DSLR alternative ?

03.04.13: After a month and a half of comfortable use of the NEX-5R, it stopped working and the camera equivalent of the computer blue-screen-of-death ... "Reinsert the memory card" appeared and nothing could fix it.

Went back to BestBuy and the best they could do (as I hadn't bought the extended warranty) was offer to send it to Sony (at a minimum cost of $40) for an estimate (might be replaced or fixed and I would be without it for up to a month).

The alternative was buy a NEX-5R from another store (and this didn't have any) and return to this BestBuy and buy the extended warranty.

This instruction wasn't expressed correctly and I went to the Ajax store and bought another camera (with a 4 year warranty) and returned to the Markham store for the credit for the NEX-5R.

As you might expect, they indicated "someone" had provided the wrong guidance and all they could do was provide an in-store credit for the NEX-5R. They advised me to return to the Ajax store and cancel the new camera purchase and return to the Markham store and apply the credit on another camera.

Being of the "laziness is the key to efficiency" mentality, I did return to the Ajax store ... and asked them to apply the credit ... they gladly complied.

Bottom line: I was able to return the NEX-5R without penalty.

Summary of likes and dislikes: touch screen, wifi enables, remote (smartphone) time delay, small size, excellent 1080p video, less than desired pic quality.


01.21.13: Made the decision to go with the newer NEX-5R as it had some advantages for the $35 additional cost: 
 - wi-fi to smartphone
 - phase detection (faster autofocus)
 - easier to use

Henrys wouldn't match the BestBuy price.

As I am not a fan of multiple lenses, I now need to buy a high zoom digital camera before the next adventure. 

01.16.13: My digital camera has bit the dust and (as you would expect) the 3 year camera insurance I Paid for won't cover repairs.

Time to buy a new camera! The question is which one?

I haven't been pleased with the speed and picture quality of digital cameras ... but also not eager to buy a large/cumbersome DSLR.

The DIL (digital interchangeable lens) cameras are beginning to make an impression. Prices range from $400 to over $1,000.

What is a DIL camera and why better than a digital camera but not quite as good as a DSLR? 

The bottom line is DILs are mirrorless (so can be smaller) and have picture quality of mid-range DSLRs.

What I want in a camera: small size, high quality pictures/videos, and fast shutter speed.

After much analysis and review, I have settled on the Sony NEX-5N. 

The problem is the NEX-5N is out of production and replaced by the NEX-5R (more expensive and maybe not as good).

A comparison of most expensive DIL and 5N.
A comparison of NEX-5N and NEX-5R.
A comparison of NEX-5N and Nikon D5200 - the DSLR I would select. 

Henrys could only find the 5N at a Manitoba store.

BestBuy price for the 5R is $649 (with lens) right now.
The price for the 5R I bought yesterday at BestBuy was $585 (open box, before tax) and the Henrys price for the 5N is $550 (open box,before tax).

Will add my conclusions before returning one of them.

Selecting a computer sound system

13.01.04: After 10 years, it was time to replace my speakers and subwoofer.
I listen to oldies and classical music while on my laptop.

This is the one I purchased (Z523).


My existing system is a Yamaha YST-MS201 bought from Futureshop for $70 in 2003.
The connection to the left speaker is intermittent and easily disconnected. Otherwise, the system was quite good and had satisfactory bass.




After some research, I decided I didn't want to pay more than the original setup and preferred 2.1 vs 5.1 or 7.1 (price...).

I decided to try these two before deciding:

1. Logitech Z313 - $59.99 at Walmart
2. Insignia NS-PCS41 - $62.99 at BestBuy

I shopped Jan 3rd (the day after sales ended).
Bought the Z313 (as priced).
Went to Futureshop and was surprised to see the Z523 model for $59.99. I had ignored this one, as it was listed at $99.99 a few days ago at the three stores.
Went to BestBuy and bought the Insignia ... for $45.99 (is listed at $62.99). 
No idea (and didn't ask) why prices were less than indicated on the shelves.

Returned the Z313 system to Walmart.

Tested the Insignia and Z523 systems and returned the Insignia.

Here are the specs I looked at (left click to enlarge):

The larger the watts, the more body to the sound and better sounding subwoofer.
A wider frequency response might suggest better quality speakers. Human ear is good for 20Hz-20kHz normally.

Of course, the most important criteria is how it sounds to your ears. The Z523 sounded fuller and easier on my ears.

Maybe the Logitech Z623 system will come later...

Now, time to analyze whether a 5.1 soundbar would be better than our surround sound (5 speaker) for our plasma TV.

magicJack Plus Review

12.10.30: Here are some PCWORLD reviews and another excellent review and a YouTube setup video.

Having looked into Plus, I am getting the impression it is more viable than its predecessor.

There were four concerns I had of the previous model:
1. voice quality
2. problem resolution
3. ability to use existing phone number
4. computer usage (energy conservation and computer life)

From the PCWORLD reviews, it appears most problems have been cleared up, except poor access to  customer support.

Here is what magicJack Plus provides:

 - Voicemail
 - Caller ID
 - Call waiting
 - Call forwarding
 - Your own phone number 
 - Unlimited free calling within the US and Canada

With the Plus release, you plug into the wall outlet instead of your computer, after the initial computer assisted setup. 
This allows you to turn off your computer but you must leave your computer wireless modem/router on at all times.

All phones in your house should work. 

In summary, my advice is try it before deleting your home service and you have 30 days to return it at no cost if not satisfied. It is not perfect or easy ... but much cheaper than a monthly fee home line.

For those who want to read more, here is an exert from the second review source, outlining what you go thru to move your existing phone number to/from magicJack.

"The general porting process requires you to order it via MJ. Once you pay MJ’s porting fee, it can take anywhere from a week to a month for your Comcast number to be ported over to your MJ account; exactly how long it will actually take depends upon how quickly MJ gets the paperwork to Comcast, and how quickly Comcast approves it. Comcast basically has the final say (but generally they’re pretty good about it).
You will then need to check daily to see if the port has been completed, by calling your old Comcast number to see if the call rings the phone connected to you J device. Once the “port” has been completed, you will then need to call Comcast to make sure that they immediately cease billing you for their telephone service.
Starting with one year after the initial port, MJ will charge you an annual fee to *keep* the ported number (the fee is currently $10) in addition to the regular MJ subscription fee. These fees are paid to MJ via a credit card which you will need to have on file within your MJ account; if for any reason the fee(s) is/are not paid on time (like, say, if your credit card info on file at the time is not up-to-date) you may LOSE your ported number (permanently) and be assigned a new number by MJ. If you ever decide to port your number *out* of MJ, they will charge you a one-time fee to do so (currently $30).
As per MJ’s current “Terms of Service,” MJ can change its terms (including all porting-related fee amounts) at any time without any advance notice."

iPhone 5 - intro and concerns

12.09.25: It appears there are a few problems with the iPhone 5...

In my opinion, the main problem is very slow wi-fi ... the reason I replaced my iPhone a while ago!

12.09.12 Back in April, I posted an iPhone 4S vs Samsung item.
Today, Apple introduced its newest iPhone ... which is likely to sell approx 30 million before the end of the year ... which might raise the stock value to $750-$1000/share before year-end (currently $695).
Unbelievable, for such a limited upgrade. But Apple and iPhone customers are loyal, regardless how much better other smartphones may be.


The Toronto Star had an article today "New iPhone Offers Few Surprises" and another article today "A better smartphone, but nothing revolutionary".

Tech Republic is a trusted technical reporting service and here is their analysis of the iPhone 5.



Summary of improvements:

1. thinner, lighter and larger screen - 18% thinner and 20% lighter than 4S and a 4" display with more pixels than 4S. More pixels = better viewing.
Other smartphone have more pixels. 


2. 4G LTE capable - the 4S was 3G capable. Means faster speed. 
Most smartphones have this ... but LTE isn't available yet.  

3. larger front camera (1.3MP) than 4S (.93MP).
Most smartphones have 2MP front camera.  

4. larger internal storage than 4S or other smartphones.
Most smartphones have a card slot for up to 32GB removable storage ... which can easily be copied to your PC for backup.

5. has a better battery than 4S. Still will not last 8 hours with active use.
All smartphones allow for easily changing battery...a must for anyone using a golf GP type app during a game.

6. better back camera (8MP) than 4S (5MP).
Most smartphones have 8MP back camera.

7. panorama pictures (up to 28MP) with IOS6 - same for 4S with IOS6.

8. a new map system instead of Google Maps (untested at this time).
All smartphones have the excellent Google Maps app.

9. a different peripheral connector than 4S.
All users will need to buy new connectors for their clock radio, etc.

I am curious to see the offer from Bell and Rogers for a three year plan.
The USA expectation is $199 (16gb), $299(32gb) and $399(64gb).

In summary, for existing iPhone owners, there will be slight improvements  in this new model ... but you will pay more (for connecting things to it and probably for their telephone plan) and still not be able to switch batteries when it dies at a critical time.

BTW, I am not a fan since my 3GS iPhone had serious problems than could not be fixed free (no wi-fi reception, very poor battery life, and dead back camera).

Android phone - managing storage

07.24.12: Have you ever wanted to change where data is stored on your android smartphone?

First a little info on Android (non iPhone) phone structure.

This information pertains to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and should be applicable to any non-iPhone. 

To view all storage areas on your phone go to Settings - Storage.

Samsung has identified its storage area on my Galaxy Note as:

1. Internal Storage (2g) - the phone

2. USB Storage (16gb) - internal SDcard (identified as sdcard folder)

3. SD card (16gb) - a micro SDcard I added (identified as sdcard/external_sd sub-folder)

All Samsung apps and files (photos, music, videos and downloads) default to the USB Storage area (folder labelled sdcard). 

Samsung has made it a little confusing by identifying the USB Storage area as sdcard folder.

You are allowed to move most apps from the USB Storage to the external sd card.

I have moved all apps, that can be moved, to the external sd card. 

If an app can be moved, it will indicate at main menu - Settings - Applications and select an app. It also allows you to easily move these apps back and forth, as your needs change.

You can change the storage location for photos and videos (taken with Camera) by making this change:

In the Camera app, switch from photo to video and tap the Settings icon and then tap the "Edit shortcuts" item and drag the storage icon to a blank area on the menu. Then select this storage icon and select "Memory card" instead of "Phone". If you don't see a storage icon, there is no external SD card recognized in the phone.

I use my external SD card for all downloads.

For downloads via a browser, open the Internet icon (Chrome browser) menu - Settings - Advanced - Default storage - Memory card.

I installed a few file manager apps but always came back to the one that came with my phone "My files". 

It has a good way of presenting the storage areas and folders within.

I don't suggest moving this app to the external sd card.

You can move/copy files between storage areas with this app.

I backup some files (pics, etc) on both the USB Storage (sdcard folder) and the external sdcard (sdcard.external_sd sub-folder).

I then take out the micro sdcard and backup to my computer or attach the usb cable and copy to computer.

If you have any useful tips, corrections or suggestions, pls let me know and I will augment this blog item. 

Viewing someone's computer screen

05.17.12: Ever needed to see something on someone else's computer screen?


This free web based app allows it very easily.


On the computer you want to make visible, just go to this site and click on "Share your screen now".


The computer wanting to see your screen enters the link (or code provided, for smartphones) , after going to www.screenleap.com.


You can then make changes on your screen and they will be available on the viewing computer.

sending emails from another country

04.21.12: This app is for those people who have dedicated email accounts (i.e. Rogers, Sympatico, Paladrome, your company, etc) and cannot access it from other PCs.


My advice, to those who only have these types of email accounts ... get a GMAIL, YAHOO, or HOTMAIL account as backup.


The app is Mail From Anywhere and it allows you to easily send emails to anyone and include attachments. It does not require or request a sender email address.

You may think anti-virus or spam filters stop these emails but they don't appear to (at this time).


This app does not allow you to read your email or reply to an email received from the app.


However, it does allow you to send an email without identifying the sender.


You have a couple of ways of using this app ... if you are intend on pursuing:


1. download to a SDcard or stick and carry with you
2. make note of the link and download (if the PC allows you to) as required


You should familiarize yourself with it (install and try on your computer), before trying on another.