Books and Gadgets (B&G)

Book Launching! “See You In Olympus”

2009-07-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

Inilah sebuah buku bisnis dengan pendekatan baru: bercerita, berdongeng, dialog-dialog dan tanpa menggurui.

Pembaca diajak untuk ikut terlibat dalam situasi-situasi yang unik padat dengan dialog-dialog bisnis, mulai dari Sales & Marketing, Negosiasi, Presentasi yang efektif, Customer Service, Membaca pertanda-pertanda bisnis, Menyelamatkan bisnis dalam situasi yang berubah-ubah, dll.Buku yang unik, ringan dibaca oleh siapapun terutama eksekutif muda yang berminat menjadi entrepreneur.

Harga Rp. 49,800,-

Tersedia di seluruh Toko Buku GRAMEDIA, TRIMEDIA, Kinokuniya dan toko buku lainnya.

230 + xx halaman

Diterbitkan oleh ELEX MEDIA KOMPUTINDO (Kompas-Gramedia Group)

Editor: Rayendra L. Toruan (Chief Editor Elex Media Komputindo)

Dari Buku SEE YOU IN OLYMPUS

2009-07-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

CATATAN PENULIS

Kita semua adalah anak-anak, dan rasa-rasanya tak akan pernah berhenti menjadi anak-anak. Ada anak-anak yang berumur 35 tahun, ada yang 42 tahun, ada pula anak-anak yang berumur 57 tahun.

Semua anak suka mendengar dongeng. Yang 8 tahun suka, yang 57 tahun juga suka. Bangsa ini memang dibesarkan dengan dongeng-dongeng. Mantan Menteri Penerangan (Alm.) Budiardjo pun menawarkan hal yang sama bagi bangsa ini, “Siapa Sudi Saya Dongengi?” sebuah buku yang ditulisnya di tahun 1996 dan meledak di pasaran.

Sama halnya dengan Pak Budiardjo, pelukis senior Suwadji Bastomi pun berprinsip sama. Baginya setiap kanvas adalah tabularasa untuk menyajikan cerita, dongeng untuk menghadirkan narasi. Tak salah lagi, bangsa ini memang dibesarkan oleh kultur dongeng, kisah dan cerita.

Buku yang ada di tangan pembaca yang budiman ini bukanlah dongeng, kisah atau legenda, bukan pula kanvas lukisan tempat menggoreskan narasi. Ini adalah buku panduan berbisnis dengan efektif dan produktif. Lalu mengapa media yang dipakai adalah cerita? Alasannya sama persis dengan apa yang ada di benak Pak Budiardjo maupun Pak Suwadji Bastomi. Karena kita semua, dan itu termasuk penulis, suka didongengi, maka akan lebih mudah untuk memahami pesan apa yang hendak disampaikan oleh buku ini serta pelajaran apa yang dapat dipetik darinya melalui cerita, fragmen, dongeng, dan dialog-dialog.

Meskipun buku ini adalah kumpulan kisah dan dialog, namun kesemuanya terinspirasi oleh kejadian nyata, baik yang dialami oleh penulis sendiri maupun kolega-kolega yang dekat dengan penulis. Kasus bisnis yang riil akan menjadi bahan baku pembelajaran yang riil pula. Itu prinsip utamanya.

Lima belas cerita pendek yang penuh dialog di dalam buku ini menampilkan sosok imajiner Profesor Koko yang berencana pergi ke Olimpus, sebuah kata kiasan untuk ‘pergi ke puncak sukses’ di mana ‘dewa-dewi segala jenis bisnis’ bertahta seraya melihat ke bawah dan menemukan betapa dunia ini terlalu indah untuk diabaikan, namun terlalu rapuh untuk dihancurkan dengan kompetisi bisnis tanpa etika. Penulis berharap agar buku yang sederhana, asyik dibaca dan mudah dicerna ini bisa membuka wawasan yang lebih luas lagi bagi pembaca yang ingin menjalankan bisnis secara efektif, produktif, cerdas dan penuh kebijaksanaan.

Selamat membaca, dan sampai jumpa di Olimpus!

Jakarta Juli 2009
AC Mahendra K Datu

Buku SEE YOU IN OLYMPUS (Strategi Bisnis Dalam Kumpulan Verpen)

2009-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

CATATAN EDITOR

Kita sering mendengarkan ungkapan berikut: pembeli (pelanggan) adalah raja/ratu yang harus dilayani secara total. Dan salah satu cara melayani para pelanggan digunakanlah satu alat komunikasi yang bernama automated answering. Penggunaan mesin penjawab itu bertujuan memudahkan hubungan pelanggan dengan perusahaan atau organisasi. Sistem pelayanan sudah terprogram. Sistem ini dianggap bagus meski para pelanggan terpaksa berhubungan dengan mesin yang birokratis sementara operator lebih senang ber-sms ria dengan teman-temannya atau mengerjakan sesuatu yang tidak berkaitan dengan perusahaan/organisasi.
Apakah penggunaan automated answering itu sesuai dengan visi dan manajemen perusahaan? Apakah dengan menggunakan mesin penjawab maka hubungan antara para pelanggan dan perusahaan dapat dikembangkan? Menghadapi persaingan bisnis yang semakin ketat, perusahaan berusaha melayani para pelanggan dengan baik dan menggunakan alat-alat teknologi. Akan tetapi, penggunaaan alat teknologi semisal automated answering tidak selalu kondusif dengan keinginan para pelanggan. Manajemen perusahaan harus tahu betul keinginan tiap pelanggan. Dan untuk mengetahui keinginan itu, perusahaan sebaiknya melakukan evaluasi pada waktu-waktu yang tertentu. Janganlah penggunaan automated answering justru menciptakan “kesulitan” baru bagi para pelanggan.
Apa pun model pelayanan yang dibuat oleh sebuah perusahaan atau organisasi, hendaknyalah model itu merupakan penjabaran dari visi dan misi yang telah ditentukan pada awal pendirian badan usaha atau organisasi. Para pendukung (karyawan) akan mengetahui arah dan tujuan dan dilaksanakan secara konsisten sesuai misi. Hasil yang dicapai dapat menakjubkan, luar biasa atau mengecewakan. Pendapat itu disimpulkan oleh Jesse Stoner dalam disertasi doktornya yang berjudul Visionary Leadership, Management, and High Performing Work Units, tahun 1988 di Universitas Massachusetts, Amerika Serikat.
Hasil peneltian Stoner memang sudah lama namun masih relevan dengan persaaingan bisnis yang makin ketat sekarang ini. Dari 500 orang pemimpin perusahaan yang ditelitinya, pemimpin yang mempunyai visi yang kuat juga memiliki tim yang berkinerja yang kuat. Sedangkan pemimpin yang memiliki manajemen baik namun tidak mempunyai visi kuat maka kinerja timnya biasa-biasa saja. Dan pemimpin yang memiliki manajerial yang lemah dan tanpa visi mempunyai tim yang berkinerja yang rapuh dan sukar mencapai prestasi yang baik sesuai target.
Meski visi dan misi dirancang oleh pemilik/pimpinan sebuah perusahaan atau organisasi, pimpinan harus menyampaikannya secara rinci kepada pendukung (karyawan). Dengan demikian karyawan mempunyai kepercayaan yang dalam, selalu siap bekerja sama, saling tergantung, mempunyai motivasi tinggi, bertanggung jawab, dan konsisten melakukan tugasnya agar tercapai tujuan (target).
Oleh karena itu, setiap orang yang tergabung dalam suatu organisasi atau lembaga harus memahami visi dan misi organisasi atau perusahaan. Dengan demikian orang akan bertindak kooperatif, selalu bergerak (bekerja) menuju pencapaian tujuan, dan menghindari yang bukan tujuan. Visi dan misilah yang menginspirasi, memberi kekuatan, dan menggairahkan kita untuk mencapai tujuan sesuai dengan fungsi dan tugas yang dipercayakan pemimpin atau manajemen perusahaan/organisasi kepada kita.
Visi yang kuat dan meyakinkan mampu menciptakan karakter suatu organisasi yang kuat pula. “Kita bisa meramal masa depan yang lebih baik dengan menciptakan visi yang kuat dan berkarakter,” tandas guru manajemen Peter Drucker (almarhum).
Kita harus tetap ingat bahwa suatu organisasi didukung oleh sekumpulan orang (karyawan). Setiap orang mendistribusukan energinya masing-masing yang menyatu menjadi satu kekuatan, kepercayaan, dan satu pandangan untuk mencapai hasil yang optimal. Jika Anda bertugas sebagai sales person atau pemasaran, janganlah bertindak sebagai pedagang yang hanya memikirkan bagaimana menjual barang dagangan Anda. Visi dan misi perusahaan, Anda implementasikan dalam cara berkomunikasi dan melayani pelanggan.
Seorang mampu melaksanakan tugasnya dengan baik berkat visi yang dipahami dan jelas dari atasannya. Oleh karena itu, pemimpin yang baik—pada semua tingkat sesuai dengan struktur organisasi—akan fokus untuk melayani dan tanggap terhadap kebutuhan anggota organisasi dan sesuai dengan keinginan para pelanggan.
Apa pun status dan profesi Anda, isi buku ini (See You In Olympus) bermanfaat sebagai bekal untuk mencapai tujuan hidup Anda. Oleh karena itu, usahakanlah mengubah mindset dari paradigma lama sehingga cara pandang Anda dapat Anda sesuaikan dengan kondisi yang selalu berubah.

Depok, 13 Mei 2009
Rayendra L. Toruan

Editor – Elex Media Komputindo
KOMPAS-GRAMEDIA GROUP

Most Popular Operating Systems for PDAs

2009-01-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

PDA's come mostly in two flavors: the Palm operating system (OS) and Microsoft's operating system, known as Windows Mobile. PDAs with Windows Mobile operating systems are known as Pocket PCs. Your initial effort at narrowing the field will start here. If you have a Mac computer, know that only the PDAs with a Palm OS will "synch" or connect to a Mac right out of the box. If you choose a Pocket PC PDA you must get third party software to enable the two to speak to each other. Although this is not insurmountable, remember that ease in usage becomes crucial as you seek to streamline your actions. The ability to drag and drop files from PDA to computer and vice versa is very appealing. Struggling with third party software to accomplish this is not. Know your technological aptitude and tolerance for extra software installations.

Palm OS

PalmOne is the originator of the Palm OS, but Sony also uses this technology. There is a "pen" or "stylus" that you use to tap the onscreen keyboard or to write on the window in "Graffiti", a quick shorthand notation system. If the information is on your computer, just download it to your PDA and save yourself the time and effort. Sony's Palm OS PDAs are not quite as straightforward and easy to use as the PalmOne offerings. Plus their email system is not as versatile.
New models have expansion slots that allow you to add extras such as memory or special accessories. There is a significant amount of software applications available for use on your Palm PDA, but keep in mind that the more software applications you download, the more memory your PDA will need.
The batteries in the PalmOne options are rechargeable but not replaceable. Once the batteries are gone by and large, so is the PDA and the information on it.

Pocket PC

As the name suggests, the Pocket PC is more like a tiny version of your computer with all its work processing and spreadsheet software. Usually, an email program is available that accommodates basic Microsoft attachments such as Word and Excel documents. However, in order for your PDA to become an extension of your home computer, you will need those programs installed on your computer to utilize the information on your PDA. And while you are handling all your day-to-day data, you can listen to your favorite tunes as an MP3 player is now standard on Pocket PCs. The batteries, lithium ion, are rechargeable and replacing them is fairly obvious. (Source: www.abbysguide.com)

Random Access Memory (RAM). How fast is your computer?

2009-01-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

It is short of Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM provides space for your computer to read and write data to be accessed by the CPU (central processing unit). When people refer to a computer's memory, they usually mean its RAM. If you add more RAM to your computer, you reduce the number of times your CPU must read data from your hard disk. This usually allows your computer to work considerably faster, as RAM is many times faster than a hard disk. RAM is volatile, so data stored in RAM stays there only as long as your computer is running. As soon as you turn the computer off, the data stored in RAM disappears. When you turn your computer on again, your computer's boot firmware (called BIOS on a PC) uses instructions stored semi-permanently in ROM chips to read your operating system and related files from the disk and load them back into RAM.

SDR, DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 RAM

There are several types of RAM used in modern computers. Prior to 2002, most computers used single data rate (SDR) RAM. Most computers made since use either double data rate (DDR), DDR2, or DDR3 RAM. DDR2 is able to achieve faster transfer rates to prevent limitation of your CPU's performance, and DDR3 technology takes these advancements even further. Note that these RAM technologies are not interchangeable. One type of RAM will not function if installed with another type, and physical differences in the RAM modules prevent them from even being inserted in the same computer. (Source: UITS – Indiana University). - AC Mahendra K Datu

3G Mobile Technology. What is it?

2009-01-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

3G Mobile or also known as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is one of the third-generation (3G) cell phone technologies, which is also being developed into a 4G technology. Currently, the most common form of UMTS uses W-CDMA as the underlying air interface. It is standardized by the 3GPP, and is the European answer to the ITU IMT-2000 requirements for 3G cellular radio systems.
To differentiate UMTS from competing network technologies, UMTS is sometimes marketed as 3GSM, emphasizing the combination of the 3G nature of the technology and the GSM standard which it was designed to succeed.
Since 2006, UMTS networks in many countries have been or are in the process of being upgraded with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), sometimes known as 3.5G. Currently, HSDPA enables downlink transfer speeds of up to 21 Mbit/s. Work is also progressing on improving the uplink transfer speed with the High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). Longer term, the 3GPP Long Term Evolution project plans to move UMTS to 4G speeds of 100 Mbit/s down and 50 Mbit/s up, using a next generation air interface technology based upon Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing.
The first national consumer UMTS networks launched in 2002 with a heavy emphasis on telco-provided mobile applications such as mobile TV and video calling. The high data speeds of UMTS are now most often utilised for Internet access: experience in Japan and elsewhere has shown that user demand for video calls is not high, and telco-provided audio/video content has declined in popularity in favour of high-speed access to the World Wide Web - either directly on a handset or connected to a computer via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared or USB. (Source: Wikipedia and other references) - AC Mahendra K Datu

WIMAX Technology - One Breakthrough

2009-01-27T05:44:00.000-08:00

WiMAX (Worldwide inter-operability for microwave access) is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 - 300 feet (30 - 100m). With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is lessened. WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers.

WiMAX can be used for wireless networking in much the same way as the more common WiFi protocol. WiMAX is a second-generation protocol that allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance, and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances. The IEEE 802.16 standard defines the technical features of the communications protocol. The WiMAX Forum offers a means of testing manufacturer's equipment for compatibility, as well as an industry group dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of the technology.

WiMax.com provides a focal point for consumers, service providers, manufacturers, analysts, and researchers who are interested in WiMAX technology, services, and products. Soon, WiMAX will be a very well recognized term to describe wireless Internet access throughout the world. - AC Mahendra K Datu

TaboraWORLD Gadget Review

2009-01-27T05:40:00.000-08:00

Check it at http://www.taboraarga.com/ Website dedicated to educate people on technology issues especially those related to electronics and gadgets development. TaboraWORLD also open for other readers contribution. Please mind to the copy-rights issue, and make sure quote your sources when you submit reference articles. - AC Mahendra K Datu

Push Email and BlackBerry

2009-01-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

Push e-mail is used to describe e-mail systems that provide an "always-on" capability, in which new e-mail is instantly and actively transferred (pushed) as it arrives by the mail delivery agent (MDA) (commonly called mail server) to the mail user agent (MUA), also called the e-mail client. E-mail clients include smartphones and, less strictly, IMAP personal computer mail applications. Although push e-mail had existed in wired-based systems for many years, one of the first uses of the system with a portable, "always on" wireless device outside of Asia was the BlackBerry service from Research In Motion

BlackBerry uses wireless Mail User Agent devices and a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) attached to a traditional e-mail system. The BES monitors the e-mail server, and when it sees new e-mail for a BlackBerry user, it retrieves (pulls) a copy and then pushes it to the BlackBerry handheld device over the wireless network.

BlackBerry became very popular, in part because it offers remote users "instant" e-mail; new e-mails appear on the device as soon as they arrive, without the need for any user intervention. The handheld becomes a mobile, dynamically updating, copy of the user's mailbox. As a result of the success of BlackBerry, other manufacturers have developed push e-mail systems for other handheld devices, such as Symbian- and Windows Mobile-based mobile phones. However, IMAP synchronization through BlackBerry Internet Service is not two-way. (Source: Wikipedia) - AC Mahendra K Datu

What we need to know about HSDPA (3.5G)

2009-01-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

HSDPA is acronym for High-Speed Downlink Packet Access, is a new protocol for mobile telephone data transmission. It is known as a 3.5G (G stands for generation) technology. Essentially, the standard will provide download speeds on a mobile phone equivalent to an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line in a home, removing any limitations placed on the use of your phone by a slow connection. It is an evolution and improvement on W-CDMA, or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, a 3G protocol. HSDPA improves the data transfer rate by a factor of at least five over W-CDMA. HSDPA can achieve theoretical data transmission speeds of 8-10 Mbps (megabits per second). Though any data can be transmitted, applications with high data demands such as video and streaming music are the focus of HSDPA.
HSDPA improves on W-CDMA by using different techniques for modulation and coding. It creates a new channel within W-CDMA called HS-DSCH, or high-speed downlink shared channel. That channel performs differently than other channels and allows for faster downlink speeds. It is important to note that the channel is only used for downlink. That means that data is sent from the source to the phone. It isn't possible to send data from the phone to a source using HSDPA. The channel is shared between all users which lets the radio signals to be used most effectively for the fastest downloads.
The widespread availability of HSDPA may take a while to be realized, or it may never be achieved. Most countries did not have a widespread 3G network in place as of the end of 2005. Many mobile telecommunications providers are working quickly to deploy 3G networks which can be upgraded to 3.5G when the market demand exists. Other providers tested HSDPA through 2005 and are rolling out the service in mid to late 2006. Early deployments of the service will be at speeds much lower than the theoretically possible rates. Early service will be at 1.8 Mbps, with upgrades to 3.6Mbps as devices are made available that can handle that increased speed.
The long-term acceptance and success of HSDPA is unclear, because it is not the only alternative for high speed data transmission. Standards like CDMA2000 1xEV-DO and WiMax are other potential high speed standards. Since HSDPA is an extension of W-CDMA, it is unlikely to succeed in locations where W-CDMA has not been deployed. Therefore, the eventual success of HSDPA as a 3.5G standard will first depend upon the success of W-CDMA as a 3G standard. (Source: Wisegeek.com) - AC Mahendra K Datu

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

2009-01-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

Main specs: GSM Quadband (850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900) and HSDPA Triband (850/ 1900/ 2100), dimension: 110.5 x 52.6 x 17 mm/ TFT Touchscreen 3.0 inches 65 K colors and 800 x 480 pixels. Powered by QualcommMSM 7200, 528 MHz., 256 MB RAM. TransFlash (Micro SD) slot and internal memory of 400 MB. Features: 3.15 MP camera with autofocus, VGA video 30 fps, flash and secondary video-call camera. Built-in GPS receiver, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, mini USB. This gizmo is powered with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, complete with Pocket Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and PDF viewer, OneNote, etc. What else? Standard MP3/ AAC/ MPEG4 player.

This is Sony Ericsson’s breakthrough to compete with iPhone class PDA-phone. Almost all-screen surface only with few main buttons available in the front. This sliding out phone has a complete mini QWERTY keypad, comfortable enough for typing as there is room enough to accommodate our finger-tips navigation on it. The price is somewhat dearly, even compared to iPhone 3G, yet it offers more that just a phone. Internet navigation and business works seems to be the major leading factors for XPeria X1 to leave its rivals behind. With complete office documents reader and editor, it’s flying above the rest. Its optical toystick functioning similar to touchpad in most laptops. I recommend this gadget for those want to do their business anywhere regardless the place and space. The casing is made of metal, makes it stronger and better-look than the rest. The sliding keypad will add the benefit for those working with the office documents. Of course it won’t replace the convenience of normal QWERTY keypad in the laptops or desktop, but it helps a lot. Contenders: HTC Touch Pro, T-Mobile G1, BlackBerry Bold and Nokia E71. (AC Mahendra K Datu)

More on BlackBerry STORM 9500/ 9530

2009-01-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Why is this gadget so intriguing to me? One of the Gadget Review magazines asking the somewhat strange question - a rather similar to the one I was about to ask: What makes STORM BlackBerry? Yes, what?

Research In Motion (RIM) the manufacturer which creates BB might deliver the same. Is it the screen size? Color quality? A 3.5 G HSDPA functionality? Design? Overall performance maybe? Well, could it be that all the above answers correct? YES. Like other brands that tend to have a full-screen surface (Samsung OMNIA, Nokia XPress Music 5800, LG Prada, iPhone, SE Xperia X1, HTC Touch HD, etc.), BB Storm employ the maximum multimedia experience by maximizing the screen size, and this is where the uniqueness plays its part: BlackBerry is the business PDA-Phone, or rather smart-phone, no need the cutting-edge multimedia sophistication, yet, another thing - an important thing - is missing. The Wi-Fi capability. One BB Storm model, 9530 is produced for European and US markets, bundled with the Verizon subscription plan, is not equiped with Wi-Fi due to its capability vof working in both GSM and CDMA systems, thanks to its Qualcom MSM 7600. With this processor, the device could work on CDMA 2000/ 1 eEV-DO complete with HSDPA/ ESGE/ GPRS/ GSM. For some, this is the minus point of BB Storm, for others, practicality is more important. BB is always a 'push-email' king of all gadgets, and it works very well in this area. Why should BB Storm be like another iPhone? WHY? (AC Mahendra K Datu)

Panasonic Camcorder S10

2009-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Is smaller more beautiful? Probably in most cases it won’t turn out to be true. But the mini camcorder launched by Panasonic called Panasonic's SDR-S10 will tell you all differently. Weighed at only 0.40 lbs or around 182 grams, it turns out to be the giant killer. With it's black color and and it's "water resistant, capability" ... well, it’s affordable, too, (around US$399). It's also drop-protected from a height of four feet - so feel free to knock it off your table every once in a while - just don't drop it off the ski lift. The choice of SD/SDHC memory cards for video recording made it possible for the company to pack a full-fledged camcorder into PDA-sized body (slightly thicker but slightly narrower than a Treo), and it echoes the company's drift away from traditional removable media like cassettes and DVDs. The SDR-S10 encapsulates Panasonic's flash memory strategy in a slimmed-down body design optimized more for ease, style, and speed than performance or video quality. It's a quirky camcorder that makes the kinds of compromises you'd expect to see in an ultra-compact - but it's also one of the smallest, coolest-looking cams around. We think the SDR-S10 will serve the YouTube generation well, even if Panasonic die-hards shake their heads at its pedestrian imaging and uptown looks.

Spec. Summary:

Optical Sensor Size and Type 1/6" CCD
Optical Zoom 10X
Digital Zoom 700x
Digital Still Camera Function Available
Focal Length 2.3 - 23 mm
Focus Adjustment AF/Manual
Anti Shake System Available
Display Size 2.7"
PC Connectivity USB 2.0
Memory: SD Memory Card / Flash card
Batery: Li-ion
Power Consumption 2.9 w
Dimensions (WHD) 2.48'' x 1.22'' x 4.49''
Weight: 182 g

(AC Mahendra K Datu – from various resources)

Gadgets Review in Other Website

2009-01-07T23:34:00.001-08:00

The business gadgets review is also available at www.taboraarga.com and for further inquiry for other (unpublished) new gadgets, please send email directly to info@taboraarga.com.

This website is actually reviewing great management and business books as well. In the future, this site will be the one-stop-shop for all books and gadgets reviews.

Tabora Arga or TABORA WORLD is the Associate Marketer for AMAZON.COM.

(AC Mahendra K Datu)

(in Bahasa) Menjadi Kaya Dengan Bisnis di Internet

2009-01-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

Anda bisa mengetik dan memiliki akses internet di rumah? Stop waktu anda menjelajahi situs-situs yang tak bermutu dan tak bermanfaat. Alihkan energi, fokus dan keseriusan anda dengan berbisnis via internet. Anda hanya perlu tahu caranya. Temukan jawabannya di http://www.formulabisnis.com/?id=masmahe dan mulailah dengan tekun berbisnis melalui internet.

Do you have any internet access at home? You don't have to be a gadget or IT-savvy to be able to make money through internet. What you need to know is the right way, the right technnique. Find it in http://www.formulabisnis.com/?id=masmahe

Now or never!

(AC Mahendra K Datu & Joko Susilo, ST)

HTC Touch HD

2009-01-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

Priced around US$ 950 – US$ 1000. HTC Touch HD is the latest member of HTC Touch family, released on the first quarter of 2009, just barely months after HTC Touch Diamond and HTC Touch Pro (with sliding keypad) being launched and stormed the market as contender to its rivals such as iPhone 3G, Samsung OMNIA, Nokia N97 and Nokia Xpress Music 5800, not to mention the BlackBerry STORM which has rivals face-to-face with its own brother, BlackBerry BOLD. All the just mentioned names are the ultimate business machines that fit into our pocket but may not so into our wallet. Priced at the average of US$ 1,000 each, young executive might think it’s just way too dear to have such gadget for business. But it may not be the case for HTC Touch HD. The trend of giving the whole-screen-surface pioneered by iPhone, HTC Touch HD offers the superb performance of multimedia enjoyment through its clear super-bright wide screen (3.8 inches TFT-LCD). Web browsing? We might think that technology will find its breakthrough to its internet navigating experience. Its 5 MP camera will give HTC Touch HD a boost above the rest. Its integrated TouchFlo 3D Software will give us the vibrating sensation as if we really press the physical keypad. What more? It virtual QWERTY keypad will minimize the mistake when we press ‘way too small’ virtual button by zooming-in the pressed button. Great, isn’t it? This gadget is powered with Windows Mobile 6.0. Specification summary: dimension: 115 x 62.8 x 12 mm, weighed at ‘only 147 g, network: HSDPA (7.2 MBPS)/ WCDMA/ QUADBAND, and connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB 2.0. HTC Touch HD has secondary VGA camera for video-calling. (AC Mahendra K Datu)

Blackberry STORM

2009-01-05T18:37:00.001-08:00

Type 9500 (GSM) for Europe, Type 9530 (GSM & CDMA) for USA
Priced at around US$ 950 – US$ 1000
Main feature: 3G/ HSDPA, with dimension of 112.5 x 62.2 x 14 mm. Weighed at 155 g with screen of 360 x 480 pixel, a little inferior to what BB Bold can offer color-wise, 3.5 inches with accelerometer, 128 MB RAM, 1 GB internal memory. Its SurePress sensation when we press the virtual keypad will give a sensation of physical pressing. The STORM is powered with 624 MHz CPU. Connectivity: Blouetooth 2.0, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA (3.5G) and USB 2.0. Operating System: BlackBerry. Camera: 3.15 MP with autofocus, video and flash. Standard battery: Li-ion 1400 mAh. Available applications: Built-in GPS, A-GPS function, BlackBerry maps, DataViz Document viewer/ editor, Java, Media player MP3/WMA/AAX+, with 3.5 stereo audio output jack and video player MPEG4/ 3gp/ H.264/ WMV and standard organizer as well as built-in handsfree. This gadget is also equipped with MicroSD Slot for the freedom of storing data/ files. I recommend this business-class gadget for those working as sales-executive of business consultant. Compact, versatile and somewhat, ... stylish! A Vercolish Gizmo worth buying. (AC Mahendra K Datu)

Nokia 5800 (Tube) Xpress Music

2008-12-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Many claim this smart phone is the real contender of iPhone 3G. Tagged at a lower price than the iPhone, and sold without any bundling with exclusive operators, it will likely sell better and faster than iPhone 3G. After all, Nokia is popular with throwing into the market a bucket of new models simultaneously. Weighed only at 109 grams, its portability and powerful entertainment as well as business functionality will make ‘Tube’ its nickname par excellence vis-à-vis the rest of similar class, even the iPhone as many claim. Specifications summary: Internal Memory 80 MB but the package comes with free 8 GB micro SD, this 3.5 HSDPA touch-screen cell phone is powered with Symbian OS v9.4 Series 60 rel. 5. With its superb specs, however, this cell phone is equipped with a ‘mere’ 3.15 MP camera, while many will expect it to be with 5 MP or even more. It’s not intended as a business cell-phone, rather a multimedia cell phone. Its Wi-Fi capability with UPnP technology will assure its web browsing functionality at your palm. Its screen size is a bit odd, 360 X 640, but its brightness is great. Is it really an iPhone killer? No one knows, but it’s really great gadget to have and to enjoy! (AC Mahendra K Datu)

Is There Any iPhone Killer yet?

2008-12-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

One thing is for sure: the competition is harsh and several manufacturers have launched what they claim could easily kill the iPhone 3G. HTC has thrown into the market HTC Touch Pro and HTC Diamon, Google and has done the same with its G1-T-Mobile powered with Android, while Samsung prepares two killer models: Omnia and Innov8. Nokia? The number one cell phone maker has jumped into the hybrid between smart-phone and PDA-phone market by throwing in Nokia 5800 Xpress Music. From two different corners Sony-Ericsson and Blackberry compete in hammering iPhone by launching their intelligent business gadgets: SE Xperia XI and both Blackberry Storm and Bold. The question is, who can kill such a ‘name’: Apple?

The problem with this particular competition is not just a war of technologies, rather a war of names. So the episode would be iPhone Vs The Rest! iPhone has its exclusive technology called ‘multi-touch’ which makes it a millimeter above the rest. However, its application store has made it even more millimeters higher: complete, easily downloaded and installed, and sure…. its prestige of being an ‘Apple’. Around the world millions of people of different skin colors and nationalities have sung together their ‘Apple Hymn’ or rather ‘Apple Anthem’ and make them distant from the rest who do not have nor use iPhone.
So, the very question is resounded again and again: is there any iPhone killer yet? Probably, only Steve Jobs and the late Peter F Drucker know the answer. (AC Mahendra K Datu)

SONY VAIO UX - VGN-UX57GN/L Ultra Mobile PC

2008-12-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

It’s lightweight, a real contender for HTC Shift or XDA Advantage UMPCs. Nevertheless, the brand has spoken for itself. Sony Vaio UX – also takes a short cameo in the James Bond’s Quantum of Solace – has been dubbed the smallest UMPC. Weighed 520 grams and powered with Intel Core 2 Solo processor U 2200 1.20 GHz, this UMPC will assure a great performance and ultra mobility at once. Comes with the genuine Windows Visa ® Business (as per August 2007), this smart device completed with HDD password and HDD protection. Not enough still? Biometric fingerprint recognition will boost the security at higher level. This device is great in look and performance. Price-wise is also competitive vis-à-vis similar gadgets. (AC Mahendra K Datu)

3M Micro Projector (3M MPro 110)

2008-12-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

The gizmo is called 3M MPro 110. As small as a candy bar cell phone, weighed only a bit more than 100 grams, it delivers the superb performance as projector. Handy and easily slipped into our pocket, 3M Mpro 110 answers the deemed demand of sheer mobility for young executives on-the-go. It works with any PC, Laptop, PDA, smart-phone or netbook. Projecting our presentation on screen as wide as 50 inches (diagonal), it will assure the professional presentation done in small meeting room, or even in the café during lunch or dinner. With 640 x 480 resolution, indeed this gadget is not a sizable competitor of standard LCD projectors carrying more that 1800 ANSI Lumens, but with its superb portability (well, good for Salespersons or Marketers on the go), size does not really matter. Out in early 2009 and available in all 3M stores and 3M official resellers, its price tag is somewhat too dear. Tagged at around US$ 600, many will think twice before digging deep their pockets. But who knows? (AC Mahendra K Datu)

XDA Advantage/ Flint (by O2)

2008-12-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Ultra Mobile PC. Technological breakthrough? Maybe. But the very core of its mobile functionality has the idea of not reducing the full function of PC into a ‘mere PDA’. The Taiwan-based corporation tries to penetrate the market where PDA is not the first best favorite, but rather the market of young executive who demands swift mobility with the full office function in a smart UMPC. Powered with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional the O2 version of XDA Flint – to be released early 2009, with full-office function would be the winning proposal for these young executives. The spec is even more tempting with the newly attached 3G/ HSDPA connection engine, GPS function, Quad-band, 3MP camera all fully powered with 624 MHz and 5 inch VGA touch screen. Price to be announced soon but the rumors say it would be cheaper than HTC Advantage X7510 that has been in the market. (AC Mahendra K Datu)

Your Gadget, Your Loyal Staff (in Bahasa)

2008-12-19T20:32:00.001-08:00

Ini cerita dua tahun yang lalu. Sebuah handphone unik diluncurkan di pasar Jepang, saking uniknya handphone itu, media massa menyebutnya sebagai fusi antara teknologi tinggi, teknologi yang bersahabat, serta teknologi yang mendukung efisiensi bekerja karena sifat multi-tasking-nya. Katanya, handphone itu mampu menggantikan banyak peralatan kantor dan pribadi, mudah untuk dipakai berkomunikasi melalui media multi-platformnya, bisa ber-internet-ria, bisa terima dan kirim email, fax, bahkan bisa juga dipakai sebagai radio komunikasi dua arah jarak menengah, bisa dipakai untuk mengawasi suatu lokasi secara visual (surveilance function), merekam pembicaraan bahkan rapat hingga lebih dari satu jam, dan menjadi sekretaris pribadi yang handal.Di Jepang, orang-orang menyebutnya handphone pintar. Di lain tempat mereka menyebutnya ‘smartphone’, gabungan antara handphone, kamera digital dan PDA (personal digital assistance). Masih katanya, ini bukan sekedar smartphone biasa, karena dengan teknologi ‘push to talk’-nya, handphone ini juga memudahkan cara berkomunikasi tanpa biaya. Saat itu saya memang belum melihat sendiri seperti apa bentuk maupun ketangguhan handphone jenis itu, tetapi saya yakin, inilah teknologi telekomunikasi portabel yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh banyak orang, tepatnya para pebisnis yang tak terlalu kaya raya tetapi sangat menghargai efisiensi dan produktifitas bekerja. Hari ini, cerita soal smartphone dua tahun lalu sudah jadi cerita basi. Smartphone kini berevolusi menjadi ‘Very-Very-Smart Phone’, dan saking cerdasnya jenis handphone itu, banyak yang sudah terlanjur beli lalu menjadi kecewa karena tak begitu tahu bagaimana cara memfungsikannya. So complicated!Kini komputer memang merambah banyak sendi kehidupan di kota-kota besar. Alat elektronik seperti walkman menjadi ‘terlalu besar’ untuk ukuran jaman sekarang dengan masuknya chip-chip komputer yang berukuran mikro. Yang disebut gadget pun kini makin tak jelas. Peng-kategorian semacam itu tak lagi relevan. Sebuah smartphone ‘push to talk’ misalnya, apakah anda akan mengkategorikannya sebagai handphone, PDA, atau sekedar handy talkie (HT)? Masuknya unsur komputer ke dalam dunia bisnis serta kehidupan pribadi para pebisnis juga telah mengaburkan batas atas siapa-siapa saja yang ‘boleh’ disebut businesman: seorang yang memiliki usaha di gedung mewah beberapa lantai dengan puluhan hingga ratusan karyawan serta unit-unit komputer lengkap dan moderen, ataukan dia yang sendirian menjalankan bisnisnya dari sebuah kamar kost berukuran 3 x 4 meter dengan memakai smartphone di atas, sebuah laptop serta sebuah all-in-one printer kecil? Bagaimana kita bisa membedakannya bila keduanya sama-sama beromset 5 milyar rupiah sebulan?Bila kita peka terhadap perubahan evolusioner yang seolah tak terbaca jaman tetapi sudah terjadi sejak lebih dari satu dekade lalu, mestinya jangan sampai kita hanya menjadi penonton saja. Era komputer saat ini telah memungkinkan banyak orang menjadi entrepreneur muda di mana puncak sukses mereka dicapai dalam kurun waktu yang relatif singkat, dan semuanya itu dilakukan bersama dengan komputer yang disembunyikan dalam berbagai gadget yang mereka bawa sehari-hari: handphone/ smartphone, PDA, laptop, kamera digital, memory disk, dll.Bagaimana dengan kita yang hidup dikelilingi oleh gadget-gadget itu? Akankah kita memanfaatkan handphone kita hanya untuk berkirim SMS atau chatting? Bagi yang memiliki PDA, apakah benda-benda pintar itu hanya akan dipakai sebagai kalkulator sekalian pamer saat belanja ke Mal, atau sekedar pemutar musik digital? Mengapa banyak orang memboroskan ratusan ribu rupiah untuk berkirim SMS yang tak perlu, padahal anda bisa berteman dengan banyak orang yang di kemudian hari bisa saja menjadi mitra usaha ataupun klien anda. Sudahkan anda kirim foto produk anda melalui MMS ke calon customer anda?Memanfaatkan teknologi yang makin murah, makin pintar dan beragam fungsinya memang gampang-gampang susah. Kadang alasan kita membeli sebuah gadget, apapun itu bendanya, hanya karena orang lain ramai-ramai membelinya. Sering terjadi bahwa kita tak tahu mengapa kita memilih gadget-gadget itu selain karena bentuk serta warnanya yang penuh gaya. Kita mungkin melihat gadget sebagai asesoris gaya hidup kita. Konsekuansinya, kita hanya akan jadi konsumtif dengan cara pandang itu.Bila kita ingin benar-benar menjadi entrepreneur sekaligus ‘free-rider’ di jalan raya informasi dengan memanfaatkan gadget-gadget yang kita miliki, kita pertimbangkan dahulu beberapa hal ini: pertama, kita harus benar-benar tahu apakah gadget itu bisa mendukung rencana serta jalannya bisnis kita, kedua, bila memang perlu dibeli, gadget itu harus benar-benar layak beli: intinya kontribusinya harus jelas, dan ketiga, ikuti terus perkembangan informasi mengenai upgrade yang bisa dilakukan terhadap gadget itu sehingga bisa kita optimalkan fungsinya. Mari kita kupas secara ringkas satu-persatu.Yang pertama, kita memang harus meluangkan waktu mencari informasi sebanyak mungkin mengenai kebutuhan gadget kita. Bila anda akan bekerja di rumah atau kamar kost, sebuah laptop plus printer all-in-one (printer, scanner, copier) akan lebih cocok karena banyaknya fungsi yang bisa dilakukan serta murahnya biaya pembelian. Atau sebuah PDA yang memiliki konektivitas Bluetooth bisa dipasangkan dengan handphone dengan kemampuan GPRS/ MMS. Dua gadget itu sudah cukup untuk menyusuri alam maya internet, dan kalau ada fasilitas Wi-Fi, tentu akan lebih dahsyat lagi. Dengan banyaknya gadget yang mendukung berbagai jenis fungsi, sekarang ruang kerja bisa dipersempit karena semuanya dibuat serba kecil tetapi makin pintar.Yang kedua, gadget yang dibeli harus diperhitungkan bahwa ia memiliki kontribusi yang terukur terhadap perkembangan (bisa dibaca: omzet) bisnis kita, sehingga gadget itu boleh dimasukkan sebagai asset, bukan cost. Intinya, gadget itu harus bisa membiayai dirinya sendiri. Yang ketiga, rajin-rajinlah mencari informasi baik itu melalui tabloid, majalah maupun internet mengenai upgrade atau tips-tips yang bisa kita manfaatkan untuk mengoptimalkan atau meng-upgrade gadget anda. Upgrade itu bisa berupa aksesoris tambahan, software ataupun trick-trick yang dilakukan oleh banyak mahasiswa-mahasiswa komputer di seluruh dunia yang membagikan ‘penemuan-penemuan’ mereka secara cuma-cuma kepada siapapun melalui internet. Mari kita jadikan gadget-gadget yang ada di sekitar kita sebagai mitra usaha kita. Jangan terlambat mempertimbangkan, karena pesaing anda mungkin sudah melakukannya setahun-dua tahun lalu. Tanya kenapa?

Mr. Processor, here I am at your service!

2008-12-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

“To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer”
(Farmers’ Almanac 1978)

In one fine day a friend asked me a question like this: which one is more competent in making decision: a computer, or a man who operates it. I could not but remain silent for the question was so difficult that it stopped my brain from working immediately. Another friend submitted a proposal, as he wearily spoke to both of us,” Why don’t we just ask the computer to discuss this particular matter? Perhaps it can gives advises on who’s more competent in making decision? Itself, or…. us?”I was learning one important thing that very day. Computer becomes more human, while human becomes more mechanical and artificial. I was about to cry but no tears were left to drop, because my soul was full with foolish joy, wanting to laugh out loud.Today, I really want to recall again that conversation. I want to make a little reunion with those two fellows I just talked about. I almost lost contact on their whereabouts, until someone else told me where I could find them. One is working at the university in town, and that’s very easy to reach him in one single call. Another one gives me a sudden migraine as he works at a computer security system company. When I begin to dial his office number, then….. my conversation with the computer processor also begins……“Hello, Good morning. This is a so-and-so computer system company. Please press one for English, press two for Mandarin, or press three for Bahasa Indonesia”I press three.“Thank you! You are calling to the most sophisticated computer system company. Our company is pleased to help you, our value customers. Please press one for our products offer, press two for our services, press three for inquiries, press four for existing customers, or press five if you wish to contact our staff”I press five.“Thank you. Please press one for Sales Department, press two for Marketing Department, press three for Customer Services, press four for Operational Department, or press five for other departments”I press two.“Thank you. Our staffs in the Marketing Departments are on the lunch break at the moment. Please press one to leave your message, press two to reserve your call after one p.m., press three for operator assistance, or press four to hang up.”I put the headset back into its place, almost fainted. I guess, as my old friend had suggested long-long ago, I will just ask for advises from my computer whether or not I should call my friend again this afternoon or not. It seems that my day is getting bluer. If I call, I will surely get my migraine back. Oh, what an age!