Just 100 days after the release of Google Chrome and 15 revisions, Google has decided to take the “beta” word off the new lightweight browser for the Internet.

Its a contradictory… Gmail has been in Beta since 5 years ago, and it still is.

Its also amazing how powerful Google is – 10 million active users within 100 days. That’s 100,000 new users a day!

In just 100 days, we have reached more than 10 million active users around the world (on all seven continents, no less) and released 14 updates to the product. We’re excited to announce that with today’s fifteenth release we are taking off the “beta” label!

While I have Chrome installed, I still don’t use Google chrome. I am kinda used to my Firefox. I like my Firefox plugins, and I like the Portable version of Firefox, which allows me to bring along all my plugins with me.

But Google say they will look into developing extensions for Chrome. So that’s tempting.

Will you switch to Chrome?

For those considering enrolling in a business school, consider this: Work with Seth Godin for six months. I mean the real Seth Godin. The author of 10 books.

Guess what – he’s not going to pay you for it. You don’t have to pay for it either. This is a real offer. Check out the details on his Squidoo Lens.

He’s really setting the bar up real high this one:

You have to find a place to stay that allows an easy commute to my office …

You have to speak perfect English…

You can’t smoke.

You have to be both nice and smart, with an impeccable list of references.

I don’t care a bit about how old you are or particularly what your business background is. I care a lot about what you’ve done and even better, how you’ve done it.

Sure reminds me on Donald Trump and The Apprentice.

The program starts 19 January 2009, which is just over a month from now. He wants your applications by 14 December 2008. There is an international conference call in a few hours time if you want to clarify and ask questions.

He’s doing a group info session on December 16th. You’ve to fly in if you don’t stay in New York. Too bad for you.

Check out the details here.

SITEX is now on at Singapore Expo! SITEX is the fourth and the last IT and gadgets trade show of the year, after PC show, IT show and Comex. This the trade show will last until Sunday 9pm, but stocks run out very quickly, so go early!

Are you heading for SITEX IT show today and looking for something in particular? Here you have it – your one stop price guide of all products as seen on the Straits Times and TODAY paper today.

Hint: This is going to be a loooong list, so the best way I’d recommend you use it is to use the find button in your browser, or just hit Ctrl-F and type in the particular product you want to buy. 😉

Laptops / Notebooks

With Wireless access and mobile broadband all around, everybody wants a good light laptop to bring around, sit down at Starbucks, MacDonalds, or practically anywhere in Singapore and get connected. Are you looking for a laptop? Here are some Laptop prices!

1. Toshiba Satellite M300-E436 – $1599
2. Toshiba Portege M800-A377W – $1799
3. Toshiba Satellite M300-P4329R – $1999
4. Toshiba Portege M800-E371W/S/P – $2299
5. NEC Versa E6500-2010DRC – $1299
6. NEC Versa S3500-2017DRC – $1499
7. NEC Versa S3500-2018DRC – $1699
8. NEC Versa E6510-2401DRC – $1899
9. NEC PowerMate P6000 – $2299
10. Fujitsu L1010 – $1288
11. Fujitsu L1010 (Centrino version) – $1588
12. Fujitsu Lifebook S6520 – $3188
13. Fujitsu Lifebook S6420 – $2188
14. Fujitsu Lifebook P8020 – $3388
15. Fujitsu Lifebook U2010 – $1488
16. Lenovo G430 – $999
17. ThinkPad T400 – $2399
18. ThinkPad X200 – $2999
19. Lenovo IdeaPad Y430 – $1499
20. Asus F6V – $1798
21. Asus F8Vr – $1798
22. Asus G50V – $3098
23. Asus M50Vm – $2998
24. Asus U6V – $2898
25. Asus U2E – $2598
26. Dell XPS M1330 – $1799
27. Dell XPS M1530 – $1599
28. Dell Studio 15 – $1499
29. Dell Inspiron 1420 – $1199
30. Dell Inspiron 1525 – $999
31. BenQ Joybook Lite U101 – $788
32. HP Pavilion DV4-1139TX – $2299
33. HP Pavilion DV4-1141TX – $2499
34. Acer Extensa 4630G-582G32Mn – $1298
35. Acer 2920-7A2G32Mn – $1298
36. MacBook Pro – 15″ 2.4Ghz $3188, 15″ 2.5Ghz $3988
37. MacBook – 13″ White 2.1Ghz $1588, 13″ Aluminium 2.0Ghz $2088, 13″ Aluminium 2.4Ghz $2588
38. Mac Book Air – 13″ 1.6Ghz 80GB PATA $2599 , 13″ 1.6Ghz $2599 120GB SATA $2888, 13″ 1.86Ghz 128GB Solid State Drv $3988

Desktop PCs / iMac

If you are a computer power freak, have a smaller budget, or just don’t see the point of having a laptop, then a desktop PC might just suit your needs. Here are a few published prices of computer desktops sold at SITEX!

1. Lenovo Idea Centre H210 – $799
2. HP Pavilion s3680d Slimline PC – $1299
3. HP Pavilion s3688d Slimline PC – $1799
4. Dell Inspiron 530s – $999
5. Dell Inspiron 530 – $1249
6. Acer Aspire M1641 (Pentium Dual Core) – $599
7. Acer Aspire M1641 (Core 2 Duo) – $1099
8. Acer Aspire M5641 – $1499
9. Acer Aspire M5621 – $1999
10. Asus Eee Box B202 – $439 (+ monitor $668)
11. Dell Studio Hybrid – $1699
12. iMac – 20″ 2.4Ghz $1888, 20″ 2.66Ghz $2388, 24″ 2.8Ghz $2788

Cameras

Many digital cameras are so slim and light nowadays so its always worthwhile to carry one around so that you don’t miss out any special moments in your life! If you are looking for a camera this SITEX, here are some options for you!

1. Samsung NV100HD – $599
2. Samsung L310W – $359
3. Olympus µ1050SW – $498
4. Fujifilm Finepix F60 – $499
5. Fujifilm Finepix S2000 – $499
6. Fujifilm Finepix Z200 – $399
7. Fujifilm Finepix J12/J15 – $249
8. Fujifilm Finepix Z20 – $299
9. Fujifilm Finepix F100 – $549
10. Fujifilm Finepix J150w – $299
11. Fujifilm A850 – $168
12. Canon EF75-300 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens – $59
13. Canon IXUS 85 IS – $449
14. Canon IXUS 980 IS – $659
15. Canon IXUS 970 IS – $529
16. Canon IXUS 870 IS – $549
17. Canon IXUS 90 IS – $499
18. Canon IXUS 80 IS – $349
19. Canon Powershot G10 – $869
20. Canon Powershot SX10 IS – $769
21. Canon Powershot SX110 IS – $499
22. Canon Powershot A2000 IS – $399
23. Canon Powershot E1 – $319
24. Canon EOS 40D – Kit II (EF-S 17-85 IS USM) $2399, Dual Kit $1999, Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) $1799, Body $1599
25. Canon EOS 50D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) $2299, Body $2099, Kit II (EF-S 17-85 IS USM) $2799, Kit III (EF-S 18-200 IS) $2999
26. Canon EOS 450D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) $1299, Body $1099, Kit II (EF-S 18-200 IS) $1999
27. Canon EOS 1000D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) $1099
28. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 – $599
29. Sony Cyber-shot T77 – $499
30. Sony Cybershot T500 – $699
31. Sony Cybershot W300 – $799
32. Sony Cybershot W170/W150 – $499/$449
33. Sony Cyber-shot W120/W110 – $319/$269
34. Sony Cyber-shot S750/S730 – $249/$209
35. Sony Cyber-shot H50/H10 – $699/$499
36. Sony DSLR-A350 – $1099
37. Sony DSLR-A350K – $1299
38. Sony DSLR-A350X – $1599
39. Sony DSLR-A300K – $1099
40. Sony DSLR-A300X – $1399
41. Sony DSLR-A200W – $1188
42. Sony DSLR-A200K – $888
43. Sony DSLR-A900 – $2499
44. Sony DSLR-A700 – $1799
45. Sony DSLR-A700K – $1999
46. Sony DSLR-A700P – $2459
47. Sony DSLR-A700 Carl Zeiss Kit – $2799
48. Nikon Coolpix P50 – $199
49. Nikon Coolpix S610 – $529
50. Nikon Coolpix S710 – $549
51. Nikon Coolpix P80 – $699
52. Nikon Coolpix P6000 – $799
53. Nikon D300 – Body $2699
54. Nikon D700 – Body $4499
55. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 – $799
56. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX180 – $649
57. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520 – $549
58. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX38 – $449
59. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 – $449
60. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 – $299
61. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 – $749
62. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 – $1199

Camcorders

Are you a YouTube-er? Maybe its time for you to make your own videos? Christmas is coming. The Lunar New Year is coming too. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab your own camcorder at unbelievable prices so you can capture those wonderful memories of the festive season.

1. Canon HG 21 HDD – $2899
2. Canon HG 20 HDD – $2599
3. Canon HG 10 HDD – $1999
4. Canon HB 30 (Mini DV) – $1999
5. Canon HF 11/10 – $2599/$2299
6. Canon HG100 – $1899
7. Canon FS11 – $1199
8. Canon FS10 – $999
9. Canon FS100 – $799
10. Sony Handycam SR12E/11E – $2399 / $2199
11. Sony Handycam SR10E – $1699
12. Sony Handycam CX12E – $2299
13. Sony Handycam TG1E – $1999
14. Sony Handycam SR45E – $799
15. Sony Handycam DVD610E – $599
16. Sony Handycam SR220E – $1599
17. Sony Handycam SR85E/65E – $1199 / $999
18. Sony Handycam DVD710E – $699
19. Sony Handycam HC52E – $449

Printers

Printing. Some people like it, some people prefer to go green and save paper. Well, the choice is yours, but if you are looking for a printer this IT fair, here are some prices.

1. Canon Selphy ES3 – $349
2. Canon Selphy ES30 – $299
3. Canon Selphy CP770 – $249
4. Canon Selphy CP760 – $179
5. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP95 – $299
6. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP75 – $199
7. Sony Picture-Station DPP-FP85 – $249
8. HP Color LaserJet CP1215 – $379
9. HP OfficeJet 6310 All-in-One – $249
10. HP Photosmart C8180 – $529
11. HP Photosmart D5460 – $149
12. HP Photosmart C6280 – $279
13. HP Deskjet D2560 – $49
14. HP Photosmart C5280 – $179
15. HP Photosmart C6280 – $279
16. HP Photosmart C7280 – $429
17. HP LaserJet P1005 – $139
18. Epson Stylus Photo TX700W – $428
19. Epson Stylus Office T40W – $188
20. Epson Stylus TX400 – $178
21. Epson Stylus Office TX200 – $148
22. Epson Stylus Photo RX610 – $288
23. Epson Stylus Photo RX690 – $358
24. Epson Stylus Office TX600FW – $478
25. Epson Stylus C110 – $120
26. Epson Stylus Photo R230 – $198
27. Epson Stylus Photo 1390 – $438
28. Epson Stylus Photo R290 – $268
29. Canon PIXMA MP970 – $499
30. Canon PIXMA MX318 – $299
31. Canon PIXMA MX700 – $429
32. Canon PIXMA MX850 – $599
33. Canon PIXMA MX7600 – $899

Monitors

Don’t squint you eyes anymore. Get a bigger monitor at SITEX 2008! 24 inch is good! 😛

1. Philips 240PW9EB (24″) – $739
2. BenQ E900 (19″) – $199
3. Samsung 2433BW (24″) – $399
4. Acer P244W (24″) – $399
5. Acer X193HQ (18.5″) – $199
6. Acer P203W (20″) – $229

Software

Computers are never complete without software. Take this chance at SITEX to grab some software!

1. Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (3 Licences for Home Use) – $159
2. Norton Antivirus 2009 – $45.50
3. Norton Internet Security – $55.30
4. Norton Internet Security (3 User Pack) – $76.30
5. Norton 360 2.0 (3 User Pack) – $90.30

Ultra Portable PCs / Mini Notebooks / Netbooks (Atom Processor)

UMPCs are the IN thing! I want one! These teeny laptops are the perfect companion for people who don’t need the processing power of a laptop and irk the feeling of lugging a heavy laptop!

1. Fujitsu M1010 – $888
2. NEC Versa N1100-1600DRC – $799
3. Lenovo Ideapad S10 – $749 (Black or White), $769 (Pink)
4. Kohjinsha KJS SH811WS Special – $999
5. Kohjinsha KJS SC3KPOGS – $1299
6. Kohjinsha KJS SX3KPO6MS – $1499
7. Acer Aspire One – $688
8. Asus Eee PC S101 – $1098
9. Asus Eee PC 900 – $498
10. Asus Eee PC 1000H – $698
11. Asus Eee PC 701SD – $398
12. Axioo Pico DJJ (3 Cell) – $699
13. Axioo Pico DJM (3 Cell) – $699
14. Axioo Pico DJM (6 Cell) – $759
15. HP Mini 1000 – $799

MP3 Players, PMPs, Speakers and Other Music Stuff

In my opinion, a computer system is never complete without a great sound system to blast music and YouTube videos and drive your neighbors crazy. MP3 players are also a great way to bring songs around with you while you travel in the sardine packed trains on the way to work! Check out the MP3 players, speaker and other music and sound stuff sold at this SITEX.

1. Altec Lansing Expression Bass FX3022 – $219
2. Revo iBlik Wi-Fi Internet Radio – $499
3. Creative Inspire T3100 – $79 (first 50 sets at $55)
4. Creative Gigaworks T40 – $249 (first 50 sets at $159)
5. Creative MuVo T200 (4GB) – First 50 sets at $99
6. Creative Zen Xi-Fi 8GB – $229
7. Samsung Q1 8GB – $229
8. Sansa Shaker 1GB – $35
9. Shiro VT 2GB – $119
10. Sony Walkman NWZ-S730F – 4GB $249, 8GB $319, 16GB $399
11. Apple iPod Nano – 8GB $248, 16GB $328
12. Motorola S9-HD Wireless Headphone – $129
13. Creative Zen (16GB) – $259
14. Creative Zen Stone Plus (4GB) – $119
15. Shiro VJ (2GB) – $119
16. Shiro MD (4GB) – $89
17. Apple iPod Classic (120GB) – $398
18. Apple iPod Touch – 32GB $648, 16GB $498, 8GB $388
19. Samsung S3 Slim – 4GB $189, 2B $129
20. Sony NWZ-S738F – 16GB $399, 8GB $319, 4GB $249

Storage / Hard Disks

Now with all the photos you’ve taken and videos you’ve shot, you’ve gotta find a place where you can store all that right? Here are some storage solutions and the prices at SITEX.

1. Western Digital My Passport Essential – 250GB $109.99, 320GB $129.99, 500GB $199.99
2. Western Digital My Passport Elite – 250GB $129.99, 320GB $149.99
3. Western Digital My Passport Studio – 320GB $199.99, 500GB $299.99
4. Western Digital My Book Essential – 640GB $139.90, 1TB $189.90
5. Western Digital My Book Home – 640GB $169.90, 1TB $229.90
6. Western Digital My Book Mirror Edition – 2TB $379.90
7. Western Digital ShareSpace – 4TB $999.90

Computer Mouse and Other Accessories

If you ask me, I cannot do without a mouse. As good as the trackpoint or touchpad may be on my laptop, a computer mouse always makes doing work so much faster! … and urgh, you still use the phone today? Come on! Get on Skype and start video conferencing for free! But first, you need webcams. Here is a list of accessories you can find at SITEX at the Singapore EXPO!

1. Microsoft Arc Mouse – $89
2. Microsoft Explorer Mouse – $109
3. Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse – $79.90
4. Microsoft LifeCam Show (Webcam) – $139
5. Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 – $59
6. Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop – $69.90
7. Imation Apollo Portable Harddisk (500GB) – $229
8. Creative Live! Cam Voice – First 50 Sets at $99
9. Sony S-Frame DPF-D70 (Photoframe) – $199
10. Sony S-Frame DPF-D700 (Photoframe) – $299
11. Sony S-Frame DPF-D900 (Photoframe) – $399

Yes, one thing which is very important – prices listed here are as published on the Straits Times and TODAY paper on 26 November 2008. Many of these items also come with a lot of freebies which might be very significant! So please check out the Straits Times or TODAY paper for exact details of the offer! 🙂

Of course, this is far from a comprehensive price list as yet – I’ll keep adding to the list once I find time to do so!

Disclaimer: For some of the products listed here, there may be several listings and the prices may vary. While every effort is made to make the information here as accurate as possible, I am human and there will be typographical errors! For the most accurate price listings, check out the papers, or better, pay a visit to SITEX at Singapore Expo today! All trademarks, brands names and copyrights that appear on this blog post belong to their respective owners and/or companies.

I’ve just read some news about the upcoming SITEX 2008 over on AsiaOne, and it seems that this IT exhibition is going to be bigger than ever, despite the economic crisis and gloomy economy.

In fact, this time, the floor space for the exhibition with exceed 2 big halls in the Singapore Expo, and will a total of 1,500 sqm! The categories of exhibitors include Animation, Camera & Camcorder, Computer & Hardware, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, MP3/MP4/MP5, Automobile Electronics, IT & New Media Education, IT for Kids, and Smart Home.

So what bargains or offers are you looking for this time at SITEX?

I don’t know about you, but this time, I’m particularly interested to look at the Cameras and Camcorders on sale! After learning from my trekking forum that my friend bought a Panasonic DMC-LX3, I’m tempted to buy one too!

Over the years, cameras seem to have a “market price” or “recommended price” – probably controlled by the manufacturer, so the selling price will probably not differ much. However, the goodies that come with the camera can be quite significant. For example, if the retailer bundles the camera with a 8GB SD card, good carry case, LCD screen protector and an extra battery, it might be a good deal for you to get the package for a $100 more, if you are going to buy these accessories anyway.

My old Konica Minolta Z2 is really quite dead after all the treks I’ve brought it with me, and I’m dying to get another prosumer camera. The Panasonic DMC-LX3 is perfect for trekking and travelling, because most of the time we tend to take more landscape shots – and with the wide angle of 24mm, you can really capture a lot more!

Where to Find What’s On Offer

If you want to find out what deals there will be, be sure to check out these three papers:

26th November 2008 – Straits Times Digital Life
27th November 2008 – Straits Times & Today Paper
28th November 2008 – CATS classified and MyPaper

What are you intending to get at SITEX 2008? Let me know thru the comments below – are mobile phones hotter, or game consoles like Playstation 3 and XBox, or MP3 players… or digital cameras?

Over on the official Gmail blog, it was announced yesterday that they will be releasing themes for all Gmail accounts.

I’ve got mine and I love it. 🙂

Here’s what my Gmail inbox looks like now. Pretty.

Have you got yours?