.00).

What's the most luxurious shampoo for  you?
mine will definitely be this one!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW News: Paul & Joe End of Season Sale

Dear Local Readers:

Paul & Joe did it again!  Another sale coming and it's the right timing as I need to replenish my Paul & Joe products especially the eyebrow pencils!

Happy Shopping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW & Dollface Gives: The 88 Dollface Palette (Contest Closed)

Dear Philippine Readers:
It's the start of the week and no matter how busy I am, I still thought about you girls because there's an exciting contest cooked up by yours truly and our favorite Dollface Cosmetics.  Pearl has been very supportive of my blog anniversary, my 1,000th followers and specifically, she's very supportive of me!  Thank you Pearl for loving AMW and AMW readers!

A new palette has arrived and I took a sneak peek (via photos because Pearl is in Cebu) and I was super excited because it looks very dainty, a lot of pink shades!  That's why it's called "The 88 Dollface Palette"!  To create a "doll face" in you!

And would you believe one lucky local reader will get the chance to win this new palette worth Php1,200?

Tempting right?  You should be!!!  I am actually tempted to own one myself!  Or probably whoever wins this, let me borrow this ok?  (just joking!)

Contest Mechanics:

1. Comment with your name and email address. 

2. Answer this questions: "At which bazaar will this gorgeous palette be available from July 30 to August 1, 2010?"  (because I love you tip: CLICK HERE)

3. No duplicate entries!

4. Contest is open for PHILIPPINE Readers only (sorry International readers). 

5. Contest ends July 26, 2010 (11:59pm)

6. One winner will be picked via random generator (online) and will be notified via email.

Goodluck!!!

Do not forget to ask your friends and family members to join!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(all photos from Dollface Cosmetics)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Ying Ying Tea House for the Gazillionth Time

I have been very busy over the weekend!  I apologize because of my busy schedule, I wasn't able to food trip the "right way".  Either I eat on events or I eat "sandwich" on-to-go because I've been chasing time!  To keep it up and make all you hungry hippos (cute hippos) happy!  I'll show you photos of my all time favorite "feel good" food!  It's quite far to most people in the Metro but if you're within the Chinatown area, this restaurant, you have to visit!  It's small, it's crowded and they serve wonderful authentic Chinese food! 

Again and again, my favorite Chinese Food Trip

Ying Ying Tea House

Yang Chow Fried Rice

This order is large for the whole family

Spinach Soup

My favorite healthy soup.  You can also go for their 8 Treasures Soup

both tastes wonderful!!!

Steamed Fish Fillet with Sauce (not on photo)

Very fresh and healthy!  Great for anyone who's on a diet

Fish Fillet in White Sauce

You can actually order this in White Sauce (below) or sweet and sour sauce.  Both tastes great and both are worth giving it a try!  I love the large piece of fish fillet which leaves you longing for more!

Fried Chicken (Whole) with Crispy Chips

You can never go wrong with fried chicken.  Come without gravy but ketchup!

I wish they have their own version of gravy though

Beef with Broccoli

My ultimate favorite!  Though I'm not a meat lover, I love the wonderful combination of greens and reddish browns.  I love the freshness of the broccoli!

Birthday Noodles

What I love about birthday noodles is their ultimate "Calorie high" quail eggs!  I'm not an egg person but when it comes to these tiny cuties, I can't so no!  They're usually colored in pinks or orange!

And would you believe there is such thing as "mountain-high" Noodles called "Cha Misua?"  Great combination of soft noodles and crunchy peanut with scrambled egg shreds on top!  You can order this without rice!

Just so you know, I weigh myself over the weekend and it's the same!  *laughs* I had this wonderful gastronomical meal with a whole bunch of family members! My family knows how to eat!!!  

How's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!