20241020 Xiaomi 14T Pro

 

So, yeah, I got a new phone.

After much pestering from my Wife, that is, and the repair costs for the Huawei is nearing the RM1,000 mark too.

You see, after 5 years, my trusty Huawei P10Plus has started to give me problems. It had its internal battery changed during the Pandemic. And just year, it had is Rear Camera replaced and right after that, the screen.

What's wrong with the screen, SPR?

I am still quite sore as the screen was not faulty when I sent it. It became so after the camera was replaced. On the next day where I was suppose to pick up my Phone, the previous Tech had been transferred. He was blamed for not leaving any notes on how to contact me nor the codes to unlock my phone so that the new guy can see it for himself. When I was shown that there was no such information, even on their computer system where previously, I ma very sure my details were entered. But that was last year and this year, this was a new guy, and were in a 'He said, she said' situation. After much going to and fro, I had to pay 50% for the new screen since we're not going anywhere.

This is how my Huawei looked after the last repair. Its bottom right edge was bulging. I raised the issue but the guy just avoided it. Still, he said, 'You're lucky that this is an original Huawei screen, so we don't make any proift from it.'
What?

 

This was quite noticeable, even during at the Counter. And now, with the screen protector, its edges are breaking,leaving tiny shards of glass. Now matter how I pressed it, the edge would not relent.

 I should have gone back to the Huawei Premium Service Centre in KL ECO City. And so, with this battery issue, I think I might just do that. No more SPR (SmartPhone Repair)

Introducing the Xiaomi 14T Pro

Quite some time ago, I was mulling on which would be the appropriate model to replace my Huawei P10Plus. The natural decision would be the Huawei P50. However, it does not have Google support and I use Google Sheets extensively. The next model then has to be, well, a second-hand Huawei P30. It would have Android 13 (I need Android Auto to test certain Cars) and it is the last Huawei phone that has Google. Asus was a no go after they played havoc with my Zenfone 2 Laser's GPS during the phone's last software update and nothing was forthcoming from them. Meanwhile Oppo and Google sounded good but nothing to shout about.

And there are no other backup phones for me to choose from.

That is, until just recently. I know very little about Xiaomi except that when I wanted a cute yellow one (Xioami Mi 4c) in the early 2010's a lot of owners said the phone hangs. A lot. And so, I never did look at the brand anymore. However, this showed up on my Facebook feed a fortnight ago.

When I choose a Mobile Phone, the very first thing I look for would be its camera before anything else. It's not the megapixels but how well the colours turn out, its macro ability and how fast I can whip it out and take photos. Next would be some weird features such as anti-shakes and low-light photography. OK, and a damn good battery as well. So, yeah, without reading much into the specs, I think the 14T is the one.

The AI in there

AI? What AI? Seriously, I have heard about AI stuff in there but, man, I just want a Phone with a good camera. I'll have to explore this later on.

I have made up my mind

The Xiaomi 14T Pro comes in 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB configuration. You can go with Titan Black, Titan Blue or Titan Grey. There is a green version but that is just 14T (no Pro). After a lengthy LRT trip, I arrived at the Xiaomi Roadshow in KLCC and today was the last day. There were quite a lot of people at the roadshow and even more lining up for their turn at the weird looking green car.

RM2,599 is a lot of money right now. Heck when I got my Huawei P10Plus 5 years ago, it was around the 3K mark too. It really means I have to tighten my belt even more.
 

I wanted the 12GB + 256GB configuration, which is RM2,599
As per the image above, you'd get a lot of stuff such as 6 months Google Cloud Storage, Spotify, 1x Out-of-Warranty-Labour-Free repair, and so on. Physically, you'd get a luggage bag, a Xiaomi Scale, a 120W Charger and, a Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo,

 Thank You, CelcomDigi

You know what happened? CelcomDigi happened.

The Long Story Short

- I got the 12GB+512GB Titan Blue for about RM2328, with a savings of RM671.

- I had my Postpaid plan upgraded for RM20 extra which comes with a 5G account with 250 GB data and 90GB for the numbers under me.

- And then CelcomDigi keep stuffing my bag with more and more freebies too. It was so heavy that the paper bag broke during the LRT ride home.

The Short Story Long

The moment I arrived, I headed straight to the Middle Foyer of the KLCC Mall. The whole place was happening. There was a long queue for what I presumed a chance to sit in Xiaomi's first Electric Car. I looked like some nice Porsche but with a body paint what reminds me of the Petronas colours.

Although the crowd is quite big, but it was still manageable, thanks to my mood. Most of the Promoters were very young and were busy attending to other Customers. This gave me some private minutes for me to try out the 14T Pro on display. Moments later, standing next to me was a polite young guy, who is quite attentive and managed to answer most of my questions. I mean, I was here for the free gifts actually. After I had made my choice (12GB+256GB, Titan Blue), I was passed from Promoter to Promoter, leading until to the front. Which is a bit weird. But anyway, I was told to sit, given a bottle of water while they prepare my order.

While I was waiting to be served, I curiously walked over to the Celcom booth which was sharing the same floorspace and event with the Roadshow. So, I talked to the Promoter, Kiwie, and he told me that I can get the same (if not, better) Xiaomi offer. The only thing is, I would not be getting the Luggage bag, the only item which encouraged me to the KLCC Roadshow today.

Still, I decided to ask if I can get the 14T Pro from them as well. The reason is that the whole Roadshow is, I think, was organised by some Dealer, not directly by Xiaomi. I could very well be wrong on this but most of the Facebook ads were by them. Trusting in a well known established brand on the floor seemed to be a better option for the day, which is, CelcomDigi.

Kiwie did a check for me and we found out I was qualified for the Phone. Which is great but I've never did se any Ads from CelcomDigi about this. I honestly told him that I do not know what is my account status all through these years/ decades as they're always upgraded each obsolete plans after another for me. For today, the latest Plan through him was the Celcom 5G 100 or something. Everything was upgraded, more importantly, the data quota for the numbers under my name. All of a sudden, the 40GB limit has been raised to 90GB. After a quick cancellation, I went with CelcomDigi. Plus, with just a 2 year contract of an additional RM97 per month, I save more than RM600 and still got the 12GB+512GB version! But that is not all, despite not having the luggage, I was loaded with a lot more free gifts!

So, I guess, I felt like a Winner today, and throughout the whole journey, I kept looking into the bag to see my new Phone, as if it was really just a dream...

On the left are the free stuff from Xiaomi while on the right are more stuff from CelcomDigi. The Promoter, Teahh got an extra umbrella for me too. So, in the end, the three of us took a nice photo (in poor lighting, intentionally of course) with a Xiaomi 14T Pro.

The contents of CelcomDigi's Mystery Box

 Update 01: 20241021

Reading the specs here on GSMArena, the aluminum framed 14T Pro is quite a performer despite its shortcomings of taking macro shots.

Well, I am still happy despite not using it yet. I am waiting for a much better protective casing and some screen protectors to arrive.

20241020 Taking the LRT to KLCC

 For the very first time, I think, this would be one of my longest ride in the MyRapid LRT. The journey, I think, took about close to 2 hours. I cannot verify this as my Huawei P10Plus has issues with its internal battery.

Yeah, for this year, I have had its screen and its camera changed. And now, its battery and side button are giving me problems. As long as I do not take much photos, it would behave itself. Just like today, after the fifth photo, the phone turned itself off. After trying to turn it back on for the 6th time, the battery was down to 7%. Before the shiet happened, the reading was in the 80's.

It's a shame, really as there were so many missed photos during the long journey.

 

The Station was mostly empty since it is a Sunday.

I am not sure what happened inside this window but those condensation reminds me of those toys when you shake it about.

Sitting in the middle, I wanted to go to the front, knowing that as we are nearing Kuala Lumpur, there would be more passengers coming on board.

I am surprised that Shell was the only Petrol Station taking advantage of our Mr. Sun

 

20241018 The Ending of Altec Lansing's ACS45.1

I do remember I used to have two Altec Lansing ACD45.1's but I could not recall what happened to the first one. And that was about, maybe, 23 years ago? At that time, these were going for RM255 at Computer Fairs and I loved it to bits.

I am not so sure about the history but at one point in time, Altec Lansing were going head to head with Cambridge Audio or something. The latter was quite expensive and thus, I got the ACS45.1 which was basically a pair of speakers with a nice subwoofer.

23 plus years later...

Or was it just 15 years or so? Anyway, this was my Second unit and it already did have some issues years before. To switch it on, you'd need to press the two volume buttons located on the top of the right speaker. That stopped working and so, I just powered it on from the mains. Then came the 'memory' issue where I had to re-adjust the volume everytime it powers up.

And well, lastly, just last week, it powered up and then the green LED sort of fizzled a little and then faded off. The Internet suggested that I replace the inferior TP2256 chip with the Toshiba's more robust TC9235P since it was the source of most problems.

 The TC9235P

 

Inside the circuit board is the crucial Volume Control IC called the PT2256. From the Internet, it was touted to be the more cost effective version of Toshiba's more robust TC9235P. Both chips are pin for pin compatible. And therefore, I decided to get two.

Surprisingly, it came in record time. The Seller packed it quite well, even for just tow IC chips.

The Main circuit and amplifier lies in the subwoofer enclosure of the ACS45.1 The whole enclosure is made of wood. The circuitry and port is held with 8 screws.

That is quite a big heatsink...

Not shown here, but inside is the big transformer.

Found the PT2256 chip

The de-soldered PT2256 (bottom) and the new TC9235P ICs.

I used a lot of solder flux as I want to clean the soldering and also, to make sure the new solder flows into the PCB as fast as possible. This is because the PCB is brittle SRBP and not those FR4 fibreglass which are so common nowadays. See the small SMD resistor '392'? It is not leaking but I suspect, is glue to make sure the component does not move about during wave soldering, I think.

After cleaning with IPA, the board looks good to go.

Finally...

Once everyting is cleaned up and the board fastened back in, it is time to test the repair. And as expected, the green LED glow into life when powered on and it... fizzled and died.

Sheesh.

 

20241015 Free Show

 We do have an issue with the Toilet Door.

The issue is that this cheap plastic door is broken. And I know why. Actually, I did not have to ask why because it is quite evident; the door got locked and someone had to force it open as if it was a wooden door.

Problem #1

The door is plastic which means it is lightweight and susceptible to melting via a magnifying glass. OK, it is not possible unless I break the window panes and tilt the Earth's rotation. Being a plastic door, the whole assembly is hollow. Once the door knob was forced, the surrounding reinforcements are literally mutilated (I wanted to use this instead of the word, 'destroyed' which seems to too harsh). So, effectively, when you lock the door, someone on the outside can open it if they have the intention/ motivation to do so.

In my previous Job, I installed those keyless door knobs just in case the Customer has an Emergency and could not open the door themselves. Sadly, the solution to this place lies in Problem #7

Problem #2

When the doors are closed, they are effectively locking you in like a box. If there were no lights, people'd think you volunteered for Solitary Confinement. The next cubicle is not too bad since there is a window and the door still works.

Once the doors are closed, you would not know if there is anyone inside unless you perform the Gentlemanly Knock which no one does. And so, they will stealthily twist the door knob, hoping it would open. While. I. was. in. there. 12 out of 10 times, it happened to me. One day, I think I am going to sit there, and just let them open the door....

 

Problem #7

There is no problem #6

 

Problem #8

And the financial side? Notice I did not talk about it? No one talked about it too.

 

Sometimes, I am so tempted to just sit there, with my pants down and just wait for the door to open. This time, I'll just move my leg away so it won't block the door...

 

20241013 When you have some 'expired' crisps...

 So, yeah, we had a bag of fried chips of unknown expiry date. I am not sure why we had to follow this because, if the crisps are still crispy and no taste of oil it was in, it is not expired. Then again, with locally bought stuff, the attempts to put an expiry date is half-hearted to say the least.

For me, the rule of thumb is, if it is still crispy and no smell, it is OK to eat. If it is coated with those chili/ sambal paste, it will have a soft crisp. As long as it does not taste like salty shiet, it is OK to eat, I guess.

Anyway, coming back to the suspected crisp, in theory, I can shove them under a hot oven to rejuvenate them. Actually, I wanted to do that but my hunger was more important. So, yeah, I ladled it will some left-over lunch and that's it.

 

Just add them with a nice dish full of sauces. The liquid will soften the potatoes which also soaks up the sauce. But do not leave it for too long unless you want everything to be soft.

 

20241012 A very filling Thosai Rawa

After having a haircut nearby, I decided to grab some Dinner from the also nearby corner Mamak. I've been wanting to try this place since our Move. This is a 24-hour Restaurant which does have quite a number of items on their menu.

The place is bright and their Staff are proactively attentive. In most places, I would always go for some Thosai and well, a cup of Iced Coffee. Tonight, my adventurous self opted for the crispy Thosai Rawa and a cup of Hot Coffee.

 

I guess I am used to Bangsar's Thosai where they serve you the whitish green Coconut chutney, the reddish Chili and onion Chutney and Dhal. Tonight, here in this rainy evening, the dhal was quite diluted while the reddish chutney was replaced by well, fish curry. But what I was not prepared for was, the serving of the Thosai Rawa itself. It was very filling.

Come the next Day, we packed more Thosai Rawa for Brunch and all of a sudden, I started to like the place. Yes, there are some raw garlic pieces in the coconut chutney!

This time round, the dhal was as thick as slow-flowing ketchup. And my Wife said, we're short-changed by Bangsar because just one serving, she was already very full.

 And the the cost of the Thosai Rawa? It is RM3.50 and so worth it.

20240928 Visit to CKTan

 It's been quite a while since I visited any Model Shop. And so, with the rest of the Family having their own plans, I decided to drop by the only Shop that I know of, which has a lot of tools.

The main reason I went there was hoping to secure at least one 8mm x 8mm square rod to create another Toilet Roll key for the one which broke after fshgenblenbsdn months.

 

 

 

The place is crowded as usual, with boxes and boxes from floor to ceiling. You can see the ladder propped in the background.

Another view, from the opposite, which is the diagonal rear of the shop. In the front is the counter.

Some of the 50% discounted items. Most of them were displayed at the front of the shop, from missiles to tanks.

The 1/72 MENG Ornihopters and figures are in too.

This time round, most of the Sci-Fi kits are relegated to the uppermost shelves.

Soon, I might warm up to the AmmoKnight...

So, I asked the girl, if she could search for this model. I showed her the exact picture and she said something like, this model is already so old and out of production. And they do not have it anymore. Dismayed, I walked another round of the shop and saw it neatly tucked into the corner of a shelf. This was the model which appeared to me many times but I did not want it, even during their Sales. But yes, today is the day.

This kid cooks a mean Double-Special burger, even under the rain.

And I realised, after all these years, the tree the stall was based on, is actually a Cempedak tree.

With the Lotus Submarine in my hands, this Double Special Burger tasted so delicious!

20241001 More Tools for the Restroom

 Sooo..... yeah. She came back to me more than two weeks ago, saying her 'key' broke... The only problem is that the 8mm x 8mm or so-ish square tube is missing.

Introducing the Key 2.0

Well, I had to make another one for her since I do not want to give her mine. I need to find more of the square tube and the most convenient place for me was Kepong's CKTPlamodelShop. I wanted to go to the original place where I got the tube from by the time I beat the evening's traffic snarl, they could be closing. Of course I can pay and use the Tolls but knowing the traffic condition, the result would be the same.

And so, over the Weekend, I got the second key made and this time, without the careful considerations. I kind of shoved everything inside.

The largest Tube I could find was the 6mm x 6mm and so, I used the thickest plastic strip I could find, which was 0.75mm. Iused them to make the edges thicker. Anyway, this is as close enough to make the key. And this time, I drilled the hole slightly towards the middle so this key can be used on both ends. Once I glued and stuff a small tube inside (to reinforce the hole), I let in the JB Weld mix and sealed off both ends.

 

When the JB Weld has cured, I drilled a small 5mm hole since one of those toilet roll key slot has a small indentation.

 

The broken key (left) and the replacement (right)