Monthly Archives: March 2010

Review: Kingston Technology ValueRAM warranty replacement

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One of my two Kingston ValueRAM 2GB sticks seemed to be causing blue screens in Windows XP. After running with one stick of memory for almost a month, I concluded the other was defective.[1. I separately tested both sticks of memory with Memtest86+ 1.70 (via Ultimate Boot CD 4.11). But, the latest version of Memtest86+ is 4.00. I was five versions behind. Maybe if used that version, it might've definitively found errors. Oh well.]

I requested RMA service with the cross ship option (just for kicks).

Time line:

  • 3/22/2010 8:04 PM – Requested RMA number
  • 3/26/2010 1:33 PM – RMA request processed
  • 3/26/2010 4:34 PM – Memory shipped via UPS Ground from Anaheim
  • 3/29/2010 11:40 AM – Memory delivered

Summary:

  • It took three business days for my RMA request to be approved (the RMA page said it’d take two business days).
  • Kingston Technology shipped my memory locally, so that only took one business day.
  • I didn’t need proof of purchase/receipt since Kingston’s ValueRAM has a lifetime warranty.
  • The new memory stick is a bit shorter.

Other than the extra day waiting for my RMA request, the whole process was painless. If I went with standard replacement, it’d take a few more days waiting for them to receive my defective memory. I didn’t mind the temporary hold on my credit card.

I think it’s safe to say that you can be confident when buying Kingston Technology system memory.

Hello, Windows 7

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I finally bought Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I spent most of Thursday and Friday imaging my Windows XP partition, backing up all my program configuration files, clean installing Windows 7, and reinstalling my programs.

So far, all is well. I’m waiting to receive my 2GB ValueRAM replacement from Kingston Technology, but the other 2GB is doing alright. I’ve also been looking through Lifehacker posts tagged #Windows7.

It’ll be interesting to feel the speed boost and stability that comes with using a 64-bit operating system.

Oh, and I’ll need to update my Recommended Software list. Done.

Revisiting my private journal with TiddlyWiki

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In 2007, between the months of April and December, I kept a private journal on my computer. I don’t know why I stopped.

I want to start writing in my journal again, so I’ll try again with a fresh TiddlyWiki. For a customized look, I installed the K2Blog theme from TiddlyThemes.

Sadly, TiddlyWiki doesn’t seem to be popular, so I don’t know of a site with newer themes. Don’t ask.

Do any of you keep a private journal? Online or offline? What program or service?

AT&T broadband price increase?

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I read my AT&T bill for the February 2010 and got freaked out:

PRICE CHANGE NOTICE

Attention AT&T High Speed Internet Members: Starting with your March 2010 bill, the monthly rate for your AT&T High Speed Internet Express, Pro or Elite plan will increase $3 (or $3.01) per month. For details and rate information for your specific plan, please go to http://support.att.com/dslupdate or call 1.866.417.6819.

(My emphasis added in bold.)

I have the Pro service for $30/month. So, twelve months from when it starts increasing, it’ll be $66?!

The text is unbelievable. Someone please clarify.

Related: FCC Commissioner Calls For Examination Of Broadband Price Hikes (MediaPost, March 10, 2010)

Done with Sensor Swabs from Photosol

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After receiving no response from Photographic Solutions, Inc via email for a simple question after 2 business days[1. The question: "Is Eclipse E2 safe for a Canon EOS 20D?" Also, it's technically four business days now and still no reply. Bad form!] — and realizing that $2.92/swab is really expensive[2. Price is $35 at the time of this writing] — I ordered Copper Hill QuikStrips.

I choked it by overlooking that a single order of QuikStrips doesn’t include a SensorSwipe. You can only get that with one of the packages and I don’t need Eclipse solution. I emailed Copper Hill Images and Nicholas included it for $10 extra. That was a close one!

A 100-pack of QuikStrips is $8.95 with free shipping. I won’t have to buy a SensorSwipe[3. Again, assuming that it doesn't break.], so aside from the sensor cleaning solution, that’s $0.09/pad.

Suggestion: I think they should sell the SensorSwipe by itself (or bundled with QuikStrips) for those who are in my position.

Lastly, the shipment from Virginia arrived here in California in two days with USPS Priority Mail. Very cool. I don’t think UPS Ground would’ve been as fast. (Copper Hill Images – Shipping information)

I’ll happily clean my sensor tomorrow. (I guess that means there will be part two: reviewing QuikStrips from Copper Hill Images.)

P.S. Before you ask, I’ve taken my camera to Canon in Irvine to get cleaned. No thanks, I’ll do it myself.

Update 2010-03-19 — This morning, I finally got a reply via email from Photographic Solutions 11 business days later. Horrible.

The end of my car issues

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About two weeks ago, after my oxygen sensors and spark plugs were replaced, I got my transmission fluid flushed for $130. I’ve definitely noticed an increase in gas mileage. Huzzah!

The last problem with my car: the door ajar light.

I asked the person who installed my aftermarket car alarm to look at it, but he basically ignored me — for several years.

I drove more often a few years ago, so my battery probably didn’t get drained like it did recently because it was always getting charged while driving around.

After getting my third battery (DieHard Gold) had to be replaced within three months of buying it, I was fed up.

Two days ago, I took my car to a local shop (Pro Tint) in Temple City. Their diagnostic service was $25. After waiting three hours, I was told the alarm “brain” circuitry was causing the problem. I was charged $10 more since the removal service was $35. He handed me the “brain” and I went on my way.

I hope that’s the last of my car issues.

Lessons learned:

  • When you get a new/used car, find the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and stick to it. (For my 2003 Toyota Corolla S, I should replace the engine oil/filter every 5,000-7,000 miles and automatic transmission fluid flushed every 30,000 miles.)
  • If you think you’ll need immediate support with a product or service, choose a company/person who dedicates their time for that.

Almost broke my LG Dare

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This morning, I accidentally dropped my LG Dare cell phone from about five feet high. It seemed to work fine.

Later that afternoon, I tried to take a photo. “Camera start error.” What?!

Fortunately, a search at HowardForums brought me to this thread. Applying pressure around the lens area fixed the problem. (I didn’t hear any snaps or pops, but I’ll take it.)

Separating photo blog

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A few friends suggested that I separate photography-related posts from All Narfed Up onto their own site.

The only way to see my freshest photos are from Flickr. I don’t upload to my Zenfolio account regularly unless a photo is pretty epic or it’s for a customer.

I need to change that. All Narfed Up is a melting pot of randomness.

My business cards point to Bryan Villarin.com, which has been a hub to find all my sites. But, I’ve been neglecting the blog section (bad from a business standpoint).

Not anymore. I’m going to use Bryan Villarin.com as my dedicated photography blog while All Narfed Up is for everything else.

While I won’t be transferring any content, I’ll probably link to older photography-related posts at All Narfed Up.

See you over there!

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