During the recent IT Show 2010, I got myself a new laptop. I was actually contemplating between a netbook and laptop. My 4yrs old Macbook is getting slower and nosier day by day and since I am going to start school soon, it is better to get a new Windows laptop now before my Macbook dies on me suddenly.

My criteria for my new computer is as follows:

• Light
• Long battery life
• Able to run applications like photoshop
• ASUS (offers the specifications and price that I require)

Netbook: ASUS 1005HE (SGD$698)

Pros:

• Light weight (1.25kg)
• Long battery life (14hours)

Cons:

• 10.1″ screen size (too small and will be tiring for long usage)
• Runs of Windows 7 Starter (do you know that starter version does not allow you to even change wallpaper? anyway, this version will not be able to run applications like Photoshop smoothly)
• 1 yr warranty

Wouldn’t it be great something better than a netbook but still small in size and comes with long battery life? I found the right one.

Laptop: ASUS UL20A (SGD$798)

Specifications:

• 12.1″ inch HD display
• 2GB RAM
• 320GB HDD
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Intel Celeron
• 8hrs battery life
• Altec Lansing Speakers
• Chiclet style keyboard (similar to Apple)
• 8sec Express Gate
• 1.5kg, less than 1 inch thick
• 2yrs warranty

Well, it is indeed a very good deal. I am able to run applications normally with this laptop and it costs only SGD$780(after discount). Of course, I am still going to miss the swiftness and smoothness of Mac OS X.

This is not Lim Kee Banana Fritters although it is one of the famous ones around. Yes, I tried before, it is nice but I don’t really like the batter.

This one shown on the picture is my favourite. They also use Pisang Raja just that I prefer the batter that is used here. The taste blends well with the banana and is absolutely delicious.

Want to try it, head on down to:

Geylang Lorong 20 Vegetarian Not Oily Fried Goreng Pisang
Blk 51 Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, #01-57

My favourite Tu Tu Coconut Cake! It really tastes much better than those sold in Pasar Malam.

This is by far the best one that I have eaten. I still remember when I was in my primary school days, my mother and grandfather would bring me to Clementi Central to buy this Tu Tu Cake and it was my favourite. Even if it was plain without any filling, it also tastes good!

This stall has been in business for over 40 years and Tu Tu Cake is originally eaten plain. Filling (Peanut and Coconut) was added when it was produced in Singapore.

The price have increased over the years. Last time, it was 3 for $1 followed by 5 for $2 and now, 4 for $2.

Want to try it? Head on down to:
Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
Blk 449, Clementi Avenue 3, #01-211 or
Wisma Atria Food Republic (beside the dessert store)

Putu Piring is the Malay version of Kueh Tutu. It uses Gula Melaka for its filling and is served with white grated coconut. It is bigger than Tutu Cake and their method of steaming the cakes are also different.

This is one of the most popular stall in Singapore and the uncle selling it have been selling it for 14years and he mastered the art of making these cakes while working with famous hotel chefs.

Even when I am there at mid afternoon, there would also be a queue for at least 15minutes or more. Definitely a must try, 3 for $1!

Head on down to:
Putu Piring
Banquet Food Centre,
Blk 12 Haig Road, 12noon to 10.30pm,
Closed on the 2nd Tuesday of the month

This is the best seller ice cream from Ice Cream Gallery.Why I like it so much? I even brought my family and friends there and they agreed with me!

Whenever I have a car, I would drop by to have their durian ice cream. ONE reason, it tastes exactly like a real D24 durian. The ice cream itself contains real durian flesh in it and this time you do not have to dirty your hand because you just have to hold on to the cone to indulge in it. The serving is also generous. All this for a low price of $3.30.

The second favour which I like is Rum and Raisins. The taste is rich and the big juicy raisins is so rummy that I dare not to take it often as whenever I am there, I am driving. What happens if I am stopped at a road block?

They also have many other flavours for you to choose like the one below, Strawberry Cheesecake.

Want to try it? Head on down to:
The Ice Cream Gallery
491 River Valley Road, #01-20, Valley Point (Main Branch) or
2o Eastwood Road, #01-13, Eastwood Centre

Fa Cai Yu Sheng is a refreshing salad of shredded crisp fresh vegetables, topped with smoked salmon and dressed with plum sauce.
According to tradition, the higher you toss, the more good fortune you will enjoy.

I still remember when I was younger, I did not know how to appreciate it. It was until recent years that I began to appreciate the food.

This year, we had York’s Hotel Yu Sheng and this is the best Yu Sheng I have tasted so far. It is really delicious and nice.

If you don’t like the salad, this is the least you should take

This is what happens when you prefer crackers

Lo Ar!

Rituals and Meanings
Yu Sheng means “abundance of wealth and long life”. The tossing action is called lo hei, which means to “rise”.

Step 1: All at the table offers New Year greetings.
Words: Gong Xi Fa Cai meaning “Congratulations for your wealth” or Wan Shi Ru Yi meaning “May all your wishes be fulfilled”.

Step 2: Fish, symbolising abundance or excess through the year, is added.
Words: Nian Nian You yu and You Yu You Sheng.

Step 3: The pomelo is added over the fish, adding both luck and auspicious value.
Words: Da Ji Da Li.
Pepper is then dashed over the ingredients in the hope of attracting more money and valuables.
Words: Zhao Cai Jin Bao.
Then oil is poured out, circling the ingredients to increase all profits 10,000 times and encouraging money to flow in from all directions
Words: Yi Ben Wan Li and Cai Yuan Guang Jin.

Step 4: Carrots are added to the fish indicating blessings of good luck.
Words: Hong Yun Dang Tou.
Then the shredded green radish is placed on the fish symbolising eternal youth.
Words: Qing Chun Chang Zhu.
After which the shredded white radish is added – prosperity in business and promotion at work.
Words: Feng Sheng Shui Qi and Bu Bu Gao Sheng.

Step 5: The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish symbolising a household filled with gold and silver. As an icon of longevity, peanuts also symbolise eternal youth.
Words: Jin Yin Man Wu.
Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business.
Words: Sheng Yi Xing Long.
Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows is then added with wishes that literally the whole floor would be filled with gold.
Words: Pian Di Huang Jin.

Step 6: All toss the salad an auspicious 7 times with loud shouts of lo hei and other auspicious New Year wishes.
Words: Lo Hei which is Cantonese for “tossing luck”.

The ingredients is then mixed by pushing them toward the centre, an encouragement to push on the good luck of all at the table.

In terms of service, I must say this is the best out of the rest, i.e. pizza hut, rite pizza, canadian pizza, etc. The delivery man is neatly dressed with Domino’s Polo-T and pants. They greet you with a smile, opens the hot bag with the piping hot pizza in it and pass to you. Before they leave, they say “enjoy your meal!”. Now, isn’t that great? Ok, now back to the food.

Chicken Temptation (Crunchy Thin Crust)

Chicken Temptation – mozzarella cheese, smoked chicken breast, turkey ham, green pepper and red pepper. Look at their generous toppings. This pizza comes with their “Top Secret Sauce”, an aromatic of creamy, cheesy flavours with an unmistakable garlic zest! Delicious! I also love the thin crust, its so crispy and you just cant stop eating it.

Hawaiian Paradise (Classic Hand Tossed)

Hawaiian Paradise – mozzarella cheese, smoked chicken breast, turkey ham, juicy pineapples. This pizza comes with Domino’s Signature Tomato Sauce. It is nice, chewy, and not overly thick and hence will not make you overly full.

By ordering 1 Classic Hand Tossed and 1 Crunchy Thin Crust, it is a perfect combination. And if you order online, you get this for FREE:

Cinnastix

I love this too! This breadstick is soft and fluffy. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. Cinnamon and sugar are sprinkled on top of it. Nice as a dessert, next I want to try their garlic stick! Haha.

And, all above for only $22.90 (1 regular pizza $22.80 + 1 regular pizza $0.10<promo till 28 Feb 2010> + free cinnastix<order online>)

Yes, they are having an opening promotion – a regular pizza @ 10cents with every order of at least a regular pizza.

You can order via online/phone (62226333)/walk-in @ Katong or Bukit Timah. Oh ya, Domino’s is also certified halal plus there is no delivery charge.

Note: Due to only 2 outlets at the moment, they only deliver to certain areas. If your area is not covered, don’t worry as they will be opening more outlets very soon!

Bukit Timah: Bukit Timah, Bukit Batok, Hillview, Chestnut Avenue, Old Jurong Road, Jalan Jurong Kechil, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Holland Village, Jurong East, Toh Guan and Toh Tuck.

Katong: Marine Parade, Tanjong Rhu, Siglap, Joo Chiat, Eunos, Telok Kurau, Mountbatten, Bedok Reservoir, Geylang East and Ubi.

Make full use of the promotion and try it now. You will not regret!

Domino’s Pizza

301 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437084
8 Chun Tin Road, Singapore 599595
Delivery Hotline: 62226333
Operation hours: 11am to 11pm

1) Switcheasy Vulcan Black

• Provides a good grip, protecting the smooth and glossy black surface
• Some shock protection from a fall
• Chromes are covered, so it protects it from scratches
• Comes with 3.5mm & charger port protector, protecting it from dust
• Comes with 2 screen protectors
• Covers the volume and on/off button
• Nice design which fit nicely

Price: $32
Get it from: EPICentre / Gizmosquare

2) Power Support Anti-Glare Film

Although iPhone screen still allows you to see your screen effectively under sunlight, it is also good to buy a screen protector as it has added benefits such as keeping it form scratches, smudges and finger prints. Power Support Anti-Glare is one of the popular ones among Singaporeans. It also comes with Crystal Clear if you don’t like the Anti-Glare version.

Price: $20
Get it from: MobileSquare / Apple Store / iStudio

3) SoundMagic MP21 Earphones

iPhone stock earphone just simply sucks. It is not in-ear and and it difficult to hear anything whenever you are on the bus. This is the most value for money earphone which I found. The sound quality is good and is comparable to Sony’s earphone. Most importantly, the cost is just $40. For this kind of quality, Creative one is already selling at $70 and I even think that the sound of SoundMagic is better than Creative.

Price: $40
Get it from: choongseng from HWZF

Stop 1:
Mazda 3 1.6

Likes: Aggressive exterior, head and tail lamps
Dislikes: Small interior cabin, noisy and sluggish engine, high pricing
Salesperson Performance: 3.5/5
Price: ~$75k

Stop 2:
Honda Civic 1.8

Likes: Fierce and stylish exterior and interior, performance
Dislikes: High pricing
Salesperson Performance: 1.5/5
Price: ~$88k (might as well get Volkswagen Jetta)

Stop 3:
Hyundai Avante 1.6 S

Likes: Responsive engine, value for money, fuel efficient, top selling model for 2009, comfortable
Dislikes: Outdated design, brakes, no controls on steering wheel
Salesperson Performance: 4/5
Price: ~$56k

Stop 4:
Kia Cerato Forte 1.6 SX

Likes: Responsive engine, super value for money, new sporty exterior and interior design, ipod connector, engine start/stop button, auto folding mirrors, 4-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic feature, volume control on steering wheel, 17″ rims, message centre, brakes, comfortable, steady feeling
Dislikes: –
Salesperson Performance: 4/5
Price: ~$57k

Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen have quite alot of viewers today, definitely thanks to the better designs and better service rendered by the sales person and also these brands are now more value for money. Toyota, Honda, Nissan are brands which are known for its reliability and performance for a long period of time. However, there will still be drop in sales volume due to the poor excitement of japanese cars and being turned off by the bad service rendered by some of the salesperson.

Statistics have shown that brands like Kia, Hyundai and Volkswagen reported huge increase in sales while Toyota, Honda, Nissan reported drop in sales.

In conclusion for my test drives today, if I am to make my decision, it will be Kia Cerato Forte as it is most valued for money and the car gives me the best overall feeling. I simply love the design of the car! Maybe I should keep a lookout for 2011 Hyundai Avante or Kia Soul first.