Confirmed : iPad 2 Hits Malaysia Tomorrow, 29 April 2011.

S

While I was busy filling up my tax form to be submitted by today (I have to do it TODAY!), suddenly I was disturbed by the news that have been awaited by many people here in this country ever since. Nope, it's not about everyone would no longer have to pay their income tax (you wish!!). Not also about higher tax release for individual (I wish, coz I'm kid-less!!). But it's the news about iPad 2 gonna hit this country.

So, it's confirmed that iPad 2 gonna hit the Malay soil tomorrow on the April 29!

It is sealed proof by the official Apple website itself with the massive welcome banner on the main page. While Apple is tabling out the choices where to buy the most drooled over gadget of the year, one big question that everyone is asking would definitely be : how much will it cost?

Apple gadget lovers, behold! The price of the iPad 2 would be cheaper than the first generation iPad. Am I kidding? Nope. Apparently, it has been unleashed by Machine, one of the consessionaires that sell Apple products. Look at the pix below and you would be as surprised as I am with the new iPad 2 price. By comparing with the highest spec (64Gb WiFi + 3G), it dropped a mere RM 200 from the previous model! Again, are you kidding me?

Oh, let me also tempt you people outside Malaysia too. The price is even cheaper here in this country - way much cheaper - than in the UK even after Apple slash the price on the British Isle. Taking the 64Gb Wifi +3G, iPad2 cost a mere £504, compared to those in the UK at a whopping £659 (by conversion comparison). Ha! Don't you just turned into a green-eyed monster now? So, book your AirAsia flight from Stanstead right this moment... coz that price difference could save you a trip here!

Ooops.. my tax form. Gotta go! =]

[pix from apple and  machine]

S

An Apple A Day...

S

Some people asks... do you really eat, coz you always look slim? Don't you ever eat any junk food? Don't you ever had any cravings?

Well, the answer is easy: of course I do! I do eat junk food and I do have cravings. And my biggest weakness is the donuts from Big Apple, which I think would satisfy any sweet toothers out there as well. My most fav is the Alien - with chocolate dip and filling, and all the choc strips toppings that is voluptously delicious! I would say... a Big Apple a day would keep my cravings away...

But how do I still can maintain my weight? That's an easy question to answer. Eat fruits! They have fibers that can fill you tummy without the danger of increasing weight. But do remember to eat it before any meal, coz when you eat it after meal it can make you feel bloated due to the gases being produced as a result of the digestion. Oh, another thing that I learned from an old friend - eating fruit before meal could help combat undereye bags and the 'panda' eyes too.

My ultimate must have is of course... Apple! Apples have pectin, by which if you eat it prior eating any sugary foods will help to regulate the sugal level in your body. All in all... just by eating apples I got at least three benefits in one! So, an apple a day keep the beauty won't go away...

And last but not least is another 'apple'. The iPod Shuffle, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad... these Apple would definitely keep my tech savvy cravings away... =)

S

Covent Garden Got a Slice of a Big Apple!

S

Amazing.

If there's only one word to describe the new Apple store in Covent Garden, London: that's the only one. Amazing. From the renovated grade II-listed 17th century Victorian building to the scale of the space inside, from the large open-space in the middle 'courtyard' to the glass staircases - it's true definition of old-meet-modern. This is the 300th store Apple has opened. And the biggest one in the world. Boy, am I glad that it's located in the GMT itself?

My visit to the store started a day before it is officially opened - Friday, 6th August. The staff is given briefing inside, while some final preparations are still going on here and there. New stocks of iPhone4, iPad etc... etc.. seem to be unloaded into the store via the loading bay. And even from the side entrance. The main entrance is blocked with just a typical 'barricade' that you can find at any stores really. But there's some minders outside. I happen to ask what would be the special thing gonna happen on Saturday, is there any surprises in store? He just replied, "you might get a T-shirt". T-shirt? That's it? Lol...

And outside, some diehard fan of Apple seems to start their own camping for the night. Just to be the first in line to the store, I guess?

The staff are given briefing last Friday

Can't wait!!

The diehard fans... so far...

a glimpse of what's inside...

So, the day that everyone's waiting for has finally arrived. It's Saturday, 7th August 2010. I woke up quite late... meaning I'm waaaay to late to be among the first in line. I'm guessing there might be some people queueing up to get in store. Boy, am i wrong this time?

There's massive crowd! Humongous number of people lined up outside the store. Starting from the door front, right through the Royal Opera House entrance. Crazy. I said to myself, there's no way I'm gonna be in line this time. Just to get in that store? No way. I'd rather be caught queueing with any shopaholics for that designer one-off collaboration at H&M, rather than be seen with those geeks who thinks Jimmy Choo is some kind of a director of action flick or so. (No offense..lol.).

crowd went frenzy!

So, the day after I went back. Queue? What queue. Oh, there's still some people lining up ouside, but those who are trying to get iPhone4. Coz this new store has the most stock of iPad, iPhone4, and other Apple products than any Apple store in London.

the architechture that reminisces me of Florence, Italy...

And I made my step inside. Wow. Just wow. Can never find any store like this. Well, you might find the similarity with Uniqlo in Paris, with all the glass roof and stuff... but so far in London, nothing like this new Apple store in Covent Garden Piazza.

There're 4 floors altogether. Ground floor and the first floor is the main interactive space where you can have a go of all Apple products like Macbook, iPad, iPod etc... etc. Huge number of spaces available. I really mean huge! What I love about it is that now I can properly sit on a proper 'stool' unlike in Regent St, I've gotta just stand coz there's no sitting space.

The ground floor is the most talking point coz there's a central 'courtyard' with the glass roof that leads the lights in. And I really love the ambience of the building where it maintains the 'rustic' look with non-painted wall, exposing the brickworks which is utterly beautiful.

The 'open air' central courtyard with the glass roof

Big LCD screen showing what's on in the store

Going up to the other floors, you'll be amazed with the glass staircases. From the spiral stairs right in front of the main entrance to the stairs on the side of the store. Very modern!

View from the first floor.

View from the second floor.

The first floor is similar to the ground floor - with all the Apple stuff that you can try. The second floor on the other hand is mainly dedicated to the accessories. From the iPod and iPhone 3GS cases, to iPad sleeves, the earphones and speakers for your iPod to the bag for your Macbook. Plus some books and softwares Apple-related.

Oh, just for the Apple Covent Garden, you can get a special edition iPhone 3GS and Macbook cases by Incase, in some kinda art-deco inspired dome prints. And you can also get Beat by Dr Dre headphones, which also includes the Heartbeat by Lady Gaga! Any iPhone4 cases you ask? Nope. Not in the house so far... :(

The special edition Incase Apple Covent Garden iPhone 3G case

And that's all about the store. Oh, the basement... the basement is for the toilet. So, whenever I've caught short should I be in Covent Garden, then I have a reason to enter Apple store... rather than going to the toilet near the church! Lol.

One thing that I like about the store is the sales assistants. Somehow I think they're all look like models! Are they the Abercrombie & Fitch's male and female model rejects from Saville Row or what? They're different than the one at Regent Street. You've gotta go and visit the store yourself to make your own judgement. To me, it's another reason to visit the store more often. ;)

Where does the store located?

No. 1-7,
The Piazza
Covent Garden
London WC2E 8HA
(exactly in front of the Covent Garden Market)
Tube: Piccadilly Line (Covent Garden)

For more information, visit Apple UK website.

people queuing outside for the iPhone4

view from the glass spiral staircase...

P/S: Most pix are taken using iPhone4. Click on image to enlarge for better view.

S