Saturday, November 30, 2013

TechTalk - How to spot a FAKE Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (and eBay tips)

UPDATE 01/10/2014: NEWEST VIDEO (SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON!)




UPDATE 12/16/2013 - Special Thank You to T-Mobile for writing a letter stating this is a fake!

READ LETTER HERE!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

OVER 2,000 RETWEETS!  =D

UPDATE: 12/17/2014 - Getting my money back, I had to sign an affidavit that I destroyed the phone, which I did - AFTER taking tons of photos - SCROLL TO BOTTOM to see pics!

Picture of item on eBay



MORE PICTURES WILL BE UPLOADED SOON.

IF YOU'RE DEALING WITH PAYPAL - SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM!

SARCASM - Paypal doesn't even click on the links before they respond!


I recently purchased a  +Samsung Mobile Galaxy Note 3 from +eBay and I was so excited to get the package, after all, I waited an entire week before the package arrived.

After opening the package, I grew with anticipation, I have been wanting a Galaxy Note 3 for quite some time.  Unfortunately, the more I played with the device, the more I felt that it was not quite right.  Some people have been asking me, why shop on eBay in the first place?! Well, as an English teacher, my salary isn't that great and I don't mind buying used goods for myself.  In fact, I've been an eBay customer since 2006.



First, the stylus didn't seem right, I've watched enough videos (in anticipation of my device) to know that this stylus was a fake.

FAKE STYLUS: The "button" was a fake, not to mention the tip was too big.
For new buyers, the phone will open "Air Command" once you remove this stylus, so you would think that it was real - DO NOT BE FOOLED!

REAL STYLUS: Major difference, there is the logo on the handle.  Another main difference is the button is actually two-toned (and press-able).


SOURCE: SAMSUNG MOBILITY
Besides the stylus, you are buying a PREMIUM phone.  Any bleeding from the display (SEE VIDEO), discoloration or cheap feeling from the phone should raise flags.  In fact, my phone when turned on, did not even show Samsung, it showed Android.  The fastest way to see if you have a FAKE NOTE 3 is to download an application: aptly titled Genuine Galazy S4/Note 3.



CLICK HERE - to download this app.

Once you open the app, it will automatically tell you at the top if you have a Genuine Samsung or a FAKE!

The phone that was shipped to me only had 1 GB of RAM and 720p resolution, as opposed to the 3GB of RAM and 1080p resolution that is suppose to come with the Galaxy Note 3.


If you prefer, here is a video where you can see that this phone is a fake.

UPDATE: 12/17/2013 - ALSO SHOT A PART 2 VIDEO...
This is more condensed and more detailed




If you have a genuine phone - congratulations.

If you have a fake and you bought it from eBay, file a claim immediately!

To prevent this from happening to you, here is some advice:
1) Always pay with Paypal - if you are purchasing from eBay, directly sending bank transfers does not cover you from this type of transactions.

NOTE: I have filed a claim with Paypal, and they have asked me to provide documentation from an unbiased 3rd party.  I have included a screenshot of my fake phone, but I am not sure if it is enough.  Most 3rd party companies, such as a dealer, will probably not write this letter since you didn't buy the product from them, and this is assuming you live in the city or in the suburbs where you have access to a 3rd party company.

UPDATE: 12/01/2013 - Unfortunately eBay will only accept this "LETTER" from a 3rd party.
This phone is so blatantly fake that it's ridiculous!

2) Buy from someone with feedback!  Do not buy a product from someone with 0 feedback selling an expensive phone!
3) Buy from someone with pictures with watermarks.

Example, when I sell items on eBay, I take a picture with my USER ID someone on there, so you know I have the item in hand.

PROBABLY FAKE: This was the picture used by the person who sold me the counterfeit Samsung device!
Stock photo, with no differentiating factors.

UPDATE: 02DEC2013
According to Paypal - since they are an INTERNET company, they can only accept a letter from a 3rd party.  This is really unfortunate as most companies will not write a letter for anyone, since #1) I didn't buy the cell phone from their store, #2) it's the holiday season - they're actually going to be busy helping paying customers. #3) #DUH

+PayPal has lost all common sense in this situation.  Obviously they haven't tried going into a T-Mobile store and asking if they can write a letter that this phone is fake.


Update: 06.Dec.2013
PAYPAL IS UNYIELDING.

I have sent Paypal various documents, pictures, faxes, chats with Samsung, emails from Samsung - but it will not WORK!

THEY WILL NOT WANT ANYTHING EXCEPT A LETTER FROM A 3RD PARTY WITH THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION -  WHICH SAMSUNG CANNOT PROVIDE. WHY?  The sticker on the back shows that its a real Samsung phone (even though we've seen here and the video its blatantly a fake)

What you can do is confirm what carrier the phone is for.  For me, my model number is SM-N900-T so its for T-Mobile.  Hopefully there is a cell phone carrier near your area.

Before you go there, DOCUMENTATION, DOCUMENTATION, DOCUMENTATION!  PRINT OUT THE PAYPAL EMAIL, EBAY LISTING, ETC.  Be nice and courteous and explain your situation clearly!


SAMSUNG CHAT

PAYPAL RESPONSE

PICTURES OF FAKE SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3







Here is the shorter (more condensed) version of How to spot a fake Samsung Galaxy Note 3



One of the prerequisites to get your money back from Paypal is to sign an affidavit that you destroyed the item.  How do you do that?  Well, you can just throw it away, I was inspired by chopped and I decided to cook an omelette.



CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 
http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 
 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

MusicTalk - Current Playlist - nov.30

After streaming Britney Spears' new album (which please don't), I'm a bit over the pop movement.

Listening to one of my favorite songs, "The Kill" by 30 Seconds to Mars - a bit of an oldie, but still great.


One of my favorite bands of all time is Matchbox 20.  They have so many great songs and this is one of their great ones.



CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos
Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

Monday, November 25, 2013

FashionTalk - Things I love right now - Nov.2013!

Well, I love fashionable things, but I also rarely pay full price.  Since I've been feeling a little blue, nothing like a bit of retail therapy to make me happy - so here are my favorite things right now.


Yes, I love bags, and if I had to get 1 bag for the remainder of the season - this would be it!  It can be used as a tote, a messenger bag, big enough for a tablet, a small laptop and I love the two tone!

CLICK HERE to check this item out on BlueFly!
SOURCE: BLUEFLY
I love cardigans, I think I have about 15.  Cardigans are great, to be honest, it has the ability to dress anything up, which normally I wear a tanktop underneath, but you would never know, since I'm wearing a cardigan.  I love the color of this as well!

SOURCE: AMAZON VIP
I love these shoes: BucketFeet!

Wow, tired of the same boring designs? Well these affordable shoes are designed by artists!  Whatever your style, or your favorite color, I'm sure you'll be able to find one that matches you!

Here is the shoe for me.  

CLICK HERE to check these shoes (and others!) out on BucketFeet!
SOURCE: BUCKETFEET
Which one is your favorite?!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 
http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 
 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

GameTalk - Best 3 Free to Play Games - Nov. 2013

I've been spending quite a bit of time at home, so naturally I've been watching a lot of Hulu, and also playing a lot of video games.  With the recent release of Xbox One and PlayStation 4, gaming has been focused on consoles.  However, there are great games for PC and other consoles out there.  

One of the great things about gaming for PC (and I guess mobile devices - though they don't compare), is the concept of Free to Play - which basically means, the game is free, but there are microtransactions (small purchases) involved, if you want additional benefits to the game (such as customization, faster construction, etc).  I've selected these three Free to Play games, because you do not need to spend a dime to enjoy these games.  In fact, these games are probably even better than what you've been paying $30-60 for on your console.

These three games are for PC and have different PC system requirements, please check individual links posted to see if your PC is compatible.  

PS. My steam user ID is hawaiiinsomniac (you're not surprised, are you?!)

#1 - Path of Exile

If you like Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age, this is the game for you!  This game is just great.  The adventure, exploration, aspect is great, and I find myself exploring every crevice to kill all the undead possible, not to mention there are many different classes in which to play depending your style (I'm a witch, who raises corps from the dead to fight the undead - ironic, isn't? who also has fire and ice abilities - multifaceted, what can I say?)  Back to the game, I can't even really describe it, its just fun.  Check out the video review - Kevin reviews this game way better than I can.   

Well, just in case you need a professional review.  Gamespot gave this game a 9 out of 10, which scored higher than any of the launch games from Xbox One and PlayStation 4.  Did I mention it was free?

CLICK HERE for Gamespot's review.

SOURCE: PATH OF EXILE
CLICK HERE for more information and how to download Path of Exile.

Video Review

#2 - Dota 2

This game is simple - yet immense.  There are 104 total characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.  Dota 2 is a five vs. five battle in which your team has to destroy the other team's ancient (once destroyed - that team loses).  Each starts off with a set amount of funds and a very low level, once the game progresses, leveling up unlocks character specific powers which intensifies the game.  Playing with four other members also adds dimension to the game along with the three paths to the ancient (top, middle and bottom), strategies of staying as a group to push on one side to defeat one of the team's towers will leave their own towers on the other paths vulnerable.  This game is fun and yes its FREE!



CLICK HERE for more information.

#3 - Might and Magic; Magic: Duel of Champions

If you like card games (not gambling type), but Magic (2013, 2014) series, Might and Magic is for you.  As oppose to Magic, where it is a turn base with a singular row of where to deal your cards, MandM (not to be confused with the chocolate) adds a layer of dimension, as there are four columns and 2 rows in which to strategize and conquer.  This is Free to Play - PC and Steam required - LINK below!   

SOURCE: DUEL OF CHAMPIONS
CLICK HERE for more information

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 
http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 
 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

LifeTalk - Thoughts nov.24

Let me start with the last line I wrote.

Venting, has made me feel a little better - don't make it awkward - and don't make me regret writing about my emotions.
=====================
While I've been writing a blog for over 5 years, its mostly to write about the things that I am doing.  

Most of you reading this may know what I've been up to, but a few only ever really know what I am thinking and feeling.  I wouldn't be writing this either, if it wasn't an advice given to me by one of my best friends.


I've been back in Spain for over 2 months, and to be honest - I am quite miserable.  I've been quite depressed.  I realized that since I've been here I've spent more time confined to my room in the past month, that I did in my old apartment for a whole year.  While some of you might think this is a cry for help - it isn't, I'll figure it out - I always have.  I guess I'm writing so you can see the signs if one of your friends is going through a rough patch.

I think one of the main reasons I have been feeling quite depressed, is my own expectations.  Coming back to Galicia a second year, you think it would be easier, but it isn't.  I haven't made any friends - which isn't surprising since I don't really make friends easily.  However, coming back to a different place, its like starting back from square 1.  New home, new work, new settings, so almost all of the benefits of coming back to Galicia doesn't exist, but the allure of a new place is gone, since everything is familiar.

Being in this mind space of negativity, has allowed me to explore other aspects of my life that I never thought of previously - in a negative light.  I've never been on a date here in Spain.  While I've always been awkward around the gay community, times like this - I feel undesirable. 
  Thinking about the last person I had a connection with, just makes me feel even more depressed.  I guess its a downward spiral of shame, self-defecating, and my own apartment, feels like a prison. 

I've always been an observer and seeing parents suddenly grab their children's hand when I am on my way to work, the silence when I enter the gym, or the constant stares does mess with me even more, since let's face it, I'm depressed.

It's November, and guess how many of my family members have asked me what I am doing for Christmas - ZERO.  People have this preconceived notion that people from exotic places can't have fucked up families - the truth is, I have one of the most fucked up families in the world - this is why I hold my friends in such high regard.  I don't make friends easily, but when I do, you bet that I'll be there.  It's quite amazing really, if I don't make contact with my sisters, probably a year will go by without hearing from them - but you know they have families (so it's my fucking responsibility), not only that, if I go to visit California, I have to go see them at their own time, at their own place, because you know, flying from Spain just wasn't enough.  Fortunately for me, one of my friends is flying into Vegas, just to join me and spend time with me this holiday season.  Not only that, I have a mother I haven't spoken to in almost a decade - and I have no plans of talking to her - EVER.  While most of you may judge me on my actions, you assume that your mother is like my mother - your mother actually has a heart, so its not the same.

Funny thing is I almost left last week, pack up my stuff and go back.  I'm not here for the money, and if you saw my salary, you'd agree.  I realized that besides work, gym and grocery shopping, I haven't left my house almost the past month.  One of the main reasons I chose this EOI was for Spanish classes, and yeah, I haven't been to class the past week - and to be honest, I don't see myself returning in the immediate future.  I haven't studied Spanish in a classroom environment since 1997, and this structure of learning is beyond me, I have no idea what grammatical and tense terms are even though I use them on a weekly basis.  I say weekly because, let's be honest, I haven't had much interaction with the world outside.      

I guess I haven't made it easier either. I've deleted my Facebook, uninstalled my WhatsApp, cancelled my cell phone and ignored emails, but then again that is what someone does when they're in bad mental space. 

Writing this has made me feel a little better - surprisingly.  

I guess I will go have some coffee, shower (don't ask), do some school work and who knows, tomorrow is a new day.  Once I get my new cell phone, I'll activate it.

Special thanks to my friends around the world, you have no idea what kind of strength you give me.


Venting, has made me feel a little better - don't make it awkward - and don't make me regret writing about my emotions.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 
http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 
 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.