Earlier this week I attended the LG Electronics CES 2011 Press Conference. In the space of the 45 minute session, I was able to learn quite a lot of where they’ve been and where they are going. I tell you what, after going through the whole experience, I have increased my respect for journalists and reporters who do this regularly – it requires much preparation, patience and poise!
This post includes my summarised notes on LG’s 2011 roadmap and my experience on this hectic morning. You can find the whole video clip of the LG Press Conference at the end of the post
Last Friday I was fortunate enough to be in Singapore to experience the Singapore IT Fair as well as visit the LG Electronics Singapore Office. While I was there, Wayne the LG Electronics Singapore PR Manager, was kind enough to show me their newest gadget – the LG X300 Netbook. I took the opportunity to record a video with him to give you readers an even closer insight into this sleek new netbook.
I was impressed by its thinness and weight. The LG X300 Netbook is a perfect traveling companion. Slide it into your hand carry bag / laptop bag and you’ll hardly know it was there, as it weighs less than 1 kilogram.
As long as you’re not doing super power-hungry multimedia tasks such as video-editing or 3D animation, the LG X300 will be more than adequate for your daily PC tasks. It comes with a battery-efficient (up to 5 hours) Intel Menlow 2GHz chip, with up to 2GB RAM and 128GB SSD Hard drive. Perfect for surfing the web, word processing and gaming.
The LG X300 is very stylish – I love the textured cover as well as the integrated (aesthetic and functional) touch pad. It does look that LG have applied similar styling that many of us have become familiar with in terms of the Apple MacBook range, particularly in the design of the keyboard and its keys. Also liked how the headphones jack is position on the back right hand side which will result in the headphone wiring being less obstructive / messy.
I can see why this is set to be LG’s netbook flagship – it’s looks good, performs well and pricing reasonable.
SEOUL, Mar. 7, 2010 –LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, today announced the launch of the LG X300, the ultra-thin premium mobile PC. Its sleek and stylish look wowed the visitors at CES 2010 in Las Vegas.
“Given how demanding and discerning consumers are nowadays, we were delighted to receive such acclaim from the public and media at the CES for our new mobile PC,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “It’s a vindication of LG’s efforts to maintain the very highest standards in design without any sacrifices in high-tech or functionality, and ensure our consumers’ experiences with LG PCs just keep getting better.”
The LG X300, LG’s new flagship mobile computing device for 2010, tips the scales at a mere 970g and is only 17.5mm thick for the ultimate in portability.
What’s more, the LG X300 boasts an array of enticing design features. The sleek but wide 11.6-inch LCD screen maximizes the viewing area by eschewing a bezel. Also, its unique reflective keyboard and borderless touchpad add further elegance to this premium mobile PC. To offer the complete package for the most style-conscious users, the LG X300 comes in two colors, shiny white and light brown.
Fitted with a 2.0 GHz Intel Menlow platform with up to 2GB memory and 128GB SSD, the LG X300 runs Windows 7 Home Premium OS and ships with a spare 2-cell battery to provide up to seven hours of use. Thanks to its fan-less, silent operation, the portable PC is also extremely quiet to run, while the LG Smart Pack – LG’s smartest software suite for PC users – ensures the LG X300 is easy to use, even for novices.
The LG X300 packs multimedia features including a 1.3-megapixel webcam with a You-Cam viewer, and SRS TruSurround HD sound. And thanks to an embedded 3G modem chipset, users can easily get online via GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA networks.
The LG X300 will be available in Asia starting in March, followed by the Middle East and South America. Prices will vary country-to-country and will be announced separately in each market.
When we were at LG Headquarters in January, the product managers hinted at a LG Windows Phone 7 Series coming out soon in the next couple of months. I really didn’t expect LG to be showing one off only a couple of weeks later, but I see the benefit in announcing the prototype ahead of the pack – look at the buzz it’s already generated on the web.
Their inviting international tech bloggers for the LG GW620 / Eve Bloggers Forum in Seoul and now giving the world a sneak preview of the what’s to come on one of the world’s most read gadget sites, shows that LG recognises the importance of harnessing the power of social media. I’m hoping other vendors adapt a similar mantra as that will mean more international junkets for me!
Back to the LG Windows Phone 7 Series – it looks like they’ve kept it to a similar form factor as the LG GW620. It’s smaller than the iPhone, has a QWERTY keyboard and only slighter thicker than the iPhone (which is great given the inbuilt keyboard). According to Engadget the most obvious differences (without having the final version to review properly) are the 5 Megapixel camera and additional phone buttons on the front-face. I’m confident that LG will do us proud when they finally announce the final version.
Each team had a dedicated professional video and camera man assigned to capture the major highlights of each team’s adventure for the day!
For those who want to skip to the parts where I’m running around like a crazy lunatic, singing Karaoke or playing my role as Sneezy Dwarf (Our team was called SW7 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and I actually had a cold too) – jump to 2:49 and then to 7:03.
After 3 action packed days in Seoul, Sunday would be the day where the Australian bloggers would part from their new found friends. And what better way to end a visit to the magnificent city of Seoul than to one of its most regal locations, the Gyeonbok Palace.
About Gyeonbok Palace:
Built at the beginning of the Chosun Dynasty when the Yi Dynasty moved the capital to Seoul, this palace remained the main seat of power for Korea kings throughout much of the time to the present. Gyeongbok means Shining Happiness. The main gate (Kwanghwa-mun) separates Gyeongbok Palace from one of the busiest areas of Seoul. Gyeongbok Palace was built as the primary palace of the Chosun Kingdom by its founder, King Taejo in 1395, the fourth year of his reign. (Ref: LifeInKorea Website)
By this point we had been all BimBimBapped out and missing our loved ones and family back home. But we rallied up our remaining energy reserves and jumped on the tour bus to be amazed by another bit of Korean history.
Here are the last batch of photos:
Here's our friendly tour guide already briefing us on Korean's rich history
In the bus and so far not motion-sick
On the path to the palace. I couldn't help but noticed this tree. Seemed like a very large manicured bonsai.
Palace with the lovely mountainous backdrop
Other tourist admiring the palace atmosphere
Another perspective of this once grand palace
The front of the palace. Imagine, hundreds of years ago there would be far more guards protecting the entrance. I'd have to use supreme ninja skills to get this close in reality.
Here they come - palace officials of some sort?
Flying the flag high. These guys seemed to like wearing the color red.
And here are the green guards!
Filing in - archers ready for action.
Flag before the palace.
This is my friend Rannie aka @photojunkie from Canada. You'll see some of his handiwork in the photos further down.
This is Nick from Gizmodo.com.au. Too much glare in this one. Sorry buddy.
Ceremony over and now headed back out again.
New guard meets old guard.
That's one big weapon man. You should be smiling...
I'm at the palace, I'm at the palace!!
Singaporeans meet their new Korean friend.
As you can see it was quite a busy tourist morning.
And so it begins - this is where @photojunkie started showing his photography skills. I love how captured the mountain and palace in this frame.
And of course I had to return the favor
Canadian posers!
Alone in the snow
I forgot what this read. Any helpers please?
Here's the whole gang getting their photo taken - Canada, Australia & Singapore. Frank actually invited some other tourists to join us in the photo. Funny man.
Golden dragons emblazoned on the ceiling.
Stonified chicken? Magic spell cast as punishment for not laying eggs?
Patterns in the wall
See what I mean? @photojunkie kicks ass!
@photojunkie applying for his new role...
I too tried to get a role in the Korean Imperial Guard - failed though due to not perfect eyesight.
The lovely Beatrice as captured by me! This place in the palace was perfect for glamor shots!
Even the great @photojunkie wanted a piece of the camwhoring action
Even Singapore's LG Manager asked if he could get his photo taken! LOL - Look at that serious pose...
Another sub-section of the palace - I'm sorry for not listening to you guide!
This guy rawks. Frank from LG Canada.
What is it with all the LG Managers?! Here's Wayne wanting another photo of himself. He really needs to learnn how to smile...is this a Singaporean man thing to be so serious?
Aah, here's Beatrice showing the guys how to smile
And of course, I had to get a profile shot here too. Hey it was MY camera!
Each of those little statues represented an animal of some sort with a benefit to the household - again I apologise to our tour guide for being distracted by my freezing toes...
Believe it or not, but this is a chimney.
More chimneys that decorated the Queens own personal garden (yes I was listening at this point)
I am not vain ok? It's just not everyday you got a proper photographer with you in your tour group. Gotta make the most of it!
Mini-palace gate
Palace tour ended and we were headed for last minute shopping at tech place. Looks like the whole river is frozen over. Never seen anything like it.
TechnoMart, home of shop keepers who will call you over and try to sell you all types of warez. Pity I couldn't understand Korean...
Interesting people statues at the front of the TechnoMart
Shopping Mall elevators!
Lunch at TechnoMart food court - BimBimBap!!!
Having BimBimBap with my new found Singaporean buddies. I think I have too many Singaporean friends now - it's affecting my speech la.
Farewell my Singaporean comrades. It was a blast! Hope to see you in SG soon! (Beatrice, Wayne, Shawn and Andy)
Tim from www.gizmag.com couldn't help but pick up this Microsoft Arc Mouse. Nice and red!
Last photo of Korea. Tribute to the guy who took awesome photos and helped make the whole trip fun -> @photojunkie . Smile dude?!
Again I would like to thank LG Electronics for giving me the chance to attend the 2010 Seoul LG Blogger Forum. Special thanks especially to Mr.Chang Moon and Kelly Choi for organising the trip and for the fantastic hospitality.
Here is the second last post on my trip to Seoul, Korea courtesy of LG Electronics.
LG Blogger Forum Day 3 Schedule
On this day, we were shepherded into the LG GW620 bus, bound for LG Offices in Seoul.
Our schedule for the day included:
discussing LG’s first Android phone
designing our own LG dream device
Q&A time with LG tech heads
cultural show in the city (Nanta)
some good ol’ fashion Korean BBQ for dinner
then late night shopping.
Yes all of the above in one day. Amazingly, some of the guys went out for Karaoke afterwards too. Not me. I hit the sack to catch up on some much needed rest – maybe I’m just getting old…
If you haven’t had the chance to read the others you can find them here:
Singaporean Bloggers ready for a big day at LG Offices
Bottom perspective of one of the LG Office Buildings
This is Mr.Chang Moon who was the one who made sure we felt welcome in Seoul and to the LG company. Superb work sir!
Would be grateful if someone could translate this for me. As far as I know it's the mini-graveyard of the LG guinea pig mascot...
Had to include this girlie girlie pic amongst all the tech / serious shots. Soooo purple!
Yes yes, we had our own LG GW620 Bus to make sure all onlookers knew were here in Seoul for some serious business! Eat your heart out Partridge Family!
Never underestimate Wooly-capped Canadian photography bloggers...
Yannick who is a tech blogger from France - Bonjour Monsieur!
The United Nations Conference Room at LG - not the real name but you get my drift...
Invading LG R&D Campus section at LG Headquarters
Commencing the LG GW620 Discussion Forum where we would give our feedback on LG's first Android phone. I was impressed at how open LG was to our feedback - signs of a company that will succeed.
Beatrice, capturing the moment on her Canon
This was supposed to be the Confidentiality Agreement that we were ALL supposed to sign. It was obvious that some didn't with secret LG news hitting the web later that afternoon. Pretty poor form considering the hospitality that LG gave all of us.
These little screens were really useful considering that I left my glasses in the hotel room.
I like how these Starbucks Thermoses were strategically stationed outside the meeting rooms. We were all very grateful for their presence
Here's Mr.Chang Moon giving us an overview of what to expect for the day.
A LG Product Manager gives us a matrix to consider when creating a new device. Reminds me of university.
I love how the Korean's think. Every meeting room should have these condiments readily available
Thinking of what to put on the blank piece of paper set before us...once we got going though there was no stopping us!
See what I mean.
Another group decided to put their post-its on the glass wall! Showoffs...
Voila! This is our device. We named it "King Kong" because it was big, powerful, was banana-shaped and could kick T-Rex's ass.
Sun glistening off the LG Building - good omen?
Lush green fake bamboo trees line the outside LG meeting rooms - the analogy of entering a jungle with wild animals applies many times in my meetings...
Danijel, a prominent tech blogger from the Netherlands, gives us his input.
Here's Karin from Sweden who did the funniest and most engaging presentation of the day. Her team's device incorporated a social-physical-touch concept which meant that the power of devices increased when they touched eachother. Interesting...
Nick from Gizmodo.com.au asking the final question at the LG discussion
Once the workshops were all done we headed into town for some R&R. If you're ever in Seoul you must see NANTA! It's a traditional Korean live show. Awesome beats, dancing and all-round entertainment.
This show is spectacular! They also get the audience involved which makes it doubly fun.
Outside the theatre where Nanta is being shown.
I had some very cool people on my table...
This was the winning team for the day. They all received some LG goodies.
I got an LG 1 Terrabyte Hard Drive!!
Here's the Aussie LG Blogger Team - Me, Tim Scanlon from Gizmag.com and Nick from Gizmodo.com.au.
Then LG give us all a largish LG Photo Frame!
Singing the Russian National anthem!
After dinner we head out to the Dongdaemun Market area for some late night shopping.
Place where guy tried to sell me kid's Panda cap for 50,000 Won. Inside the shopping centre it sold for 10,000 Won. Beware if you don't look like a local!
Tarot Reading place that I didn't go into because I don't believe in it and always seek future advice from a higher authority.
More buildings around the Dongdaemun Market area.
Back at the hotel after a long long day and we're greeted by the weather board telling us it's going to be another chilly one the following day.
I have always wanted to visit Seoul and Korea in general. Ever since watching the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games which showcased the beauty of the city and more recently my brother marrying a lovely korean lady, it’s been on my top 10 places to visit.
This month I will get my chance!
Two weeks ago I received an email from LG Electronics, asking if I would like to participate in the LG Blogger Forum in Seoul to talk about LG’s first Android phone, the LG Eve (aka GW620) and more. I replied fairly quickly indicating my keen interest.
The dates of the forum are the 14th – 17th of January. I’ve had a look at the schedule and it’s pretty jam-packed from the minute we touch down. For example, I like how they have a “Singing Together Party” that kicks off at 10:30pm and goes till Midnight then we’re expected to have breakfast at 7:00am! Fortunately I’m an early riser anyway. I’m already anticipating zombie like behavior at that breakfast.
As far as I know there were three invited from Australia to join other prominent international bloggers. The other cool Aussie gadget guys are from famous sites like Gizmodo.com.au and Gizmag.com – two sites that I check out frequently because they push out so much content on the latest and greatest. I feel honored to be in their company.
Reviewing the LG Eve / LG GW620
Part of the duties including receiving an LG Eve / LG GW620 for review before the event. I’m doing an unboxing video and also researching all the other Android phones on the market so I get a good feel of where this LG Android sits in the scheme of things.
You’ll see a couple of Android comparison posts going up that will also serve as a memory aide as I begin to be more intimate with all things Android. (I must admit I’ve been very “iPhone” for the last couple of months).
Our Mission at the LG International Blogger Forum
So I thought I’d warn you about the ensuing LG posts to follow in the next couple of days. All in the name of fulfilling our given mission which is:
Get to know more about LG
Get to know more about Seoul
Blog about both of these
Share our experiences with the LG Eve / LG GW620 with the LG Team
Design a concept Android phone and share it with the LG Team
Wonder if I do a good enough job if they’ll offer me a position in their R&D deparment…enough dreaming.
So there you have it. Thank you to LG Electronics for letting me participate and I look forward to exploring more of the LG gadget range. Another wish: Please have a LG Phone Watch prepared for me!
