It’s that time of the year again when rumors begin to surface about the next iPhone. Apparently Steve Jobs had a hand in the design of the iPhone 5 and the next one, so it should be interesting to see one of his final pieces that included his design input. Will it be as revolutionary as the iPhone 3G? How will Apple respond to the plethora of Android flagship devices that have been released by Samsung, LG, Sony and soon Motorola? If some of these rumors below are correct, I think we’re going to get something special from Apple.

…continue reading "New iPhone 6 Rumor Roundup @June 2013"

I’ve had the Samsung Galaxy S4 for around a month now which has given me ample time to properly acquaint myself with the device and see just how good it really is. Being Samsung’s flagship Android and following on from the very successful Galaxy S family, much is expected. Did Samsung deliver again with the S4? In short, yes, I believe Samsung did and many Samsung fans around the world will appreciate this. However, the degree to which they did, will be discussed more in detail in this post.

The other purpose of this Samsung Galaxy S4 review is to answer questions that a lot of my friends, family, colleagues and followers have been asking:

• Is it worth the upgrade from the S2 or S3?
• What other competing Androids are there and how does the Galaxy S4 compare?
• Is it better than the iPhone?
• What’s so special about the Galaxy S4?
• Should I wait till something else is released this year?

…continue reading "Samsung Galaxy S4 Review – Best Android of 2013"

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For those that know me, you know that a lot of my life revolves around working on some of the biggest IT projects in Australasia. As an IT professional, I like to have the best tools to help me do my job effectively. And of course, it goes without saying that I need a bag to carry all these gadgets! For many years, I’ve been a big fan of Samsonite and I actually use a Samsonite case daily (the Pro DLX Roller). Even before I was asked to do this review on their latest Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Leather Briefcase, I had actually owned several Samsonite cases. In fact, two years ago, I purchased the first version of the Savio Leather II Large Briefcase in Melbourne before heading off to Hong Kong.  In this post, I’ll be outlining why I believe that the Savio Leather II Large Briefcase is a superb choice for any discerning executive.

Why I like Samsonite?

What do I like about Samsonite? They make quality, functional and stylish looking cases. To be honest, their classy designs inspired me to design my own range of leather cases, more for mobile devices (Aranez.com). These three main qualities are very evident in the Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase and you’ll see this in the photos below.

The first thing that you notice about the Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase is the shiny, glossy leather. While tough enough to withstand most daily bumps, it still has the soft and luxurious feel of quality leather. Compared to its predecessor, the Savio Leather II has a few more pockets and feels lighter.

The shoulder strap of the Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase is quite comfortable. When you’re carrying around a 15″ Apple MacBook Pro all day, this is definitely an important feature. It features strong thick threading and stitching which means it won’t deteriorate like the cheaper ones you get in the box with some laptops.

In the first large pocket, there’s ample room for pens, business cards and a mesh pocket for you to store memory cards and charge cables – at least that’s what I use them for. You’ll see that even the smallest pockets have quality thread and stitches to ensure it securely holds your tidbits. I like how it has a key ring to attach keys to, and makes for quick access, instead of digging around frantically for them.

You can fit up to a 16″ laptop quite easily into the Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase. In my case, it carries an Apple MacBook Pro 15″. If you really wanted to, you can even slot in an iPad right next to it – there’s enough room.

Once your laptop is in place, there’s a velcro strap which secures it to the inside of the bag. The lining and cushioning in this section of the Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase, ensures that there is no way it will be scratched while inside the bag. Superb protection.

Speaking of security, the Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase features sturdy metal loops on the zipper of the laptop section, which allows you to fit a padlock. This will make it all that bit harder for the unscrupulous to gain access or steal your precious laptop. Just under the handle you’ll see an open pocket where you can place things that you need to access fast such as train, bus or airport tickets. I also use this to hold my mobile phone when on the move.

For documents, Samsonite has provided a whole back main pocket section for it. You can easily fit around 100 pages in here with room for a bit more should you need. Perfect for those important contract deals that you need to get signed or materials that you need to refer to for your next presentation. You’ll also see there is a middle zipper section which extends the main section of the bag to give you more room. This is handy for putting in a light jacket or scarf for flights when it gets cold in the cabin – at least that’s what I mainly use it for! Oh, it’s also useful when I decide to bring a camera.

One change that I really didn’t like with the new Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase is the strap that is used to hook up the bag on the handle of a roller or luggage. Samsonite have done away with the velcro and instead have used a magnet clip. While it holds the back onto most handles ok, I found the velcro was easier to fasten and unfasten. The new luggage strap serves its purpose, but I prefer the old velcro version here.

So there you have it, the uber stylish Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase. I highly recommend this case to professionals who appreciate protective yet stylish leather briefcases!

The new Samsonite Savio Leather II Large Briefcase is available from Samsonite for $339 AUD. Please visit their website for a stockist close to you.

Lastly, here am I enjoying my Samsonite Savio II Large Briefcase! Thank you Samsonite and Nuffnang

 

For those who missed the livestream of the Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement (especially those outside the U.S.) and still haven’t had a chance to watch it, I’ve embedded the Samsung Galaxy S4 Unpacked Youtube Video below. It took place at New York’s iconic Radio City Hall, otherwise known as the Showplace of the Nation. Did it excite and showcase a huge leap in Samsung innovation? Personally, I’d say no.

…continue reading "Video – Samsung Galaxy S4 Unpacked Announcement 2013"

It’s going to be an extremely exciting week in the smartphone world with the much anticipated announcement of the next increment to Samsung’s most popular line of Android devices – the Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung has done well to keep most secrets under wraps, however, as with most smartphones about to be unveiled, there’s a swag load of rumors that are floating around the Internet about it.

…continue reading "Samsung Galaxy S4 To Be Announced This Week : Rumour Roundup"

Earlier this week, at this year’s CES, Sony announced their best Android ever – the Sony Xperia Z. Already being touted as the Samsung Galaxy S3 killer, the Xperia Z showcases technology that Sony is famous for : BRAVIA display and Exmor RS camera engine. On top of these, Sony has added top end components like LTE and Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core chip to make this one of the most complete Android devices for 2013.

…continue reading "Sony Xperia Z – 2013′s best Android?"

At last! It’s here! Presenting my best creation to date: the Aranez Flip iPhone 5 Leather Case made from genuine high quality kangaroo leather.

…continue reading "Announcing the Aranez Flip iPhone 5 Leather Case made from Kangaroo Leather!"

A few hours ago, Apple revealed its latest addition to the iPad family, the iPad Mini. With the growth of tablet consumption (sounds medical) and its stranglehold on this market, it makes sense that Apple give consumers another option – I believe that the iPad Mini is aimed particularly at the eBook market.

…continue reading "Introducing the iPad Mini – the Ferrari of eBook devices"

Everyone loves an underdog and in today’s ferocious smartphone market where brawling beasts like Apple and Samsung are dominating, LG is definitely in for a challenge. The good thing is, they’re up for it and they’re not pulling any punches with their latest flagship device, the LG Optimus G.

…continue reading "LG Announce the LG Optimus G – Flagship Smartphone of 2012"

I’m still a little bleary-eyed from staying up late to watch @engadget‘s live blogging on the Apple iPhone 5 launch. Was it worth it? Yes! I got the two main items on my wishlist ticked off : better camera (f2.4 sapphire crystal lens) and larger display (4 inch). Getting ultra-fast wireless (LTE), faster processor (A6), thinner and lighter design (7.6mm) are all a bonus. Oh and the black version with the dark edging looks sublime!

…continue reading "Introducing the new Apple iPhone 5"