I must admit, I’m liking the changes that have been implemented at Cathay Pacific‘s new Business Class that will be in service on March 11th, 2011.  Having flown business class with Cathay many times last year, I know first hand that the improvements will make the flying to Hong Kong even more enjoyable!

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Last November, I had the pleasure of being invited to experience one of Hong Kong’s finest hotels, the Mandarin Oriental. I’ve stayed at many hotels around the world, but would have to say that the Mandarin Oriental ranks in my top 5 favorites. What’s surprising is that the room I actually stayed in, was only one better than their standard room (Veranda style). If you can get that type of luxury at that level, I can only imagine what the penthouse suite would have been like…<cough>perhaps next time…</cough>

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Las Vegas in January is freezing! The fact that I had spent the week before in tropical Fiji, didn’t help either as my body battled with the reduced temperatures.

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This is a guest post by a tech geek name Ravishan who I met when I was working on a Telstra project last year.

Compro’s U100 aims to wrap a budget tuner in a fancy package.

The hardware in the U100 seems to be similar other budget tuners as the performance and quality seems to be identical to the AVLABs which uses a Realtek tuner as well.

The shape and design of the device is not unattractive but it’s not a modern look either. It would have been better if the unit was narrower as it takes up space of nearby USB ports. Compro have attempted to remedy this by providing a USB extension cable which was welcome as you can then place the device somewhere less conspicuous.

Driver installation of the device was smooth and trouble-free on Windows XP, Vista and 7. On XP, you would need to use the TV tuner software bundled with the device but on Vista and 7 the unit will happily work with Windows Media Center (WMC) which is miles ahead of the bundled TV software.

One definite plus point of the U100 is the included Media Centre compatible remote control, which worked seamlessly with WMC without fiddling with any settings.

On the whole the Compro U100 is a slightly better than average offering and if you don’t care for the Media Centre remote and use Vista or Windows 7 you could go with a cheaper generic tuner, however if you don’t mind paying an extra $30-40 for the remote this offering is reasonably attractive.

Compro Videomate Vista U100 DVB-T Stick Web Page

These days I’m a lot more picky about the gadgets that I carry in my laptop bag. It’s more because of the fact that I just have so damn many of them! Some of my prerequisite requirements for each carefully, much-thought-about, hand-selected gadget that makes it way to a specific section of my gadget bag are: super light, compact, functional and of course has to look uber-cool! In terms of USB hubs, the Targus 4 Port Smart USB Hub (ACH112US) meets all these requirements.

Here are some of the best things I liked about the Targus 4 Port Smart USB Hub:

• Built-in flexible USB 2.0 Cable : you’ll never get frustrated trying to locate a missing cable
• Feather weight : at 90 grams it’s definitely one of the lightest out there. Perfect for travelers
• Expands one USB port into four : no need to explain the benefits of this especially when you have many USB gadgets like moi
• Compact design : there are a lot more chunkier designs out there. The less room it takes up in my bag the better
• USB 2.0 Speed: while it’s not the newest USB 3.0, the performance of this hub is still satisfactory

Highly recommended guys! Get one!

Targus 4 Port Smart USB Hub Product Description

The Targus 4-Port Smart USB Hub allows the user to expand one USB port to four high-speed ports to connect and charge your iPod/MP3 player, Smartphone or peripherals through the laptop. The easy 1-touch reset button instantly restores the connection to all devices so you don’t have to unplug and re-plug cables. For added convenience, indicator lights show when devices are connected. The wrap-around USB cable never gets lost and protects the USB ports from dust and damage when not in use. Featuring a sleek, compact design, the Targus Smart USB Hub is portable and easy-to-use at home, in the office or during travel.

Features of the Targus 4 Port Smart USB Hub:

• Functionality – Expands one USB port to four; Wrap around cable protects USB ports from dust & damage; Optional AC adapter available for high powered devices
• Features – Easy 1-touch reset button restores connection to all USB devices; Indicator light shows when devices are connected
• Material – Durable silicone wrap-around cable
• Compatibility – PC/Mac Compatible
• RoHS Compliant – Yes

Specifications of the Targus 4 Port Smart USB Hub:

• Colour Black
• Size 9.9 x 4.1 x 1.8 cm
• Warranty Limited One Year
• Weight 0.09 kg

Buy One from Us : Targus 4 Port Smart USB Hub Product Page

I’ve been meaning to post about Live Luggage for many months now because I think they will be the next big thing in travel gadgets. Imagine not having to strain your body with a heavy suitcase through the airport or while going  upstairs? This is where Live Luggage shines. It is the world’s first power assisted suitcase. That’s right, the case comes with an inbuilt engine that makes travelling a lot less burdensome. I see Live Luggage as the next logical evolution in suitcases – most have wheels, why not add power? After this I think robots with storage compartments that fold into the size of a suitcase…

Here’s a Live Luggage video by the GadgetShow on Youtube that highlights its main features:

I was speaking to Clive Hemsley, Director of Live Luggage and he’s looking for a distributor in Australia. Contact him immediately if you’re interested through their website especially so I can get a review unit already!

A recent ress release from Live Luggage announced that they now come in different colors. See the image below:

Here’s the Press Release from Live Luggage:

London, 15th October 2009 - Live Luggage has given a brand new look to its innovative cases – the world’s first power-assisted suitcase which was launched by the company in 2008 after six years’ research and development. The Classic PA case and the Hybrid PA Bag feature patented flat motor technology in its wheels, which power up when the built-in sensors in the handle detect a gradient or kerb. Live Luggage cases save strain on the neck, shoulders, back and arms of the user, as all the weight is balanced over the wheels, allowing the case to be pulled effortlessly along with a totally original and very distinctive concept in handle systems – the patented Anti-Gravity handle. This ergonomically shaped anti-gravity handle pivots from the base of the case when in use and enables the weight to be balanced over the wheels. When in “drive” mode, the sensors detect when power is required and the intelligent torque control system powers up and drives the wheels. It is this anti-gravity handle system which gives Live Luggage cases their distinctive and unique look, so different from any other case or luggage system on the market.

Live Luggage customers, whatever their age, tend to be “early adopters” of new technology – they also love something that looks different, so Live Luggage have decided to give customers a colour choice. The anti-gravity handle is now available in a choice of red, pink, white, black and the original yellow.
The Classic Series is a hard case and one of the world’s most secure made from the same material as a car bumper and it includes a TSA recognized lock. The Hybrid Bag is a soft ballistic nylon bag which clips onto a hard frame. It has a laptop bag and an overnight bag zipped on the front which can be removed and zipped together as one piece of hand luggage offering the user maximum flexibility.

Via Live Luggage Website