Made in Singapore 2004
Mention made-in-Singapore tech products, and likely Creative will pop into mind. However, there's more to the homegrown tech scene than just Sim Lim Square and Funan the IT Mall. Here, CNETAsia celebrates National Day on August 9 by spotlighting 10 gadgets that proudly carry the Made-in-Singapore label.
Doing it our way: First 5 homegrown gear | Next 5 homegrown gadgets
 Aztech HL100E HomePlug Ethernet Adapter
Device: Powerline network adapter
Est. price: S$159 (US$92.60) per pair
Availability: Early September
Manufacturer: Aztech Systems Ltd.
Pros: Convenient; easy to set up; no messy cables.
Cons: Requires two of the same adapter to work; have to sacrifice one power socket.
This will be one of the first Powerline networking products to be launched in Singapore when it arrives in stores next month. Making use of the electrical grid around the house as a network, the HomePlug converts any power socket into a network point, thereby allowing broadband access to be shared easily among family members. According to the Singapore-based manufacturer, the HomePlug will serve to facilitate file sharing, LAN gaming and VoIP calls around the house. It is designed to work with both ADSL and cable connections.
Deja View Model 100
Device: Camwear with recorder
Est. price: S$685 (US$399)
Availability: Now
Manufacturer: Advent Electronics for US company Deja View
Pros: Cool factor; easy to bring around.
Cons: Expensive.
Soon, capturing and reliving memories may come with just a touch of a button. US company Deja View is selling a gizmo, made in the Republic, which continually captures whatever it's pointed at. The Model 100 then saves the last 30 seconds of footage to a Secure Digital (SD) storage card when the user wishes to save it. Besides the innovative way of recording, the device is also diminutive. The camera portion of the device is light and small enough to clip to head- or eyewear, while the storage unit can be worn on a belt. So the next time you experience a "repeat" event, it probably isn't a bug in The Matrix.
DigiSAFE KeyCrypt
Device: Powerline network adapter
Est. price: US$165 (for businesses in min. units of 50)
Availability: Now
Manufacturer: Digisafe
Pros: Provides door access; security for applications assured; one of fastest USB cryptographic tokens in the market.
Cons: Expensive.
Local R&D company DigiSAFE has come up with the KeyCrypt which claims to be the world's first multifunctional USB token for logical and physical access. The KeyCrypt has three functions: It can act as a cryptographic tool; a door access control; and last but not least, as a USB data storage device. Storing VPN client and email client combined with the option to store up to 256MB, the KeyCrypt is overall a handy device able to provide information security.
GP PowerBank U-Smart
Device: Battery charger
Est. price: S$89.90 (US$52.35)
Availability: Now
Manufacturer: GP Batteries International Ltd
Pros: Under 45 minutes to fully charge up to four AA- or AAA-sized rechargeable batteries.
Cons: Works for Ni-MH batteries only.
One of the fastest battery chargers in the market today, it needs just 43 minutes to fully recharge four 2,500mAh AA cells. This makes the charger extremely useful for those who utilize high-powered devices such as portable DVD players and digital cameras. While its price may seem a tad too steep, the PowerBank U-Smart does offer users better peace of mind compared with cheaper models, due to its built-in temperature protection and damaged battery detection features. It's good for AAA-sized batteries, too.
Motorola C650
Device: Camera-phone
Est. price: S$68 (US$40) for 2-year plan
Availability: Now
Manufacturer: Motorola
Pros: Triband; MP3 ringtones; VGA camera; personalized lighting.
Cons: Lackluster CSTN screen.
Motorola C650 joins the Made-in-Singapore marvels. Churned out by Motorola's design center located in Ang Mo Kio, the C650 comes at an attractive price tag, too. Plus this triband camera-phone doesn't cut corners with features such as MP3 ringtones and personalized lighting. According to a survey conducted by Schwab Soundview Capital Markets, this sleek mobile has been voted one of the most popular handsets. Not too shabby for innovation from the Republic.
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