Until now, I had to play daily with my antenna to watch TV without too many “snow” on the screen, the image never being perfect. If the weather was really bad, I had to cope with an image switching from B&W to color each 5s and the sound being cut by “scrrrrchhhh”.

So I decided to buy a digital terrestrial receiver – also known as DVB-T receiver. In Belgium, there are only 5 TV channels available (La Une, La Deux, RTBF Sat, één and Ketnet/Canvas) plus some radio channels (Classic21, PureFM, Studio Brussel, etc). That’s not much compared to other countries like France, but still more than what I had with a simple analog antenna and in a much much much better quality – the image is simply PERFECT, so is the sound!

The receiver is a small box equipped with antenna In and Out (internal loop), SCART output, additional Audio output (connected to my Hi-Fi system which doesn’t have a radio tuner), a remote control, and that’s about it. It’s easily configurable, you can store favourite channels (you get it, with 5 channels, all are my favourites!), see TV programs when supported, and so on. It’s a great deal when you compare the impressive increase in quality and comfort with the price (55€). The only drawback is that I have an additional remote to store!

Today we went biking in the region of Lasne, a friend and I. The club “Bikers de l’Alleu” organised a superb run of various distances: 15, 25, 30, 40 or 50km. At first, we went for 40… But my friend fell and hurt his leg, so we stopped at 30 (and I have to admit, I was quite happy…)).

The run was very well designed, going trough small way surrounded by barbed wire, vertiginous slopes, woods, …and the right amount of climbs that kill your legs!

Being very happy with the organisation of the event (bike wash and douches at disposal, barbecue and bar, … ) we decided to participate to such events more regularly. An nice agenda is available here for Belgium, The Netherlands and France.

I recently bought a new mobile phone, my old one (a Nokia 3410) getting tired of living (especially the battery). All I want from a phone is to be able to phone… So I didn’t look after a 3Mpixels camera able to play mp3’s while getting oriented by GPS…and oh yes, secondarily equiped with a phone functionnality. No, I looked after a simple GSM! That conducted me to hesitate between the Nokia 6060 and the Samsung X160. You’re right, the mobile on the picture is a Samsung, so that is one I chose! At first I was decided to go for a Nokia, as I’m used to their simple interface. I’ve ever tried a Sony Ericsson and I was really disappointed. But on the other side, that nokia is rather big and heavy and has an external antenna. And from what I know about Samsung, they made good phones too… So after not so much hesitation, I bought that little and light Samsung phone.

After using it for two weeks, here are my impressions: regarding the design and the usability, it’s a nice light phone that fits good in the hand while calling. Once closed it doesn’t take any place in the pocket. The screen is quite big and bright, displaying nice colors. The interface is really user friendly, with the possibility to configure shortcuts (SMS, Vocal Memo, calendar, to do list, … ). The vocal memo function and the to do list are really a pratical add-on for my short memory.

There are some drawbacks though. The available ring tones make you wish that no one will call you while in public: the choice is rather limited, and I’m really thinking about buying an acceptable one online. I also regret the “vibration+melody” ring type: the melody is active only after the third ring…I already missed some calls! Regarding the alarm functionnality, you have to leave the mobile on if you don’t want to miss your train!!! The alarm is deactivated when the mobile is off, what is really stupid if you want my opinion. Finally, if you are a game addict, don’t buy that phone: there is only one bowling game available. I guess you’ll have to download some if you want to spend your time playing…

In summary, I’m quite happy with that phone, and I will see in the long run if I’ll go for a Samsung again when this one is dead, or if I’ll turn back to Nokia.