Dell Inspiron 7000 (7566) i5

A quick thought about the Dell Inspiron 7000 (7566) i5 which I've got it since November 2016.

1. The specification of the unit I owned is i5(6th Generation 6300HQ) 6mb Cache, 4gb DDR4 2400mhz RAM, 4gb DDR5 NVidia 960M, 1TB Sata HDD 5400rpm, 1920 x 1080p. No DVD ROM.

2. Got it for RM3,499.00 that comes with FREE Bluetooth Speaker & Dell Gaming Bagpack. Due to budget issue, I forgo the Bluetooth Speaker and got a discount of RM210.00. The Bag came in a nicely packed box and first impression is the bag is high quality + worth it!

The interior of the bag is rather spacious and comfy padding to protect the laptop.

However the stitch quality could improve and hope it would last as long as the laptop.

3. I would give a 8 of 10 for the design of the laptop and I'm particularly impressed with the rear grill of the laptop.

I would have given 10 if the Dell logo were to be light up when it's in operation.

4. The quality of the laptop casing could be improved as the plastic casing (where the Dell Logo is located) is a bit too soft. So its good to get the Accidental Damage Service for the warranty in case of something.

5. Sound system wise its commendable with a small SubWoofer at the bottom.

6. What is I like too is the easy to remove panel for upgrade at the bottom of the laptop by removing a single screw. There is option to add on M2 Hdd, RAM (as mine comes with a single 4gb RAM). 

7. The laptop could be a real gem if the default RAM is 8gb but this could be done by DIY upgrading. 

8. I'm not impressed that it could not be running GTA V although I've tried many tweaking onto the game setting but it is still STUTTERING! If you know what setting could help, please help by dropping the setting at the comment. Much appreciated. 

Summary:

Worth the penny BUT could be great if the laptop comes in default with 8gb RAM & harder casing. Wouldn't have any qualms if it could run GTA 5 smoothly but it couldn't. So it isn't a Gaming Laptop after all!

p/s: The price has just gone up and it doesn't comes with Bluetooth Speaker anymore. This was commented at the time of this posting.  

Malaysia from 2014 onwards - A Malaysian Survival Guide

Implementation of 6% GST, depreciation of Ringgit and removal of petroleum subsidy is just something we didn’t wish for but yes it’s already happened! What to do? We still need to survive don’t we?

That’s right, we could moan and moan but money won’t fall from the sky nor could anyone give us extra money to overcome the tough economic situation but to switch on survival mode. I would like to share some steps for survival to squeeze the best out of every Ringgit during this insignificant of time;

Payment Method

Credit Card is your best buddy. Although Credit Payment is not universal in Malaysia (can’t use it at regular hawker stall or kedai mamak and worst you maybe charge some extra percentage at some store/retail for using it) but I would say it presents a better mode of payment and here are some benefits I found out;

Cash Back(CB) Credit Card. Ranging from 0.3% till 7% cash back over the card swipe is being returned is a good opportunity to offset some of our expenditure. The percentage of cash back is based on the bank offering the type of credit card and there are aplenty to choose from in the market and I personally find that Citibank & CIMB offers the best deal (at the point of this article is composed and do refer to their website for any updates).

Citibank Malaysia Cash Back offers 5% CB on Petrol, 2% CB on Pharmaceutical (selected stores), Grocery (selected stores) & Phone Bills (auto payment). This is good enough to generate some CB to relief on monthly expenditure. Not only it provides CB but other privileges that comes with the Credit Card. 

CIMB Bank Cash Rebate Platinum offers the best deal for avid on-line shopper with 5% CB, % CB on Pharmaceutical (selected stores), Grocery (selected stores) & Phone Bills (auto payment). However it offers only 2% CB for Petrol but fret not as there are aplenty of other online saving deals on the card. 

One should be discipline & be responsible when swiping the plastic money as at times it could tempt us to spend over our means. Hence keep track of our spending record regularly!

Shopping & Buying Guide as simple as ABCDEF

Apple I Phone is what I wanted as my friend owns it too or peer pressure while making a purchase is a bad purchase. Buy what you need. Getting a second hand unit in good condition is as good as a new buy.

Buy when the time is right. Planing ahead of buying is a good way to look for the best bargain for my Ringgit. Example ; Friends wedding is 3 months time and there is time to look for SALES for evening dresses/dinner clothing or even wedding present. OR wait for pre or post festive sales.

Couldn't afford it but still wants it? Not a fashion follower, wait till the new season where the old stuff will be offered at the lower price. Meanwhile, save the Ringgit and allow it to grow while waiting for the right time.

Digital era is where we are now and apps such as SmartShopperMalaysia is a must have on the SmartPhone to get the best deal in town. It has info about the best deals for most hypermarket/supermarket in Malaysia and its updated regularly. Alternative Groupon is a good outlet to spot for great online deals.

Every deal is great but which is meant for you? Shopper frenzied when BIG SALES sign is spotted but is that a great deal? Doing a little research goes a long way to ensure what you wanted is the best and right buy. Be smart but don't conned!

Fairs are everywhere nowadays and yea that's right, I notice at almost every weekend there is Baby Fair, Property Fair, Warehouse Sales, Clearance Sales and all other kind of fairs/sales.

Holidaying oversea at such time??

Yes! Must be crazy to suggest holidaying at such time (economic uncertainty & depreciation of Ringgit) but its not impossible. 

Buying cheap air ticket/travel deal some 6 months till 1 year ahead would enable to spread the necessary complimentary expenditure cost prior the prior the trip whilst keeping cash flow unaffected. Pay full for the ticket price at the moment of purchase and there is plenty of time to seek for;

a. Better Exchange Rate - spread the Forex over the period for a better/worst leverage.

b. Need seasonal clothing - shop when there is SALES (at Malls or Online)

c. Bigger Luggage Bag - shop when there is SALES & get a better quality unit!

d. Hotel Deals - keep tab on online hotel sales deal.

Overworked could leads to unbalance in work life and so take some time out may it be local or oversea. 

Should we look for Local Product or Produce

Seeing the condition of the exchange rate is depressing as sooner or later imported goods or local product with high import content will cost more. So maybe it's high time to think out of the box to improvise with local product or produce. 

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, true enough but it will burn your pocket away! Turn the apple away and welcome mango, papaya, banana, pineapple, watermelon and the list goes on.

Honda, Toyota or Nissan for my next car? How come I can't just stick with proton? Well I've been driving a Personal since it was launch (some 8 years ago) and personally not much problem with the car after all these years (195K mileage). I'd consider the Preve but one question keeps me away, why local car price is much more expensive locally as compared in other country? 

For me local or imported stuff, it doesn't really matters as long as which gives a better value to my RM.

Public or Private Health Care

I must say this is rather a personal choice, especially when it is about a person's health concerned. Cost of health care could range from hundreds or if not thousands a month and so why not give it a try! Our Public Health Care is as good as Private Health Care in certain areas and moreover its almost FOC but one must withstand the long queue (waitng time). 

Good opportunities are available...

When times like this, there is always good opportunity to make purchases if it prevails as long as balance is checked.

Summary

Survival is about the fittest and certainly I would need to work harder as prices of most items (from food to medical) has increased from 10% - 30% at least during the period except salary has not been increasing that much. OUCH! 

So let's squeeze the best value out of every Ringgit if not sen!

p/s :  This exclude the High Housing Price woes in Malaysia...  

Traditional Health Practitioner in Penang

I came to identify the needs for this list when I encountered my back injury and the information available online in English is rather limited (usually is spread by words of mouth) and thought it would be useful to share. 

The purpose of this list is being created is solely meant for general knowledge whereby I do not promote nor being paid to do so. Please contact me if any party who wish to have their detail remove from this post.

Chinese Herbalist  

1. Yeap Hai Tong Herbalist 

Address : 30-Y, Jalan Zoo (Off Kampung Melayu), 11500 Penang.

Contact : 048260323, 0125523869

Website : http://yeapherbalist.tripod.com 

Operating Hours : Monday till Friday (9am till 9pm) 

                              Public Holidays, Saturday & Sunday - Please call.

Google Map : 5.399122, 100.283258 

2. Yeap Herbalist 

Address : No. 12, Reservoir Garden, 9th Avenue, 11500 Penang.

Contact : 048297453, 019 4130462/ 016 4919185

Website : n/a  

Operating Hours : Please call.

Google Map : 5.409536, 100.286583    

Traditional Chinese Chiropractor 

1. Hor Chin Seng Traditional Massage & Bone Setting

Address : 7E-1-6, Desa Intan, Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Bandar Baru, Air Itam 11500, Penang.

Contact : 048266879

Website : n/a (Search Facebook)

Operating Hours : Mon - Fri - 11.30am till 5.00pm & 8.00pm till 10.00pm

                              Sat - 11.30am till 4.00pm

Google Map : 5.392962, 100.286062  

p/s : Will update the list from whenever possible. Please share if you come across any to.

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Touring Scandinavia from a Malaysian Point of View

Recently I've travelled to Scandinavian cities, namely; Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo & Copenhagen.Prior to the travel do find that there are limited information available online from South East Asian point of view to this part of the world. So I thought it would good to share some of the experiences

Scandinavian countries are belongs to +2GMT time zone with Finland being the only country that used Euro as currency whereas the other has their own currencies;

Denmark          – Danish Krone

Norway            – Norwegian NOK

Sweden            – Swedish Krone

Scandinavian countries are easily accessible via planes, cruise/ferry and land (trains or car). Just for info that Denmark, Norway & Sweden is link with each other via network of road & rails. Whereas for Finland one may have to travel via plane or cruise/ferry from other countries except Russia which is accessible via road/rails.

My visit was at the end of Spring with expectation the weather being warmer with sunshine but it turns out to be the mixture of all as in Sun, Rain(most of the time), Snow & Chilly Winds. The weather was rather unpredictable and it would be handy to have weatherproof (rain & wind) winter clothing on hand especially for those who is not used to cold weather. Foldable Umbrellas would be extremely handy in the case where long lived showers pour through whole day!

My trip was a DIY trip where all the bookings were done individually except air ticket. Information of hotels, restaurants and places of interest are easily available on the internet and with the current abundant of apps available for smartphones/tablet it certainly shift the reliant on traditional methods such as words of mouth, books, magazine and brochure. I must highlight the following apps which have been very handy & vital for period of the trip;

1.      TripAdvisor – City Guide

2.      Google Map

3.       Individual Airport App – Vantaa, Arlanda, Gardemoen & Kastrup

4.      Resrobot – Stockholm Only.

5.      City Map To Go – Paid Version

However having mentioned the shift from the traditional methods to the world of Apps/Internet, there is a down fall whereby Internet Connection(Data) is required to use the apps except TripAdvisor, Google Map & City Map To Go which could be pre cache prior travelling. As alternative, fret not where one could explore the following option to cure data hunger;

1.      Buy local sim card with data plan – Noticed that there isn’t any phone provider that has Traveller Sim in those countries which is a bit let down.

2.      If one is a subscriber of Maxis(Malaysia), just connect to the preferred mobile network provider as listed for a RM38/day unlimited data roaming services. I must warn thou, the high speed data is extremely limited which is merely suitable for map checking, emails & messaging only.

3.      Free Wifi is the sign most traveler are on the look when choosing a café to unwind and most of the cafes and hotels are equipped with free Wifi.   

Moving around was easy with the availability of metros, trams and busses. Alternative one may consider cycling with Copenhagen to me being very bicycle friendly city or otherwise on bus no. 11 (walking). With majority of the main attractions, restaurants and hotels are well within walking distant in the city of Helsinki, Stockholm(Gamla Stan), Oslo & Copenhagen. Myself being from a city that practically doesn’t have the luxury to enjoy the great public transportation except bus (still stManuck in traffic jam), I’m truly impressed with the impressive public transportation system available with some being so on time!

 Keenest in attracting tourist is very visible whereby most of the public setup are bi lingual complimenting the great effort is the tourist pass such as Helsinki Pass, Stockholm Card, Oslo Pass and Copenhagen Card. These passes/card is a one stop solution for tourists by providing UNLIMITED use of public transport, free admission to selected tourist attractions, discounts to selected restaurants and packed with great tourist information.

Shoppers be alert, major brands are available at the four(4) cities mentioned with brands such as Hermes, Luis Vutton, Chanel, Gucci and of course Hard Rock. Plenty of souvenirs shops are available at major tourist attraction with most being able to offer Tax Refund over certain amount in a specific shop with the amount eligble for tax refund differs from each countries and only applicable for Non EU Residence/PR. For Tax Refund, most shops/companies are subscribe to Global Blue Tax Refund service abd the Global Blue Card would be handy as all your personal particular is stored (minus the hassle in filling up each tax refund form especially for heavy shoppers).

Food wise, variety type of cuisine is available ranging from local traditional, Italian, French, Chinese, Indian, Arab and other Asian (Vietnam & Thailand). Travel companions in this trip has gained weights ranging from 1kg to 2.5kg with the availability of great food to be feast upon at each different location. I will be highlighting some of the great food/restaurant in the respective city post which is worthy for a mentioned, Live to Eat! However coming from Asian family some food may not to be the liking to some taste bud but I enjoyed every meal of it including the great hospitality (service).

There is plenty of lodging selection at each location ranging from the budget till the most expensive listed on TripAdvisor with review for consideration. My personal take on accommodation guide would be;

a.       Book as early as possible for the best rate or take a gamble by booking during promotion.

b.      Look for hotel/hostel/motel which is near to public transportation for travel convenient. May consider using Google Map for help.

c.       Check out the review on TripAdvisor.

d.      Room specification to your liking.

e.       Happy Booking!

Attraction wise, there is always too much too many to choose from at each location. Select those that highly interest you or your group if you are there for limited days just like me. Thou there are many more that I would like to visit but too bad, limited time! To help in selecting the right attraction, you may rely on TripAdvisor City Guide or GOOGLE for the respective city tourism website which is very informative.

Well that’s all for the summary and more to come for the respective city write up soon!

Is this a Long Gunner be Arsenal CRISIS!!

Since self Baptist a Gunner on 17^th May 2000, I believe Arsenal FC could win something and I was wright!

We were the champions of England for 01/02 & the imperious year of the century, unbeaten to the crown for 03/04. Since those times till the game against Spurs, I still believe we could win something but recently I think Arsenal is hopeless for the very 1^st time. Why??

1.  Youth Policy

To me I agree with the manager’s philosophy of nurturing youth players through the academy since the departure of Patrick Vieira we have seen the like of Cesc being the replacement. He was a great success, no chance in Barcelona but a brimming star in the making at Arsenal.

Next we have Nasri, doubted the new Zidane for their origin. During his first season, just an average performer but on his 2^nd season, he is a STAR in the making. By the 3^rd season, he was a KEY PLAYER. Was lucky to see him in Malaysia on his last few days in a Arsenal shirt before he said “Au Revoir”

He was an icon but overnightly to me, he is not different than any ungrateful footballer as in RVP. Was in the club for 8 years but when was the last time he went through a season without being injured? Just one season yea! After one fine season, GAME OVER, different view with the club’s direction. Investing in the likes of Santi Cazorla & Lukas Podolski is a different direction? The manager invested 8 years of patience & time, thats the ROI he got, shame about that ungratefulness!

To me the whole revolution came in was when this fella, Ade Bye Jor left for the blooming better sky blue where then the likes of Kolo & Clichy followed soon after.

Over the years, the club has sold/release young bright talent such as Matthew Upson, David Bentley, Jermaine Penant, Jay Simpson, Steve Sidwell, Sebastian Larsson, Fabrice Muamba & others. Building a English core is vital and that’s a living proof from the likes of Man Utd & Chelsea who has been so successful in recent years. The manager’s dream could have easily come through without needing to spend excessive with those name aforementioned.

It was pleasing to see the likes of Wilshere, Gibbs, Theo, Frimpong, Conquelin breaking through to the first eleven. But with the recent sale of Kyle Bartley proves to me that its another mistake! Saw that lad playing against Malaysia and could see the similar comparison of the way he tackles with Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Sol Campbell & Kolo Toure whom is filled with PASSION & ENERGY!

Youth policy or just selling policy?? Mind you, instead of giving the opportunity to the likes of Johan Djourou, we bought the Mertesacker and so what even he reached a 100cap for Germany but lacking in many ways for a CB in Arsenal shirt.

One last thing, why always last minute?? Just hate it when you don’t tie down the good players when you could have done it earlier rather than selling in the last frenzy.

2. Bunch of player who plays and wanting to win trophy for the best club in the world, Arsenal FC.

 Of course the days of loyalty maybe long gone with those legendary Gunners, Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Martin Keown, Nigel Winterburn, David Seaman, Dennis Bergkamp & Ian Wright Wright Wright! Those guys really gave their heart & soul to the club, it’s very apparent when you see how Martin Keown tackles Ruud V Nistelrooy, full of PASSION! The unselfish manner of Ian Wright left the club to pave way for a better younger player to establish as in Anelka.

From my observation, there are currently one in Jack Wilshere who may falls in the rank of one club player similar to the likes of Jon Terry, Steven Gerrard, Jammie Carragher, Gareth Southgate, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes & Gary Neville. However if the fortune of the club doesn’t turn around fast despite CASH RICH, I won’t be surprise that he may follow others leaving for a greener pasture! And I don’t blame him at all as when he is fit, you could see a real Gunner in action...

3.  Reality

The current crop is abundance with talent but not shy of crocks as well. Time and tide doesn’t wait neither a trophy could wait either! 7 years without trophy or coming to 8 years by next summer, that is very not acceptable statistic by Arsenal Standard. To make things worst, currently sitting comfortably at 10^th position in the league! I must be dreaming!

Wake up please to the Manager & players!! I may not manage a club nor working directly with football but if current strategy work then please CHANGE! The team strategy is very predictable which is either trying to cross from either of the wings or allow a playmaker to dictate the middle. When a team plays defensively or psychically against us, Oh O, we are in trouble! Not every bloke is Andrea Pirlo!   

There is a saying, waiting for the durian to drop which literally translate that hoping for a better tomorrow. When will I be able to see Diaby or Rosicky playing through the whole season without injury? I’m still waiting for the durian to fall and hoping it soon as I’m hungry!

4. The forgotten names

Andrey Arshavin to me is a better player than the likes of Podolski playing on the left hand side. See the impact he made when he came on from the bench & created the chance. Why froze him out of the squad when the current aren’t performing??

Another forgotten name, Chamakh, alright he did have a good start but then his performance drop. Tell me which striker doesn’t lose his form and especially when the team is playing lone forward when RVP is doing so well. When this new guy comes in, give him time & give him time. Why not give a player that is long acclimatise to the game a time or better of than trying to convert a deadly striker to a winger who seldom cross into the box.

Johan Djourou again, to me he should be given a chance to play where he has been in the club since youth & saw him play a few games last season and I thought that he is as good as any other CB.

5.Fantasy & Me.

I know this is just some fantasy & should I have a say, I would change the tactic which is not working at the moment from playing a 4-5-1 to a more conventional 4-4-2 & brining in one dam strong Defensive Midfielder which we used to have in those glory years, Gilberto Silva, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Mathieu Flamini & Song. 

Or even at times playing a Gung Ho (All out attack) tactic against those ultra defensive teams which is just spoiling the beautiful game! By the way, getting Steve Bould to be the Asst Mgr, is a good move & hope he has the freedom to work his defensive magic.

Last word though, by words I maybe giving up but by heart & soul, I wish my team, Arsenal would be doing better than the recent games. It’s really heartbroken & demoralize the day or even the whole week when the team losses. Let’s try to build from this weekend’s game & all the best Arsenal FC.

“Born, Breed, Die A Gunner”

Disclaimer : This post is no mean to degrade or harm anyone but to express disappointment as a fan point of view. If anyone mentioned in this post thinks that it is a disturbance or uneasy, please let me know as I’ll remove by request.  Hope that people will take open criticism and cheers!

Once a supporter of Arsenal FC, Gunners 4 Life!

Once a supporter of Arsenal FC, Gunners 4 Life! Wasn’t interested with football at all despite my dad being an ardent Liverpool supporter all his life until a buddy gave me a try on Fifa97. No balls brain about which team were good, who & who is the best player (back then most of them were supporting Beckham & Co), what are the rules, how is it played & etc.

Cincai (Just) to give a try, chosen the 1st team to be appeared on the game and that was Arsenal FC! Then the game was easy to play(easy mode) and using anyone to shoot from long range will produce a goal. Then the strike force was Dennis Bergkamp(My All Time Favourite Player & not to mention that I named myself after him), Ian Wright Wright Wright, Nicolas Anelka, David Platt, Paul Merson and Marc Overmars as I recalled.

 After awhile, got bored with it and curious to try something else. This time no more 1st team on the league and having said that I tried Ajax FC (2nd favourite club), Ac Milan & Boca Juniors. Come on boy and it was until I discovered Fiorentina FC where the great Batigol was playing together with Rui Costa & Angelo Di Livio (the most loyal player of the club).

As the usual last minute style for late night revision in 1999 for a major exam, needed something as breather and turned into Arsenal FC vs Fiorentina FC (Dennis Bergkamp vs Gabriel Batistuta). My good luck & fondly remembered that the games was played in then the old Wembley Stadium and Arsenal 0 – 1 Fiorentina (Batigol scored!).

Soon then more mid night oil to burnt (parents was so happy about my sudden passion for study but it was otherwise, wink wink!). As time passes; Arsenal beaten Deportivo La Coruna, Weder Bremen, RC Lens & setting up the ultimate UEFA Cup Final 1999/2000 with Galatasary FC which was then coached by Fatih Terim boasting players like Hakan Sukur, Popescu, Gheorghe Hagi, Ergun & Taffarel. Surely it’s a tight match but too bad it was settled via Penalty Shootout where then Arsenal FC lost through the missed penalty by Davor Suker & Patrick Vieira.

Strange as it sounds but after the match, I told myself that Arsenal FC couldn’t have lost since every match I played on Fifa 99 then is a sure win (reality vs fantasy). From then onwards, a Gunner was baptised!!

Spider Webs

Been 3 years since my last post surely there are aplenty of spider web & mushroom growing in this blog... Will try to share some views & findings soon.