Making Garbage Enzyme from Citrus Skin

We make fruit and vege juice every day, without fail.. thus, we have lots of pulps and fruit skins. It's such a waste to throw them just like that. The pulp you can use to make a good compose, but we didn't. If I have a big backyard, I would buried those pulps and let it become a natural fertilizer. For the citrus skin like grapefruit / orange / lemon / lime, I decided to make garbage enzyme which is as easy as ABC. Only three ingredients needed to make the below enzyme : brown sugar, citrus skin and water. That's all. Easy, isn't it ?

Follow the steps from this website for step by steps instructions on the amount of brown sugar, water or citrus skin that you should use.

If everything goes well with the enzyme, after 3 months I can stop buying floor detergent. I can use this enzyme to mop the floor, to wash the toilet etc. And guess my whole house will smell so rich in orange flavor. So, keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well, no yucky worms coming out. Hehe.

Making this enzyme is like brewing wine, the longer the better. =D

The blog construction is completed!

This blog was started when I was in college and after closing chapter after chapters of life, today, I'm a wife and a mommy to my two kids. I decided to give the blog a new name, to reflect my every day life. Since I'm going to talk a lot about my two squishy mushy bubs, hence, the blog has a new name, The Squishy Cheeks ! Initially I named my blog That Captivating Smile, it sounds elegant and good to me because the smiles from the little ones really captivate my heart. They smile, I smile. But after thinking over again, I think I prefer a blog name that is a little babyish and cute. Everyone loves baby cheeks! Especially those squishy mushy chubby cheeks! I can literally kiss non stop on their baby cheeks. So, here comes The Squishy Cheeks blog!

Cheers!

New look!

I have not been changing my blog design for the past 2 years and finally, I decided that it's time for a brand new look. I'm bored over the same design and it's time to get a change.
It's not easy to find FREE blogger templates that I like, and finally, I found one!

Well, a brand new look, a brand new blogging spirit! =D

The mini Dato Lee Chong Wei supporter ...

Our mini supporter took a nap at 6.30pm and woke up at 8pm, knowing that her "idol" DLCW will fight in the finals, determining whether mom and dad will be home the next day due to a free public holiday. She was filled with excitement, whenever LCW got a point, mom and dad shouted YES and baby A went all round the bed excitedly and hammers the bed. She's so cute. Haha.

 

Look at our mini supporter, her face explained it all. In her heart, she wanted to shout YES like mom and dad, but she did it with her baby language... "goo goo goo" haha!

Go LCW go! 

Last night's match was so intense and the gold medal once again nailed by Lin Dan. Even though CW didn't make it this time, but I'm still so proud of him. He did his best, we all knew it and he made it to the finals even though he's ankles are still injured. He said that he only had 2 weeks to prepare for the Olympics due to his recent injury. He was on painkillers throughout all the games he played because his injury hasn't healed yet. Due to the importance of the game, he continue to play even if it was painful for him. He's not at his perfect condition and how can this be compared to a total perfect opponent?

My heart breaks when I saw him shed tears after the lost. 

“I tried really hard and am sorry not to have won. I played better than I did in Beijing or the World Championships but it seems that I’m destined to play bridesmaid to Lin Dan. I’m sorry for not getting the gold for the people of Malaysia,” he said.

Such a humble man!

Her legacy will continue, inspiring many......

Baby Destiny Zoe Oh has set such a great impact in many of our lives. Every time I watched her video, I shed tears. Life is fragile. Life is a miracle. Life is not easy. Destiny taught me the word "treasure" and her parents taught me the word "Trust". Treasure every seconds in your life, treasure the moments with your family, Treasure what you have. Despite what happens in life, trust God. Trust Him because His ways are always higher than ours, His thoughts are far better than ours and His plans are perfect. Trust!

We always do not have an answer what is happening in our life. Why is this happening to me and not her? I serve you, I obey your word but why? Most of the times, we do not have an answer. And that's where we know how much we trust God in our future when we say I surrender my future into your hands. Don't forget your prayer, "God, use me" "God, expand my inner man" "Jesus I love you" "God I trust in You"... all these prayers are so powerful and be prepared for greater things.
Remember the Bible says ,
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

Destiny indeed has impacted my life. Her fighting and endurance spirit touched me much. She was just a baby and yet she knew how to fight for her life. I am an adult and sometimes I just let it be and give up first instead of fighting till the end. I'm learning from Destiny about fighting. She fought for her life, 10 months in the womb and 3 days on earth, she finished the race strong and impacted thousands of lives. She was just a 3 days old baby and look at the great works that she had done in this world. I'm proud of her. Her legacy will continue inspiring thousands......

On her memorial service, I just couldn't hold back my tears. But, as I saw David and Shirley, I knew I should stop crying. David stepped up to the stage and said "How many of you know that our God reigns? Give God a big hand." Despite the pain in the wound due to C-sect, Shirley stood up during the entire praise and worship. They are an amazing couple, a couple that trust God wholeheartedly, faithfully serving Him, and still praising Him even during this tough season. They taught me what real faithfulness is and I mirrored myself........ I have so much to learn.

Friends, life shouldn't be taken for granted and give thanks for what you have now. Don't complain anymore about life but life should be lived to the fullest. Life is a miracle. Abortion is not an option. It is not you who give life and the decision to terminate a life is also not yours. Treasure life!

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. ⁸ And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Here's the powerful message shared by David and Shirley on Destiny's memorial service.
Destiny Zoe Oh - Little Warrior Princess!

And here's our Little Warrior Princess! Forever our Princess... <3

We will see you one day in Heaven, Baby D.....

2011 Durian Fever Again!

It's durian season again and this time, it's kinda early. I used to buy durians from roadside, but after I was conned by the durian seller last month (he charged me RM30 for 2 durian kampung special) I boycott roadside durian FOREVER AND EVER, until I master the skill on how to choose good quality durian. Otherwise, forget bout it.

So, the next place to get good quality durian, other than indulging in the durian buffet at SS2, I've found one good place, which is Jusco at Setiawangsa!! I absolutely love the durians there and nope, they are not from Thailand, but from Pahang. I usually hunt for durians at night, about 7pm when the 50% starts coming. Everything is less 50% and I love it.... This fruit is freaking EXPENSIVE! But, twice a year.. who cares rite? =D Perhaps I should point back to my mom, she's the Queen of durian in the house and I inherited the gene, and now I'm known as Princess of durian then.

I would prefer to get from Jusco instead of roadside because I can stay assure that all flesh are good qualities, no hard flesh or worm or anything. And they are really honest seller! XO means XO and they don't cheat!

First time in my life I've tasted Musang King! The best durian ever.... it's bitter and creamy, but not as creamy as XO, but more bitter than XO. I think my dad will love this, the not so creamy but very bitter durian.


XO and it's reallyyyyyyyyy creamy and sticky and BITTER! My favourite ......
NOTE: If you sneeze when you eat durian, be happy because you are eating a very bitter good quality durian! I sneezed countless times when I ate this XO durian. Love it!!

Udang merah .... this is not bitter but sweet. Not really my favourite and I would not get this again. Not creamy also... but suits those sweet lovers =)

Durian Jantung! One of the best durians as well..... it's bitter and creamy! As good as XO and I like it!! Usually I would get Jantung and XO, both are my favourites....

All these are not for me, but sooooooooooo tempted to just steal one seed of each packs. Haha. I think my mom will be so impatient when she look at all these wonderful durians! Hahahaha!

I LOVE DURIAN! =D

A Dramatic Shopping

We were in Jusco yesterday for groceries shopping after our dinner. While looking and searching for my favourite FOX sweets at one corner of the Jusco, I heard few elephants steps (ok, maybe I shouldn't say it's elephants cause elephants can't run, hmmm... ok, name it "EARTHSHAKING STEPS") and I just ignore thinking maybe those kids have nothing better to do and they enjoy running around in the shopping mall. Perhaps the sweets section in Jusco is more tempting than the earthshaking steps.

However, I felt something wrong when I heard few screams and it seemed to be a big mess at the other corner of the Jusco where I was standing. By the time I stood up and look around, Jus was already kei poh-ing near the incident. How can he ignore me? LOL... anyway, I looked around and all eyes were looking at one direction : guard + thief scene. Some even took out their digi cam to capture shots/videos. 3 Jusco security guards were chasing after a thief and said "Jangan Lari! Jangan Lari" and I was already started to panic eventhough I was still quite far away from the scene. What if the thief suddenly take out a gun or knife or whatever and yes, I watched too much thriller movies as my imagination started running wild.

Everyone was panic during the incident and there was one guy with a trolley chasing after the thief as well. Maybe he stole his wallet? I don't know... The incident ended very fast, few seconds after I saw the running chasing scene, the thief was already caught red-handed. Kudos to the three security guards! After that I quickly grab the stuffs I wanted to buy and then left the shopping mall as fast as I can.

This dramatic event didn't end just like that. And thank you for the Jangan Lari Jangan Lari scene, I dreamt of robbery case last night!!! In the dream, I saw one thief stole my friend's purse and she started chasing after the thief. Few guards joined in and shouted "Jangan Lari Jangan Lari".... SIGH.

So, if you have nothing better to do... dun think of shopping or whatever. Just stay at home guai guai.... =)

The Vege Tales!

I'm just so amazed when I started to compile all the veges that I've successfully trained Justin to munch on! Huge pats to me.. and more pats to Justin, the successful-vege-eater! Hahaha.... I just can't believe, it's a lot! Really really a lot. In my mind it was like only that few types of vege I can/always/must buy from Jusco, but when I started to compile... it's really alot!

Here's the story of how I slowly introduce from the tiniest, less green to the thickest and greenest vege!

First of all, when we first dated... he used to throw all the green vege to me. Not only green, but the no color vege (eg, cabbage) also passed all the way from the other plate onto my plate. This is critical rite? It's ok... I set a goal and I will train him with vege, but of course, I won't be that cruel to start off with the thickest greenest broccoli! So, I introduce this no-leafy taste of vege which is Bayam/Chinese Spinach! The trick is to stir fry with lots of marinated sliced chicken breast. He accepted it... but I hate this vege because it takes a lot of hardwork! Honestly, I'm lazy... haha. To really clean this vege is a hard job! Harder and more stressful than working in office. No joke, I just don't like the tedious job of checking every leaves and ensure no white spots.. and then rinse it many many times to remove the soil. I've then set the next aim, to introduce the less hassle vege!

So this is the one! No hassle at all.. just soak and soak and soak! The initial trick is to fry this cabbage with egg. It tasted really good and he absolutely love it... so done! The next vege in line..

This iceberg lettuce.... sap sap sui, no problem introducing especially when you fry with lots of garlic. =)

Chinese cabbage! This one is totally out.. but i just dump in the soup. At least if he doesn't like the lembik style of it, the nutrients are all in the soup already... =P


French beans and long beans are his favorite! Good job hun! These are the easiest vege to settle and I love cooking them... less than 10mins of preparing, not counted the soaking time. Ha!

Kangkung is also another tedious job, that's why I stop recommending to him, only when we dine in the restaurant/mamak. Kangkung with belacan is a must! But after I read the story of leech build their wonder home in the hole of the stem, I totally stopped eating this vege. Scary enuff when come to think about it...

Next ....... celery! If you want more salary, eat this vege and be blessed! Hahaha.... He's ok ok only la with this vege, not that super likey tho because of the strong "salary" smell. He should love it rite... because it's $$$ smell. Lol...

Leek! He's ultimately in love with this vege, especially when you stir fry with meat and add some soy sauce for the fragrant. And yet, it's another easy vege to handle! Ma fan part is only the slicing .... ;P

Next, this is known as "Rabbit's Vege" to Justin.... this was so funny because I used to give this vege to my rabbits and he actually asked me, "Not rabbit eat wan meh?" Hahaa... so cute of him. Slowly, he accepted this vege and kudos! =)

Wohooooo ~ The scary vege hops in! When I first introduced this vege, the marinated chicken breast is 70% of the vege... only 30% of broccoli and well, he accepted it positively because of the proportion between the meat and vege. Yeapppiee! I'm successful! And this vege is really rich in vitamin...

FinallY!!! This is what I wanted him to try and I'm still working hard on it because he said "the "bulu-bulu" on top of this vege makes my tongue geli/"ngiau-ngiau"".. Seriously, I can't stop laughing when he said the bulu bulu vege makes him geli. Haha...

So, that's all about my mighty man's progress on swallowing veges! Haha.... Kudos to him, at least all the veges that I introduce and he accepts are those that does not require hardwork washing/cleaning/cutting.... =D

Street gangsters use durians to rob women

I think it's important to post this up since there are getting more and more crimes. Just becareful eventhough you might not believe the story below, but as a precaution before it's too late. And lastly, don't forget to always say a prayer before you step out from your house!

Dear all,

My daughter just related this true incident that happen to her friend's mother. She was eating breakfast at a makan stall in a wet market. A man approached her and asked if she would like to buy some fresh durians. Being a durian lover, she said yes. The man then asked her to follow him to his stall nearby.

At his stall, there were lots of durians. The man opened some fruits to show her the freshness of the durian. She was quite taken aback that he opened quite a few, so she said only wanted 5 durians.

Suddenly, the man asked, "What am I going to do with the opened durians?!"
He insisted that she buy all the opened fruits. At this point, two big men with tattoos appeared at the stall. The frightened woman decided not to buy and quickly walked to her car. But just as she opened the car door, the 'durian seller' came up behind her and slammed her door shut!

He waved the parang he had used to open the durians and demanded RM400 for the 5 durians she had wanted to buy. The lady tried to protest about the price, but the man shouted at her,
> waving the parang threateningly close to her head. So, after some 'bargaining' (pleading), the three men settled on a price of RM 300 for five durians!

This incident happened in Cheras, but a robbery scam can be set up anywhere.

Beware, because they pretend to be legit traders, and durian sellers do carry parangs in broad daylight, so they have an alibi. If the cops show up, they'd just deny everything.

Times are hard now, and criminals are cooking up creative ways to rob the more vulnerable ones in surprising ways.

Phishing Conspiracy!

I've always heard of people receiving scam emails/phone calls and now, I've actually received one in my Inbox. Unfortunately, I'm not that stupid to click on the given link since there are so many reported cases in the world. Never ever try to click for fun because you will not know if once you clicked, the hacker might be able to fish all the important data from your PC. And for those who don't know, once you click and enter some few important information... the next minute you know is your online bank account had been hacked and all money gone! This is how dangerous email/phone scams are!! So, beware!! Never simply click any links from whatever website. If you want to do direct banking, go straight to the bank's ORIGINAL website. Even if it's phone call asking for details/personal information... DON'T GIVE!

Maybank does not send out any e-mail or SMS requesting customers to provide personal banking ID or PIN or credit card information. Please do not log in through website links contained in emails supposedly from Maybank or other institutions. Be alert or you may fall victim to a financial scam.

The mail above is how the email scam looks like!

To check the authenticity of the link, mouse over the link to see the URL at the status bar located at the bottom of your browser. Notice that the URL link that provided (eg : https://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/INGRM10usxxxxxxxxxxx) does not direct to the original HSBC website but instead takes you to a phishing site.

Police alert!

• NEVER respond to any phone call / SMS / email requesting your bank account details

• NEVER reveal your bank account details / ATM PIN / Internet banking password to anyone

• NEVER follow instructions from unknown parties to do banking transactions or make changes to your bank account details

• NEVER be a victim of schemes that sound too good to be true
  

Truly crazy over Casey James

Last year I was crazily into Kris Allen when he sang the song No Boundaries.... but this year, Casey James is so cool with his electric guitar! He's so cool....... I just can't describe with words how cool he can be when he started to pick up his electric guitar!

This was his first or 2nd audition when he took off his shirt on stage and Kara was totally excited!

Pretty cool on stage ~

Judges Comments:

Randy Jackson:

I’m gonna make this short and sweet. This was another hot night for you. You stayed in your element, I love the song, you showed a lot of vocal range. I thought it was the perfect selection and choice for you.

Ellen DeGeneres:

The thing about you is you’re consistent. You’re always good. You have a great voice, you have a great tone. I know everybody loved it, but it felt a little generic. I wish I’d seen another song from you. You sang it great, but that’s a safe song for you.

Kara DioGuardi:

You’ve been using this part of your range. You only go top by the very end. I think you have more range in you. And these songs where you’re playing the guitar and you’re limited by the chords and the many notes, they’re not showing us how much more you can do. I’d like to see you go back to an acoustic guitar and just sing. Show me everything you’ve got, because I think you’ve got more.

Simon Cowell:

Casey, you know I’ve always wanted to be honest with you like I am with all the other contestants. This week, in my opinion, it was your strongest week you’ve had so far. I like the fact that you didn’t do what you did before, a soundalike. I think the fact that you took on an R&B song has shown a completely different side of you as an artist. I thought it sounded authentic. I’m really really really impressed with you this week Casey.

Lumix LX3 - King of Digi cams...

The first camera that I owned was Nikon S1 and that was the lousiest camera I can say. I used that for my convocation and that was a real regret of getting that camera. The camera looks good on the outside, no lens juggling out and it's hidden lens looks so convenient carrying around without you accidentally hit on the lens but buying a hidden lens was the greatest mistake ever. It's convenient, but picture quality sucks I can say. So, I sold off the Nikon and then I got myself Lumix FX1. Finally now... my Lumix FX1 decided to retire and the lens became a bit faulty. No matter how hard I try to snap a picture, it will blur. Sad... Maybe I always bring around in my handbag and the life also became shorter.

But, the old has gone and now.... new Lumix for me! I'm forever Lumix fan because of the features and most importantly QUALITY!! I just love all the pictures snapped by Lumix.... and here's my new FRIEND!! The latest is GF1 but it's way too expensive and not worth getting. A mini SLR that cost RM3299. Not worth rite.... it's too expensive!! And I tested this LX3 which is known as King of the Kings ~ or King of the Digital Cameras! The picture quality is just so sharp, clear and perfect! I like it! Cool ~~~

So, these are the pictures of my new gadgets and currently learning how to capture nice shots! Look at how the skillful people in the forum captured such amazing photos and you will be amazed what this amazing camera can do!
Lowyat Forum Lumix LX3

Till now, stay tuned for the pictures that I've captured from this new camera! It makes my life easy that I do not have to waste time snapping and snapping again but still get a blur picture in the end. Happy ~

Btw, this was my early birthday gift from Justin and I love it soooo much!! Muacks~

This is Malaysia!

I think our country is always well known for it's misleading signboards... look at the below and you definitely can't agree more with me.

DILARANG MEMBUANG SAMPAH DI KAWASAN INI
DENDA RM1000.00
KEBERSIHAN AMALAN BERSAMA

How can they put a signboard to warn the people that this particular place/space is not for people to litter and they provide dustbins at the same place!

At least the coconut shells were packed nicely and arranged tidily along the road. At least rite..
But, I just don't understand on the signboard and the dustbins there...... Aih, when only can we improve on cleanliness and follow instructions and good signboards? When?

Big Headz Guardian!

Suddenly the song "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands" just lingering in my mind. Past few days I don't look happy, yesterday I was but today again not happy... so, this song came in just at the right time. If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!! I like it.... I think this was one of my favorite kindy songs when I was in kindergarten. I like the song "You are my sunshine" too... They were just so refreshing and pure! If only a person won't grow up and remain a kid forever, how good it is. Then, you won't experience people dying too. Kids are just so pure and innocent, no hatred at all and they are truthful! They don't lie, they don't hurt people, all they know is they know how to giggle when they are happy, and they cry when they need something. They are honest! So, do not simply scold your kids for nothing, just because you are not in the mood. Listen here! They are not wrong... is you yourself that is wrong! When they are small, they don't know how to think like you do... so if they do something wrong, reflect to yourself first, did I do something wrong? Did I teach them properly? Don't simply shoot your kids ok.

Anyway, this is what I wanna get from Guardian next year. I don't think I can accomplish the mission, to collect 40 stamps by this year. If yes, means I was too impulsive in spending which is not good anyway. I'm currently into saving... save as much as I can! Looking ahead for a landed house!

If you know some people that just love to take Big Headz photos... then here are the real big headz bears. I found them so cute when I first saw them displaying in Guardian.

Which one is cuter? I opt for the Hippotamus/Giraffe..... Will make a decision next year. I find Elephant is cute too... Aih, who is willing to donate me some stamps? Then I can get these three!!

Here are all the stamps that I got.... which means I have spent RM120 in Guardian. Marketing strategy to make people spend in Guardian instead of Watson/Jusco/Giant/Carefour... Learn this tactics friends! Customer always love free gifts!

Last year was Paddington Bear and my MIL helped me to collect all the stamps. I think she shopped thrice ONLY and she managed to get this big bear! The biggest!! She actually got 80 stamps... 40 stamps for me and the other 40 stamps for Julia.

This was me... last year with my Paddington Bear!!! Just can't wait to strike 20 stamps and top up another RM20 to get my Big Headz bear!! I love it....

Introducing the HP business class netbook - HP Mini 5101 in Malaysia

Claps to Mr Hubby for posting a much more detailed review after my small review at HP MINI 5101 rocks HP Employees. Or make a search for this post on the right of my blog ! Check out more of the HP Mini 5101 and yeah, enjoy the effort that Mr Hubby put in yeah........ this lappie seems to be his 2nd beloved cause, he spent so much time on taking photos and writing review and experimenting what are the features and admiring it, wiping all the fingerprints away.... LOL. Let's see how long the wiping of fingerprints will last.... hahaha.

Figure1 – HP Mini 5101

For Malaysians, I believe most of you have not heard or seen this in the retail stores out there. This is because HP has yet to release this product in retail stores and we HP employees were used as “white mice” I think It should be available out there any time soon :)
Oh BTW, this is my first time owning a netbook so I'm very excited to give you my personal review. But before I proceed with the review of this cool gadget, here are some of my expectations of a netbook:

1. It has to be very light.. Years ago I dreamed about owning a laptop so that I can bring it wherever I go. Today I'm reluctant to bring it along although it's “only” 3kg – It was cool back then.
2. Battery power must be good enough for me to be “on the move”. At least a solid 4 hours for me to finish my Starbucks Green Tea Fruppucino :)
3. Due to a netbook's cramped up design, the keyboard must be comfortable enough to type.
4. It must be powerful enough to run several applications simultaneously. (At least an Internet Browser, Media player and Instant Messaging running together)

Since HP labels the HP Mini 5101 as a “Business class” netbook, it has to stand up to its claim as trend-savvy mobile professional requires functionally, durability and style. The netbook has to be reliable enough to withstand day to day heavy usage and at the same time provide data protection. From the top view, you'll find that HP Mini 5101 has a sturdy and shiny black brushed finish. It's scratch-resistant BTW.

Figure 2: The HP Mini 5101 features a sturdy, lightweight anodized aluminum display enclosure with a black, brushed finish.
The netbook also comes with a lightweight anodized aluminum display enclosure which is glossy (Bling 1). The lower case frame of the Mini is built of magnesium alloy (Bling 2) and the soft-touch paint on the base and palm rest gives the Mini a rubbery feel and that enhances its look and feel. Very eye-catching design and improves durability. The Mini 5101 has a accelerometer - called HP 3D DriveGuard which protects your notebook’s hard drive against impact, bumps, or drops. So you can be assure that your critical information is protected while you are on the move. I have not tested this tho. And I'm not planning to =P

Figure 3: The glossy anodized aluminum display enclosure (up) and magnesium alloy chassis frame (down)

The spill-resistant keyboard which is 95 percent of a full-size QWERTY keyboard is also newly designed. The keys are all raised from the surface and there are some spacing in between each keys. Not too sure what is the reason of such design but it took me 1 day to get used to it. The keyboard also have some kind of coating called “ HP DuraKeys” which HP claims this makes the keyboard 50 times more resistant to letters wearing out. Comparing to a keyboard without it. Another plus point specially for FPS players. (I don't think a gamer would game on a netbook though).

Another thing that I'm very satisfied with is the touch pad. It's small but very touch sensitive. I think HP has also learned their lesson but moving back the mouse buttons to the usual place. (In older versions of HP mini, the mouse buttons were on the left and right of the touch pad. Which totally sucks practicality and ergonomically)

Beside the touch pad, you can see the logo of Intel Atom and Energy Star. A device or machine with a Energy Star logo symbolize that the product is engineered for reduced impact on the environment by eliminating or reducing substances of concern, and also using fewer resources and reducing energy consumption. So far the only notebook brands with Intel Atom processor that is Energy Star compliant are: Asus, Samsung, HP, Sony, Dell, Panasonic and Fujitsu. (source: http://www.energystar.gov/)

Figure 4: The spill-resistant keyboard with two quick launch button on top left(up) and ENERGY STAR logo (down)

This Mini also comes with built in 2 megapixel web cam. Perfect for on the move cam whores. As you can see the photo of my HP Ipaq 612c below which was taken by the 2mp web cam, the imaging quality is nothing to shout about. For me It's just another “nice to have” feature on the netbook. I won't be using this very often anyway. Probably once a year? lol

Figure 5 The built in 2 megapixel web cam (up) and a photo sample taken with the camera.(down)

A quick test run on how long it takes for the Mini 5101 to boot up, I got the result of 29 seconds (an average of 3 testings). For a system with many applications installed already, it booted up quite fast I think. Maybe because my expectation is lower and I expected it to be slower due to its Intel Atom processor and low power consumption features.

Figure 6: Booting up the system took about 30 seconds. Not bad for a netbook.

For a device to be truly portable and usable, it has to have all common I/O ports and slots readily to be used. The Mini 5101 has

- 3 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 external VGA monitor output (A must for presentation and secondary display)
- 1 headphone/line-out
- 1 microphone in
- 1 RJ-45 (LAN/network port)
- 1 SD/MMC card reader slot

Figure 7: I/O ports on the left and right side of the netbook.

Due to Mini 5101's miniature design, I find it slightly difficult to remove any plugged-in USB thumbdrives connected on the left USB ports. Especially when you use both of the ports. The distance between the port and the table surface is very small and the ports are basically just right beside with literally no spacing in between.

Figure 8: Cramped spacing if both ports are used.

The Mini 5101 netbook in Malaysia comes with a standard 4-cell battery which is claimed on HP Website that I can last for 4 hours and 30 minutes. However when I tried to cycle the battery a few times, I can only get an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes. When performing this test, I use my netbook with Bluetooth turned off, Screen brightness at 80%, Wifi turned on and I didn't connect any other USB powered device besides my mouse. I guess we can only achieve the extra hour if I turn the screen brightness down to the minimum where even someone perfect eye sight with have problems reading the screen at this setting. I can't really blame HP because this is a marketing strategy used by all companies when they justify “minimum requirement” :( However, you can replace and upgrade the battery to a 6-cell which HP claims the battery can last up to 9 hours. Well, I'll assume and take that as 7-8 hours :)

One very cool feature with the HP mini 5101 is you can know how much battery juice is left without turning on the netbook. There's this battery level indicator bar on the physical battery itself and all you need to do is pressing it and it'll show you the current battery level status. With this, you can quickly check if your netbook requires charging before you bring it outside.

Figure 9: Battery level indicator bar with Cyan colour showing the level of the remaining battery power.


Figure 10: Battery level indicator can also work when the battery is removed from the netbook.

Upgrading the memory on the HP Mini 5101 is a snap. What you need to do is unlock and remove the battery via the latch, then press the latch again and the memory cover will be opened. No screw and screwdriver involved! How cool is that!

Figure 11: Top cover of the memory slot can be easily removed.

Last and not the least, the cooling system in the Mini 5101. Honestly I'm extremely impressed with how well heat ventilation is managed on this netbook. Even after a continuous operation of 8-9 hours, the netbook does not feel hot at all. Not even when I'm charging the battery. Besides Intel Atom, perhaps the credit should also go to the netbook's case frame which is built from materials like aluminum and magnesium alloy.

Figure 12: Ventilation holes of the HP mini on left and bottom.

In a nutshell, I would say the HP mini 5101 is worth considering for professionals or even students who is always on the move and do a lot of presentations. This netbook is rugged and its built quality is second to none. (Alright that's a joke but at least superior to most of the netbooks available in Malaysia today) The battery power should be more than enough for the preparation together with the presentation. Bloggers and Starbucks go-ers would also love this thing.

Pros: Superior built quality. HP 3D DriveGuard. Splash resistant keyboard. Good heat management. Power indicator bar on battery.
Cons: No Mobile broadband feature (Apparently this is available in the US) Speaker is not loud enough for a movie presentation (But good enough for personal entertainment)

More pictures on the HP mini 5101

Figure 13: Viewing http://loveraholic.blogspot.com from the mini 5101 (left)

Figure 14: HP mini's screen resolution. (1024x600-pixels) the standard resolution for netbooks. Apparently an optional upgrade to a higher resolution display (1366x768 pixels) is available in the US.

Figure 15: HP mini with the original box.