Comex 2013 - Telco, Tablets, GPS & Mobile Accessories Buying Guide
Some of the best deals at any tech show can be found with the telcos, who just love to bundle their deals with loads of premium goodies. Plus, we check out the best promotions on smartphones, tablets, GPS devices and mobile accessories to complement your latest purchases.
Comex 2013 Buying Guide
Comex 2013 is currently taking place at Singapore Expo. The show is on from the 5th to the 8th of September, and is open from 12 noon to 9pm. One of Singapore's longest running tech shows, Comex 2013 will feature more than 800 exhibitors and cover over 350,000 square-feet of exhibitions space with products ranging from notebooks and tablets to televisions, automotive accessories and more. As usual, admission is free!
There will be a ton of products at the show, so in this handy buying guide we'll be giving you tips and tricks on what to look for in a great product. Whether you're buying a new broadband plan or a new GPS device, here's what you need to know before you buy your next gadget. But before we begin, here's a video highlight of the top 10 gadgets from the show floor:-
Buying Guide Index
HardwareZone Comex 2013 Portal
For more on Comex 2013, including maps, brochures and Twitter updates, click on through to our Comex portal.
Broadband Plan Deals at the Show
Here are some highlighted broadband plan deals at Comex this year.
M1 Fibre Broadband 200Mbps fibre home broadband forjust $39/month OR 300Mbps fibre broadband home bundle for just $49/month Comex 2013 Offer
Location M1 - Hall 5, Booth 5721 |
Up to 150Mbps download and 75Mbps upload speeds with more bandwidth for more users streaming HD video. Comex 2013 Offer
Location MyRepublic - Hall 5, Booth 5215 |
StarHub 200Mbps Fibre Home Broadband Top up an extra $32/month and get a Toshiba Satellite U40t Notebook worth $1479 or top up $40/month and get a Lenovo U430p notebook worth $1599.Comex 2013 Offer
Location StarHub - Hall 6, Booth 6701 | ViewQwest Fibernet 200 Bundle Be one of the first 100 daily to sign up and get: Free speed boost for 6 months and 3 months Freedom VPN.Comex 2013 Offer
Location ViewQwest - Hall 6, Booth 6621 |
SingTel 200Mbps Fibre Broadband SingTel's 150mbps fibre plan has been boosted to 200mbps for the same affordable price! Top up $80/month and get a Razer Blade 14-inch gaming notebook worth $2599.90 Comex 2013 Offer
Location SingTel - Hall 5, Booth 5118 |
Comex 2013 Broadband Plans Portal
Broadband Plan Buying Guide
Consumers now have more choice than ever for their internet needs, with a host of new companies like MyRepublic joining the big three Telcos. If you're thinking about signing up for a new plan, tech shows are often the best place to do it as the freebies and extras tend to be better than at other times of the year.
BROADBAND TODAY
Broadband plans in Singapore fall into three categories: Cable broadband, ADSL broadband, and Fiber broadband.
Cable broadbanddelivers high-speed Internet access via coaxial cables and a cable termination point. Plans are available from StarHub, M1, Pacnet, and NTT Communications offering speeds of between 3Mbps to 15Mbps. An advantage of cable broadband is thatthe quality of your connection is not dependent on your proximity to your ISP (whereas ADSL is). However, unlike ADSL, which runs on a dedicated line, cable connections are shared with others in your HDB or condo block, which can affect your download speeds. | |
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) broadbanddelivers high-speed Internet access via your existing telephone line. Plans are available from SingTel, M1, and Pacnet offering speeds of between 1.5Mbps to 15Mbps. One disadvantage of ADSL broadband is that your connection is linked to a fixed telephone line, so switching residence can be troublesome and will result in loss of service for a few days. On the other hand, unlike cable broadband, your ADSL connection is not affected by other users in your area.
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Fiber broadbanduses fiber optic cables to deliver Internet speeds far higher than both Cable and ADSL broadband. Plans are available from SingTel, StarHub, M1, MyRepublic, and ViewQwest ranging from 50mbps up to a mind-boggling 1Gbps. Fiber optic broadband requires a fiber optic termination point to be installed by network infrastructure provider, OpenNet.
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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Can I get Fiber broadband? Starting in 2010, network infrastructure providers OpenNet offered a one-time free installation of the fibre network termination point to all residences in Singapore. If you missed this offer, you'll need to book an appointment to have the TP installed, which will cost between $220-$450, although some ISPs offer to pay the installation charge for you if you sign up with them. As of 2013, over 95% of Singapore is fiber-ready. To check if your area is eligible for installation click here.
What router do I need for ADSL/Cable/Fiber? Any network router (wired or wireless) should be compatible with the modem your service provider gives you. However, it's a lot more tricky if you want to replace the modem that your service provider gives you. Not sure how to choose a router? Check out our networking buying guide.
What is International bandwidth/download speed? Some plans advertise different speeds for local and international downloads. Your local download speed will be applicable for sites hosted in Singapore (e.g. SingTel, locally hosted gaming servers), whereas international sites such a server in the US will subject to the international download speeds.
Smartphone Deals at the Show
Here are some highlighted smartphone deals at Comex this year.
Apple iPhone 5 Apple's latest iPhone has a high resolution 4-inch display, LTE connectivity, a light and thin body and a familiar, but still vastly appealing, industrial design. Comex 2013 Offer
| HTC One The HTC One is one of the sleekest Android smartphones out there with a full aluminum unibody, zero-gap construction, Full HD display andQualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core 1.7GHz processor. It also boasts excellent audio quality for a smartphone. Comex 2013 Offer
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Location M1 - Hall 5, Booth 5721 | Location StarHub - Hall 6, Booth 6701 |
Samsung Galaxy Mega with LTE The 6.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Mega has one of the biggest displays ever seen on a smartphone. Running on a dual-core processor and 1.5GB RAM, the Mega with LTE is an excellent multimedia device and ideal for movie watching on the go. Comex 2013 Offer
Location Samsung - Hall 5, Booth 5301 | Nokia Lumia 925 Wrapped in aluminum, with a gorgeous 4.5-inch AMOLED display, Nokia's latest Windows Phone 8 smartphone, the Lumia 925, also boasts an excellent 8.7MP PureView rear camera. Comex 2013 Offer
Location StarHub - Hall 6, Booth 6701 |
Blackberry Q10 The Q10 is no doubt the dream phone that BlackBerry loyalists have been waiting for. Equipped with a refined QWERTY keyboard, the BlackBerry Q10 provides an unrivaled typing experience. Its 2,100mAh removable battery ensures that you stay connected wherever you go. Comex 2013 Offer
Location SingTel - Hall 5, Booth 5118 | Sony Xperia Z Ultra The fully waterproof 6.44-inch Xperia Z Ultra incorporates a Full HD display, runs on the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean platform, and features an 8-megapixel camera with Exmor RS for mobile sensor and HDR for videos and photos. Comex 2013 Offer
Location M1 - Hall 5, Booth 5721 |
Comex 2013 Smartphones Portal
Smartphone Buying Guide
A smartphone has become an integral part of our daily lifestyle. With so many options from the different mobile platforms, it must be very confusing for consumers to decide on their next phone purchase. The attractive deals at tech shows often complicate things further, with reduced prices and more freebies.
SMARTPHONES TODAY
The mobile industry is dominated by the likes of Apple iOS and phones powered by Google Android. There are also other players such as Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10. So which mobile platform suits you better?
Apple iOS is well-known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. The consistency in user experience across the board helps you adapt to it pretty quickly. Backed by a vast and superior collection of apps, you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to choosing apps from photography, games, social networking, instant messaging, productivity and entertainment.Its great cross device synergy, anchored by iTunes and iCloud, provides a unified experience that is unrivalled. If you want a simple, easy-to-use and stable phone to use, you can't go wrong with an iOS device. More Information: WWDC 2013: iOS 7 Highlights, 11 Details You Might Have Missed about iOS 7, iOS 6 hands-on | |
BlackBerry recently unveiled its next generation operating system, BlackBerry 10 (BB 10), which will serve as a single platform for phones and tablets. BB 10 provides a whole new user experience where you use swipe gestures to navigate the interface instead of relying on a home, menu or back navigation button. One of its key features is the BlackBerry Hub, a notification center where your social and email accounts integrate. It is deliberately designed to be accessed from any app or lock screen, hence making it very convenient for you to check new notifications without quitting the app or task that you are doing. BlackBerry has one of the best, if not the best virtual keyboards in the market. The BB 10 keyboard is able to adapt to your typing style, learns from your message history and tries to predict the next word you are typing. Used over a substantial period of time, the BB 10 keyboard is able to deliver a faster and more accurate typing experience. If you are a loyal fan of BlackBerry's QWERTY keyboard, you will be glad to know that the company refined the design on the Q10. Whether you like a virtual or physical keyboard, BlackBerry has just the right device to meet your needs. More Information: BlackBerry Z10 Review, BlackBerry Q10 Review, BlackBerry Live 2013 | |
As an open-source OS, it is no wonder that Google Android has grown to become the world's most popular mobile platform. As Google Android offers the freedom of choice and customization, vendors are able to manufacture a range of mobile devices with different screen sizes, form factors, price points, and user interfaces to suit the needs of different consumers. Its tight integration with Google's services such as Gmail, Maps and Drive is an asset that other mobile platforms lack. If you like the flexibility of customizing your home screens and taking more control over how your phone works, Google Android is clearly for you. More Information: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, Google I/O 2012: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, For Butter or For Worse. | |
Windows Phone 8 (WP8) does not offer a drastically different user experience from its predecessor, Windows Phone 7. Its core still revolves around Live Tiles, which act as tiny windows that are constantly updated with the latest information. As such, you do not need to switch or jump between different apps to get the information you want. Windows Phone gives you all the necessary information with a single glance on the Start Screen. What's different in WP8 is the new Smart Screen, where you can resize the tiles according to your preferences. This allows you to enlarge certain functions of higher importance such as Calendar to be more visible on the home screen. Other updates include the option to enable app notifications on the lock screen, backup and restore data via Microsoft's SkyDrive, private group conversations in Rooms, NFC payment service in Wallet, and a selection of photo apps known as Lenses. If you want a break from the typical app and widget-filled home screens, WP8 can offer you a different and refreshing experience. More information: HWZ Tech Guide to Windows Phone 8 |
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Getting a Phone with Contract or Without Contract? If you are renewing your contract to purchase a phone, a gentle reminder that all three telcos have rolled out new tiered smartphones in September 2012. In a nutshell, you will no longer enjoy data bundles of at least 12GB or unlimited data usage once you switch over to the new smartphone plans. Check out our illustrated overview of tiered smartphone plans for a clearer picture.
3G or 4G? So far, M1 and SingTel are the two telcos in Singapore to launch a nationwide 4G LTE network. As for StarHub, its 4G network covers 60% of the island with a focus on outdoor coverage. Island-wide street-level coverage is expected by end of the year and pervasive in-building coverage is slated thereafter in the future. We did a mid-year review of the telcos' 4G LTE network in April. You may want to check the two articles (1) (2) out to have an idea of where the different telcos stand with regrards to 4G LTE coverage across the island.
More and more 4G-enabled mobile devices are entering the market and the telcos are actively promoting the adoption of 4G. If you want to enjoy faster mobile data connectivity, it is advisable to get a 4G phone but you have to take note that 4G phones generally have lower battery life. In addition, you are likely to switch to the new tiered plans and be limited by the lower data bundles. If you want to find out more about 4G LTE, do check out our 4G LTE Tech Guide. Do not know which devices are 4G-enabled? Fret not as we have compiled a list of devices with 4G LTE support.
Check out the latest mobile phones at our HardwareZone Mobile Phones Product Guide.
Tablets Deals at the Show
Here are some highlighted tablets deals at the Comex this year.
Apple iPad Mini (16GB) The thin and light iPad Mini looks stunning with itsanodized aluminum back 7.9-inch IPS LCD display. It's no slouch in the power department either thanks to its 1GHzA5 dual-core processor.Comex 2013 Offer
Location Epicentre - Hall 5, Booth 5101 | AC Ryan Tab 7.2 The AC Ryan Tab 7.2 sports a 7-inch display (1,024 x 600 pixels) and is powered by a dual-core 1.5GHz processor. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and has a host of connectivity options such as mini-HDMI, micro-USB, micro-SD and mini DC jack. Comex 2013 Offer
Location AC Ryan - Hall 6, Booth 6710 |
Samsung Google Nexus 10 Sporting an A15 1.7GHz dual-core processor, the Nexus 10 from Google and Samsung comes fused with the latest version of the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and advanced MIMO Wi-Fi, delivering web browsing speeds of up to four times faster than normal Wi-Fi..Comex 2013 Offer
Location Samsung - Hall 5, Booth 5301 | ASUSFonepad The ASUS Fonepad is the world's first 7-inch tablet to be powered by Intel Lexington processor. It runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and has cellular data connectivity, letting you make phone calls and send SMSes. Comex 2013 Offer
Location ASUS - Hall 5, Booth 5311 |
Comex 2013 Tablets Portal
Tablets Buying Guide
The tablet market is more crowded than before, with Apple iPads taking the lead and Google Android tablets fast catching up. Microsoft's Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets are beginning to make their presence felt in the tablet scene.
TABLETS TODAY
If you want to get a tablet today, there are three main options available: Apple, Google Android and Microsoft.
Apple is the company that started the tablet craze three years ago with its 9.7-inch iPad. Drawing lessons and experience from developing iOS for the iPhone and iPod Touch, Apple replicated the same formula and strategy successfully in the tablet space with four generations of iPads. It entered into the 7-inch tablet space last October when it unveiled the 7.9-inch iPad mini. While the market conditions were no longer friendly to Apple, the company managed to achieve significant sales of the iPad mini worldwide. A wide range of tablet accessories, a robust mobile platform combined with an intuitive user interface and support of tablet-optimized apps enables Apple to stay ahead of the competition. | |
Before the introduction of the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, Google left the tablet wars in the hands of its Android vendors, who met with little success in toppling the market leader, Apple. Having decided to take things into its own hands, Google partnered with ASUS to manufacture the 7-inch Nexus 7 and offered it at extremely attractive price points. It also launched Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the smoothest Android experience to date. Towards the end of 2012, Google collaborated with Samsung to build the Nexus 10 which has an ultra high resolution display. Since then, there's a race to the bottom in the tablet market as Android vendors built low cost, entry level tablets. A smoother, more fluid user experience, coupled with the growing support of developers for the Android ecosystem may finally give Apple and its iPads a run for their money. | |
The tablet market has grown to be too big and important for Microsoft to ignore, and the Redmond company ventured into the tablet space with not one, but two Windows operating systems. To compete with the sea of ARM-powered Android tablets and Apple iPads, Microsoft specifically designed a special Windows operating system, called Windows RT that can be used on devices powered by ARM processors. As the competition has yet to conquer the enterprise sector, an area that is especially friendly towards Windows operating system, Microsoft licensed Windows 8 to its partners to develop tablets that can provide the same functionality as laptops and desktops. Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Fujitsu, Acer have since jumped on the bandwagon to offer Windows 8 and RT tablet devices. If you are looking for a desktop-like environment on a tablet, you can consider the diverse range of Windows 8 and RT-powered tablet devices from the various partners. |
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Should you get a 7-inch tablet? 7-inch tablets are better suited for reading due to their 4:3 aspect ratio. In addition, 7-inch tablet form factor offers better mobility and portability. However, if you are into heavy multimedia consumption and require larger screen real estate, it is obvious that 10.1-inch tablets are recommended. As a general guideline, there is no one size fits all for tablets. It depends on individual preferences, what and how you use the tablet.
Do tablets come with keyboard accessories? Yes, some tablets come with optional keyboard accessories while others are included as a bundle. For example, the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 comes in two packages : standalone tablet or tablet with keyboard docking station. Apple iPads, being the most popular tablet devices, tend to enjoy more support from third party vendors who make a wide range of Bluetooh keyboards for them.
Should you get a Wi-Fi or cellular model of the tablet? Some tablet models such as the Apple iPad, iPad Mini and ASUS Nexus 7 are available in two variants: Wi-Fi only and cellular. The cellular models will definitely cost more, but bring the convenience of staying connected on the move. However, you have to fork out extra cash to sign up for a multi-SIM card or another data SIM card for the tablet. In addition, cellular models will take a hit on battery performance since they are constantly connected and searching for data connectivity.
It also depends on where and how you will be using the tablet. If you tend to use the tablet at home or office, it is advisable to get a Wi-Fi model as you can connect the device to the office or home's Wi-Fi network. If there is no Wi-Fi network , you can always tether from your smartphone. On the other hand, a cellular tablet model will come in handy if you tend to be outdoors most of the time.
For more information on getting a tablet, check out our Tablet Tech Guide.
Check out the latest tablets at our HardwareZone Tablets Product Guide.
GPS Deals at the Show
Here are some highlighted GPS devices deals at Comex this year.
Garmin Nuvi 2792LM Garmine's Nuvi 2792LM sports a huge 7-inch display that makes it easier to read the map at a glance. It also comes withvoice activation technology, so you can search for directions without ever having to take your hands off the wheel.Comex 2013 Offer
Location Garmin - Hall 6, Booth 6531 | Garmin Nuvi 3560 LM + GDR30 HD Driving Recorder A bundle pack consisting of Garmin's 5-inch Nuvi 3560 GPS navigator, which features voice commands and a built-in video and media player for on the go entertainment, and Garmin's GDR30 HD Driving Recorder with real time playback and non-stop recording, even when your SD card is full.Comex 2013 Offer
Location Garmin - Hall 6, Booth 6531 |
Marbella Geomate 500 The Marbella Geomate 500 sports a 5-inch display and features useful functions such as junction view, lane assist and can even calculate ERP costs.Comex 2013 Offer
Location Marbella - Hall 5, Booth 5511 | TomTom VIA 620 One of the largest display GPS navigators around, theTomTom VIA 620 is armed with a 6-inch high resolution touch screen. This model is also pre-installed with SEA maps covering Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau and Philippines.Comex 2013 Offer
Location TomTom - Hall 6, Booth 6431F |
Comex 2013 GPS Devices Portal
GPS Devices Buying Guide
You might think that with smartphones, the days of the standalone GPS devices are over. While that might be true to a certain extent, standalone GPS devices still have their place especially for drivers. These devices typically have larger screens for easier navigation, and unlike your smartphone which can be interrupted by text messages and calls, the standalone GPS devices only needs do one thing: Show the quickest route to your destination, providing a distraction-free navigation experience. We give you some pointers on selecting the right GPS for you and also show you the hot buys from this show.
GPS DEVICES TODAY
There’s a myriad of standalone GPS devices out there today. The two biggest names in the business are Garmin and TomTom. Garmin is famed for its ease of use, while TomTom prides itself on its unique MapShare and IQ Routes map technology. There’s also a host of smaller players and some other popular brands are Holux and Papago.
GPSDevices today are more than just navigational tools. It is possible to find add-ons such as video cameras which let your GPSdevice double up as an in-car video recorder too. |
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Screen size: As a rule of thumb, the larger the screen the better, because it is easier to see. However, if you are driving a smaller car, you might want to get a smaller unit so that it would not block your view. In our experience, a 5-inch display seems to be the sweet spot for most drivers and cars.
Maps: Unlike smartphone apps like Google Maps, a standalone GPS device’s maps are stored onto the device itself. This means that they can be used overseas (as long as they have the map of the country preloaded) without occurring exorbitant roaming costs. Typically, GPS devices sold in Singapore are preloaded with maps of both Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Additional maps are usually available for purchase separately.
Special Features: Some high-end models are able to receive traffic updates via RDS satellite from LTA. Additionally, some models even come with an additional video camera so that the GPS can double up as an in-car video recorder too.
Check out the latest GPS devices at our HardwareZone GPS Devices Product Guide.
Mobile Accessories Deals at the Show
Here are some highlighted mobile accessories deals at Comex this year.
Universal 3-in-1Smartphone/Tablet Clip Camera Lens Add some versatility to your smartphone photography with this 3-in-1 clips lens consisting of a wide angle, fish eye and telephoto zoom.Comex 2013 Offer
Location E-Max Digital - Hall 5, Booth 5458 | Casio G-Shock GB6900 Bluetooth Watch If you're always missing phone calls, you need this G-Shock Bluetooth watch, which will vibrate to notify you ofany messages, incoming calls and calendar event notifications. Only compatible with iOS. Comex 2013 Offer
Location Casio - Hall 6, Booth 6116 |
Jabra Easygo Bluetooth Headset This easy to use bluetooth headsetcan be paired with two Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously, and has excellent battery life with up to six hours of talk time and up to eight days of standby time.Comex 2013 Offer
Location Jabra - Hall 6, Booth 6106 | iCess Bluetooth App-controlled Lamborghini Aventador Can't afford an actual Lamborghini Aventador? Pick up this licensed Bluetooth App-controlled replica and live out your Italian supercar dreams...in miniature. Compatible with iOS and Android.Comex 2013 Offer
Location Epicentre - Hall 5, Booth 5101 |
Comex 2013 Mobile Accessories Portal
Mobile Accessories Buying Guide
Battery packs. Casings. Bluetooth headsets. These are just some of the necessary accessories to complete your smartphone or tablet experience - if you're looking to improve your smartphone's battery life, or wish to stream your music wirelessly via a Bluetooth headset, there's plenty at PC Show 2013.
MOBILE ACCESSORIES TODAY
When it comes to accessories for mobile phones and tablets, it is not far-fetched to say that you have endless choices from the likes of Energizer, EpiCentre, nubox and many more.
Nubox is an Apple Premium reseller and Apple Authorized Reseller company in Singapore. An arm of Newstead Technologies, nubox offers an extensive range of Apple products from Macs, to iPods, iPhones and iPads to a wide range of accessories to complement the mobile media and computing experience. | |
Jabra is a global manufacturer of innovative headset and speakerphone solutions. The brand, Jabra, is about empowering consumers and enabling communication for mobile users. Its headset range has consistently being recognized as the gold standard in innovation and design. | |
Plantronics is a company headquartered in Santa Cruz, California that pioneered the lightweight headset, the mobile headset, noise-cancelling technology and the personal speakerphone. Its portfolio of corded and wireless products is widely recognized for the excellent sound quality, reliability and comfort. |
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Do You Need a Wired or Wireless Headset? It depends on your needs. Drivers and people on-the-go will appreciate the convenience of going wireless, as they do not need to bother themselves with entangled wires or worry about wires getting in their way. However, if you are always on the move and have no access to a power supply, it is advisable to stick to wired headsets as you do not need to worry about them running out of power halfway through the day.
Is a Portable Battery Charger necessary? Mobile devices today come with many features and functions, such as GPS, video playback, video calls, gaming and web browsing. In addition, the trend of increasing display sizes and 4G LTE will mean that smartphones and tablets are likely to see shorter battery mileage. It is highly advisable to have a portable battery charger with you in the event that your phone runs low on battery and a quick charge of battery is what it takes to make the call or compose that important email.
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