Comex 2008 Cometh! - Part 1
It's that time of the year again. Comex 2008 has arrived, featuring the best bargains in town for anything related to technology. Occupying two floors at Suntec City Convention Center, this is the place to be this weekend. So join us as we bring you the latest highlights and prices.
Comex 2008 Cometh!
Sparking off the usual excitement for the latest in gadgets and other high-tech toys, Comex 2008 has started at Suntec City Convention Center today. Our team was on the scene to capture the best deals and moments and we are glad to report that there are two sprawling floors of booths with undoubtedly great buys among them.
With the school holidays starting next week, expect to find whole families surging through the exhibition area this weekend, with Comex 2008 happening from 12 noon to 9pm daily till Sunday. Thus, it's best that you do your homework beforehand and what better place to check out the best prices and products then here at www.hardwarezone.com as we present to your our highlights of Comex 2008. Happy hunting!
Apple's Booth
Aztech's Booth
One of the hottest deals from the Aztech booth is the Aztech WL730RT4 Wireless 802.11g 4 port router, which is going at a pretty low price of S$39, so now's as good a time as any to change that router for a brand new one at an inexpensive price.
Launched at Comex 2008, the Aztech HL109RN 200Mbps HomePlug AV 802.11n router/extender comes with an introductory pricing of S$249, and to make the package complete, there's also the Aztech HL109E 200Mbps HomePlug AV with "Simple Connect".
Ban Leong's Booth
BenQ's Booth
1 dynamic contrast ratio and supports 16 million colors, going for just one dollar under S$300, i.e. S$299.
1 dynamic contrast ratio.
Notebook hunters, take note of the BenQ Joybook S42, equipped with Intel Centrino 2 processor, with Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor (2.26Ghz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache) and 4GB of RAM on top of a 320GB HDD and NVIDIA GeForce 9600GT 256MB GDDR3 RAM graphics. The catch? This S$1688 notebook is currently available for pre-ordering only, and will be heading to our shores in the coming weeks.
1. Features on the MP512 includes 3D color management, wall color correction and a 2200 ANSI lumens lamp, all for the price of S$899.
But if you fancy something even better, there's the BenQ MP522 ST priced at S$1359, with XGA resolution of up to 1024 x 768. What's more, for both projectors, you get a 250GB Freecom external HDD and a screen, absolutely free.
Canon's Booth
More from Canon
We reviewed this, the Canon Pixma MX7600, and were impressed by what it could do. It can print up to a resolution of 4800dpi and is network ready. It goes for S$879 (U.P. S$899).
Looking for photo-quality prints at a low price? Then the Pixma iP1880 might be what you are looking for, since it costs only S$89.
Canon is not just about printers, on show today was also its range of HD and SD camcorders. Here we have the DC330, HR10 and DC320.
This is one of Canon's HD camcorders on offer, the HV30. It films in HDV and comes with a plethora of free gifts such as a 2GB mini-SD card, free BP2L14 battery and even a 160GB external HDD. The HV30 costs S$1,999.
This is the HF100 and HF10, Canon's AVCHD HD camcorders. Like the HV30, these come with a whole bunch of free gifts. The HF10 goes for S$2,299 while the HF100 commands a price of S$1,899.
Canon's cameras were also on sale. This is the popular 8.0-megapixel IXUS 860 IS. It comes with lots of free gifts such as SD cards and a $30 shopping voucher. S$549 (U.P. S$599).
Also spotted was the IXUS 80 IS. It has 8.0-megapixels, 3x optical zoom and is available in 5 colors. S$399 (U.P. S$429).
The new Canon DSLR, 1000D was at Comex. Going for S$1,099, it has a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor as well as the EOS integrated cleaning system.
Casio's Booth
Cameras for you? There's a whole load over at Comex 2008, and at the Casio booth, the EXILIM series are aplenty, one of which is the Casio EXILIM EX-Z150 which features an 8.1-megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom and a 28mm wide angle lens, priced at S$399.
And trade-ins are also welcomed at Comex 2008, as with the Casio EXILIM EX-Z100 that's going for S$449 for every old camera trade-in. Specifications for the EX-Z100 includes a 10.1-megapixel camera, 4x optical zoom, and 28mm wide angle lens with anti shake.
More cameras for you. There's also the Casio EXILIM EX-S10, with similar features such as a 10.1-megapixel sensor, face detection and auto shutter mode. Available in four different colors, the EX-S10 is priced at S$449.
For similar features at a lower price, there's also the Casio EXILIM EX-Z80 at S$349, though you'll be receiving 8-megapixel image quality, but comes with face detection and H.264 movie recording capability.
Reviewed on both HWZ and HWM, there's the Casio EX-F1, which provides you with ultra high speed burst shooting at 60 images per second and high speed movie recording of up to 1200fps. Understandably, this is more of a niche device for users, and so is the pricing at S$1799.
Convergent's Booth
Convergent Continued
Creative's Booth
What's a local IT show without homegrown tech company Creative? Despite its recent troubles in the market, the company had its usual plethora of audio related products on display.
The latest Zen media player from Creative is the Mozaic, which plays songs, video, radio and images and comes in 2GB and 8GB sizes. The 8GB version is selling at S$169 and the 2GB for S$99.
For those dipping into audiophile territory, Creative's Aurvana In-Ear earphones are a good start at its affordable S$169 price tag.
If a simple no-fuss earphone is all you need, Creative has numerous in-ear and normal earphones for sale, all for the budget shopper.
D-Link's Booth
It's a networked world at D-Link's booth, where one can get the latest in wireless and other networking products.
In case you're still hanging onto your old routers, D-Link is offering a trade-in program for its products.
A wireless Draft-N Gigabit router from D-Link, the DIR-655 has 4 ports and comes with QoS technology for VoIP and online gaming. With trade-in, it's only $189 instead of $229.
The older version of the DIR-655 would be the DIR-300, which is a 54Mbps 802.11g wireless router with advanced firewall and other security features. All that for just $39.90.
D-Link's Star Buys for Comex 2008 would be these NAS and wireless products. $29.90 for a wireless adaptor sounds great.
Dell's Booth
Dell's notebooks were the main focus at its booth, reflecting perhaps the general trend of consumers preferring a mobile device rather than the staid desktop.
The Dell Inspiron 13 is the latest in this series of affordable notebooks and with prices ranging from S$1,099 to S$1,499, it does appear so. For that, you'll get a 13.3-inch notebook powered by an older Core 2 Duo processor and Windows Vista Home Basic along with between 1GB and 2GB of DDR2 RAM.
Another option for an entry level notebook would be the Inspiron 1525 at S$1,269, available in 8 vibrant colors and 3 new patterns. They all come with a 15.4-inch widescreen display, 2GB of DDR2 memory, a Core 2 Duo processor and integrated graphics from Intel.
The S$1,599 Dell Studio 15 has slightly more horsepower, with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450 GPU and up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM. It also has a less crippled operating system in the form of the Aero-enabled Windows Vista Home Premium.
Stylish and competent, Dell's XPS series includes this M1330, which now comes with Intel's integrated graphics instead of an NVIDIA GeForce Go GPU. The other specifications remain similar to what we have seen before, like an Intel Core 2 Duo and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. For that, you'll have to fork out from S$1,799 to S$1,899, depending on your choice of processor.
Dell's premium XPS model, the M1730 comes at a whopping price of S$4,699 but is equipped with the latest quad-core processor, the Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000. Additionally, it is powered by dual GeForce 8700M GT graphics in SLI mode. Obviously, it comes with 4GB of DDR2 RAM, along with the jazzy lights that Dell believes enthusiasts are attracted to.
With prices starting from S$1,199 to S$1,499, the Dell Inspiron 1420 is a 14.1-inch notebook with integrated graphics and a varying choice of processor and operating systems. All come with the bright colors associated with the Inspiron series.
Epson's Booth
The Epson booth is loaded with goodies, and of course, like many other vendors, there's also a lucky dip for certain models purchased at the booth.
Remember, we are still at Comex 2008, and there's definitely loads of products under S$100 for your choosing. And if printers are your target for the day, the Epson Stylus CX5500, featuring 4 INKdividiual DURABrite Ultra cartridges, is one of the major star buys over at the Epson booth, at S$98.
There are even better deals as we moved along the Epson booth, and we spotted the Epson Stylus T10, priced at an even more affordable number: S$88.
Now, if your budget allows you to exceed S$100, then consider a slightly spruced up version, with the Epson Stylus C110, capable of black print speed at 37 pages per minute. You'll be paying S$138 for the speed in return.
Don't let our image fool you, because the S$609 price tag is actually cancelled off and replaced with S$438 for the Epson Stylus Photo 1390, which prints up to A3+ sizes and is one of the more heavily slashed (in terms of pricing) printer in the Epson lineup for Comex 2008.
Presented with a Silver award from our very own HWM, the Epson PictureMate PM 210 is priced at S$208, whereas its larger sibling, the PictureMate PM 270 with a 2.5" color LCD screen, will be available if you top up a bit more to S$298. Photo printing on the go with absolutely no hassle, that's all you'll need to know about the PictureMate PM 210/270.
Fujitsu's Booth
With its usual classy display of notebooks Fujitsu's booth looked crowded when we were there to check out its wares.
A prominent ad for Fujitsu's new Atom powered UMPC, the LifeBook U2010, which is at a petite 680g and has a 5.6-inch screen.
At S$1,618, the Fujitsu LifeBook U2010 is probably one of the most expensive Atom powered device you'll find. Here's how small it is, lying besides an iPhone.
Another very portable device is the 8.9-inch LifeBook P1620VB which has a ULV Core 2 Duo processor (1.2GHz) and 1GB of DDR2 RAM and is going for S$3,488.
Garmin's Booth
For all your navigation needs, Garmin's booth should be one of your stops at Comex 2008.
The Garmin nuvi 205 comes with preloaded original Singapore and Malaysia maps to help you find your way around in both countries and is the more affordable of the three models at Garmin's booth at S$399.
Not just with the addition of European maps, the Garmin nuvi 750T GPS navigator also comes with built-in Bluetooth and FM transmitter for S$799.
JVC's Booth
We move on next to the JVC booth, where's its camcorders, home theatre systems and TV galore.
Mention JVC, and you'll be thinking of camcorders, so here we have the JVC Everio GZ-MG330, a 30GB HDD camcorder with 35x optical zoom, Konica Minolta lens and a built-in video light, priced at S$799.
High definition is all the rage, so if you wish to view your holiday movies in a crisp and clear resolution on your HDTV, it won't be wrong to go with the JVC Everio GZ-HD6, capable of 1920 x 1080 recording and comes with a 120GB HDD for the price of S$2499.
To make it much easier to share your videos, the JVC Everio GZ-MS100 comes with a one touch upload to YouTube, 35x optical zoom and is also bundled with free gifts that include an 8GB SD card, a camcorder bag and a video editing software, all for the price of S$599.
And for the audiophiles, there's also the JVC UX-G500 with multiple support for DVD, CD, and MP3, not to mention a USB host that allows you to connect portable media player straight to the UX-G500. The price? S$269.
The JVC TH-L1 comes with a 5.1ch surround sound system, and allows you to connect even your iPod onto the device to playback your tracks, straight from the source, for the price of S$399.
Full HDTVs. You'll be seeing a lot of it over at Comex 2008, and at the JVC booth, we have the JVC LT-47GZ78, a 47" full HD TV with Clear Motion Drive 2 and a DynaPix contrast ratio of 50000:1. And since it is Comex after all, prices would be slashed from its original S$6,299.
There's also one of the slimmest LCD TVs around that's also a full HDTV, and thus be sure to check out the 42" JVC LT-42S90 with 3 x HDMI output and 3D Cinema Sound. Of course, special pricing applies here, but be sure to note that its usual pricing is S$3,799.
Lenovo's Booth
Notebooks and desktops were the main products on show at Lenovo's booth.
For those who want a virtual taste of F1, Lenovo has this 'simulator' at its booth.
At S$999, the 14.1-inch Lenovo G410 comes with a dual-core T2410 processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM and Intel integrated graphics and represents good value for a notebook.
Desktops get some love from Lenovo with the K210, a Core 2 Duo equipped (E7200) system using Intel's G31 chipset. For S$1,199, you'll also get a GeForce 9300 256MB graphics and a 19-inch LCD monitor.
A portable 11-inch widescreen display is found on the Lenovo ideapad U110, which comes with a Core 2 Duo L7500 processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM and a 120GB hard drive (5400RPM). It has both a 7-cell and 3-cell Li-ion battery for extended battery life. With free gifts like a limited edition F1 jacket and a Jabra headset, this notebook goes for S$2,499.
Lenovo's top of the class business notebook, the ThinkPad X61 is a very lightweight and portable notebook powered by a Core 2 Duo T9300. This 12-inch notebook has a 8-cell battery and comes with a three-year international warranty. It's not cheap however at S$3,199.
A decent 15.4-inch entertainment notebook for mainstream users is this ideapad Y530, which has an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. There's also a Blu-ray combo drive and a GeForce 9300M 256MB discrete graphics. The price: S$2,399.
LG's Booth
If you are looking for LCD TVs or monitors, then LG's booth is one you cannot afford to miss.
LG's LCD TVs were on massive discounts. This 47-incher (LG 47LG60FR) for instance costs S$4,399 (U.P. S$5,999). It's full HD and has a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
Is 47 inches too big? Maybe consider this 42-incher (LG 42LG60FR) instead. This too is full HD and has a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, however it is much cheaper at S$2,699 (U.P. S$3,299).
For those looking for something more manageable and affordable, there are also 32-inchers such as this LG 32LG60FR. S$1,499 (U.P. S$1,999).
Gamers looking to replace their screens should check out this LG W2252TQ-PF, which has a fast response time of only 2ms, and supports up to a resolution of 1650 x 1050. S$399.
Another gamer-centric screen is this LG W2241T-PF, which has a slightly slower response time of 5ms. S$329 (U.P. S$369).
On sale also were a couple of LG notebooks, such as this E300. It is powered by a 1.86GHz Intel Core Duo processor, and comes with 3GB DDR2 RAM (after free upgrade) and a 160GB HDD. S$1,299 (U.P. S$1,399).
Also on sale, and in limited numbers, is this LG E200-A. It is powered by a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and comes with 3GB DDR2 RAM (after free upgrade) and a 200GB HDD. S$1,899.
Linksys' Booth
Logitech's Booth
M1's Booth
Things seem definitely brighter for M1 with their very own booth at level 4, while SingTel is content with their iPhone 3G sales back at their ComCentre headquarters.
So for all the non iPhone 3G lovers, there's still more to look at with M1's broadband plans that give you S$0 phones for both the Samsung Omnia and Nokia E71.
Though the HTC Touch Pro has started making its presence felt with its pre-order at Comex, the popular HTC Touch Diamond is also available at M1's booth for S$368 with a SunSaver + SunSurf Unlimited plan.
And for another S$0 Windows Mobile device, there's the LG KS20, also available with a SunSaver + SunSurf Unlimited plan.
NEC's Booth
We saw this Wall-E themed booth from NEC at the previous IT Show and it's back again, though given the recent release of the movie locally, it's perhaps a more appropriate timing this time round.
NEC's budget offering at Comex 2008 is this Versa S2100 notebook which is just under a thousand. It's powered by AMD's Turion 62 X2 processor at 2.1GHz and only has 1GB of DDR2 RAM. It does have a 13.3-inch display with a Radeon Xpress 1150 integrated graphics. You'll also get 1 year warranty.
Designated as a Star Buy by NEC, this NEC Versa S3300 has a Core 2 Duo T5500 processor with a free upgrade to 3GB of DDR2 RAM. This 13.3-inch notebook uses Intel integrated X3100 graphics and has a 160GB SATA hard drive for S$1,299.
Another rather attractive priced notebook is the NEC E6300, which costs S$1,099. However it only has a dual-core T2410 processor with 1GB of DDR2 RAM so that may dampen your enthusiasm.
NEC's Centrino 2 offering is this Core 2 Duo processor P8600 at 2.4GHz which is using the GM45 Express chipset. There's a free upgrade to 3GB RAM and it's rather affordable at S$1899.
NEC's hybrid desktop PC concept, the Powermate has been around for a while and the P5020 version here uses AMD's Turion 64 X2 dual core processors. It has 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 250GB SATA hard drive and a Radeon X1200 GPU. For its excellent design and striking aesthetics, you can expect to pay S$1,999, including free gifts like a 4GB thumb drive.
Nikon's Booth
For the big spenders, Nikon has quite a few items to entice you, starting with the Nikon D300 at S$2,999, which also comes with a slew of free gift that includes 2 x 8GB CF card, a Lowepro bag, an umbrella and tripod for outdoor shoots, LCD cleaning pad, 7-in-1 cleaning kit, an AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D, an EN-EL3E battery and finally a 52mm filter for the premium pricing it comes with.
DSLR beginners, check out an the Nikon D40 kit, which comes with an AF-5 DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED lens and is loaded with a whole load of freebies. And why? Because it's priced at an affordable S$788, which won't burn a huge hole in your pocket if you are still in the infancy stage of your DSLR career.
And here's the real wallet pincher: the Nikon D700. But this would be definitely worth the S$4499 price tag, as the D700 is a 12.1-megapixel DSLR, equipped with a high-density 51-point AF and ISO sensitivity up to 6400.
It's not all about DSLRs. For compact camera hunters, bargains such as the Nikon Coolpix L18, featuring 8.1-megapixel imaging quality, 3x optical zoom and anti-shake AE (auto-exposure), is going for S$249 with various freebies including a 4GB SD card and many more.
Though high ISO sensitivity on cameras are not advisable, it's still heavily featured on various compact cameras such as the Nikon Coolpix S210, with macro shooting up to 10cm and face-priority AF, all for S$299.
And if you're on a shoe string budget, there's also the Nikon Coolpix L16 which is going for S$199, but comes with an impressive lineup such as 7.1-megapixel, anti-shake AE (auto exposure), and the works.
Olympus' Booth
Skylet's Booth
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