Towards the end of 2010...

It's been a long time since my last post. I can't imagine I'm so lazy in terms of updating my blog...

Some highlight of the x'mas holiday.

Dec 24: Got a new cell phone in Best Buy: Sony X10. They have white colour in stock. So I just quickly grab one. I like it being stylish, good camera, and it's an Android phone that comes with decent price tag. Dinner @ my friend's place.

Dec 25: Went to Aberdeen in the afternoon, since it's one of the few places still open in x'mas day. Spend the rest of the time exploring the new phone.

Dec 26: Dim sum lunch with in-law family. My treat to "celebrate" my pay increase. But surprisingly, I found the in-call volume kinda low with my new phone. I almost can't hear what's the other side is talking about in the restaurant. In quiet place like home is fine. And another bad thing is that the x10 cannot connect to my hubby's cell phone wi-fi (i.e. ad-hoc wi-fi). That's actually the primary reason for me to switch to smart phone. So, after numerous effort searching the web and rooting the phone...we still can't get it work as this is not supported by the Android OS...

Dec 27: Find another down side of the phone, it doesn't connect to my car's bluetooth. So...all effort in vein, I'm going to get another phone. So, no more Android (that means all those nice screen Samsung, HTC are off the list). And the only choice would be Nokia N8, iPhone and LG (WM7). I am not really into LG phone so the choice is down to N8 and iPhone. I tried out my SIL's iphone4 and it does offer all I want. It tethers fine, connects to my car, and Chinese support is great. Whereas N8 there is no Chinese support (except the browser) unless I flash the rom. I'm not an iPhone fan, but Nokia smart phone doesn't seem to receive positive feedback either. And they do come in different price tag: $100 difference. And luckily, there is one demo unit in Best Buy so I can give it a try. Despite the highly criticized UI, I do find it ok, as I am already used to Nokia interface. So, I'm more leaning towards N8. The only thing I'm not certain is whether it connects to my car bluetooth or not. But there is work around, the SIM card slot is actually on the side so SIM card is easily taken out. If it really can't pair bluetooth w/ my car, I can still use my old phone while in car. It's a bit troublesome but I don't really hate it as long as SIM car is easily accessible. Comparing to the X10, the case is really hard to open.

Dec 29: really need to take a break from the cell phone. The research is actually quite exhausting. I'm taking half day off to do blood test and also another scan.
After that hubby and I shop a bit in North Van/Oakridge and finally we decided to head to William Tell. Heard it's closing the door after Dec 31. I really like the food/service there. Sad to see it closed. When we get there, we found out that actually today is the last day. And the receptionist is nice enough to "squeeze" out a timeslot for us (as we don't have reservation), but we only have an hour. It's ok, both of us eat fast. We just ordered two set dinner, no more lobster bisque (which is one of my favourite), too bad. But we do enjoy the service and food. So bye bye William Tell...

Dec 30: Today I went to Best Buy to return my X10. The same sales rep that sold the unit to me were there and he did recognize me. He also agreed that the volume is a bit low but can be done after rooting. Anyway, I decided to return the phone anyway to get N8 instead. I am honest to them that I'm not sure this phone can be compatible with my car so in the end if it really doesn't work out I have to return once again and get iPhone4. Too much of a surprise, the sales rep (another guy serve me this time) let me go out to my car and try out the N8 before payment process completed! Amazing! I wasn't expect that! What about I just walk out the door and never come back? Anyway, after many paring attempts, N8 finally pairs with my car's bluetooth. I'm happy! And I do find the sales rep in Best Buy Mobile department really great! Great customer service! They don't show any "black face" on returning (because that's a lot of work also involves calling Rogers and taking time waiting). I do recommend purchasing from there.

Dec 31: Half day work again. Well...decided to try out my luck as it's the last Friday of the month. It's sad to see 3rd floor is now permanently closed. And there is only 1 table available on the 2nd floor. We met Linda there. Well, no luck in terms of winning but it's closed (need only 1 number for me and my hubby).