China Mobile data usage limits

So.

Have this smartphone –

Samsung Galaxy GT-S7566
Samsung Galaxy GT-S7566

Have been trying different packages, having visited the store and bought the one recommended at point of sale.
On discussing this with someone that spoke English, the package had far to many talk minutes of which I used about 2 within the first month.

It also had too much bandwidth.

I swopped it down to a lower package with 400mb and some free text messages and no free minutes for calls etc.

There’s no way of telling what exactly what you’re going to get, unless your mandarin is good, or you’ve got someone you trust, (with a lot of patience), along with you.

Samsung data usage
Samsung Data usage screen

As a guideline, you shouldn’t be paying more than 108RMB. And the package you need will probably be like mine with some free texts and bandwidth for around 68RMB.

Shop around though. It’s probably better to go to a shop which isn’t the one that you buy your phone from. China Netcom have 3G if you want to get the better connectivity involved in that.

Otherwise, China mobile, visit one of their main shops. They’ll have the full range of packages.

Hence no posts today, cos my phone has been out of sorts today. :( awww.

World of Warcraft char, Fatweh

Here’s a picture of my ‘main’ World of Warcraft char, Fatweh.

Now support a Facebook app updating the status of your chosen chars.

Tried it this morning and it didn’t work.

This does work. It’s a flash ani of my main an Allaince Warlock called Fatweh.

Flash and XML

This is done using XML.
Flash allows you to complete the loop providing specified data on the fly updated directly from the XML feed based on my character. So, for example if the image relating to my cloak changed, the XML Namespace containing the image data and dependancies for that particular piece of kit would be changed dynamically through Flash. All done throught the XML publishing platform.

Wild.

Improving World Of Warcraft Disconnect (WOW DC) problems

Fatweh in Dalaran

For many people Disconnect is a major problem in Warcraft. DC interrupts at random, and often crucial moments of play.
‘Oh I DC’ed’ being is a common, lame, excuse for players who die in inexcusable circumstances.

Don’t be a lamer!
Up until 2008 I used Norton Antivirus. A product I had used since my first computer in 1997. A ten year stint which came to an abrupt end following the 2008 suite.

To reduce in-game DC in Warcraft
I suggest removing your Norton product and replacing it with a comprehensive, industry respected firewall product. This will reduce your levels of DC by ensuring your ports are accessed by services only sanctioned by yourself.

Unwanted Access
Here’s a list of the programs that instantly jumped to access my connection when I installed the latest version of Warcraft WoTLK (10/12/2008).

zone-alarm

I used the IP addresses supplied by the software to reverse trace the following companies:-

-Netherlands Amsterdam Versatel Nederland B.v
-Slovenia Ljubljana T-2 Access Network
-NTLI Network Management Centre
-INVITEL IP NETWORK COORDINATION CENTER
-Sweden Kungsbacka Telia Network Services
-eircom Group plc
-United Kingdom London Bt-central-plus
-Denmark Roskilde Cybercity A/s Xdsl Users
-Denmark Kolding Tdc Bredbaand Professional Users

These are large national telecommunications companies, contributing an additional 8 connections through MY broadband wire.
Placing that additional strain on my games’ connection won’t be contributing to play in a positive way, and it’s not something I’ve asked for..

I rarely suffer from DC
I’m glad my software blocked these access attempts.

I rarely suffer from DC and would point you in the direction of Zone Alarm, the best gaming firewall at an affordable price.

3227_lgo_zonealarm

Marriott Blog worth $5 million

In additional clicks the company, one of my favourite world-wide hoteliers, tells us.

A conversational blog by it’s founder and CEO Bill Marriott ranks amongst a list of 15 blogs (by sitepoint) where the corporate’s have got it right.

Here’s a picture from my favourite Marriott, Marriott Jordan Valley. Cheap, and great breakfast, I’d recommend it to those visiting the ruins who can’t get bookings at the Movenpick (founded by relatives of the Swiss Explorer who discovered the ruins and in the ideal situation).

petra-IMG_1054.JPG
Jordan Valley @ dawn