Fatguy's Blog

Virtuous Affinity 1.48.0 on Desire Z

2011-12-03T12:30:00.007+08:00

Virtuous ROM是一個專為HTC一系列Android phone制作新ROM的第三方團隊. 所制作的ROM都是基於最新推出的HTC Android model的official ROM, 令一些舊一點model都可以用到最新的Sense UI及其他新功能. Virtuous ROM最新發放的Affinity就集合了Sense UI 3.5和Beats Audio. 我的Desire Z又可換新裝了!

只要root了手機, 和裝上clockwork recovery, 要裝Virtuous ROM不會有甚麼難度, 我在這裡不談了. 因為Desire Z只有512MB RAM, 緊記要enable swap, 否則會經常遇到因RAM不足引起Roise (launcher) restart. 可參照xda Virtuous Affinity thread來enable swap.

Desire Z的用家, 都是愛上它的實體keyboard吧! 但直接安裝Virtuous Affinity(不論是v1.46.0還是v1.48.0), 都用不到實體keyboard輸入中文. Virtuous ROM始終是外國團隊, 基本上都很難照顧到中文用家. 上網爬文也找不到其他用家的經驗分享, 唯有靠自己了.

看到右上角的[倉]icon嗎? 實體keyboard倉頡輸入法啊, hoho! 當然其他中文輸入也可用.

雖說靠自己, 其實也是8月時弄Virtuous Unity v1.31.0時, 在台灣forum找到的方法, 再修改一下罷了. 方法其實是換回Desire Z的HTC official輸入法. 輸入法包括以下files/folder, 只要用ES File Explorer抄入system (overwrite), 再reboot即可.

\system\lib\libcpt9.so
\system\lib\libcpt9provider.so
\system\lib\libpphwr.so
\system\lib\libt9.so

~~\system\bin\ime~~
~~\system\bin\input~~

\system\app\HTC_IME.apk
下面2個folder用回Virtuous Affinity的便可, 不用更改
\system\usr\keychars
\system\usr\keylayout

不過換回HTC official Desire Z輸入法等於是用回舊貨, 因為HTC已經很久沒update Desire Z ROM了. 用舊貨有損失嗎? 有! 就是手寫輸入也是舊版本, 不能每寫一筆就update一次候選字, 一定要寫完一個字才出. 不過比起不能用實體keyboard, 這個還可接受吧?

說了這麼久, 到底Virtuous Affinity有甚麼好? 以下是我自己覺得很好的地方:

Sense UI 3.5
連Bliss NavBar也有, 可惜還未有Bliss的Quick Launcher Widget
Swap support
Overclock support
Beats Audio
一定要upgrade v1.48.0! v1.46.0的music app用Beats Audio不太穩定; 而且v1.48.0除了Beats, 還可選SRS/Dolby/Equalizer(HTC)
[4 Dec update] v1.48.0的Music App雖然穩定, 但Beats Audio似乎是假的, 用回v1.46.0的Music App才聽得出分別. 可以將v1.46.0的HtcListen.apk抄回機內, 就有Beats Audio了, 不過SRS/Dolby/Equlaizer等就沒有了.
Configurable Quick Settings (v1.48.0)

如果沒遇到其他問題, 這可能是我的Desire Z(如果能)上ICS前最後一個ROM了. 這個post希望能幫到其他Desire Z的中文用家, 也當給我自己留份memo.

以下是實體keyboard patch和用UOT"煮"出來的battery icon (我自己最喜歡的Enhanced %)的zip, 有興趣可以download來用.
免責聲明: 改ROM始終有一定風險, 要否用下面的東西請自己負責; 萬一用後對閣下的手機引起任何後果, 小弟一既不負責.

Desire Z Chinese Keyboard Patch for Virtuous Affinity v1.48.0
(unzip後, 用ES File Explorer, enable root write,抄到phone root folder, reboot)
Virtuous Affinity v1.48.0 UOT Enhanced% mod
(install from clockwork recovery)

Pink Lady and the Yellow Cab

2011-11-13T18:49:00.004+08:00

I am so happy to welcome a new pink lady joining my TF collection. I got this NYCC 2011 exclusive set with a some luck. The store reserved the NYCC sets only for those members who bought the TFP deluxe set and voyager set, but I couldn't get the deluxe set from that store as they were sold out before I went there! Luckily a fellow member gave up his set and let me buy it! I made a small gallery with some comparison shots to the regular Arcee and Bumblebee. Lets enjoy it!
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The package is a diorama of New York city. Nice!

Box arts

Can you see the Statue of Liberty?

Jack and Raf. I like TF story with human characters.

The pink bike.

The blue bike and pink bike.

Arcee and Jack in New York.

The yellow cab.

Which one do you like?

Bumblebee the yellow cab and Raf.

Welcome our pink lady!

The twins.

Arcee on Arcee ^_^

The Movie pink lady, Animated pink lady and TFP pink lady~

Bumblebee

Bumblebee should have guns on both arms!

Bumblebee and Raf.

The exclusive family, SDCC Prime and NYCC Arcee, Bumblebee, Jack and Raf.

TFP Autobots

Last week I didn't transform Cliffjumper completely. I need to compensate him. :P

Transformers Prime Main Force

2011-11-06T11:25:00.003+08:00

Transformers Prime deluxe figure Wave 1 (or Wave 1.5?) reached Hong Kong! I am very very satisfied with all the 4 figures. The design of these figures are superb. Nicely shaped robot modes and very sophisticated transformations. Didn't get so enjoyable TF toys for long time. Only complaint is the figure size becomes smaller and smaller. How tiny can a deluxe size figure be? Have a look at Starscream! Another complaint, how bad the assortment arrangement could be? 3x Bumblebee, 2x Cliffjumper, 2x Starscream and 1x Arcee! Can you imagine how hard did I get Arcee? OK, complaint is over. Lets enjoy a small gallery of these nice figures!
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In package images.
What does First Edition really mean?

The yellow sticker is the promotion of lucky draw to attend CybertronCon in Singapore. The watch TF on hub marked is covered by the blue sticker. It can't be shown outside US?

Of course I will show my favorite first, Arcee!

Sexy bike need a sexy rider, right?

The poor Autobot, Cliffjumper

I really love this vintage car with buffalo horns. It is a pity that Cliffjumper got torn into pieces...

The main role always falls on Bumblebee since Movie. ~_~
He is not bad, but can you show me something different?

The vehicle mode scale is ridiculous. Cliffjumper is too small and Arcee is too big.

The only Decepticon, Starscream, the best figure in this wave!

Arcee (semi-)robot mode

Was Arcee in a relationship with Cliffjumper?

The girl in pray

TFP Cliffjumper is the best Cliffjumper ever.
Very nice car mode and robot mode design, and no longer a Bumblebee repaint.

Cliffjumper is a muscle guy, but too small in size as a deluxe figure. Hasbro cheated us!

Bumblebee is quite good.
The QC seems to be bad. The chest part of mine is too tight that I cannot move it down the headlamps. I cannot move the left shoulder up. :(

Which one do you like more? Movie or TFP?

How about using Prime's gun?

The best figure, Starscream!
Superb transformation system, and great robot mode. The best figure in wave 1.

Goodbye, Cliffjumper~

This is the so-called "Display Stand".
Hasbro, you better skip this and make the package smaller!

I really enjoyed with these 4 figures. The best figure is Starscream. I love his sohpisticated transformation and his skinny design. He is super poseable. My favorite is Arcee as she is a fembot. TFP Arcee is the best Arcee toy ever. A very good bike mode, and nicely designed transformation. The robot mode is very poseable and have a great female style. Bumblebee and Cliffjumper are also good. You'll feel sorry if you don't get these figures. I hope I can get the NYCC Arcee.

Tomica Optimus Prime

2011-10-31T18:55:00.003+08:00

This is my 100th blog post with tag Transformers, but what I show here is a non-transformable, even not a robot at all. As a diehard TF fan, it is hard to resist anything with an Autobots insignia. Though it is not a transformer at all, it is really nice collectible. It doesn't ruin neither the Tomica nor Transformers brand. A great cross-over. I am waiting for the black OP Tomica coming next month.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Card package is not regular Tomica style.

The MechTech Wars card game

The truck is very detailed

The trailer

Autobots, transform and roll out!

The container is also painted very well

The legend figure is of same scale!

So the container can also be docked on legend OP!

I don't know if RPM OP can also do so or not, as I don't have one :P

This Tomica OP is really nice. When you put it together with legend figures, that would be awesome!

Optimus Prime in Matrix

2011-09-18T17:49:00.003+08:00

SDCC 2011 Transformers Prime First Edition Optimus Prime comes! This TF Prime OP is really sweet. The Matrix package is awesome! It is also the first TF Prime toy that I can get months before the release of the main line. A must have, isn't it? Lets have a look of this fusion of Animated and Movie Optimus Prime.
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An awesome package for an event exclusive

Can you see the belt? You can even wear the Matrix!

This is a magnet plate

I think everyone loves this Matrix inner package

Truck mode

Robot mode!?

Can carry the gun with both hands, nice!

I didn't take out my deluxe DOTM Optimus Prime yet. Just a few comparison shot with deluxe G2 Prime.

A few comments on this figure. It has quite a lot of articulations as a deluxe figure. Can make some great poses. The design of shoulders is a bit strange. If you are a TF collector, no excuse to skip this nice collectible. But if you just want to enjoy playing the figure, better wait for the regular release, which should be way cheaper.

Rescue Bots Optimus Prime

2011-08-13T21:16:00.002+08:00

I can't imagine why these Rescue Bots are so expensive in Hong Kong. Together with the human partner, they cost me HK$229.8 (~USD30!), about double the price in US! Though they are expensive, it is difficult to resist an Optimus Prime, right? Lets have a look on this infant toy (Hasbro's definition).
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The package is really infant toy style.

Truck mode

Chief Charlie Burns & Rescue Cutter

So what's a rescue cutter??

Charlie Burns and Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime Rollout!

2 Charlie Burns!?

Optimus Prime robot mode

Optimus Prime with the super cutter

Rescue Bots OP is about the same size as Classics OP...

For me, the Rescue Bots OP is just a collectible. Unless you are a 3 years old kid, you will have no fun with Rescue Bots figures. Do you still remember other PlaySkool Go-Bots? Here's my only Go-Bots Mirage I got it a few years ago. Where is it now?

Darkside Megatron and Darkside Optimus Prime

2011-07-02T23:28:00.002+08:00

Black Optimus Prime is always irresistible while black Megatron usually not. However, this time Darkside Megatron is even more attractive than Darkside Optimus Prime. The price of this limited edition box set is even cheaper than the regular ones. No excuse to skip them!
(click to enlarge the photos)

I don't know why I love this monochrome package. Maybe it means exclusive?

Optimus Prime Truck mode

I love the black and cyan color scheme of all black Optimus Prime.

Megatron Tank mode

Robot mode

Darkside OP is a Decepticon is much better than an Autobot black OP.

Darkside Megatron and Optimus Prime are nice figures, but they are still repaints. It is not that fun to play the same mold again and again. I can't blame anyone because I still have tons of new mold figures kept MISB/MOSC! >_<

DOTM Cyberverse Battle

2011-06-26T19:41:00.002+08:00

Cyberverse Commander is really a good series. Most figures from this line get a great design with such a small body. The best of this line is that it comes with some really unexpected figures like Powerglide, and now Hatchet! It also gives new life to some movie 1 characters like Ironhide and Blackout. Lets welcome these small guys!
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Packages and Bios
Ironhide and Sentinel Prime

Hatchet and Blackout

My favorite in the Cyberverse series, Hatchet.

Hatchet is amazing. I always love beast robot. I think a lot of people have the same thought. It is sold out everywhere. It took me many many time to find one in a toy store.

Cool jet mode

Blackout and Scorponok

I think this Cyberverse Blackout is even better than the movie 1 Voyager figure. I haven't opened that Voyager one yet!

The Decepticons air force

Ironhide the weapon master

Vehicle mode

Ironhide is not bad, but the shoulder joints are at the wrong position. They should be more closer to the chest.

The old man, Sentinel Prime

The old guy with a very modern fire truck mode.

Sentinel Prime is very good as a Cyberverse figure. He even has the blade and shield but the Voyager figure doesn't have!

The ancient Prime and the new Prime

Two more shots for Hatchet.
You know I love it :P

Perfect Effect Scouting Force X

2011-06-04T23:48:00.001+08:00

Perfect Effect Scouting Force X, the 3rd party product that brings new life to G1 reflector. I don't 3rd party products that often, but these small guys are sweet. It is really amazing that there are so many articulations in such a small body. You can never imagine a HasTak official figure is so poseable, even with leader size figure. The camera mode looks like as in G1 cartoon. The 3 little robots also resemble their G1 appearances. Perfect Effect did a good job to add those heavy arms to each of them using the supporting parts, making each robot looks unique. Are they perfect? No, the purple color is a bit too bright, and the price is too high! 3 legend size figures selling at the price of MP, isn't it too expensive? Alright, lets enjoy a little gallery of them.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Very very simple package...

Inner package

Reflector's Camera mode

Megatron: "Show me where're the Autobots!"

Convoy is taking photos.

Robot mode

Anyone knows their names?
From left to right:
(G1) Spectro, Viewfinder, Spyglass
(PE) Shield, Edge, Bullet
The 3 robots are basically the samse in design, except the one in center with the lens aperture.

They are even smaller than legend size figure...

They look like ninja with the dagger.

With the heavy armor and weapons.

Double guns

The sniper

Big cannon

We are the SWAT!

I just notice I swapped the weapons for 02 and 03...
You can't blame me as they are identical!

They even have the Sentai-style final attack!

Is this Reflector a must have? If you don't mind the sharp purple, go ahead for it. Or you may try to get the convention exclusive color, though I don't know what would it be. These little guys are great when play together with the G1 legend size figures.

DOTM Cyberverse PowerGlide

2011-05-28T23:08:00.002+08:00

Though PowerGlide is released under Dark of the Moon Cyberverse series, he is totally different from the others. The design is closer to Classics/Generations/RTS G1 figures. It is a pity that PowerGlide is not released as a Scout size figure, otherwise he can get better articulations. If you are a G1 fan, you cannot miss this figure.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Neat package

Really nice robot mode. It would be perfect if PowerGlide can turn his head.

Jet mode resembles G1 appearance

"Welcome PowerGlide, we need air force."

"Take me to the battlefield"

"PowerGlide, you're a great partner!"

A must have, right?

Nice giveaways from Dark of the Moon

2011-05-21T22:20:00.002+08:00

Some good stuff I got in today's TF hunting.

Dark of the Moon paper bag.
Optimus Prime on one side,

Megatron on the other side,

Papercraft Bumblebee

3D polygons XD

Movie 3 Preview Pack Optimus Prime

2011-04-25T21:41:00.002+08:00

My first Movie 3 toy, preview pack Optimus Prime. The new series that replaces legends series. A little bigger in size, but more expensive than legends. Hasbro really tries the best to get my money. Being the first Movie 3 figure, no excuse to skip it, right?
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Package, the 3D glasses look stupid

Robot mode

Movie 2 Jet Prime and Movie 3 Jet Prime

The jet pack can be unloaded.

Truck mode

The truck mode is quite good.

Armor mode

Flying truck~

Lets enjoy the 3D movie!

Generations Warpath

2011-04-04T23:09:00.002+08:00

Warpath should be the last figure in the Generations series before Movie 3 DOTM toys launch. Warpath is yet another figure that is really really hard to get. In Hong Kong, only 1 toy store imported Warpath, and sold it to raise fund for Japan. Though it was selling a bit more expensive than normal, but its for charity, why not?
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The package, note the "Hobbybase" sticker. It is the toy store who donated all sales to Red Cross.

Tank mode

Tanks from the Generations, Straxus and Warpath

Robot mode

Straxus vs. Warpath

It is not the first time for Warpath to get a new body. He grows from a minibot in G1 to Classics legend, then Generations deluxe figure. Both the legend and deluxe figures are very good, though I didn't open the legend figure yet :P Don't skip Warpath if you can find it.

Transformers United Soundwave, Rumble & Frenzy

2011-03-27T00:17:00.002+08:00

The life of TF hunter never ends. It is harder and harder to get the TF figure you want in Hong Kong. Today I have to get the whole set of UN-19, UN-20, UN-21, UN-22, otherwise I cannot get Rumble and Frenzy. Moreover, many TF fans queued up to wait for the store to open, and all the Rumble and Frenzy set sold out before everyone went inside the store. What a crazy world! With all my blood and tears, lets enjoy the gallery of team Soundwave. Forgot to say that it also took me many days to go around all toys stores in Hong Kong to get Soundwave...
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Japanese nice package

Soundwave vehicle mode, Cybertron truck looks cool.

Rumble and Frenzy tank mode

Team Soundwave roll out~

Rumble and Frenzy, attack!

It is not good to talk about earthquake now, but it is the trademark of Rumble and Frenzy!

Their master: Soundwave

Cassette type?

Soundwave is a great figure. Rumble and Frenzy are also nice, just too expensive. I hope I can sell the Generations 2011 wave 3, as I have both US & JP version Wheeljack, Kup and Scourge now...

Diablock TFA Optimus Prime

2011-03-20T23:42:00.002+08:00

Diablock x TFA, a nice idea? I don't think so. I would not get it if the price isn't that cheap. I got the Diablock G1 Convoy, as it really looks good. The Diablock TFA Optimus Prime looks stupid. Anyway, it is a nice toy which I enjoyed for an hour to build it. The idea of fully transformable is good, though the truck mode is crap. Robot mode on the other hand is not bad.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Nice package as usual for a Japanese toy

Before building up

Nice robot mode with great articulations.

Stupid truck mode

Pray for Japan

2011-03-19T18:48:00.004+08:00

日本地震發生了一星期, 雖然知道在日本的朋友都平安, 但每天看到的關於核電廠的新聞確實令人很擔心. 今天支持了Hobbybase的義賣行動, 既可為災民出一點力, 又滿足了自己...

日本一起努力吧, 要快一點復完啊!

Transformers United Jazz & Tracks

2011-03-13T21:08:00.002+08:00

Japanese TF figures are damn expensive! I couldn't get United Jazz and Tracks a month ago, and now each of them costs me two Generations figures! OK, no one wants to hear my complaint. Lets go ahead to have a look of these figures.
(click to enlarge the photos)

The Japanese packages are always good.

Jazz vehicle mode

Little Jazz drives the big Jazz.

Do you enjoy my music?

Tracks vehicle mode

Flight mode

Robot mode

Lets dance!

Jazz and Tracks

Though Tracks and Wheeljack are based on the same mold, Tracks is taller than Wheeljack.

Jazz and Tracks are the first pair of TF United figures I opened. Japanese Yen is too expensive now, making the price of Japanese TF very very high. Tracks does worth to get the Japanese version, as the metallic paint job is really cool. Though I don't own the RTS Jazz, I don't think the Japanese version and US version have much difference. If you already have RTS Jazz, you may skip the United one to save the money.

Generations Wheeljack

2011-03-06T22:55:00.003+08:00

Lets welcome the Autobots engineer Wheeljack. It is really really difficult to get a new TF in Hong Kong now at a decent price. I had to buy the whole set of 2011 Generations wave 3 to get Wheeljack, though I already got Japanese version Kup and Thundercracker...
I am not a great fan of Wheeljack, but I still remember his G1 appearance. Even he is a remold of Tracks, I don't have the chance to get Tracks yet. No excuse to skip Wheeljack, right?
(click to enlarge the photos)

The package

Car mode, a very nice sport car.

Inherited the flight mode from Tracks

Robot mode

Wheeljack's mask is his trademark. I also like the shoulder cannon. He's just so G1!

紙製SUNNY號

2011-02-03T16:43:00.001+08:00

年初一在家做手功, 花了我個多小時才完成呢 ^_^

背面也很detail啊!

Reveal the Shield G2 Optimus Prime

2011-01-23T12:03:00.002+08:00

Recently getting a new TF in Hong Kong depends your luck. I was about to give up the G2 Optimus Prime since it was sold out everywhere, but fortunately I picked this up in a small toy store. Lets reveal the shield!
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Optimus Prime in package. From the bios, all Primes for all times are the same character having different bodies.

Truck mode

The sword let you attach the trailer.

It is too cold now to reveal the shield...

Robot mode

The RTS G2 Prime is a nice figure, but it is just too small in size.

I don't have the original G2 Prime, but I have Black Convoy!

Shrink from a Mega size figure to a Deluxe size figure, poor Prime.

G2 Prime, father and son.

I don't think there is any reason to skip this figure. A new mold Optimus Prime is always a must have. If it is a Vogayer size figure and the shoulders do not block posing that much, I will rank it in Optimus Prime top 5.

War for Cybertron

2011-01-10T20:33:00.003+08:00

The first post in 2011. It is my bad habit to buy a new mold TF once it is out and keep it for long time before I open it. I finally open them knowing that even the Japanese version United Prime and Megatron were already out after half year. These molds are really amazing. I feel really sorry to keep them in package for such a long time. I enjoyed very much with them.
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Prime and Bumblebee in package

Megatron and Darkmount (Straxus) in package

WFC Prime

Prime has a very great robot mode and vehicle mode. The transformation is very sophisticated as a deluxe toy. A must have!

WFC Bumblebee

A so-so vehicle mode and a so-so robot mode, but Bumblebee itself is a good toy.

WFC Megatron

Megatron has a very smart robot mode, but the vehicle mode a bit stupid. Can skip this leader.

Darkmount

Darkmount is not from WFC. I know nothing about G1 Straxus. However, this guy is just awesome! Nice vehicle mode and robot mode, and great weapon. Very good articulations and nice fist design. What can you expect more? The only complaint is that Darkmount stands not very firm.

Very satisfied with these figures. Hasbro really did a good job. I just want to complain Hasbro and Takara make the strategy to make the US and Japanese versions so different. Are you going to drain all my money? You can't kill the goose!

PCC Constructicons vs. Dinobots

2010-12-05T17:46:00.002+08:00

Last week I just said Dinobots would be my last PCC set, but I now I bought also the Constructicons set. How weak my will is! When I learnt that Constructicons' power up mode has fingers, I couldn't resist to get this PCC set with real arms. A picture worths more than thousands of words. Lets have a look on the 2 classic "giants".
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Steamhammer with Constructicons in package.

Grimstone with Dinobots in package.

Bios. Both of them are tough, strong, and ... stupid.

Steamhammer robot mode

Steamhammer is very small, even smaller than regular scout size figures!

Vehicle mode

The drone vehicles

Constructicons roll out!

Grimstone robot mode

Grimstone has a nice robot mode, but does not have very good articulations.

Dinosaur mode

Drone Dinosaurs

These dinosaurs are much bigger than other drone vehicles!

Dinobots attack!

Constructicons vs. Dinobots

Grimstone vs. Steamhammer

Constructicons combine!

Dinobots combine!

Power up mode: Devastator!

The greatest point of PCC Devastator is that he got fingers, and even thumbs!

Power up mode: Super Dinobots!

Dinbots has a very nice power up mode, because all the drone limbs have the same color scheme. Should be the second one like this after Combaticons?

Devastator can fight against 2 giants!

"Dinobots mean nothing to me!"

"Double Clutch sucks!"

Constructicons bring me back some interest to PCC. The 2 arms are much much better the other drone arms. However, Devastator still cannot bend his arms. This is still vital for PCC. Anyway, having more drones can make more different giants. Hope Hasbro can design better arms in the new waves, if there will be any.

Finally a photo of the 3 giants.

PCC Rallybots

2010-11-28T20:06:00.002+08:00

The only PCC 5 pack I want is the Dinobots set, but I got the news too late that it is already out of stocks! Better than getting nothing, I bought the Rallybots set and Smolder as they are on sale. I always want to get a 5 pack set to get some drone limbs for the commander robot. It is really difficult to choose a 5 pack as they are really bad designs. I picked the Rallybots set because the drone vehicles look pretty nice. Smolder has the coolest robot among all the PCC.
(click to enlarge the photos)

First have a look on Smolder

Smolder in package.

Very nice looking vehicle mode.

Very cool robot mode.

Smolder's partner Chopster

Chopster becomes a big axe!

Power up mode

Leadfoot vs. Smolder

Pinpoint vs. Chopster

Now Double Clutch and the Rallybots

Double Clutch in package.

Double Clutch has a nice muscle car mode.

With the drone vehicles.

Even a great car mode, Double Clutch has a stupid robot mode...

Lets combine!

Power up mode, with stupid limbs.

Attack! Decepticons!

"You don't need those limbs!"

"Smolder, Power up!"

"Lets get the limbs back~"

Power up Leadfoot seems to have the best articulations.

After playing the 5 pack for a while, I can definitely say PCC is a failure! The drone limbs suck. I don't find any fun with the "power up" mode by sticking the limbs to the commander robot. I think the Dinobots set will be the last PCC set I will get.

Little Tyrant

2010-11-27T23:44:00.002+08:00

The new wave of TF reached Hong Kong. I didn't know that the people here are so eager to get new TF. When I went to the department store, I could only get this little Megatron :(
Though I couldn't get the other new stuffs, I satisfied with this little Megatron.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Reveal the Shield series. The rub sign comes back!

Very nice robot mode. The only complaint is the head cannot turn.

Stupid regulation to put the orange cap on it! Everyone knows this is a toy!

This Megatron is small, but still far bigger than the WST Megatron.

EEEPC 701 Jaunty to Maverick

2010-11-21T19:42:00.007+08:00

這次可以算是意外的upgrade. 本來沒打算要把EEEPC的Ubuntu升級, 但一直用的9.04早幾天Update Manager開始彈出"No Longer Support"的通知, 原來Jaunty己面世18個月了. Update Manager只可以直接升級到9.10, 也沒所謂, 就升到9.10吧!

按一個button就可以升級, 只是花時間等吧, 不過download完後, 還要多等2個多小時安裝, 只好先睡一覺. 醒來發現升級過程還要選幾次Y/N, 趕著上班結果要等到第二晚才可以完成整個升級. 但似乎我在9.04時作了不少改動, 升到9.10後, 整個OS都變得很不正常! 先不說Update Manager把我已update的application變回舊版, 而且不斷彈出language update的dialog, 更嚴重是這些language update根本不能完成! 其他application也變得怪怪的, 一怒之下只好重裝Ubuntu了! 恨自己update前沒有做cloning...

反正要裝就裝最新的! 之前剛替公司的一台MacMini裝了10.10, Maverick的感覺給我還不錯, 但確實有點擔心到達701能否支持得住呢? 安裝過程倒是比以前裝Jaunty時順利得多, 而且基本上所有peripheral都可以用, 包括錄音(Jaunty時要改alsa config的, 因為Maverick是用PulseAudio嗎?) 只是WiFi還是怪怪的, 跟Jaunty時一樣, 不過反正我不用, 算了. 但始終也不算是一帆風順, 還是花了我一天多時間做configuration, 週末假期就這樣泡湯...

以下是做過的改動:

Screen Resolution
因為剛買了新的Monitor, 是Full HD 1920x1080, 之前在Jaunty改了xorg.conf後就可以正常顯示了, Maverick不會有問題吧? 果然Maverick default已有1920x1080@60Hz的選項, 真方便! 但開心不要太早! 選這個1920x1080@60Hz是不能正常顯示的! 會花畫面! 怎辦才好呢? 才剛買一個星期的monitor就此廢武功?
花了我大半天時間, 找盡網上各種方法也不成功, 最後求人不如求己, 發現到要用1920x1080@61Hz才可!但怎樣才可以弄出這個1920x1080@61Hz呢? 還是加Modeline! 不過這次不是加到xorg.conf, 而是加在~/.xprofile, 在login時跑3句xrandr就好了.

另一個必定要做的是Overclock, 還是裝EEEasy scripts. 但這套script到Jaunty就沒再update了, 安裝時會遇到asus_eee module compile的問題. 要將asus_eee.c裡面2句comment, 否則build不過.
//eee_proc_rootdir->owner = THIS_MODULE;
//proc_file->owner = THIS_MODULE;
Build到asus_eee module後, EEEasy scripts安裝就沒問題了, 可以Overclock到900MHz.
Maverick的中文輸入default由SCIM轉了到IBus, 用法跟SCIM沒有太大分別, 但因為我的 System lanauge是英文, 倉頡輸入法會default輸入簡體字! 太過份了吧! 倉頡本身是繁體輸入法來啊! 網上找到要將/usr/share/ibus-table/engine/table.py line 126改成return 1才可!

現在只有一項是搞了半天還搞不定的, 就是開機時Plymouth在external monitor會花畫面. 這問題網上有解決方法, 就是在kernel boot parameter加入nomodeset和改用uvesafb display. 這樣做是可以正常顯示Plymouth logo, 但boot不進gdm, 只會進到console login. 結果搞了半天還是得放棄. 唯一得到的是知道多了一點grub2的configuration...

New Monitor~

2010-11-07T19:33:00.002+08:00

之前的Samsung 19" monitor雖然用了4年多還工作正常, 但只有VGA+DVI input, 讓我的PS2呆在一旁. 今天就買了新的monitor, LG W2363V. 這個monitor最特出的是有各種輸入: VGA, DVI, Component, HDMI x 2! 本來以為要買LCD TV才可以有Component input, 怎料幾星期前在電腦商場見到這個號稱"打機必備"的monitor, 真是為我打造一樣!
用了一會感覺還不錯, 但還是不太習慣這麽大的畫面, 始終我的房間太小了... Resolution由1440x900提升到Full HD的1920x1080, 對小小的EEEPC來說也是新挑戰! 畫面是能正常顯示, 但EEEPC的風扇似乎轉得很響了 ~_~
還有最不慣的是Full HD下, 平日看的RMVB解像度已跟不上了, full screen效果不太好, 但HD的片源EEEPC又不夠快decode, 如何是好?

真希波

2010-10-30T21:53:00.003+08:00

最近太忙, 很久沒update過了...
月初到東京公幹也沒有趁機買太多東西, 始終日圓匯率太高了! T^T
玩具方面只買了Robot Heroes的Arcee和隨Young Ace附送的真波希figure. 其實我只為了figure而買書, 可算是隨真波希figure附送的Young Ace月刊呢 XD

贈品的包裝不能太講究吧

不愧是海洋堂, 造功很好! 加上新EVA的眼鏡娘造型真的很吸引, 很難抗拒呢!

The Bike Sisters

2010-08-29T22:09:00.005+08:00

I waited for over 1 year, finally got the last bike, Elita-1. Though it is quite disappointed that the third bike is not a new mold, it is possible to make the combiner with 3 different bikes. Arcee, Chromia, Elita-1, the names are really tempting. However, I have to admit the design of these girls are really bad! They are not mermaids but they have no legs! On screen, they showed very great action with the single wheel. But as toys, none of them can stand well to do good pose. Nevertheless, I always want to get all TF fembots.These girls are still joining to my collections.
(click to enlarge the photos)

The package changed from ROTF to HFTD

Bike mode

Arcee has a sidecar.

Chromia is so-so.

As a repaint, Elita-1 got much better paint job.

and an interesting "3L 174" (ELITA) license plate.

With their partners

Bumblebee and Arcee.

Ironhide and Chromia, their relationship begins in G1.

Optimus Prime and Elita-1, the Autobots leader and Fembot leader.

Robot mode

Arcee is the best among all bikes, at least she got better articulations and better arms.

It is hard to find anything to praise Chromia...

This mold is really really bad. I don't know why Hasbro decided to repaint it as Elita-1. Use the Arcee mold would be much better.

The Autobots Sisters.

Now lets combine!

Please use your imagination to make the combiner. Otherwise you can never accept sticking the 3 bikes together to form a new robot. Since there is no official manual to make the combiner, it is my version. Though it still looks like a piece of crap, at least there is a main body from Elita-1, and the right arm from Arcee and left arm from Chromia.
The robot modes really suck. I think this is the first time I display my fembots in vehicle mode.

Just knew that the Japanese version Elita-1 will be painted in Purple! WTF! Anyway, I think I will skip it.

PCC Leadfoot with Pinpoint

2010-08-10T22:22:00.003+08:00

Leadfoot is my first set of Power Core Combiners. I didn't have any interest with the PCC series, until I see Leadfoot. He makes me think of God Master Road King, a formula racer with a God master transforms to engine. At the first glance, I felt that Leadfoot's head sculpt is too ugly and the fists are too big. However, after I played with the toy, the good design of the figure and the nice transformation system rule out those bad impressions. Leadfoot is a nice scout size figure by itself. He also has a great look when he acts as the main body of a combiner. I'll pick up some nice drone vehicles later to combine with Leadfoot.
(click to enlarge the photos)

The package is not bad. I like the inner package with separate trays for the two figures.

The formula racer

It would be even better if Pinpoint can sit inside Leadfoot.

God Master Pinpoint!

Transform~

God On~

Shoot~~~

Leadfoot robot mode

Let's go, partner!

What a shitty target master! Just plug the robot onto the fist!

God Master Road King! :P

Heavy arms

Evolution~ Pokemon?

God Masters battle!

God Master Brothers

2010-08-08T23:28:00.002+08:00

Lets see how the God Master brothers changed after 20 years. Darkwing and Dreadwind were the last set of G1 figures I got in my childhood. The next TF I bought was already BT-01 Smokescreen! The God Master brothers are really special memory for me. The new Dreadwind is the Botcon remold of Classics Jetfire, and Darkwing (Darkwind) is the repaint of Universe Silverbolt. I got them both a couple of years ago. I took Darkwing out of the box today just because I am addicted to the Master Force characters again after getting the Seacons. Lets enjoy the show of the evil brothers.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Hong Kong Toysrus already put this shitty sticker on the toys for a few years. I have to say it again, I hate it!!!

Why Hasbro changed the name to Darkwind? Trademark issue again?

The big brother,

and the younger brother

It is difficult to understand why the voyager-size figure is more detailed and sophisticated than the ultra-size one!

Now, lets combine! Dreadwing!

No, they don't really combine. I just placed them together. ^_^

Robot mode

Jetfire mode

I want these two figures because they are from G1, and they were the G1 figures I owned. As a toy on its own, Dreadwind is good as a voyager-size figure. Very nice design and full of gimmicks. Darkwing is too simple as an ultra-size figure. The only thing good is that the G1 transformation sound effect is played when pushing his head out. The Universe Silverbolt mold is a quite disappointing one.

Sons of Cybertron (Animated)

2010-08-01T21:25:00.002+08:00

Welcome to Transformers 2010! I'm so happy to get this clear "Sons of Cybertron" set at a decent price! I had been waiting for the Animated Rodimus. I didn't expect to get a repaint/special version before the regular one. This mold is really great. Very detailed and nicely designed transformation. I already knew that the deluxe Optimus Prime is cool from the Value Pack. I am really satisfied with this "Sons of Cybertron" set. Lets enjoy this small gallery of the 2 leaders!
(click to enlarge the photos)

This is my first Japan version TFA toy. Japan version's package is always awesome.

Didn't see the Japanese flyers for a long time.

They are not only BIO cards, but also for the stupid Sega arcade game. You see the barcode?

Nice truck mode.

I couldn't find the car mode of Hotrod in any series is bad.

Clear trunk and clear racer.

Clear Optimus Prime is really awesome.

Together with the "Battle Damaged" version.

Clear Rodimus!

Looks like a Kung-Fu master.

Double Primes.

"Give me the Matrix! You no longer belong to this era."

King Poseidon

2010-07-18T21:46:00.002+08:00

I didn't expect to buy a G1 figure, but I couldn't resist to get the Seacons set...
Master Force is my favorite G1 series. The Seasons played a quite important role in the series. I was surprised to hear a re-issue of the Seacons in G1 color was planned. I couldn't afford a TF combiner when I was a kid. I don't have much interest to the G1 toys anymore now. It is nice to get Piranacon as my first G1 combiner, right? ^_^
Lets enjoy a little gallery for this limited edition re-issue!
(click to enlarge the photos)

You can't expect much for a US version package, not bad though.

Nice illustration on the box.

It is nice to have all 7 bio cards, with the original G1 illustrations.

Piranacon. I like the name King Poseidon more.

Snap Trap. Still Turtler is better.

Skalor.

Seawing.

Nautilator.

Tentakil.

Overbite.

The giant Piranacon

"Kiiiiiing Poseidon~~~~~~"

Individual robots

You don't have the chance to see the robot mode of those small guys actually.

Turtler's head is green instead of black! G1's one is better! Price makes difference...

Who can remember the names of all Seasons except Turtler's?

All Seacons are target masters!

"You guys go and bite the Autobots!"

Ugly creatures from the sea.

The big turtle!

To be honest, I don't really enjoy playing the Seacons. G1 toys are not for this era.
I do admire myself to be so imaginative when I was a kid. I could get so much fun with these bricks. I love G1, but I don't want to play with bricks anymore. I want every G1 character can revive in a new design as in the classics series. However, you should still get the Seacons if you want to fill up the gap in your childhood memory.

天下無双

2010-07-10T10:18:00.003+08:00

Is Drift the second comic character got a toy release? I didn't read the Drift comic, but I really like its design. A TF with sword is always cool, isn't it? Drift even has a big sword and 2 daggers! The large Samurai Kanji and the phrase "Tenka Musou" (the best of the world) on the sword make Drift awesome. Hasbro is doing well recently, I mean the Generations series, not Power Combiners. :P
(click to enlarge the photos)

The package is not bad. Just hate the Toysrus sticker the Hong Kong store put on it!

Car mode

Very nice sport car. The doors can be opened!
Actually I think it is very stupid to put a big Kanji on the doors :P

Robot mode

I like the big sword can be put on the back.

You can hardly find a TF that can hold the sword by both hands!
"Eat my Tenka Musou blade!"

The daggers are great, can be stored on the doors.

Of course you need a fight with the Skeleton Samurai Bludgeon.

Drift is a must-have for all TF fans. You will not be disappointed with this figure. I am now waiting for the blue remold Blurr. I wonder how the big sniper gun can be stored inside the sport car.

Battle Blades Optimus Prime

2010-07-01T23:24:00.002+08:00

I didn't expect a new mold of voyager size movie Prime, but Hasbro did it! I think everyone would agree this is a simplified leader size Prime. The sound effect was gone, but the better comes, the Matrix of Leadership! It is the first time the Matrix to be found in a movie toy. I really love this Prime. I am looking forward to the Japanese Battle Forks version and the voyager size Jetfire to combine!
(click to enlarge the photos)

The package doesn't come with the "Hunt for the Decepticons" sticker. Maybe I got the production sample?

Truck mode

The truck mode is much better than the movie 1 voyager size Prime.
The windshield doesn't fit well just because I didn't transform the shoulders correctly.

Robot mode

He got the ion busters,

He got the blades,

and He got the Matrix!

Tornado attack!

Wake up!

Lets hunt for the Decepticons!

Banzaitron is not here, no problem to fight the first round with Bludgeon.

Lets go Hunting~

2010-06-20T10:24:00.003+08:00

Even the ROTF DVD is already out, Hasbro will not let the toy series end. Now it goes on with the "Hunt for the Decepticons" series. Hasbro didn't want to give me a chance to take a break. The Generations series and HFTD come out at the same time. I didn't expect to spend so much at a time without a new anime/movie...
I think this is my record to open 6 figures at a time. Voyager Seaspray, Deluxe Bumblebee and Ironhide, Scout Hubcap, Legends Rampage and Ravage. Lets have a look on these guys~
(click to enlarge the photos)

In package images,

Seaspray

Bumblebee & Ironhide

Hubcap

Rampage & Ravage

Hasbro HK gives this DVD to all HFTD purchase, nice!

Lets have a look on the little ones,

Space shuttle??

I love this beast!

The red bulldozer.

Jackhammer mode!

Old and new Rampage.

Battle in the dessert.

Go Devastator~

Hubcap the red car

Really nice car mode. Match very well with the color and age of Divebomb.

Nice robot mode design, but not very poseable.

Come on Divebomb!

I caught a big cat, grill it?

The 2 new deluxe molds,

Still a nice truck even it shrinks from Voyager size to Deluxe size.

What an awesome remold! So many weapons/accessories fit inside car mode.

Get a ride?

Ironhide is a bit disappointing. As a new mold, I expect better robot mode and articulations. I was really disappeared with his arms. Just like taking the arms from a Scout size figure and sticking them on the Deluxe size torso.

Bumblebee is better than expected. Even it is already the N-th remold, this one can be considered as the ultimate one. The mask, the cannon, and the axe are all interchangeable. No extra parts have to be removed. I really made the right choice to wait for this one.

Poor Ironhide, being shorter than Bumblebee...

The rare naval force Seaspray.

The small minicon grows into a Voyager figure. He even has a Zaku face!

Swim under water.

Can fit a Scout size car onto the deck.

Seaspray is a nice figure, but not a must have. He is too simple to be a Voyager figure. However, if you want to collect the rare TF navy, he is a good choice.

For the wave 1 of Hunt for the Decepticons, I'd recommend Battle Blade Bumblebee, Legends Ravage and Rampage, and Hubcap.

1/63 Alternity Skywarp

2010-06-07T21:53:00.003+08:00

I don't really have interest with Tomica, but I am addicted to TF. I bought these Tomicas just because there are TF based on the same car models. It is pretty cool to have the same model cars of different scale showing side by side. The design of Mitsuoka Orochi is really awesome. It is not a bad idea to have the mini one as decoration.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Tomica Alternity lineup, Nissan GT-R, Nissan Fairlady Z, Suzuki Swift Sport and Mitsuoka Orochi.

It is not silver Convoy!

It is not dark Megatron!

Then what is this? May be Alternity Bugbite~ XD

Skywarp? No!

Do you know what wild means? Take a look!

Convoy, Megatron, Bugbite and SKywarp ^_^

GT-R Convoy. I should start playing the Alternity figures...

Fairlady Z Megatron.

Swift Sport Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, and Bugbite?

Orochi Starscream and Skywarp. The best ones!

美里小姐

2010-06-06T21:38:00.002+08:00

很久沒有買糖果玩具了, 現在figure的質素很高呢! 不過相應價格也比以前要貴.
當年認識美里小姐時, 28歲的她對我來說是成熟的大姐姐; 但轉眼間她也變成了我的小妹妹了...
之前只擁有過HG Gashapon的美里拿著啤酒的figure, 這個應該是我第二個美里小姐的figure.

造功很好呢! 連Stand也有NERV logo.

何以久久沒買過糖果玩具, 又會再買呢? 因為這回5款figure都是女角, 沒有男角, 不怕踏到地雷呢! XD
新女角眼鏡娘真希波也很吸引, 而且是私服版, 可惜抽不中.

Animated Key Chain

2010-05-22T21:29:00.002+08:00

The Animated series is already cute, but this key chain set is even more cute. Japanese style super deformed figures are always nice. No complain except the price. Lets see the detail of these little guys.
(click to enlarge the photos)

The manual sheet.

Optimus Prime

Bumblebee

Bulkhead (or Ironhide the Japanese name)

Ratchet

Prowl

Starscream. Cute but evil!

pepsi NEX x Paramount Japan BE@RBRICK

2010-05-16T00:24:00.002+08:00

TF Bearbrick strikes back! Do you still remember the 2 limited editions TF Bearbrick VS sets? They really cost me a lot! This time the little Bumblebear comes with Pepsi NEX. It is less expensive than the old ones, and more easily to get. However, I still need my friend in Japan to get it for me. Though this mini bearbrick is much cheaper than the big one, its paint job is even more detailed than the big ones! I love this little guy!
(click to enlarge the photos)

The package. It was attached on the Pepsi NEX bottle. Of course the Pepsi was already drunk by my friend...

Very nice painting.

50% Bumblebear & 100% Bumblebear. After 3 years, the bear shrinks but get better coloring.

"Come and watch the movie!"

The Pepsi NEX campaign poster.

MOSプリプリ3本エビバーガー

2010-05-15T20:59:00.002+08:00

還是海老カツ比較好吃 :P

Hearts of Steel Optimus Prime

2010-05-05T23:41:00.001+08:00

Lets welcome the steam engine Optimus Prime! The Hearts of Steel story sucks, but it introduced the awesome steam engine Prime. I am sure every TF fan want to get one. I really appreciate Mastermind Creation brings this design to product. I do find a number of problems with the figure, but at least it gives me the chance to own this Prime. I'll leave my complaints later, and now lets enjoy this gallery.
(click to enlarge the photos)

I like the neat package.

Very clean inner package. All accessories are part of the steam engine, except the extra pair of fists stay underneath.

Steam Engine mode

The moving cannon base.
The cannon actually turns into the jet pack and lance.

After putting the jet pack onto robot's back, we can put the gun on the shortened cannon.

Nice robot mode..., for decoration.

The lance is really nice. I love it.

He even comes with the Matrix! Definitely he is a Prime!

Western Knight VS Japanese Samurai

OK, what's the problems with this steam engine Prime? First, it is expensive! This is only a voyager size figure, but costs me 2.5 times the price. Second, it looks like there are lots of articulations in robot mode, but he can't even raise his arms! The shoulders cannot turn up and down! It really limits the figure from posing nice actions. Moreover, the headband cannot fix in place. I don't know why Mastermind Creation made such design detail on the head sculpt but didn't do it right on the figure. I'd rather not put it on. I have these complaints just because I expect more with this price. If it is selling half the price, I might accept these defects.
Anyway, this steam engine Prime is still a nice figure. However, I will not say this is a must have with this price tag.

EEEPC back to life! Ubuntu rules!

2010-05-01T19:03:00.004+08:00

自去年替EEEPC 701安裝了Ubuntu 9.04 NBR後, 玩了不到2星期又將它封印了. 今次決定把服役近7年, 已積勞成疾, 遍體鱗傷的Desktop換掉, 又捨不得買新的Desktop, 就想到我的701了.
雖然舊的Desktop配置也不是很強, 只是AMD Althon XP 2500+, onboard display還要從512MB RAM中分享, 但比起701的Celeron 900MHz還是跑得快很多. 但我在家中基本上只會用Browser, Newsgroup Reader, MSN之類的, 慢一點也不差. 最重要是要配回原來的19" monitor, 不然800x480的7" display真的很痛苦!
Ubuntu(Linux)讚的地方是可讓701這麽差勁的硬件, 發揮到最強的表現. 竟可讓701以1440x900+800x480 dual display輸出! 要做修改的也只有加一句Modeline到xorg.conf, 真方便! 比以前要將舊Desktop輸出1440x900還簡單.
正式將701當入Desktop來用, 也有點點改動, 也有碰到麻煩. 改動就是把Desktop Mode轉回Classic, Netbook Desktop不太好用; 另外是把Maximus關掉, 否則每打開一個window都Maximize太討厭了!
麻煩事是當我update了所有package後, 發覺RMVB播不了! 明明以前可以的啊! 當我重裝smplayer, w32codecs後還是不行, 再找其他RMVB file一播, 又可以了! 原來之前放在701內的RMVB file播不了, 但以前明明是全片播過一遍的... 不過算了. 另外由於monitor resolution高了, full screen播放是不行了. (sdl output driver是可以, 但沒有smoothing, 只是單純放大, control又消失了)(*已解決!)
另外舊的emesene又login不了MSN, 因為Microsoft改了protocol, 要安裝新的1.61版才可以.
看上圖就知我的701成功轉型了, 以前在Desktop常用的Application都有齊: Firefox, GIMP, emesene(MSN), Thunderbird, 等等. 暫時也沒有什麽不便. 把大大件的舊Desktop丢掉, 把半張書桌解放了出來呢! 多出來的空間可擺放下一個目標: NAS!
雖然跟EEEPC關係不大, 但還是要再讚一下Ubuntu. Microsoft真的是一個帶來問題多於方便的怪物, 不論是工作還是生活上! 工作上已被SMB server弄得煩死了, 怎料把家中舊Desktop做Share folder也一樣氣人! 舊Desktop是Windows XP SP2, Notebook是Windows XP SP3. 我不論由那一方Share folder, 另一方也是Access不了. 最後我是以Ubuntu Live CD把舊Desktop bootup, 再由Ubuntu mount Noteobok的Share folder, 才成功把舊Desktop的data backup到Notebook中! 竟然是以Linux的方法去解決Windows的問題, Microsoft你慚愧嗎?

* 4th May Update
原來701真的很厲害! 1440x900 full screen播RMVB也可以full frame rate的! 之前原來是X11的configuration有問題, 而且會引致701的webcam不能用! 嘗試用webcam時, 會出現這error,
"Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.0."
而且smplayer不能用xv output driver, 只能用x11(slow), 所以不能full screen播RMVB.
要如何解決呢? 真是想也沒想到, 是不能enable Display Preferences的Panel icon! 即是不要把"Show displays in panel"打勾! 想不到這個東西會有這樣大的影響, 花了我2天研究這問題...

Happy Meal

2010-04-26T22:39:00.002+08:00

Thank P7 giving me Bumblebee and Megatron to complete my Happy Meal set! Last time McDonalds in Hong Kong serving TF in Happy Meal was the Armada set. This Animated set is much better than the Armada ones. Not bad, right? I am glad to see many kids playing these figures in McDonalds. ^_^

Optimus Prime is really good as a give-away.

聾貓@YATA

2010-04-26T20:41:00.000+08:00

Happy Rainy Day~

EZ Collection vol. 3

2010-04-25T22:57:00.003+08:00

I only bought 1 animated legend size figure a year ago. This time I get a whole set of EZ collections not because I want to complete the animated legends, but just want to get the clear movie Optimus Prime! Well, another reason to get the EZ collections set is that it is cheaper than the US version legends. The legends series is getting better and better. Well done, Takara!
Lets have a look on these little guys.
(click to enlarge the photos)

The EZ collections come with blind boxes...

The most impressive one, Clear Optimus Prime!

With Clear 74 Bumblebee.

Another Bumblebee repaint...

The animated legends figures are really nice.
It would be perfect if Optimus Prime can get better paint job.

Have a photo with everyone~
Oops! Arcee and Jolt are still in the box.
See their US twins here!

Fireball Drossel

2010-04-24T23:02:00.003+08:00

Fireball Drossel是什麼我真的不清楚, 但這個Disney角色的產品出過不停, 還是使我很好奇. 不過她的產品大多很貴, 這款Yujin的Gashapon可算是最經濟實惠的了. 已經很久沒抽過Gashapon, 400yen的Gashapon也有點貴, 但聽人說這款Drossel是物超所值, 關節超多, 今天就抽一個吧! 結果抽到這個飛行型態, 果真不錯呢, $20有這麼多關節! 不過還是最喜歡長髮版, 比較可愛點!

The Revenge of Blackarachnia

2010-04-05T19:54:00.003+08:00

They might be the cheapest deluxe figures I have ever bought. They worth the name "Special Value". I bought them last year with the price HK$99.9. Yes, you didn't see it wrong, HK$99.9 (~US$13) for 4 deluxe figures. All of these 4 Animated figures are nice toys. I feel sorry for them to be sold that cheap! Hasbro even made a story for each set. I really love the Prime vs Blackarachnia set a lot. Sometimes we can enjoy good toys without paying much!
I just wanted to clean up my inventory today, so I didn't spend too much time to take the photos. Anyways, hope you can enjoy these quick shots,
(click to enlarge the photos)

I said that I hate Hong Kong Toysrus put the sticker on my toys. I can't complain this time as Toysrus sold them that cheap!

"Battle Damaged" Optimus Prime

"Battle Damaged" Megatron

When can I get the side-car? I want Samurai Prowl!

Beast Wars cross-over G1, Blackarachnia!

The battle begins!

Now, show time for our lady.
"The Revenge of Blackarachnia"

You can't escape from me.

Are you going to leave me alone?

Which one do you like? The black lady or the pink lady?

Cube H900HD

2010-04-03T12:42:00.004+08:00

本來沒有買PMP的打算, 不過媽媽想買一個數碼相架, 想想反正也要花數百元, 只有slideshow功能的相架不太化算吧? 倒不如買一個畫面比較大的PMP, 加上現在的PMP也有HDMI輸出, 可以接電視看高清影片, 不錯吧!
雖然在網上找了很多不同的PMP, 其實也沒有找到很多選擇, 因為我想要大屏幕的PMP, 基本上也只有Cube這款H900HD. 7"的大畫面, 足夠做數碼相架了. 雖然不知裡面的chipset是什麼(現在知道是SoChip SC9800), 但看了一篇頗詳盡的review, 功能上基本能完全滿足我的要求, 反正不到900元, 便買它回來吧!
買時店員講解也很詳盡, 其實不論他說得好或不好我也會買的. 但他有一句話令我印象很深. "Cube設有斷電開關, 比Ainol好, 死機也可以斷電, 不用找代理維修". 說產品會死機本不是好的做法, 但實話實說比隱藏缺點要好! 我自己也是做embedded software的, 電子產品死機真的很難避免! 而實在我也碰到Cube死機的情況, 也找到repeat的方法(我是不要轉做SQA???), 但這些死機情況我可以避免, 所以也可接受. 少說廢話了, 把我覺得的優缺點列出來吧!

優點:

7"大屏幕, 色度亮度OK, 不反光啞色面效果不差
可播各種Video Format, 1080p能播
(只試過內置的1080p片段, 手上只有720p的片能試)
相片顯示很快! 12MP的jpg也可以1秒1張放slideshow沒有delay
機身雖然大, 但輕, 勉強要帶到街上也可 (我不會就是了...)
USB 2.0 OTG, 接電腦抄file夠快, 也可讀USB memory
Support microSDHC
價錢平! 連配件包(火牛, 色差線, HDMI線, remote, 包袋, etc.) 也不到HK$900!

缺點:

看相片沒有縮圖! 沒有Thumbnail功能比較難找相呢...
HDMI輸出到TV時, 720p的Video聲畫不同步!
在本機LCD播放時是沒有這問題的! 但輸出到TV時播一會聲畫便開始不同步. 暫停再播才會正常, 但一會後又會不同步! 似乎是大畫面decode時processing power不足. 不敢想像1080p的video會如何...
(不知接上外置電源會否改善? 會是為了省電降低CPU speed嗎?)
1080p輸出時, menu太細
死機1:
同一folder放太多file, 進入該folder時會死機!
這是我爸把4百多張相片抄到機時, 一進這folder便死機了! 少於200張便能正常打開! 我懷疑這機在進入folder時其實有做Thumbnail, 所以slideshow才夠快. 但太多圖時, 做Thumbnail花了太多時間死機了...
死機2:
HDMI輸出時, 將輸出改為1080p, 玩了兩下便死機...

其實這機定位是有點奇怪, 因為7"的PMP真的很難攜帶. 相信Cube的目標也是我這類想要數碼相架, 但又不甘只有看相片功能的人吧? 作為PMP功能我覺得可接受了. 但相片功能可以做好一點, 起碼應解決folder太多相會死機及加入Thumbnail. 希望會有新的firmware改善吧. 作為HD player, 可謂不合格了! 720p也會聲畫不同步, 不能接受啊! 不過我一般是看日劇rmvb, 連720p也不到, 比較少機會碰到這問題. 真的要用HD player的話, 還是買直接Realtek chipset那些吧!
對我來說, 這機是一個附加Vidoe播放功能的數碼相架, 總算一個價錢滿足一家人的需要, 我會給它7分吧!

新聞直線

2010-03-22T22:29:00.001+08:00

東鐵比較先進, 車廂內用的是Windows XP.

Black Lady

2010-03-18T21:39:00.003+08:00

Black lady comes after the pink lady. You should know why I bought this "Target Exclusive" legends VS set. Yes, Shadow Striker is a fembot! I really don't care about the 10th Bumblebee repaint. I paid the money just for this black wheelie repaint. I know this little figure has no symbol of a female, but her name is irresistible! I love the original Viper Shadow Striker! Anyway, she still got the same color scheme, especially the face and eyes as the original's. Just some quite shots.
(click to enlarge the photos)

"Only at Target" but a Toysrus sticker! It is Hong Kong!

Who cares the story behind them?

Can you tell she is a Fembot?

Once an exclusive, always an exclusive.
But from convention exclusive to store exclusive.

Car mode is nice, Transformation system is good as a legend size figure.

OK, they should have a fight.

Bumblebee, I don't really want you! Still I will give you a few shots.

Animated Pink Lady

2010-03-16T22:45:00.002+08:00

Fembot, my favorite! Hong Kong is a good place that you can get most "Toysrus Exclusive", "Target Exclusive" as regular. However, when I learnt that Animated Arcee reached Hong Kong, all stocks were already gone! I was about to give up and wait for the Japanese version. Luckily I found 2 pieces on the shelf of a Toysrus. ^_^
Animated Arcee is a nice figure. Very good robot mode and vehicle mode. She also resembles her G1 counterpart. I still have a few complaints to the design. First, the wings really ruins the robot mode. I prefer taking them away. Second, the grip of the swords are too big, which hurts Arcee's fists! I really fear her thumb will break!
Anyway, Arcee is still a must have, especially for fembot lovers like me! Lets enjoy Arcee's show!
(click to enlarge the photos)

In package image and bios.

Without the wings, the car mode looks even more like G1.

The pilot seat can open, nice!

My fair lady.

Come and fight me! I'm the Kung Fu master!

Want to challenge my swords?

The Animated Pink Lady and Movie Pink Lady.

銀咖哩

2010-03-15T21:45:00.002+08:00

Jusco超市外開了一家新的日式咖哩飯餐廳, 叫銀咖哩. 今天晚上就去了試一試. 我點了漢堡咖哩, 加配薯角和汽水. 價錢算是很合理, 這樣的份量也只是$37. 可惜味道很一般...
話雖如此, 晚餐還是多了一個選擇, 應該還會再光顧的.

漢堡咖哩 ($31) + 薯角 + 百事 ($6) = $37

Donald Bee

2010-03-07T19:37:00.004+08:00

The second character of the Disney Transformers collaboration, Donald Duck! I already said I am now a fan of Disney characters, but I still bought this figure when it just came out to the market. Why? Just because I already own the Mickey Convoy! ^_^
Donald x Bumblebee is a nice figure. As a toy, this Donald Bee is even better than Mickey Convoy. The transformation system is much more complicated, and the robot mode is more articulated! I love it some much! I just wonder why Takara Tomy made the silver color in car mode. Lets enjoy this little gallery!
(click to enlarge the photos)

Nice package.

Nice Beetle. Can you see the little driver?

Autobots, roll out!

Mickey and Donald, Convoy and Bumblebee!
Donald Duck is so small.

Lets go surfing!

虎年快樂

2010-02-14T12:34:00.000+08:00

Decepticon Off-Screen Air Force

2010-02-07T15:35:00.002+08:00

Hasbro always try to dig out every buck in your wallet. More are more characters are listed in the ROTF line even they don't have a chance to show up on the movie. Well, I can't resist to get them in my collection if there is a good enough reason, say a new mold, or a repaint to a G1 character. (-_-")
Even I am blaming Hasbro to roll out so many TFs at a time, I really appreciate these fighters. The deluxe size cone heads are nice, but the scout size stealth jet and biplane are even better. Skystalker is the best among them. It has so many articulation as a scout size figure. The transformation system is great. It can even combine with the voyager size Mindwipe! How can you expect for more? I can say Divebomb is Red Baron, isn't it? Thrust is a repaint, but that's the reason for me to get this mold. Hasbro is kind enough to give Dirge as a new mold. I know I need to get also Mindwipe, but I could get it with reasonable price...
Lets enjoy the Decepticon Air Force parade! (click to enlarge the photos)

In package images,

Divebomb the Red Baron

Battle mode!?

MJ in Smooth Criminal

Divebomb is better than I expected. The transformation system is great. As a scout size figure, the articulation is very good. Only the neck joint and the arms are the weak points. I am glad to skip the first one and get this Red Baron repaint.

Skystalker

Stealth jet is always tempting.

Battle mode again!?

I have to say it again, Skystalker is the best! You have to regret if you don't have it. I want Mindwipe to take picture with Skystalker but I can't wait. I bet Mindwipe cannot beat Skystalker at all even it is a voyager size figure.

The cone heads

Where is Ramjet?

Thrust is no longer a cone head. The mold itself is a good mold. The transformation system is good. Howver, I hate the way it hides the head. I had been thinking of whether to buy this mold. I had no other choice when I learnt that it will be repainted as a G1 character.

Dirge is lucky to get a new mold. The jet mode is nice. The transformation system is good. The MehcAlive gimmick is nice. However, the robot mode is a bit disappointing. The cone head is a nice design, but not really fixed in place. The leg are weak and the feet are bad! Just an average figure.

Finally get a group shot.

Legends of the Fallen 2

2010-01-17T13:15:00.003+08:00

Finally another post after nearly 2 months. The legends series is getting better and better. In the Legends of Cybertron era, the figures were enlarged minicons. Now, they are miniaturized scout class figures! Much better transformation system and more articulations. I also like its small size. It would be perfect if Hasbro didn't raise the price...
Though the Japanese EZ Collection part 2 was also out and cheaper than the US version, I don't think I am lucky enough to get the ones I want from the blind package. I picked the those new molds from US version. Arcee and Jolt should be the last set of new molds in the series. It is time to say goodbye to the ROTF legends. Lets enjoy a little gallery of these little ones.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Packages come first,

I hate HK Toysrus who put a damn sticker on the card back! You can never tear it off without ruining the print! I pay the money but Toysrus put its seal on my stuff. It's a crime!

Battle in Shanghai

I don't really want to buy repaint, but I couldn't get Sideswipe. This Bluesteel Sideswipe filled my collection. The color is still close to the original.
Sideways may be even better than its deluxe size counterpart, as least it does not have a red belly. I don't even get the deluxe size Sideways yet!

The communication specialist

Soundwave is a surprise! I didn't expect a legend size figure have so many articulations. The robot mode is excellent! Satellite mode is not bad, but difficult to play with other figures.

Battle in the desert

The twins are nice. I like both of them got a big fist. The only complaint is that the legs of Skids are too long!

The little spy

Good truck mode, but the too simple transformation make a poor rear view...

"I change side! I change side!"

Legends Wheelie fit deluxe size figures very well. What a ideal ratio!

The poor guy with no voice...

Combine! Jet Prime!

Jolt is a nice design, but he does not have the luck to say one word in the movie. I give him a chance to be the main role.

The lady

It is a pity that Arcee got no feet. However, doesn't she look like a mermaid? This legend size figure also has very good articulations. The size should fit HA human figures very well.

Samurai of Death

2009-11-21T23:55:00.003+08:00

Didn't update my blog for long long time..., but Bludgeon the skeleton brings back my passion! When I read the news that Hasbro will release this figure, I told myself to get it as soon as it is out. Bludgeon doesn't disappoint me. Nice tank mode and perfect robot mode! Though there is not waist joint, you can make nearly any pose you want. With the armor, sword and dagger, Bludgeon really resembles a samurai. I can't recall any TF has such Japanese style. Good job, Hasbro! Alright, lets enjoy this small gallery.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Package and BIO. Why is Bludgeon included in the ROTF line?

Nice tank mode, but I like the robot mode much much more!

How can you imagine a robot's head is a skull?

I love the way it stores the dagger.

Really awesome!

Battojutsu!

Come and fight me!

Battle with the jungle master.

Ninja vs. Samurai

Good bye, Lio Prime!

The Twins

2009-09-07T21:38:00.002+08:00

I had been waiting for the ice-cream truck twins long long time. I couldn't find one on any Toyrus's shelf. And I don't want to pay double the price to get one from auction site. Finally I got it in a department store in China selling at the suggested retail price. ^_^
The twins are stupid and ugly, but they played the main roles in the movie. There is no reason to skip them, right? The ice-cream truck and the deluxe Skids and Mudflap are indeed nice figures. Lets enjoy a little gallery of these guys.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Skids and Mudflap got no upgrade with the new bodies!?

What a cute truck!

"Oh no~"

It is so difficult to put every pieces in place in car mode. It makes me think of Big Convoy.

My Mudflap is from batch 1, still showing the TRAX license plate.

The ice-cream truck is so small!

"I take the green one!"

The articulations are quite good as a half-deluxe figure.

I like Skids' big fist.

Mudflap doesn't catch my eyes much.

Really amazing that they can fight with Devastator.

These figures are really nice. The small ones got all the characteristics of the big ones. Same head sculpts and same feet.

亞龍回來了!

2009-08-29T16:11:00.002+08:00

苦等了半年, 亞龍咖喱終於回來了! 在網上知道"真正"亞龍咖喱會在8月29日重開, 當然第一時間就要去品嚐一下啦! 本來擔心中會否晚市才正式營業呢, 幸好中午到來已經見到店內有不少人光顧了. 亞龍在原址旁邊的舖位重開, 店內裝修得比以前要精緻很多, 不過還是很擠迫呢 :P 來到當然要點我最愛的咖喱牛腩. 太美味了! 本來擔心第一天重開會否不夠時間準備牛腩呢, 咖喱的味道能否保持呢? 但只吃一口就把所有憂慮一掃而空! 咖喱的味道還是跟以前一模一樣, 牛腩也是很軟滑很入味; 絕對不是冒牌貨可比的呢! 老闆娘說休業了4個月, 昨天晚上還忙到12時, 所以連牆壁上"正宗巴基斯坦咖喱"的介紹也未有時間寫呢! 我一定會繼續來光顧的, 旁邊的冒牌貨, 看你還可支持多久!

The Corvette Brothers

2009-08-09T22:35:00.002+08:00

I need to thank Hasbro's repaint policy. Otherwise I don't know when will I take out my first ROTF deluxe size figure! Sideswipe is a lucky guy in the movie. He has a very cool car mode and robot mode. He also has a nice performance when fighting Sideways, catching everyone's attention. As a toy, Sideswipe is also nice figure. Very poseable compared to other figures. I just want to complain the bad shoulder joint. Swerve is tempting as red sports car is always catch my eyes. It would be perfect if he comes with some matellic finishing. The new head mold is another bonus. Alright, already too much nonsense. Lets enjoy a little gallery.
(click to enlarge the photos)

In package images. I got a Japanese version Sideswipe.

Sideswipe's BIO.

Swerve's BIO.

Nothing to complain with the car mode.

Nice body, Sideswipe!

So does Swerve!

Finally have a look on the new head sculpt.

ROTF Devastator

2009-07-19T22:08:00.003+08:00

Yes! The fully transformable ROTF Devastator finally comes! The voyager class Constructicon figures are really nice, but it is a shame that they cannot combine to Devastator. I think everyone is excited to the EZ Collection set when it was announced. Of course you cannot expect legends class figures can be very detailed, it will not disappoint you! Trust me! It is a must get item! Lets see how nice are these little guys.
(click to enlarge the photos)

In package image.
Japanese packaging does not use blind box this time to let people get a full set.

Lets take a look to each one of them,

I couldn't remember if Overlord appeared in the movie, but a least robot mode did not.

Mixmaster is one of my favorite figures in ROTF. I need to get the voyager class figure!

Rampage is also a cool guy. It is a pity that the legend class figure is too simplified.

Scavenger is very nice as a legend class figure. It looks very close with the voyager Demolisher.

Another character not being shown in the movie, but Scrapper is the most articulated one.

Longhaul is also cool. A strong muscle guy.

Is Hightower a robot? Or just a scorpion?

Team Constructicons!

Combine! Devastator!

Go! Kill the Autobots!

Think you can beat me? You stupid gaint!

Legends of the Fallen

2009-07-01T21:26:00.003+08:00

I love legends class figures. I want to own them all but I don't think these little guys worth the price tag marked by Hasbro Hong Kong. At first I only bought Optimus Prime, Jetfire and Fallen. Then I bet on my luck to get the Japanese blind package. I bought 6 and got 2 more Jetfire and 1 Optimus Prime! WTF! I want Megatron and Sideswipe! Anyway, I do satisfy with the quality and design of these ROTF legends class figures. Of course I will be happier to see them with a lower price tag!
Lets have a look on these little guys! Click to enlarge the photos.

Big means nothing!

Scanning for a new body. Hey! This is from episode 1, isn't it?

The 08 body finally come out after 2 years.

The old man.

Little theater 1: Revenge of the Decepticons

"Go to hell! Optimus Prime!"

"Eat my kick, Starscream!"

"Please revenge me, master Fallen"

"Wait for me, Optimus Prime"

"Fallen is coming! What should I do?"
"Only Prime can defeat Fallen. Use my parts, Optimus Prime!"

"Jet Prime!"

"Attack!"

Fallen ought to be the strongest Decepticon! How come he can't stand one hit!

Little theater 2: Rebirth

"Optimus! Come back!"

"I bring you the Matrix! Come back!"

"Thank you, Sam. I got a new life"

勇者篇Clear!

2009-06-29T22:04:00.004+08:00

完成了普通難度的勇者篇了! 勇者30真的很有趣! 勇者篇雖名為RPG, 但我覺得更像Puzzle Game! 因為要在限時完成遊戲, 考腦筋比技巧更多呢! 遊戲雖然短, 但故事性倒也很強, 最終話更可找回之前出場過的同伴一起打大魔王呢! 但我只找到其中4個舊同伴, 另外還有女戰士和吟遊詩人沒有時間去找, 我相信應該可以找回所有同伴一起作戰的啊! 接下來可以挑戰魔王篇了, Realtime SLG好像很難啊 >_<

完成最終話, 更有Ending Scene, 一點也不馬虎!

Revenge of the Fallen

2009-06-25T00:22:00.002+08:00

不枉請了半天假期到IMAX看Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, 比想像中更精彩. 加上IMAX的特大銀幕, 就如置身於機械人的打鬥之中, 看得真過癮呢! 另外M&M crossover TF也很好, 紅豆扮成柯柏文很趣怪呢!

紅豆大頭照

勇者30

2009-06-14T22:16:00.002+08:00

很久沒有買過新game了, 早前看到介紹"勇者30"這個game, 有RPG, STG, Realtime SLG, ACT等模式, 每個任務都是要30秒完成, 聽上去已經很有趣了. 製作公司為了強調自己的創意, 畫面故意弄成紅白機年代的pixel人, 看上去倒也不壞呢. 剛剛完成了RPG部份第一個mission, 雖然還不是弄得很清楚, 但感覺不錯. 希望其他部份也一樣有趣吧? 另外還有2個遊戲模式應該要完成開始的4個模式才開放出來, 有點期待呢!

畫面是否很爛呢? 因為用了image editor縮圖時smooth了, 文字才沒有鋸齒呢! XD

"亞龍"變了"阿龍"

2009-06-08T21:02:00.003+08:00

知道亞龍咖喱裝修後重開, 當然馬上去品嚐一下, 已經半年沒吃過了啊! 但今天在OpenRice看到有人說重開後似乎老闆換人了, 味道也不同了, 真的有點擔心. 晚上到了店外, 也覺得有點怪怪的, 原來招牌由"亞龍咖喱"變成了"阿龍咖喱"! 名字不同了, 似乎真的換了老闆!? 不管怎樣, 既然來了就要吃一客咖喱牛腩! 不知是否心理作用, 味道不是有很大分別, 但硬是覺得有點點不同. 到底是否已吃不到原來的亞龍之味呢? 之前聽Alan說, 亞龍老闆說裝修後會在附近再重新開業. 但現在是同一位置重開, 會否是冒名之店呢? 正牌亞龍會重出江湖嗎?

Perfect Inferno

2009-05-29T16:57:00.004+08:00

Classics Inferno is a great figure, but without the tower ladder makes him look sad. TFC Toys brings back a complete Inferno, through an accessory set "Gear of War", which is even more expensive than the original figure. I know the "Gear of War" set includes not only the tower ladder for Inferno, but also 3 missile launchers, a cassettron and the "invisible" wall for Mirage. So what? I want only the tower ladder! Can I get a cheaper "ladder-only" package?
Anyway, with this add-on set, Inferno looks even better than before. He is really a must-buy figure in the Classics/Henkei line. Lets enjoy this little photo gallery.
(click to enlarge the photos)

In-package photos come first as usual.

BIO. Why G2?

Original Hasbro version Inferno.

The "Gear-of-War" set. The missile launcher and cassettron will not be covered in this post.

Complete Inferno! How can a fire engine get no tower ladder?

Dark Knight as a fire fighter. (^_^)

This is the bonus part for those pre-order from HK-TF.

Ready for a Grapple custom?

Original Hasbro version, but with the ladder as new weapon!

Captain Hook.

Back to the G1 appearance.

Full load!

A new blade...

and it is very very long!

Mickey Convoy

2009-05-17T21:51:00.002+08:00

I'm not a fan of Disney characters. I can tell you that I bought this Mickey just because he is a TF! That's why I could wait for 2 months until the price dropped with the second stock come. I didn't expect too much for this figure as I read many reviews already. However, I think it is a really nice collaboration. It is not a fun toy but a nice decorative item. I am looking forward to the Donald Bumblebee.
(click to enlarge the photos)

Japanese TF always got nice package, right?

I love this red color.

You can hardly make any pose with this robot.

OK, it can sit.

and it can turn its head.

The small mickey on the top is nice.

Mickey back to the driver seat!

Autobots, roll out!

EEEPC at Full Speed!

2009-05-14T20:26:00.004+08:00

現在才發現, 我的EEEPC是702, 不是701 (-_-"), 我的EEEPC是8G SSD版本...
701跟702功能其實沒有分別, 我也不會發覺, 但為了發揮小小EEEPC真正力量, 我決定"overclock" CPU回900MHz. (本來就是900MHz的Celeron嘛, 只是被Asus underclock了...)
Linux上有幾套工具可以調整EEEPC的CPU速度和支持Fn+Hotkey(因為Ubuntu本身只支持了Volume+/-, Mute, Brightness+/-, 其他Hotkey都不行), 我先試了Sympatic已包含了的EEE Applet, 但根本無甚效果便remove了. 跟著試用EEE control, 這次Hotkey能用了, 但當想"overclock"到900MHz時便會死機, 只好再尋有否其他良方, 結果找到了elmurato EEEasy scripts!
用了EEEasy scripts後, 所有Hotkey都可用了, 包括suspend, WiFi on/off, 連CPU speed change也沒問題, 還可根據有否用AC adaptor作speed change, 大功告成了? 可別開心得太早! 我發現CPU temperature一直讀不到, 風扇不能隨溫度改變而變速, 太奇怪了. EEEasy scripts本身也是透過asus_eee這個library來讀CPU temperature, speed和控制風扇速度, 我想是否asus_eee出問題了? 但我找了很久也沒見到其他人碰到相同的問題, 也太不可思議吧, 難道Asus賣了一部壞機給我? 花了兩天, 終於找到真正原因! asus_eee是通過Intel Embedded Controller (EC)取得CPU speed, temperature, 風扇速度等資訊, 我的EEEPC不能讀到CPU temperature是EC firmware version太老了. 要更新EC firmware, 就要update BIOS. 也就是update BIOS時才發現我的EEEPC是702, 不是701! 因為701跟702的BIOS不相容的. 在Asus official support能找到2個702新BIOS, 0404和0502. 要update當然用新一點的0502來做吧! 但update了0502 BIOS, EC firmware還是701_070版本, 根本無幫助! 只好試試downgrade BIOS到0404再試試. 但Asus official不可downgrade BIOS! 我又花了一輪功夫找到了其他人做的可升可降BIOS版本的功具(其實也是用Asus official DOS version BIOS updater加batch file做出來的), 終於成功換了0404 BIOS了! EC firmware version是701_073! 這次終於成功了, 看看上圖就知道CPU自動轉速, 風扇根據CPU temperature轉速成功了! 所以EEEPC 702 (8G版本!)一定要用0404 BIOS!
是否解決了全部問題呢? 應該是吧? 但還有一點怪怪的是不插火牛開機時, 風扇不會轉... 是我看錯了, 還是我未configure好這套scripts呢?

Youtube and Banshee on EEEPC 701

2009-05-08T16:28:00.004+08:00

上回提到的問題, 基本上全解決了!
IrfanView的問題是因為用過一次後, 會產生一個setting的ini file, 下次再跑時讀了這ini file便會crash. 笨解決方法是delete ini file. 另一方法是IrfanView加一個parameter /one (force one instance). 用了/one後每次都開到. 但Windows內沒事, 用Wine有問題, 應該是Wine的問題吧?
Youtube問題果然是Flash Player有關! 但用Firefox看Youtube時, 明明是有link到Macromedia上download的, 到底是我弄錯還是其他問題, install了的卻是其他open source的SWF player! 到底是那個player我已沒深究了, 但最終install會Macromedia的Flash Player就好了. 用了手動的方法install:
sudo apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree
Restart Firefox就可以了! 記緊要先remove其他SWF player, 否則會沒效的! 包括swfdev-mozilla啊!
最後是用Banshee取代了Rhythmbox. Rhythmbox的UI不錯, 但UI跑得很慢, 最慘的是在701上當有其他task跑得狠, 尤其當有新的Window initialize時,聲音就會斷斷續續! 作為music player, 聲音斷斷續續還有什麼用!? 本試過用SMPlayer來播, 效果是好很多, 但作為music player UI就不合格, 連MP3 Tag也不能顯示. 所以試了Banshee. Banshee和Rhythmbox一樣用GStreamer framework, 播放能力應該差不多吧? Banshee UI比Rhythmbox更舒服, 因為更像iTune XD 用起來也很像iTune, 也support iPod呢! 但這裡要警告大家一下: 千萬不要把同一部iPod在iTune和Banshee一起用! 因為Banshee不支持新的iPod database format. 雖然Banshee提了我rebuild database可能會弄壞一些setting, 但我為了一試也是rebuild了database. 在Banshee用是可用了, 但當拔出iPod一看, 怎麼我的Album Arts全消失! 明明是embed在MP3 file內的啊! 結果我要用iTune救回這些Album Arts... 另外Banshee怎樣讀取Album Arts還是不太清楚. 我找到資料說是先看file有沒有embed Album Art tag, 再看folder有沒有JPG file, 再上網找. 但我的MP3明明有Album Art tag也沒顯示出來, 在同一folder有JPG file也只是播放某些歌曲才會顯示Album Arts. 真的搞不懂 ~_~
上圖是邊跑Banshee邊看Youtube, 701還可為我服務呢 ^_^

Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix on EEEPC 701

2009-05-03T00:35:00.004+08:00

我的EEEPC 701復活了! 自從回港後, 基本上都沒有用過EEEPC. 始終螢幕太細小, CPU也慢. 去年買也只為方便到日本可以有一台輕便的電腦可上網才買的, HK$3888一點也不便宜啊! HK$3888為我服務了半年, 每天只是$20, 還可以吧...(阿Q中...)
不過封印了半年後, 知道Ubuntu 9.04推出了, 還特別準備了一個Netbook Remix, 風評頗佳. 剛好有幾天假期就試一下吧, 反正不用也只是封塵.
安裝很方便, 只是click幾下就完成, 而且在這顆Celeron M 900MHz也不過是十分鐘左右的時間, 太出色了吧? 安裝前已在官網知道Ubuntu在EEEPC 701有什麽問題, 主要是畫面太小, 很多application不能完全顯示; 另外一個就是不能錄音. 不過我遇到的卻不是錄音的問題, 而是WiFi不穩定, 雖可連線, 但不到2, 3分鐘就會斷! 這可是大問題, 不能上網, 怎可算Netbook? 結果我先同LAN cable install必要的package, 再研究這個問題. 最後花了兩天時間才解開這個迷! 先總結一下這次Ubuntu on EEEPC的經驗吧!

錄音的問題, 在網上找到修改Alsa Mixer config就可用了!
Launcher反應很慢, 原來是很多EEEPC共通的問題, 加了2個patch就好了. 似乎是mouse capture引起的bug, 可能是handle過多mouse message吧?
中/日文輸入法, 很容易就安裝了. 但開始時用了倉頡, 字碼跟Windows出入很大, 很不習慣. 後來換了倉頡5, 就好很多了, 但有些字碼和Windows還是不一樣...
Video:
用Ubuntu default的Totem Player本身已可播RMVB, 但聲音正常, 畫面卻很窒.
結果換了SMPlayer和w32codecs就完全正常了!
Music:
Default的Rhythmbox也很不錯, m4a播不到時也會自動找Codec
Image Viewer
始終找不到比IrfanView更方便的Image Viewer, 又可以batch conversion. 本來試了xnview, 但還是不及IrfanView, 所以用了Wine來跑IrfanView. 開始用時也很正常, 但多用幾次後就跑不了, 必須uninstall/reinstall才可用, 不知2是Wine還是IrfanView setting錯了...
IM用default的Pidgin也OK, 也算方便易用, 但MSN的block list好像update不進Pidgin :P
最後是說WiFi的問題. 開始時已經可以連了, 我以為沒開題, 但卻常常斷線. 換了madwifi的driver也不行. 再跟網上攻略說的用ndiswrapper, 把XP的driver抄過來也不行, 幾乎要放棄. 想想會到姐姐家, 就試試她的Linksys router, 一試用default的driver就穩定得不得了, 一次也沒斷過線! 我開始想是Buffalo router跟driver不夾了. 但始終心有不甘, 再看看有什麽招數可使. 結果試著轉WiFi channel成功了! 家中的router本來用了channel 1, 因為附近的用戶都沒在用, 比較少扞擾. 但似乎Ubuntu的driver不太支持兩邊的channel, 試了channel 1, 13都連不到, 但轉了channel 6後, 就一連即通, 再沒斷線了! 難怪之前其他街外的WiFi signal比我自己家中的還強! 轉了channel 6後, 我的signal也變成最強了. 但這也太令人意想不到吧?

總括來說, 我對Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix也是滿意的, 起碼令我把EEEPC拿出來用啊! 這post也是久違的EEEPC發的post呢, 還是用Ubuntu出的! 不過仍有點點不滿, 就是youtube基本上看不到, 可能是Flash Player的問題, 因為跑Windows時是OK的. 看來Linux作Desktop的日子真的快到了. 在Ubuntu上幾乎沒有怎樣用terminal跑command, 當完全可以避開所有command line操作時, 一般user也可以用Linux作Desktop了!

The Red Lion

2009-04-30T20:12:00.002+08:00

I knew this Leo Prime is already released in US but I couldn't see any in Hong Kong. At last I order one from the China auction site. To be honest, I don't like the Galaxy Force LigerJack figure very much. It is just a piece of brick in both beast mode and robot mode. The only reason I bought LigerJack is that it can combine with Galaxy Convoy. This Leo Prime repaint attracts me with the new remold Prime head, and the classic red/blue color scheme. And what's more, this Leo Prime is the first US release of Lio Convoy, with a Prime head sculpt! (remember the legends Leo Prime?)
Lets enjoy the photo gallery. (click to enlarge the photos)

In Package.

"Aware of it only as a rumor"? Of course, Lio Convoy comes from the East!

Nice boxart.

So difficult to make any pose!

Prime's trademark head is the strongest reason for me to get this figure.

Robot mode also lacks of joints. I wants poseable figures, Hasbro/TT!

LigerJack's color scheme is actually better than Leo Prime's.

Prime meets Convoy!

Liger Convoy is Galaxy Convoy combined with LigerJack. So he is Prime Convoy?

Eat my big claw!

The dramatic double Convoy!
This combination is really great. The color of Leo Prime fits very well on Galaxy Convoy.

Henkei Red Alert

2009-04-26T16:27:00.002+08:00

The last wave of Henkei series, Alert and Smokescreen, are out. Though both of them are the third repaints of the same mold, I couldn't resist to pick them up. I decided to make a gallery for Alert first as he is still a Japanese exclusive figure up till now. As mentioned in previous post for Lambor and Sunstreaker, I like this mold very much. Alert is an exact repaint of Lambor, even with the same head sculpt. The only difference is the emergency lightbar on the roof. Maybe the mold used for so many times, it is very difficult to insert the shoulder canon into the hole. Not much to talk about this figure, just enjoy the pictures!
(click to enlarge the photos)

Japanese package is always nice.

Another nice thing comes with Japanese version, the BIO card.

Very nice car mode.

"ALERT" license plate.

Lambor and Sunstreaker and twin brothers, but who the hell is Alert?

Not much to say with robot mode.

I don't remember if there is a scene in G1 they all show up.

Finally, lets see the evolution in 25 years.