Swinburne Orientation for March Intake, Take Final

For the final part, be prepared for a bit of problems as it has been a week since then and I'm a person with a rather bad memory. XP

Okay, let's begin~

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Filler Post; Some Stuff to Say

Like one of my blog entries earlier. Busy, busy life currently. I come back home like, in the evening! o.o

Ah well, I cannot complain much, since we are all gonna get a job that might go from morning until evening sooner or later(unless you're a lucky person to get a job with shifts and non-fixed/non-standard working hours). XP

Anyways, last weekend my mother was okay with me buying a laptop. It was meant for my studies while at Swinburne. Being a money minded person and not wanting to spend too much money on another laptop, I decided to budget my next one to be small and around RM2k. There were only 2 choices at that point, both being Acer.

The good thing about that day was that there was a PC Fair at One TJ(computer outlet in BDC). It was also the reason we bought the laptop then instead of later. Much to my disappointment, it wasn't much of a PC Fair. I mean, seriously, there wasn't much of any good offers except at PC Image... You know? This company must be happy to see us again, back for another PC Fair~ >_>; Since we bought our computer related stuff mostly from them(except last year items).

Like I said before, two options. one about RM2.5k and another being RM1.5k. The difference? RM1k, one is a netbook and another is a semi-lightweight laptop. But of course, the RM1.5k won, it was the Acer Aspire One! Why did I pick it? Why this? A slow "laptop" with only a single core CPU with a small ass screen? It was because of its light weight(not really that light though), small body and the 6-cell battery! It also comes with a newer CPU, the Intel Atom N280.

For some of you, you would say, "WTF is Atom?" or maybe "Is it better that dual core?" or "I heard it sucks.". Nay I say! This is PERFECT! It is also faster from its predecessor, being 0.06GHz faster... You can, "That's it?". OF COURSE NOT! It has an increased front side bus and thus a faster RAM/memory can be used! Overall, it should have a good enough see-able/feel-able difference against its predecessor, the N270(1.6GHz). Then again, I bought this for light tasks and not for mobile gaming which should be done at home, not at a learning institution.

The overall specs are not that much different from its predecessor though, same hard drive size of 160GB and RAM is stuck at 1GB(gee thanks Microsoft in limiting the XP Home license to a netbook to a amx memory of 1GB, **** you). But the best parts are the 6-cell battery and 10.1" screen! Furthermore, the touchpad does not have side buttons anymore but it has a touchpad much like most larger laptops. Yay~

Some pics from this review. Don't worry about the low score, I didn't even see those other two netbooks it was compared to over here(seriously, where's the MSI Wind?). You can read up on the specs through that link also, since I'm not gonna review this, as I have no time. >_>;;; I could be wrong about the unavailability of the other two netbooks...

BTW, mine has a black outer and a silver inner. I hope you understand that. XP

Because I normally put my computer screens at low brightness levels, the Aspire One really last me a good while. The only complaint can be its glossy screen, I can seriously see reflections with it. Sigh~ Why can't laptops come with no gloss? Just matt? Is shiny things all that more attractive than non-shiny things? Well, I should buy a screen protector like a friend of mine advised me to, soon.

It is very useful, especially since it is quite small and easy to bring around. It's like as big as a regular textbook but as thick as 3~5 exercise books though. >>

At any rate, this netbook will be my aibou/partner for a good few years by the least. Hopefully a great low power dual core Atom at 40nm process will come out soon. XD

On another note, on the night before, something totally bizzare and out of this world happened.

While I was fixing up one of my earlier Gunplas(nubs are annoying to see), the V-fin disappeared! I was like, no way, impossible! It was really impossible since I just put it on. Another point is that it fell down facing towards the bed(I was doing it before I slept).

After an hour worth of sleepy searching, I only found 2 of the 3 parts of the V-fin. Ah ****. The weird thing is that I found it within a nearby plastic bag, inside a plastic bag. ...

Note to self, do do any Gunplay after midnight, seriously. o.o

Oh well, Swinburne Orientation Part 2 up next time... when I have some more free time and less tiredness in my system. XD

Swinburne Orientation for March Intake, Part 1

After a few days full of busy, chance meetings and making new friends in real life, I finally decided/able to post a blog post, though probably not within too much detail.

*ahem*

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MG 1/100 Force Impulse Mini-Review

Image courtesy of Dalong.net, once again.

Price: 4500 Yen! o.o

This is a mini-review for the Force Impulse, a full on review will come in the near future(hopefully) after panel lining, making some obvious nubs disappear and higher quality photos are taken.

The Impulse Gundam is a mobile suit which can change its equipment much like the Strike that I have reviewed earlier on. In a sense, it is a Strike V2. But, there are a few key differences. The Impulse is split into 3 main parts, the Core Splendor(jet flyer), Chest Flyer(the main body, arms, head, beam rifle, shield) and the Leg Flyer(well legs and waist, plus its own armor schneiders). It also runs on a "battery" much like the Strike and is frequently seen to run out of power in the anime(too much power?) but can be charged on the fly by the Minerva(battleship housing the Impulse) though the helmet sensor(is that really logical?). The pilot of this Gundam is non other than Shinn Asuka, later on Lunamaria when Shinn gets the very beautiful Destiny Gundam.

The Force Impulse Gundam is the Impulse equipped with the Force Silhouette which is similar to the Ailse Strike. It is equipped with 2 beam sabers for weapons and is mostly used for quick versatile movements, making the Impulse more agile in flight battles.

It is also famous for destroying the Freedom Gundam as well(using the big sword in the boxart)!

The best part of this MG model kit is that it comes with the anti-ship sword which belongs on the Sword Silhouette(MG Sword Impulse is coming out in April!). Its freaking long as evident in the following pictures.

There are a few things I did not snap(since I took them a while ago), like the individual parts of the Impulse(Core Splendor, Chest Flyer and Leg Flyer). Very sorry, I'll do this in the full review later on, once I have the mood and lots of free time to continue tinkering with the Impulse.

For now, enjoy the low res pictures taken with my 2.0MP camera phone and some notes on the Impulse. ^^

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HG 1/144 0 Raiser Review and HG 1/144 00 Raiser 70% Painted

Yes, you read the title right folks, a 70% painted 00 Raiser. But first, I'll give a bit on the HG 1/144 0 Raiser. At this point, due to budgeting reasons(it should be very obvious), I might not get the NG 1/100 0 Raiser(hence finish the NG 1/100 00 Raiser) anytime soon.

As of now, I'll mostly collect Gundam 00 HG and probably some cheaper MGs on the side(if possible). Damn you rising Yen~ >>;

EDIT(18/03/09): Just in case anyone misunderstands, the "70%" means that it has been painted at necessary parts, not the entire body, which I cannot do currently. So, it is not painted entirely, just in the necessary places to give a bit more detail. ^^

Early note: Beware, the following pictures are taken with a 7MP camera with macro function on(though not so great when too close) and has been resized by 25%. However, the file sizes are about 400kb and above, each. You have been warned(especially those who are suffering from Streamyx slowdowns).

Before we begin the review/long post, I recently bought the BB Sangokuden Marker Set. All the markers are in metallic colors. The silver is slightly different from the one I bought earlier... though not so much. I decided to buy it since I got some ang-pau recently. >_> Seriously, I boughtit for the green marker, so sue me. The panel lining marker(ther ufrthest to the right) is a pretty great panel lining marker, not too light(like the Gundam 00 Second one) nor not too dark. Perfect and very easy to use since it is wet one(easy to wipe off).

The markers, if you buy the BB Sangokuden Gunplas, you'll highly need this to make them look better as their detailing is not much.

Now, onto the review.

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Driving, Finale! School Starts Next Week...

*dances*
*twirls*
*builds a free gift Gundam from recently bought magazine(it was really simple to build, can't even pose...)*

So, I passed my JPJ driving test today(nearly full marks, but whatever...) and now eligible to get a P license(hafta wait for the card for now...)! Yay~! I now can drive! Well, maybe not as good as my father or mother, but I can~ I might drive a bit fast though, blame those racing games I played since primary school. XD

Also, today, I'm officially registered to Swinburne, taking the Swinburne Foundation Studies(Business) course... Though, I wish there was something like "double foundation" because I would like to take Engineering as well. XD But I guess that's impossible, time-wise and money-wise, since one course is already oh so expensive.

Anyways, there's orientation at Swinburne this Friday and Saturday, with a telematch on Saturday. My father says I should do something during that time, though I probably won't... but who knows? It may be very fun. >.>

Looks like tomorrow and the day after may be my only really free time left for a while, unless homework is not that many in Foundation(as if, I must be dreaming...). =/

Ah well, that's all for now. If possible, I might put up a little smidget on the Gunpla I have built and well, painted(only one is painted so far, experimentation mostly). Hehe.

Busy Life Now and Ahead

So, after the SPM results came out, it was time, to go look for a higher learning institute, either a college or university(WTF is the difference anyways?).

I had four options. Swinburne(close by), UiTM(Universiti Teknologi MARA), Matrix or Form 6. I threw Form 6 out the window since last year, since I do not want to go back to my previous school again. No I don't hate it, I just feel reluctant to continue my studies there.

Matrix is an oddball, not wanting to wait until the government give out a proper invitation(already registered BTW) which may never come or come but may not be able to get a proper course later on, so I threw it out also. But it is still an option, just that, well continue reading.

UiTM... well I kinda okay with this place, even though it is a Bumiputera only place. I already registered for this place through the online IPTA registration and left it as a secondary option if the following option fails.

Swinburne, my mother picked this place, well preferred. I also like it, though feeling a bit expensive, being a private institution after all. Well, if I go to MARA for example, I'll still have to pay a hefty price, especially some of my ideal courses have to be take outside my hometown. Home rental isn't cheap ya know. Best of all, most of our SMK Batu Lintang buddies are going here! OMG! Looks like I'll be seeing my friends, like, throughout my studies. Yay~ ^^

Well, I have two courses in mind, Foundation in Business or Foundation in Engineering. In the end, I picked Accountancy, because the best engineering course with a good job opportunity is Civil, and I do not want it(probably suffer afterward if take this one). For engineering, I would much prefer Mechanical, Robotics/Mechatronics or Electrical as I have fond interests in them, being a Gundam/tech obsessed person after all. =/

There are also Diploma courses which is more "straight" and less stressful looking as compared to Foundation, but it take 2 more years of my life, but of course, it's less stressful. In the end, my mother "persuaded"(not really, just gave some tips) me and taking Foundation is a better option(UiTM does not have Foundation BTW).

But of course, it seems like I can go for almost anything because my interests can broaden so much more than an average Joe(I think), I just don't seem to hate anything(I don't hate Bio subjects(or anything requiring mostly memorizing), it's just that I can't remember so many things, so I "crap" at it. I do like them in small amounts for some bits of general knowledge especially.).

Behold! The wide variety of interests in me~! Sorry my artistic is a bit weaker than the rest, because most of the artistic questions were related to music playing and performing, which I don't do and don't plan to do. =X

Of course, it is a computer generated test, so it may be wrong. XP But, who knows, eh?

Well, at any rate, registration and orientation will start this very week at Swinburne, so I'll be very busy this week. Furthermore, next week, school starts in Swinburne, so there goes my free time and most of my time to "play around"(as in build, pose, paint, photo shooting) with my Gunpla... damnit. Oh well, studies before hobbies.

Very sorry if this post is a bit jumbled up because I'm just typing it out without thinking much. More over, I have my JPJ driving test tomorrow, so I'll have to try my best to sleep early and during the exam tomorrow. Damn my insomniac-ness. Wish me luck!

PS: So, my Batu Lintang school buddies, where are you going? IPTA, IPTS, Matrix or Form 6? Maybe even overseas(BK don't have to say, I already know. =P)?

SPM Results Are Today!

OMG, OMG, OMG!

I was quite happy today, since the SPM results I got were kinda out of my initial prediction of 6As. I even got an A for BM! OMG! All in all, I got 5 1As, 3 2As and 3 3Bs. Hope you all can read that right.

1As for; English(but 3B International...), Maths, Add Maths, Prinsip Perakaunan(additional subject) and Physics

2As for; Bahasa Malaysia, Chemistry and English for Science and Technology(EST)

3Bs for; Moral, History and Biology(my 3 worst subjects actually)

Pretty satisfying but the 3Bs are sooooooooooo close to an A. Bleh. >>

*the rest of the paragraph here mysteriously disappeared...* WTF?

HG 1/144 GN-X Review

Yes, lotsa posts lately. I just felt like it. ^^;

Anyways, here's a simple review of the GN-X or GNX-603T.

Image courtesy of Dalong.net, again.

Price: 1200 Yen

Before that, a short summary of the Gundam 00 Universe. I'll try my best not to spoil the story for you all.

In the year AD2307, Celestial Being began their armed intervention with armed forces(to eradicate war), the mobile suits(mechs, robots, etc) Gundam(Exia, Dynames, Kyrios and Virtue). These Gundams are like nothing the world have seen, trashing most, if not all, of the mobile suits that the governments can dish out. This is because of the mysterious power source of the Gundams which spew out green particles as they move, the GN Drive(also known as solar furnaces). These GN Drives are capable of long operation as stated by the anime, it has a seemingly infinite power supply.

Later on, three new Gundams(Throne Eins, Drei and Zwei) appeared which are not within the original plan, equipped with fake GN Drives, known as the GN Tau Drives. Unlike real GN Drives, these require to be charged frequently like a normal engine, except the mobile suit equipped with it will be stronger than your run of the mill mobile suit.

Near the end of the first season, a traitor among Celestial Being gave out 30 GN Tau Drives to the Unified World Goverment(after being based around by a common enemy, what should multiple nations do?) and with it, 30 GN-Xs were born... These GN-Xs are strong as they have been shown to totally be able to pwn the Gundams...

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Driving Experience, Intermission?

So, today I went driving, and decided to take the "Pra-Test". Luckily, I manage to drive a bit first with my instructor's car as a warm up... but, to my dismay, when I went and used the institute provided car, I suddenly lost my touch. I was like "newb-ing" the whole course. Very weird(the person in charge of watching my performance gave quite a number of comments). I guess it was alright in the end, since I'll still be taking the real test next week...

But, I guess it was because the felt totally different to me, yes, even though the instructor's car and the institute's car were Perodua Kancils, the feel of the car was different. The institute's car has an engine rated at 660cc while the instructor's one is at 850cc. Sure, at first I thought more power will be needed for the institute's car... WRONG! It was smooth, it was soft, and the engine was barely audible.

To me, it became a challenge, since I could barely feel any feedback from the car as well as not being able to time myself right because the car was too silent for me(as well as it was like a totally different car to me). Luckily, I'll be able to drive one of these cars again before the true exam, for which will be held on the 17th of this month. To me, I must conquer the car, or else I would waste my parents money, unable to drive AND have to go for the hours of lessons again, which to me, feels like a chore after a while instead of an interest at first, since I got used to my intructor's car, but not the institute's car(as of yet).

To those who say "wha?" to the instructor's car and institute's car thing. Well, the driving institute does not provide the cars to the driving instructors, they have to buy their own(that's why you see different cars at the institute >>). The institute also have its own set of cars, just that the student can only use it during the "Pra-Test" and after for practice before the real exam, bummer.

You'll drive together with a different person during "Pra-Test" which to me gave a tension and made me nervous or some sort, I'm not so sure, I just wasn't able to focus really well today, maybe I just need more sleep... hopefully all will be well in the end. Wish me luck! ^^;