Thursday, April 10, 2008

Excellent Novel - Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (சில நேரஙகளில் சில மனிதர்கள்)

Last week I registered membership with Singapore National Library. I didn't expect that Singapore library will have such a good collection of Tamil books. Since I came to Singapore, I didn't had a chance to read Tamil Novels. So, I thought of lending a tamil book.

At first sight, I found Jeyakanthan's 'Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal (சில நேரஙகளில் சில மனிதர்கள்)' and I didn't had any hesitation to take it home. The reason being this book (JK's Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal) won the Sahithya Academy award and I knew there were a lot of controversies about this book. In fact, all most all of JK's writing would have been discussed in controversy forums.

Day before yesterday, I had completed only about 70 pages. But yesterday, I was not able to go to sleep without completing the novel. It was such an amazing novel. I would say, in Tamil, I had never read such a good novel. I really started admiring about JK's story-telling skills.

First thing I was impressed in the novel is characterization. I was able to picturize each and every character in the novel, even small characters like office peon (Rangasamy). Another highlight is story narration. Anyone should be able to feel Ganga's mental confusion, after she had become close to Prabhu.

Yesterday I was desperate to complete the novel and after closing it (at 3:00 in the morning), I didn't get any sleep. I was arguing myself (in my mind) about the climax of the novel. Initially I thought the novel would have been finished saying Ganga gone back to her lonely life. But the author's climax is the best suitable one. If the climax was in any other way, he wouldn't have got Academy award or any fame.

I had never written any critics or review. But this novel inspired me to scribble here.

I would definitely suggest, if you had not read the novel, please go find it somewhere. Also I am sure once you open the novel, you will definitely be reluctant to close the book till you complete it.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Apple iPhone vs. Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is the new kid on the Windows Mobile block. Announced at the 2008 World Mobile Congress in Spain, the X1, with HSPA and an iPhone-esque touchscreen interface, could be the new handset to show off in the boardroom.


Apple iPhone
Apple iPhone
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1
Operating systemMac OS XWindows Mobile 6.1
3GNoYes (HSPA-enhanced)
Camera resolution2 megapixels3.2 megapixels
Camera flashNoLED photo light
BrowserSafariInternet Explorer
E-mailDisplays HTML-rich; Push IMAP (Yahoo); IMAP/POP3; push email via ExchangePOP3/SMTP/IMAP; HTML; push email via Exchange
Media playeriTunesWindows Media Player
A-GPSNoYes
Pre-installed mapsGoogle MapsGoogle Maps
TouchscreenYes (multi-touch sensors)Yes
Alternate InputNoneQWERTY keypad, optical joystick
Screen8.9cm (320x480 pixels)7.6cm (800x480 pixels)
Weight136g145g
Processor speed620MHz528MHz
Memory8GB/16GB400MB
Expansion slotNonemicroSD
Replaceable batteryNoYes
Battery - talk time8 hoursUnknown
Battery - audio playback24 hoursUnknown
MMS (for sending pictures and video)NoYes
IM (instant messaging)Yes - AIMYes - Windows Live
Video callingNoYes
Video captureNoYes
Access to MS OfficeYes - read onlyYes - editable
User installable 3rd-party appsAs of June '08Yes
Accelerometer changes screen orientation when rotatedYesNo
Proximity sensor (turns screen off when put up to your ear)YesNo
Threaded SMSYesYes
Supports stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)NoYes
Locked to carrierYesNo
PriceUS$399 - 8GB, US$499 16GB  - 2 year contractUnknown