My very first Android: ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser

In my mind, an Android phone should never cross beyond the RM1,000 mark. I believe that since the OS is 'free', we're only purchasing the hardware. But of course, some companies would bloat it up with their version of the software to justify the price. And then, you have great hardware but crap software and vice versa. In the end, buying an Android Phone is pretty much a very tough decision for me. But one thing is clear. No Samsung.

I have been eyeing the Xiaomi Mi4i for quite some time and have even bought a tempered glass in anticipation of its arrival last year. Then came one fateful day where ASUS's Ad came into my Facebook feed and well, despite the comparison, ASUS won mainly because it's camera feature and also more importantly, accepts microSD card. This means, my 64GB microSD card won't go to waste.

I have planned to get this phone by 2016. It won't be via online since I won't know if I am still working at the current place which to me, is quite  unstable. So, a quick call to ASUS over in Mid-Valley told me that I can pick up a white phone anytime for RM799.00. Which to me, is stilll OK since it only costs RM50 more than the Xiaomi.

But plans changed; I am now working on my new Job over in Kuching. And while I was at Viva City courtesy of my friend, I went into the Asus shop just  to have a look and they had a Chinese New Year promo at the time too. So, I ended up getting my very first Android Phone in just less than 8 minutes. Yea, I did have a Motorola (MotoG), which was given to me by my very good Friend Raja Azahar but this time, I bought one with my very own money...

For RM709, I got a Silver ASUS Zenfone 2 which comes with an 8GB microSD card, a tempered glass protector screen for half the price and also, a softcover case.

Since I had about 30 minutes more, I told Zoo Xen to charge the Phone and also mount the tempered glass for me while I look for more clothing.

The Zenfone feels quite big in my hands but because of the back's curvature, it feels good

Oh, here's the volume button

Just like my MotoG and the Xiaomi Mi4i, the Zenfone has dual SIM slots but look closer at how the microSD card is mounted. So, your fingers better be gentle

First shot from the Camera looks good and is a huge improvement over the MotoG but still, I kinda miss the Nokia n8's camera

The focusing is quite reactive and fast too. I can't show you the picture of my Boss pouring the Wine to my glass but trust me when I tell you this: The moment he started the pour, I took out the Zenfone and got the clear crisp shot almost immediately.

Low light shots are great too but tends to slow down the camera and gave too bright a picture. Here, I just used normal settings

One great feature was the Panoramic shots but the only downside is that the brightness cannot be auto-adjusted (for the moment?). This was my second try as the first was calibrated to the Sea so when it came to the right, everything went dark.

Once I return to my Home for the Chinese New Year, the MotoG is again given to my Eldest Daughter Kristine as promised. Unless her school grades went down again....

Also, I need to go back to Viva as I have forgotten the charger. Zoo Xen was kind enough to call me about it. But man, that's almost a 10KM walk to get there and back again.

But one thing for sure, I can now use Facebook and Surf the Internet through my Celcom line again, without having to depend on Wifi signals.

The Land where the Cats are...

First of all, here is a piece of very valuable advise:

When you need to ask your Spouse something important, beware of their reply, "Up to You" because it's not really up to you. Its a trap answer.


But whatever it was, I am glad that I have said, 'Yes'. As soon as I kiss my previous Job goodbye on Friday, I was set to fly out on Sunday. Setting all those emotions aside, I really felt that this is something that needs to be done. For a person of my age, getting a good salary and great Job security is almost impossible here. Sure, I can do most the work required of me or even learn the ropes but no one is willing to pay serious money for an aging Uncle.

Anyway, going as far as across the Sea for this Job raised a lot of questions, mainly s in how the heck I got it. But let's just say, I don't believe in third chances nowadays. The first few weeks very very difficult for me since I had to convince my loved ones and also, my realisation finally sank in that I would be away for quite some time. It was not easy since with our current financial standing, it meant my Wife needed to talk the bulk of the daily task I left behind AND still continue with hers. But we're looking at a long term goal here which means I need to 'stay on target'.

For the time being, this also means putting a stop to all my Hobbies and stuff too. And to be frank, quitting Facebook cold turkey was not as difficult as I thought.

Last morning drive to school

Last Family Dinner

And so, the cost of KLIA Express has gone from RM35 to RM55 per trip.

 

Unlike KLIA2 where there's lots of people, KLIA is the exact opposite

 

One day, I'll need to get something for the Wife when I have the money

The only attraction for me were always the Hawaiian Coleslaw

 

The Stewardess mumbled, 'something curry something fried rice something something' and that's what I got

Touching down in Kuching. Never seen so many beautiful clouds

When I arrived in Kuching, it was with a sense of relief and sadness. Relief that I have finally made it here but sad that my Daughters were already missing me. Kristine thought I was only gone for the weekend while Kaelynn, the youngest, who understood the whole situation, confided to my Wife she missed me the most.

No turning back now, and so, the first order of the day, after being picked from the Airport, was to get the accomodation sorted out. And boy, I was given an empty Condo which cuited me fine. With the help of the Driver, I got most of the things I needed to make the place more 'hospitable'. It was being alone in Scotland all over again.

Groceries and cleaning agents. That's about RM135 there

Finally, I get to taste Grenadine flavoured cordial. It takes some getting used to

TV reception was limited to TV1, TV2 and TV3, will bad reception. Then, I discovered it can play some YouTube videos which I have downloaded onto my Thumbdrive. Who you gonna call?

On that very night, I dreamt that my youngest daughter, Kaelynn, boarded a plane by herself and flew over to hug me... So, I am thinking of how to get them over in the next few weeks during their school holidays.

Finally, it took me a few more days to finally accept the empty Condo and I finally slept soundly. Or maybe, I just allowed fatique to knock me out. But I do need to do something about the wind-chime outside the window which I am still not too used to it.