Canon S95

This is a new best friend for Canon’s DSLR geeks who want to go light. Like the previous S90, the S95 shoots RAW (a format favored by pros) and has a great lens (fast and with a convenient 28-105mm [3.8x] zoom range). What the new edition brings is great low-light capabilities. B15,900

Fujifilm 300EXR

Nature-lovers shooting distant critters and wide panoramic shots are in for a treat. The 300EXR features a very wide 24mm angle lens with a 15x optical zoom. With the panoramic function built-in you can stitch pictures together for full 360-degree views. B11,990

Panasonic Lumix FX75

The FX75 aims to be a small and stylish compact camera for every occasion. Its slim, colorful design packs a touchscreen LCD and a 24mm lens for those group shots in cramped spaces. Added bonuses: 5x optical zoom and HD video recording. B12,990

Ricoh CX4

Building on the CX3, the CX4 still features an impressive 28-300mm (10.7x zoom) and 1cm macro shot. Also, there are fun features to play with, just like on your iPhone: color adjustment, vignette and miniature (for that the “tilt-shift” look). B13,990

Samsung EX1

Another compact with pro features, the Samsung EX1 features a wide 24mm Schneider lens and a large 1/1.7” sensor for DSLR-like image quality in low-light conditions. As for looks, we like the rugged style of its metal case. B15,900.

It must be a bit of a dilemma for Blackberry that touchscreen is reigning supreme in the world of smartphones but their QWERTY keyboard are what hey have long been famed for. (That’s why people don’t switch to Storm.) The result is this Torch 9800, which features both touchscreen as well as a slide-out keyboard for those who can’t really decide and want to have it all. Plus, this is the first phone to come with built-in BlackBerry OS6.

Plugged

- A sleek metal case that gives a classy feel, especially when the keyboard slides out.
- 3.2-inch screen (480 x 360 pixels) that features good colors and motion pictures and also works like a normal touchscreen phone that you can tap.
- Good photos through a 5MP camera with flash.
- BlackBerry OS6 is very different as it’s specially built to be compatible with a touchscreen phone and multi-tasking. So you can know open several web pages at the same time as well switch between different applications easily.

Bugged

- Poor battery life. Torch uses the same battery spec as Storm and Curve while the touchscreen consumes a lot of energy, so you might need a spare if you are constantly on the go.
- Not many applications have been adjusted and made for BB OS6 and the vertical screen.
- The keyboard is not as good as the original Bold.

Verdict

Simply a merger of BlackBerry Storm 2 and Bold 9780, Torch is not an iPhone killer—it’s just another option for BB users who require a larger screen for web browsing as much as a keyboard to chat with friends.

Price. B21,900 from AIS (www.ais.co.th/blackberry), Dtac (www.dtac.co.th/blackberry) and Truemove (www.truemove.com/blackberry)

I am not the most knowledgeable person about the tsunami. But I am the one who dared to announce his findings.

I wasn’t scared. Other people might be, because if they get their predictions wrong, then it could ruin their reputation or even anger certain organizations that benefit from tourism or investments in a risky area.

The government should have believed me—then nobody would have died in the tsunami. There was a report clearly stating which provinces would be affected and all six affected provinces were mentioned. I also reported solutions and survival tips in sequential order to the Department of Local Administration.

I was wrong about the location of the earthquake, but the most important thing is that it did happen and caused a tsunami.

People in the travel industry might hate me but, if tourists die, that’s my responsibility.

Some provinces even banned me from holding seminars educating people about disasters.

Several wrong predictions are better than zero predictions. In developed countries they announce the chance of possible catastrophes.

More people will die unless Thais change their perceptions. Just look at the recent floods in Korat and Hat Yai.

Those responsible for broadcasting warnings to the public are simply useless. The local government in Korat and Hat Yai had been warned but they just ignored the warning. And look at the result.

Bangkok will be flooded. Building a dam to fence off the water must be national policy. The government can build seven train lines worth B70 billion but not my dam project, which costs just one train line. If we started now it would only take five years to complete.

Things are changing. The flood in Samui, for example, was unusual. The United Nations already warned us that some islands are disappearing, like the Maldives.

We can’t do anything to stop sea levels from rising. As snow keeps melting at both poles, the water is expected to rise about 1.5–5 meters. Bangkok is only about a meter above sea level. Some parts of Bangkok, like Ramkamhaeng, are even lower than sea level.

Nobody listens. Well, there are some people who are interested, judging by the long queues for my seminars.

I am just an old, retired man who tries to warn people. I feel I have a duty to save people’s lives.

The current Director General of Meteorological Department is incapable. It’s the result of political intrusions. My ex-subordinates are useless, too.

The National Disaster Warning Centers are ruined. There’s no maintenance and the staff are inefficent. It was one of the world’s best when it was established six years ago.

Changing governments has caused the center to be downsized, taking out the experts and bringing in amateurs. It’s like letting an accountant do a doctor’s job. The head of the center should receive a high salary to attract educated professionals. But it politicians just gave the job to their cronies.

Disaster warning is a small department under the Ministry of ICT. When they need to urgently warn the public, they need at least six people to approve the warning first.

The cost of recovery and rescue is much, much greater than investing in a preemptive warning system.

The level of natural disasters will increase because of global warming. We’ve never had such heavy storms before but now they come annually.

Yours days of living peaceful lives are over. Nobody can escape natural disasters, they can happen anywhere now. Don’t argue whether it will happen or not, just prepare and find out what to do to survive.

Heading north doesn’t guarantee survival. Each region in Thailand faces different kinds of disasters. If you’re in Chiang Mai you could encounter earthquakes, in Isaan you could face droughts.

What you’ve seen in Hollywood movies are not all exaggerations; it could be for real.

Samsonite Cosmo Lite
3.2kg/28”/$870
The world’s best known  luggage brand recently  launched its lightest-ever case. Made from tough polycarbonates, it combines sleek style and durability.
Available at Samsonite, #B2-88 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7737.

Muji
2.9kg/21”/$179
Minimalist travelers will love this simply-designed, affordable bag made of high quality nylon and offering a roomy 26-liter storage space.
Available at Muji, #B4-16 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-9321.

Tumi Vapor
3kg/20”/$750
Thanks to a combination of super-light high performance ABS plastic and polycarbonate, this cool looking luggage item is both light and durable.  We particularly appreciate the extra tough corners and built-in wheels.
Available at Tumi, #B1-127 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6222-1611.

Mandarina Duck Core DNA
3.3kg/20”/$506
This stylish case made of  durable nylon canvas includes an aluminum pull-out trolley. With several pockets and some expandable sections, you won’t have difficulty organizing your things.
Available at Planet Traveller, #04-15 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6732-5172.

Louis Vutton Pegase
3.5kg/21”/$3,800
Though a touch heavier (and a hell a lot pricier), LV is the must-have travel companion for high-flying jetsetters. Made from the renowned monogram canvas, the Pegase has the added bonus of coming with wheels—in case your porter needs a break.
Available at Louis Vutton, #01-16 Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6334-3876.

Who doesn’t like to chill out at a small, cute café. In fact, for all the mushrooming of Starbucks and True coffee all over the city in recent years, we’ve also been seeing a lot of smaller coffee places opening up, many distinguishing themselves by selling fashion items to go with your coffee and snacks.

Nusara Chankaew, co-owner of 9cafe-closet, says, “At first we just wanted to have a place where we could gather, chat and chill out. But then the ideas got bigger. I love bakeries while my friends love fashion so we decided to combine the two.”

An online retailer of brand name bags, Sirima Kijpermpool, also known as Sophia, came up with a similar idea, which culminated in her four-month-old coffee shop which displays and sells brand name accessories. “I have always been passionate about brand name bags and I’d always thought of opening this type of cafe. When I actually saw one in Singapore, it confirmed that I should build one of my own here,” explains Sophia. “It’s a place where my customers can sit back and relax while also enjoying a conversation about brand name products over cups of coffee and tasty desserts.”
But FABB Fashion café, once a buzzing place, finally closed down after few years. Could this be a repeat of the internet café trend? “I don’t know how long it will last, but I just do my best to carry it on,” says Sophia.

9cafe-closet

1749/1, Town in Town 3/1, Ladprao Soi 94, 02-530-8233.
Open daily 10am-10pm. www.9cafecloset.com
A cute, hodge-podge concept combining Thai dishes, creamy desserts, coffee, and of course, fashion. You can either choose to chill with your friends inside, or have a seat outdoors for a romantic dinner with your date. But don’t miss checking out their collection of fashion items ranging from the princess blouses and skirts, to sharp cut pants and dresses imported from abroad, as well as exclusive and trendy designs by one of the co-owners. Prices start from B300-400.

Sophia Sweet Café

29-100, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 084-421-6776. Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10.30 am-7.30pm. www.sophia-brandname.com
If you happen to have an eye for glossy handbags, yearnings for both chic and cozy and a taste for coffee with low-fat ice cream, and homemade desserts, consider stopping by here after work. Apart from the free Wi-Fi, bag-obsessed ladies can also share their fondness for high-end handbags with like-minded fashionistas.

Montra Café

56 Yada Bldg. 1/F, Silom Rd., Suriyawongse, Bangrak,
089-483-0859, 087-681-9051, 02-662-6196.
Open daily 7am-11pm. www.montrajewelry.com
Two sisters, a baker and a jewelry designer are behind this cozy café bathed in mysterious purple, offering office workers around Silom good coffee, baked goods and a spot of lunchtime accessories shopping.

It’s Happened to be a Closet

2/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-7211. Open Daily 10am-10pm. http://itshappenedtobeacloset.wordpress.com
The shop started small, ages ago, in Siam Square Soi 4, and has expanded its branches over the past few years, both here and abroad. The Emporium one has an charming café setting at the front and a dining area that gives an open kitchen atmosphere. The inside packs a variety of colorful clothes cluttered around the shop. All the garments are unique designs, and mostly inspired by a sense of vintage without any overtly trendy influences. The place also offers also lots of other, services like nail manicure, hairdressing, and foot massage. For more privacy, book their private room and you’ll be able to dine away from the Emporium foot traffic.