My new laptop.

I have done it, I have bought my new laptop. A VAIO, costing me $2,499, from a friend's shop. My friend upgraded it to 3 GB DDR2 and set up for me the OS, XP Pro SP3. In addition, I received a carrying case and a optical mouse.

The problem was that all the laptops now come with Window Vista, which is still full of bugs. I found out that the higher range laptops come with Window Vista Business and Window XP Pro, giving me a choice of either operating system. This will put my laptop compatible with my PC. So that suits me fine.

I spent the most part of today (Sunday), getting used to the laptop and installing my working programs. I am happy with it and will run it alongside with my PC as a sort of backup. It is very neat and whether it will replace my PC, time will tell. Certainly will save space and will enable me to work anywhere with the wireless connection.

Last Saturday, I had a long meeting with Gary, my interior designer and my son. We finally hashed out the renovations contract after going through so many changes. My son had so many lofty ideas and made so many changes that the drawing had to be re-drawn. It is going to cost me a whopping 85k. By the time we add in the lighting, the bathroom fittings, the kitchen equipment and my bedroom, it will hit 100k. My mind boggles, but I hope it will turn out right.

Work will commence next week starting with the hacking for three days. I hope the works will run smoothly and according to schedule. Gary has indicated to me that the schedule is comfortable. I intend to go in periodically to check on the works being carried out.

Last Friday evening, I took a bus to my new place to have a look around. There are many restaurants featuring alfresco and oriental food. Look nice and appetising. I eventually ate at the Food Park. There were jeichar stall, steamboat, Muslim food, nasi lemak, vegetarian, roast meat, pasta and noodles, dim sum and a cooked food stall, which I patronised eating steamed fish with rice and vegetables and tou foo for $4.20. Unfortunately there were no yong tau foo stall. Hope someone will open one there soon. Cold Storage has already opened there.

After eating I took a walk around to check the letter box, as I promised Alfred, I will re-direct his mail to him. I took the lift up to check the place and met the neighbour next door. We introduced each other and I found him to be very friendly. He assured me that the neighbourhood is very peaceful. So I apologised to him in advance that there will be hacking and noise. He dismissed it as being normal whenever someone renovates. When we parted, he told me that he was going to watch football.

Till then....