Shenzhen

I went to Shenzhen, which is like the source of all computer equipment.

What do they sell there?

1. Handphones. Oh, so many handphones.
2. Handphone accessories
3. Computers/laptops and parts
4. Cameras
5. Media players
6. Torches and laser pointers
7. LED bulbs
8. LED sign panels (see below)

I only had 1 day to explore the electronics shopping centres, so I couldn't possibly see all of them. Although the stuff there is cheaper, most of it is available in Sim Lim Square, so there's no point going just to buy these things. Especially since you have to bargain and calculate to avoid being cheated, and keep an eye on your stuff while you're there. For example, I was thinking of buying a wand scanner:

The best price I found there was slightly more expensive than in Sim Lim Square! More common things were cheaper.

I didn't buy much. I bought a Singapore Apple plug (for the iPhone or MacBook adapter), a weighing scale and an LED panel (RMB$180):

I used to have one from ThinkGeek. That was slightly troublesome because it used disposable batteries and seemed to use up the batteries even when switched off. This one uses rechargeable batteries, and it lasts quite long. I left it on overnight and it still had power. It's programmed by computer, and can also display images.

Belkin 4 port USB hub / more iPhone charging experiences

I wanted something to charge several USB devices at once, and adaptors only go up to 2, so I tried a USB hub instead. I got a Belkin hub, which has 4 ports and is powered (meaning it comes with its own power adaptor).

The good news is, yes, it supplies power if you just plug in the adaptor and don't connect it to a computer. I can charge my Kindle and LED message board.

(Not a picture of the board charging, just to show you what it is) The bad news is, it doesn't charge the iPhone/iPad (without a computer)! This is a summary of the situation:
iPhone: charges only if computer and power adaptor connected
iPad: does not charge at all
The hub doesn't have any indicator lights, which is disappointing for such an expensive hub. The Logitech powered USB hub had individual lights for each port.

After searching online, I found the situation is as I expected: the hub needs some "intelligence" for the iPhone to charge, just like the iPod Touch.
http://nttup.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/usb-device-charging-un-mystified/
In short, the device asks the hub, "hey, can you supply 500mA?", and the hub has to reply for the charging to go. The good thing is, it isn't an Apple thing, they're just following the USB rules here. A solution would be to modify the hub: http://carlhutzler.com/blog/2009/07/28/usb-hub-as-an-ipodiphone-charger/ but this would disable data transfer, and I'm not going to do that to my new hub. Another solution would be to modify the cable, and in fact I saw a charging cable on ThinkGeek that probably does that. It's quite expensive though, and I'd rather buy a wall adaptor.

With so many people wanting to charge their devices, it's odd no company has made and advertised a USB hub that can charge without a computer. I also wonder about the many USB charging devices, like the power sockets with built in USB ports, if they can supply 500mA?

Summary of USB chargers:
Dumb - charges: Kindle. Probably because it only needs 100mA.

• Belkin USB hub (without computer)
• No brand USB adaptor

Intermediate - charges: iPod Touch, iPhone, NOT iPad

• Belkin USB hub, with power and computer
•  Belkin adaptor
• Kensington charging dock with mini battery pack

 (Not sure if the last 2 can charge the iPad, so putting them here)

Ultimate - charges iPad and everything else (so far)

• MacBook Pro USB port
• iPod power adaptor (the one that comes with iPhone and Apple's universal travel kit)
• iPad charger
• Taiyo travel charger

The last one is a curiousity.

The front says "Taiyo TH-252 USB". I bought it because it was a travel adaptor and had 2 USB charging ports, so I only needed to bring this while traveling. It happily charges my iPhone and iPad, which now I know to be no mean feat! At first I thought this was a simple charger, and the devices weren't picky. The main problem with this adaptor is it seems loose in the socket - if you push it in, it springs back a little. The same with plugs in its own socket. However, I think its charging capabilities more than make up for this.

Metropark Hotel Wanchai Hong Kong

41-49 Hennessy Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

I stayed at the Metropark Hotel in Hong Kong recently. We picked it because it had a good location (I'm not sure exactly where, I didn't pay attention to the place names).

• Good facilities - fridge, safe, many TV channels, choice of pillow fillings
• Modern, new furnishings
• Good service
• Central location, walking distance from metro
• Many steps from street level to lift (cannot wheel luggage)

Some interesting pictures I took:

The hinge for this cupboard door is quite complicated. What does it do that normal hinges don't?

I like the design of their power points. First there are 2, and they're installed in opposite directions so there's a lower chance of obstruction. My adaptor (on the right) won't fit on the power point on the left. They also include a travel adaptor and LAN cable.

Australia - Singapore trip

Updated 6 Aug 2011

We just drove from Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney - Surfer's Paradise and flew to Singapore. Here is some stuff from the trip. I'm publishing it as I write so you can see it sooner.

Melbourne

We stayed at 94 Highett St. I recommend this place because it was comfortable, well-equipped (had air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ and 2 car garage), had a good location and was cheap.

Canberra

Stayed at Pinnacle Apartments Hotel, Ovens St Kingston. Rooms were big and each apartment had individual hot water tanks. Kitchen was a bit sparse

Sydney
The Macleay Serviced Apartments
28 Macleay Street, Potts Point, SYDNEY
No pictures, but we wanted to stay in a 6-person room. I want to point out that this room has only 1 toilet, which is too little. In the end we took another 2-person room. Also, the carpark does not have enough spaces. The street seems to have a lot of bars/shops.

Surfer's Paradise

Mantra Crown Towers
5 - 19 Palm Avenue
Surfers Paradise
The rooms were huge and each room had an assigned parking lot, but it was hard to find as there was no order or map to their numbering. It's quite near to the main shopping district.

Brisbane - Singapore Flight

We flew Singapore Airlines, and this is their current in-flight entertainment system. The screen is huge. Does anyone know what the knob to the left of the screen is for? Currently they have:

• video in (red, white and yellow jacks)
• USB port that supports mass storage, to play your music files (tested for charging iPhone)
• iPod port (needs their cable, untested)
• international power sockets on the armrest (untested)