Online Masai :: The Digital Nomad

Whats this?

Apple’s release of the iphone 4 was really no surprise. An employee of Apple lost the prototype, which engadget got, which made it’s way all over the internet, so really, Steve Jobs wasn’t amused. “some of you have already seen this”, said he at the Keynote speech.

So, the iphone 4. It’s got a substantial array of improvements over the 3GS, such as a higher resolution display, 5 megapixel camera, GPS, video calling, a new OS and supposedly better reception. But is it REALLY capable as compared with other smart phones such as the upcoming Nokia N8/N9 or the new HTC’s that will feature Windows Mobile 7? Most if not all those features of the iphone 4 were available on the Nokia N95 3 years ago…

Multi-tasking?

The multitasking capabilites of the iphone 4 are limited, very many websites and authors have reported this. i’m yet to hold a physical unit but in my opinion, i think Apple could have done a better job in that area. Perhaps their piecemeal approach of adding features with each update will address this. The iphone is a serious competitor to the corporate Symbian and Blackberry devices. It’s used in very many organizations. Perhaps its the segment in which it’s being marketed could be the reason. In my opinion Even a Symbian 8 device circa 2005 can multi-task better! I wish they could have allowed totally free multitasking in the device, this would have easily kept the device ahead of the competition…

And the camera?

5 Megapixels. The N95 and the LG KG910 pioneered this resolution. 5 megapixel unit is becoming standard now, just the way many of the older Nokias (and some new ones as well) used reliable 2 megapixel units. For the average consumer 5 megapixels is fine. The 720p recording should be more than enough for regular consumers both business and personal levels. For further future proofing though, Apple should have fixed an 8 mega pixel unit. I mean, look at the beast Nokia’s about to release, the N8 has a whole 12 megapixel unit!

I suppose they didn’t want to alter the image of the iphone into heavy imaging device. Some lower end Samsung units offer basic 8 megapixel units. I will assume they had their reasons.

That screen!

A high resolution 960×640 LED screen is fantastic! If you’re an avid Internet user (most iphone users are) and you love streaming videos or watching movies stored, then this screen is just perfect! i’m fascinated about how they achieved this technology. HTC should be up to something as well….

It has Multi touch capabilities, sort of like a macbook’s touch pad. Pinch and swipe. Gaming should be quite fun on this device.

Music

16 or 32gb. Really, The N97 has 32gb but the audio quality cannot match the premium sound produced by the iphone 4. Audiophiles will be VERY happy with the quality produced by it.

Worth getting then?

The iphone commands a very interesting image. Business companion or media device, and being a brand of Apple expect the highest quality in terms of build standards. Glass, metal and ceramics. Artsy or corporate, even regular consumers should be very pleased.

I look forward to this device landing here in Kenya. If Orange Kenya are smart they will offer decent bundles that caters for the whole market, and not a select few as seen with the iphone 3g.

Batian

This by far is one of the most ambitious moves to save the Nairobi National Park from anymore damage.

With ever increasing land grabbing and pollution the park is in danger as described by the Greenline movement, in danger from US.

The human species is one of the most selfish, greedy and unforgiving on this planet, we seem to be very good at destroying whatever comes in our grasp. For once let us stop for a moment and think at what is taking place, let us for once take a moment and put our busy lives on hold and savor some of natures very best, we are very blessed to have some of the best to savor just right next to us, a 15 – 20 minute drive away.
This concrete jungle that we are building at lightning pace will give us no peace, it will give us no joy at the end, it only has stress and anger to offer us.

Tomorrow 5th June 2010, Join the Human Greenline come out and support Nairobi Greenline’s FIRST-TREE planting ceremony on World Environmental Day. Be part of the 25,000-strong human Greenline Chain inside the park from the Carnivore the the Parks Cheetah Gate. To further support the movement any purchase of the Greenline merchandise supports the movement with funding. So go on get one of those extremely good looking t-shirts and show your full support for the movement.

Get your Nairobi-Greenline T-shirt now for just Kshs 1,200 at the following outlets:

1. Sarova Lodges and Hotel- Whitesands Mombasa, Sarova Salt Lick, Sarova Taita Hills, Sarova Mara and Sarova Lion Hill
2. Healthy U shops- Junction, Sarit Centre, Westgate and Yaya
3. Hot n Corny stalls-Sarit centre,Westgate,Ukay Centre and Prestige
4. KWS kifaru Shopat the nairobi national Park
5. Nakumatt Mega
6. Nakumatt Embakasi
7. Nakumatt Lifestye
8. Nakumatt Village Market
9. Cross Roads mall, Karen
10. The Junction mall, Dagoretti
11. Capital Centre
12. Nairobi Greenline offices

The below is from the Nairobi Greenline Website

STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL
In recent years, our generous, tranquil Nairobi National Park is experiencing ever-increasing human encroachment as the city outgrows itself. Its proximity to the capital has exposed the Park and its rich ecosystem to massive environmental risks due to:
• Land grabbing by politically connected individuals and developers
• Human settlements that continue to nibble away at the edges of the Park
• Increased industrial activities that billow out noxious gas emissions and dust
• Effluent discharge into Park streams and water sources
• Human-wildlife conflict through poaching and grazing
• Plastic litter and solid waste scattered throughout the Park

The Nairobi National Park is struggling for survival as wildlife disease and death continue unabated. We simply cannot sit back and watch. The Nairobi National Park is crying out for our help. It’s time to take action.

TIME TO DRAW THE LINE
For Kenyans everywhere, it’s time to join together to protect the Nairobi National Park. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in partnership with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) have embarked on an ambitious project to do just that. We aim to create the Nairobi Greenline – a 30 km long, 50 metre wide forest of indigenous trees shielding the Nairobi National Park from our growing metropolis. And any land grabbers or polluters who to dare to cross the line will have to deal with the full force of a new law. Plus the whistle-blowing wrath of the KAM, KWS and the will of the Kenyan people. Between December 2009 and April 2010, parallel electric fences will be constructed to demarcate the Greenline – from Athi River’s Cheetah Gate to just beyond the Carnivore.

HELP US GROW THE GREENLINE
To complete the Nairobi Greenline, we need to raise Ksh 35 million to cover the cost of trenching, soil preparation, fencing, sinking boreholes, piping, planting tree nurseries, irrigation, seedling transportation and labour. To maintain and patrol the Greenline will cost approximately Kshs 5 Million a year.

Just got the below in an email. Hope it is useful to you guys. I really hope this gets matatu guys disciplined

Be on the look out for the below new by-laws introduced by the Nairobi City Council. If you plan to ignore them, please ensure you carry with you Ksh. 10,000 whenever you are on the streets of Nairobi

1. Pedestrians crossing the roads in Nairobi when traffic light is red – fine is Kshs 10,000/=
2. Motorist moving on when the traffic light is red – Fine is Kshs. 10,000/=
3. Pedestrians crossing the road while talking on their Mobile phones – fine is Kshs 500/=

Please make sure when you board/alight matatus:

1. It is at designated matatu stops OR else you pay a fine of Ksh.10, 000
2. Fasten your seat belts when in the matatus OR else you pay a fine of Ksh. 500