Quingdom.com

And the Wait for the Diagnosis Begins.

Before anything else, I would just like to express my frustration with my dependence on technology. I hate to admit it, but I need a computer to survive and keep me sane.

Here's the lowdown after I brought my laptop to Power Mac TriNoma:

Apparently, they have to replace either the LCD or the logic board of my first generation MacBook Pro. They'll be able to determine the defective part, which causes the distortion in two to three weeks' time. If it's the LCD that needs replacement, it would cost me P26,000; if it's the logic board, I have to shell out P42,000.

Given the two scenarios, I'm highly considering buying a new PC laptop since I don't want to be subjected to excessively high fees for repair in the future. I tried looking around for options, but unfortunately, I haven't found a laptop that has the same LCD quality as a Mac's. I need above average screen quality since I mainly use the computer for photography and imaging.

Oh well. Such is life. I'm tired of thinking what to do next. I'll probably wait for the diagnosis until I drive myself crazy.

But if you have any laptop suggestions, please feel free to leave your comments or reach me through my twitter account.

Oh Technology!

A very unfortunate event happened.

Earlier I was editing the photos I took during the photo shoot last Sunday when all of a sudden, the screen of my laptop turned ugly. I can't explain what happened, but lines and geometrical shapes just showed up on the screen. I tried restarting the system more than twice, but unfortunately, the same problem showed up.

Why did it have to breakdown now?!

I feel devastated that I can't use my computer. It's a good thing I have my files backed up in an external hard drive, but there are still some files that are endangered of not being retrieved ever again.

I'll have it checked tomorrow at the Power Mac center in Trinoma hoping to find a remedy for this misfortune. But knowing Mac personnel, they would probably break the news that I have to replace a part for an exorbitant fee, or just coax me into buying a new unit. Either way, I could not afford it at this point.

I hope a miracle happens and the laptop's all good the next time I try to turn it on.

Time for a Simpler Design

If I can't make drastic changes in my life at this point, I'd just have to alter my blog design. What a way to put my frustration into something constructive! Kidding aside, I feel that I do have to make some changes with how my blog looks. It's time to dress this site with something more classic - something that won't go out of style. Of course, I still have to consider that the design should represent my personality and interests.

With these considerations in mind, I'm having trouble finding the perfect design. The color palette to use is easy. There must be brown somewhere in this blog! It's the overall look with all the graphics and stuff that makes it difficult for me decide. I'm running out of ideas, and I think I need to seek the help of a professional.

Anyway, I hope I'd be able to come up with a new design before July starts.

Wish me luck!

Shall I Go?

My family has a planned trip to Montemar in Bagac, Bataan tomorrow, err, in a few hours. I was all set and looking forward to go, but unfortunately, work got in the way. Isn't this fun? You see, I'm supposed to be done with my responsibilities for the long weekend, but the system I ought to use to complete my final task refuses to cooperate! I waited in the office until past 10:00 in the evening hoping that by some stroke of luck, I could proceed with work. But to my dismay, I waited for nothing. Nada.

I don't know my priorities anymore. I want to go, have a break and enjoy the sand and the sea with my family, but part of me keeps me chained to my responsibilities in the office. I'm confused.

But I already got a plan. Here's what I'm going to do: I'll wake up at around 6:00 in the morning, I'll go to work and finish my chores. If I get to the office and find that the system is working then I'll be able to finish my work just in time for me to join my family. But if not, I would have to leave and head toward the beach!

This plan will push through only if I do step one - wake up very early! If not, I just might spend the whole day at the office, waiting for the system to be up.

 

7D or 5D Mark II? The Verdict.

I've been enjoying photography with my Canon 400D for approximately three years now. I'm impressed that it still can deliver good shots vis-à-vis later camera models. The lenses and accessories greatly help.

But I'm so grateful that I'm already up for a camera upgrade. I told myself before that the next camera I'd have is the Canon 50D. However, the advent of the Canon 7D gave me options. And after a Canon salesperson talked my father into getting a Canon 5D Mark II, my options widened even more!

After much research and deliberation, I've trimmed it down to two options - Canon 7D or Canon 5D Mark II. Still, choosing between the two camera models is as difficult. Both models have their strengths and weaknesses. Let me share with you the features I liked and disliked.

Canon 7D

I Like...

• that it has flash. Come to think of it, I had stopped using the pop-up flash of my Canon 7D since I got a Speedlite. Nevertheless, it's still good to have a pop-up flash especially when the Speedlite batteries die.
• the 8 frames per second capability for continuous shooting. This is so good for jump shots! Hehehe!
• its 19 AF points.
• the wireless flash commander.

I Don't Like...

• that it's not full-frame. I'll explain later why this is a big deal for me

Canon 5D Mark II

I Like...

• that it's full-frame. I recently got hold of the digitized film pictures I took years ago with my film camera Nikon F55D (Yes, I was once a Nikon user). Looking back, I'm appreciating the beauty of having a full-frame camera. Since I already have a 400D, which is not full-frame, I just think it's better if I get a full-frame camera this time.
• that pictures will have less digital noise. Noise level in pictures is one of the issues that photographers take into consideration when getting a camera and scrutinizing pictures. With Mark II, I'd get clean images even at ISO 3200!

I Don't Like...

• that it has no flash. I don't understand why this camera doesn't have a pop-up flash. I've read somewhere that adding a flash affects weather-proofing the camera. Oh well.
• that continuous shooting is up to 3.9 frames per second only. The 7D stomps Mark II in this department.

Honestly, there are other features the 7D has that the 5D Mark II doesn't. I searched the internet for information to help me make the decision including my favorite KenRockwell.com that taught me about the full-frame advantage. It's really a tough decision.

But I've made up my mind.

Ideas on Rechargeable Batteries?

Hello my dear readers! 

I need help in choosing the best rechargeable battery available in the market. I need batteries for my Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash and I think it's wise to use rechargeable batteries instead of the disposable ones. It's more economical and friendlier to the environment. I started using GP PowerBank rechargeable batteries, but I'm not impressed with both the charger and the batteries. The green light of the charger turns on even if the battery is not yet fully charged, so I could not really tell if I have charged the batteries long enough. I don't think I get to maximize the batteries' potential since power runs out faster than disposable batteries.

Do you have recommendations on what rechargeable batteries to use? Or better yet, are there rechargeable batteries specifically designed for the Canon flash?

Need your help badly.

Thanks!

 

 

Is It Time for a Haircut?

Please excuse my conceit.  I was supposed to have a haircut a week ago, but I wasn't able to due to my full schedule.  Again, I have to postpone it because I already have work tomorrow.  However, I'm now thinking twice if I should have my hair cut.  It may be a mess at this point, but I'm thinking I could grow it a little longer, and the scruffy effect might just look good on me. In my dreams!

What do you think?  And if you have any suggestions on hairstyles that would look good on me, I'd really appreciate them.

Bow,

P.S.
I took vanity to the next level and made a website banner, that won't be posted at the top of this site.  That is for sure!  Here, take a look: