Beginner's Piano Guide

This post is a tribute to our dear Yamaha Clavinova CLP-230, which has been picked up by our buyer today. Hope another little girl can enjoy the piano as much as we did.

Many Moms wish their child, peculiarly more often girls than boys, to be able to play piano. There's a certain air of romanticism surrounding piano player. So, here is for you, in case you're looking for one.

Almost a decade ago (8 years to be precise), we bought the Clavinova. For the following reasons:

* Adjustable volume, with jacks for headphones. You can practice in the middle of the night :)

I played amateur piano. So this is one feature I treasured to hide all the clumsy fingers mistakes.

* Yamaha upright piano sound quality.

The sound is superb! Hands down I put my money on a new Clavinova compared to a second hand, or some new, Korean/China brand

* No sound deterioration due to string aging, no need tuning

Tuning costs about SGD 80, to be done twice yearly ideally. So this is a massive saving.

* Real piano key feels, adjustable hardness touch.

Yamaha has a graded hammer key technology that feels like a real piano. Of course, as the skill progresses, you or your child will be able to find a few slight difference. But for a beginner or casual player, it's nice.

* Adjustable sound quality (sharp/mellow)

* Complete three pedals (soft, sustenuto, sustain)

* Built in metronome

* A new Clavinova is priced at about SGD 2,200. An entry level used upright might cost the same, or cheaper. But unless you're proficient in piano mechanism, or know someone who can help you, I do not recommend to buy used piano. Even if the assessment is done properly at point of transaction, there are still many things that can go wrong. Repair cost for piano can be really expensive.

* A new Yamaha upright piano starts from about 3.5k or so. For a decent one that we can use up to a high grade, it starts from 6k-ish. For a start, I think it's good to start with the Clavinova, saving the difference for a piano upgrade should the interest persists.

Et voila... my ideal piano for beginner.

Holiday is hereee... Another 'war' is starting soon... :D

Hooray that the holiday is here. A few things more heart-warming than the thoughts of two little darlings having fun at home (this holiday programme: cooking, a day of art camp, and a visit to an orphanage... more of that coming soon if anything noteworthy).

Anyway... why the 'war'? 

Ever since kiddo number 1 went to P1, every year-end is a massive (relative scale, of course...) spring cleaning to me. In case anyone need it, below are my checklist:

(1) Uniforms

Normally, I start with 2 sets of normal, 2 sets of PE uniforms. Then as the school progress, add as necessary.

[?] Any unrecoverable significant stain?

[?] Sizing, has any growth spurt caused the uniform to be not only tight, but sometimes can be quite indecent?

(2) Shoes

For this, though a bit extravagant, we have two pairs for each kid. Simple reason, in case it rains.

One pair is of the bigger size, to stretch its useful life.

As a mother, I take it as a smart investment. It's so worth it if I can reduce a few bouts of colds/flu. Wearing damp shoes is not only not only unhealthy, but also not comfortable.

[!] Please, for the sake of your child spine, do not buy a very loose shoes. It's unhealthy for the foot, and eventually the spine development. Child may have problem when he/she is old later on. My dear loving husband joked that it's their problem. But I fiercely pointed out that the 'repair' cost can be so very high. Please buy good cushioned, appropriately sized shoes. 

*** My rule of thumb: ask kiddo to push his/her foot all the way in, if we can have a finger space at the heel, it's good to go.

(3) Books

We bought textbook from Pacific Book Stores online, with home delivery.

Why? I want to ensure that the kid got his/her correct textbook. Special emphasis to the edition. I used wrong edition textbook before, and it's so annoying. When the teacher pointed out a certain page, I need to peek at my friend's book to match the content, or flipping around until I spot the topic.

[!] The online order form is designed to include EVERYTHING. Yes, school book list include optional items that the child will not touch ever, throughout the year. So do read carefully, untick or zero appropriately. I almost buy a second recorder for our eldest. Or, failure to do this point may cause you excessive supply of PVC book cover. :D

[!] Remember... your child has been promoted... please buy the correct level. No joke... darling daughter is still P3 in my mind. Almost made a wrong selection.

*** Two or more booklists can be consolidated into one delivery fee. Either confirm from the delivery FAQ, or go to 'View My Booklist' from My Account panel.

*** When the books arrive, please do check. It happens rarely, but a few moms reported inaccurate packing. 

(4) School bus

Well... make sure your child is registered. Our school bus operator requires re-registration every year. How about yours?

So, I mentioned spring cleaning in the beginning, right? Coming below...

Mainly for the gazillion of books and papers... what do I do with them?

I only allow 2 big plastic boxes with wheels at our store room. One for each kid. As a rule of thumb, each kid can only keep one box of previous years textbooks and whatnots.

THROW or GIVE AWAY: own assessment books and past papers (those commissioned by Muther, not school), workbooks, papers/books that the child cannot explain, and two level ago books. As a super kiasi person, this is hard for me. But eventually, upon close friendship with Lord Google, I came to take consolation in the fact that most information we need is available through the internet.

KEEP : previous level textbook and informative book like science.

REUSE : plastic covers and files that are still usable

How to label : I use Brothers' EZLabel. Chemical proof, water proof, easy to print.

Have fun, wish me luck on this year's war... Well prepared now, let the kid enjoy a smooth sailing study next year.

Gifted Education Program (GEP)

I don't know much yet about GEP. Below is a brief of our experience, in case it can help other parents.

In a nutshell, it's a program in Singapore, aimed to develop academically gifted children. Children are screened first time at P3, top 1% (about 500 kids) will be selected to join in. Nine, top, schools in Singapore are running this program.

I got to know about this program from a colleague. He gave a sparkling recommendation to jump in if our kids are good enough. Another colleague on the other hand, commented that it's indeed a tough program. Worst case scenario being driving the kid to the brink. I do bear in mind that others opinion might be generously spiced based on their take in life and their values.

Anyway, based on these two advices, hubby and I decided not to prep our kid at all. Literally we just let her take round one without any tips nor tricks whatsoever. Why the logic? We hope that if she's selected, this will be her true potential. Not amplified by a myriad of preparation. In this way, she may have the chance to enjoy the program. We're worried that if we prep her, she'll be very much depending on classes or our guidance in the end.

On the other hand, if you're really aiming for top school transfer, there are a lot of enrichment offered to boost screening success. Or, kiasuparents forum listed IQ books to practice on too. Some parents start at P1 or P2 :) IQ is born with, but practice may improve one's chance to score at IQ test.

Then, our firstborn passed round one. Haha... Typical of us, then we started to think. Our family rarely made a long term plan. We take life as it unfolds.

I started reading through forums, to get as much inputs as possible:

[+] most of the program will support the child to explore learning independently. Most will be project based. One Mom wrote that it's indeed transform her girl to be confident as a great presenter

[+] schools are pretty much aware of the accusation that GEP is an elitist program. They do include some mix around session with other non GEPers in the school.

[-] most of the teaching will be beyond normal, so parent better be prepared to ensure the kid can take PSLE well (common of GEP kid score lesser than non GEPer)

[-] as this is such a sensitive program, a lot of strong public opinion surrounding it. One of which that I do consider is that the kid's feeling if after a year or two on, she got burnt out (or the parents... ;P)

[-] practicality of school arrangement will be a headache for me as the GEP schools are mostly far from our flat. And our young one is starting P1 in 2015.

With that, the stake became neutral. Equally enticing whether we're in or out.

Mind Stretcher is one of the GEP coach available. Other than those regular weekly class, it has intensive round 2 preparation  workshops. For 4 days the passed-round-1 kids were drilled. Our kiddo is interested to join, curious that she is, so we let her. Was it good? First, it gave a good mental preparation of what's coming. However, due to the 'cramming-ness', she went back with one or two concepts neither here nor there (and, oh, yes the questions are difficult for me). Was it effective? It fulfilled dear daughter curiosity. But I guess regular weekly class may win last minute coaching hands down. Well... If you want to judge based on the passing rates, it boast about 70% passing rate. Which I do believe.

Unfortunately and fortunately, our girl didn't pass round 2. A tad sad, a tad relieved. My baby got another three years being a carefree kid. Oh yeah!

PS: I do not advertise for Mind Stretcher. Pure practical, we stayed nearby and they are one of the best, objectively.

Rainbow bands refill review

Yes, we're still in that phase.

Whenever I can afford it, I try to support original brand. As an engineer, I know that a good, and marketable, idea doesn't come easy.  However, there was a time the bands refill was out of stock at the shop we frequented. 

So here are some review on the bands we tried since. In order of preference. All are based on what's available in Singapore. 

1. Rainbow loom; around SGD 7 for 600 pcs

So far the best quality. Stretchy, strong, and uniform. Result in a nice looking craft because there are no 'crooked' band (those uneven, jagged circle). However, variety is quite limited. Especially consider the charms and whatsnot. Best quality of clips too. Clips are small and secure. I will not mention again below, but other brands clips are bigger, therefore bands and come undone.

2. Mini Toons bands; bought at SGD 40 for 5600 pcs, comes with a nice compartment

Not sure of what's the real name. That is the shop we bought from. Bands are almost as good as Rainbow Loom. Stretchy, so far nothing brakes, and cutting is quite even Downside is that the glitters came off to our touch (and floor, for that matter).

3. Cra-z looms, around USD 12-13 for 2000 (sorry, hub bought it on his biz trip)

Quite stretchy. But bands sometimes broke, and quite a number of uneven bands. This can be purchased at Toys R Us.

4. In Toys R Us, there's another brand that comes in smaller packs. Less than SGD 10 a pack, comes with a few charms. Beautiful design and good quality charm. Unfortunately it looses in the quality. Less stretchy, and it doesn't recover if you stretch it too much.

5. Last is one that I haven't tried personally. It's based on friends feedback. If your kid is distributing the bracelet to everyone in the world, can try Qoo10. :D

For the looms, hands down, please buy the original. At around SGD 30 (comes with 600-1200 bands and clips) it's so worth it. Quality is by far superior. Spotlight sometimes have discount or promo voucher, then you know what to aim.

Happy looming.

PS: google it. People start making garment from these bands. Imagine the weight.

Good piano and music books shop

A quick note.

I love to support nice local vendors who do business from the heart. Compared to chain branded shops, I have received so much more happy dealings.

One shop that really deserves the credit is Chiu Piano at Thomson Plaza:

http://www.chiupiano.com.sg/contactus.asp

This shop has a good collection of quality pianos, and a quite comprehensive range of piano books, especially those related to abrsm exams and lessons. You can also get good recommendation of what is good, or what is popular, from Mr. Chiu. When you are here, you will spot piano tutors doing 'bulk purchase' there too.

The cherry on top for me is that he is very  kind, patient, and friendly. Not pushy at all. And willing to help us to look for the book. 

Contrast this to 'all stocks are there', no contest, isn't it?

How to renew Indonesia Foreign Domestic Worker KTKLN

Post edit : Hot of the press! The newly elected Indonesian president Jokowi put a solid stop to this requirement. About time! Hooray! - 30 Nov 2014

KTKLN is basically an attempt to protect Indonesian who works in another country. One seemingly obvious benefit is the insurance. Why the operative word 'seemingly'? Because, in the event of the mishaps, it is quite unclear of what is the terms and conditions, as well as how to process the claim.

On some websites, there are some quotes that a worker who has been covered by insurance in the country of employment does not need to purchase the insurance bundled with the application. However, although I'm an indonesian myself, I am pessimistic that the officers there understand this ruling. Cost of the 'bundled' insurance is about 200 thousands rupiahs (about SGD 20-25). To me, I chose not to waste the energy on challenging the counter on this. 

If we are not aiming for the insurance coverage, why bother with this card? Well, for a very practical reason. Without this card, the FDW (my experience is with a FDW, so for simplicity all terms in this post will refer to FDW) will not be able to pass through imigration on her way out of Indonesia. How so? Before imigration, after check in, the FDW's passport need to get a special stamp at a special counter, which can only be obtained by showing the KTKLN. Please read on...

Recently, sporadic information on the interenet suggested that the card has been put under great scrutiny, both on the protection mechanism and its handling. Hooray that it has been pointed out that the card is not a required travel document and hence, not having the card shall not be a reason to stop one from going out of Indonesia.

On our last trip, we managed to clear the imigration without a single question about the card. The counter mentioned above is no longer operating. No more stamp necessary. Howerver, we did renew the card for our own 'insurance'.

Document necessary:

1. A valid contract endorsed by the Indonesian embassy in Singapore. This contract is provided free of charge. Just bring employer IC, FDW passport and work permit to level 2 of the embassy. Employer and FDW must be present to sign the contract. I called this number to confirm : 67377422 (hint hint... Advisable for you to do so).

2. FDW passport

3. FDW work permit

4. Stamp duty 6000 rupiahs * 2

Where is the location? Please hold your breath... Unlike Singapore where everything is so convenient, there are only 38 locations in Indonesia to do this. For fourth most populated country in the world, believe me, this is very very scarce. For example, around Jakarta alone, there is only one office to do this. With the traffic jam and all, one shall prepare a day dedicated to do this. We chose to submit first thing in the morning. After submitting, even though there's no other applicant, it takes several prompting to get the processing moving. Get location list from Indonesian embassy when you renew the contract.

Steps:

1. Submit all docs above

2. Go for medical check up. Result will be available straight away.

3. Buy insurance

4. FDW photo taking

5. Voila... you got it.

Good luck :D

How to renew Indonesia Foreign Domestic Worker KTKLN

KTKLN is basically an attempt to protect Indonesian who works in another country. One seemingly obvious benefit is the insurance. Why the operative word 'seemingly'? Because, in the event of the mishaps, it is quite unclear of what is the terms and conditions, as well as how to process the claim.

On some websites, there are some quotes that a worker who has been covered by insurance in the country of employment does not need to purchase the insurance bundled with the application. However, although I'm an indonesian myself, I am pessimistic that the officers there understand this ruling. Cost of the 'bundled' insurance is about 200 thousands rupiahs (about SGD 20-25). To me, I chose not to waste the energy on challenging the counter on this. 

If we are not aiming for the insurance coverage, why bother with this card? Well, for a very practical reason. Without this card, the FDW (my experience is with a FDW, so for simplicity all terms in this post will refer to FDW) will not be able to pass through imigration on her way out of Indonesia. How so? Before imigration, after check in, the FDW's passport need to get a special stamp at a special counter, which can only be obtained by showing the KTKLN.

How to process this?

1. A valid contract endorsed by the Indonesian embassy in Singapore. This contract is provided free of charge. Just bring employer IC, FDW passport and work permit to level 2 of the embassy. Employer and FDW must be present to sign the contract. I called this number to confirm : 67377422 (hint hint... Advisable for you to do so).

2. FDW passport

3. FDW work permit

*** get latest list of KTKLN offices in Indonesia when you do this. The list is ever changing, and believe me, there is no reliable list online available. I did try to find.

Where is the location? Please hold your breath... Unlike Singapore where everything is so convenient, there are only 38 locations in Indonesia to do this. For fourth most populated country in the world, believe me, this is very very scarce. For example, around Jakarta alone, there is only one office to do this. With the traffic jam and all, one shall prepare a day dedicated to get the card done.

Good luck :)

How to renew Foreign Domestic Worker work permit

I am fortunate enough to have a good helper, thanks to my wonderful own mother. When my daughter was born, she sent her helper here to care for her precious grand daughter. That was a good 9 years ago. So by now, I have seen how Ministry of Manpower has improved their service. Renewing Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Work Permit (WP) is becoming more and more convenient. Three cheers to that!

They have a detailed information on how to renew FDW WP:

http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/cancelation-renewal/Pages/pass-renewal.aspx

Six to eight weeks before expiry date

Renewal notice will be sent to employer/FDW address.

My first step is to buy/renew the FDW insurance. I bought mine from NTUC Income because it has an office nearby. If you already has a policy with them before, they will remind you to extend. Even before the renewal notice arrive.

It will take a few working days for the insurance company to process, such that the WP online status is updated.

Please note that WP validity period granted will depends on the passport expiry date and banker/insurance guarantee. If either one of those are expiring in less than 2 years, WP validity will follow the earliest to expire.

After insurance is done, below steps must be done in quick succession within a few working days (if I'm not wrong, 5 days). So stay on alert on those days.

Sign, scan and print as PDF the following docs:

1. FDW passport (I scanned both front and back page, just in case)

2. Renewal notice (2 pages)

3. Security bond

Login to WP online for employer (SingPass required).

Follow the online instruction. Basically, you will need to complete an online form, then upload the documents. There will be a payment at the end, so get the card information ready.

So now, this is the new feature that got me really confused since I was unprepared. Now, we no longer need to visit MOM office to collect the new card and return the old card. So at the end of the online service, you will be required to indicate (1) location for the courier to send the new card, and (2) three authorized persons details to receive it. We need to mail back the old card to MOM. More of this below.

A few working days later

Application status can be checked online, through WP Online for employer.

After receiving the new card, return the old card to Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764.

Before returning, I do scan front and back of the card.

After return, by right, online card return status should be updated. When I check, the status was not updated yet so I called to enquire. The lady helped me to update the status :)

Hooray! Done!

Learning Chinese in A Non-Chinese Speaking Environment

Both husband and I can't speak our ancestral language. Somehow it stopped at two generation above us. Got to do with some historical background, as I have repeated that many times to total strangers.

Then, after so many years in Singapore, we still couldn't. Not that we're not learning at all. But I guess the will is not strong enough yet to master the language. I know... Shame on us.

However! After much deliberation, we decided that our two kids shall return to the light. They shall learn Chinese. *shaking in fear* We braces ourselves to the fact that their grades will be pulled down by this subject. The benefit outweighs this fact as what we've seen. 

So, now my eldest is P3. We do struggle with it. And dear daughter has lovingly told me that of course she can't do well because mommy can't teach her at home. Oh well... But, I think, I hope, I can fairly say that she is on the surviving side. She got higher Chinese, and in school she got into the best Chinese class.

This post is not to gloat. But I do hope to share our journey with families in similar situation. 

We started Chinese lesson for her from 18 months plus (!) This kiasu-ness is because I think language exposure is best to be started as early as possible. I chose one of the best language school in town. 

[Verdict] At this age, we don't have to go to the best. Go to the most fun. Consider the fact whether the school allows the use of non-Chinese language in teaching. Pure 100% Chinese only scared my kid.

The trauma is such that we keep it on hold until she was in nursery (4 years old). That time, thankfully, we got a great recommendation for a Chinese tutor from her kindergarten. Our son has started his lesson with the same tutor too, at around the same age

[Verdict] Private tutors are great at supporting a specific area that we need to enhance. Parents need to closely monitor because they are not running based on any firm lesson plan. Make use of the flexibility well by specifying clearly what you want. Share with them the school exam dates and school works progress (both, good and bad). Lastly, monitor so that the kid is not doing homework or writing work at lesson time. It will be much more effective to use the time to converse, to learn new thing, to fix mistakes.

Our younger son started Berries at 3 years old mark. This is the youngest age Berries accepted. Daughter started from 5 years old there, after the kindergarten fed back that she still doesn't speak enough Chinese.

[Verdict] Comparing son and daughter, true enough, he can recognize character and listen to the language fairly better. Before P1, Berries is seemingly all play. The kids go home happily clutching a little toy or artwork or food related to the lesson.

How about home then?

Be prepared to help them. At the very least, the effort both supporting the kids morally, and showing them the "there's a will, there's a way".

I am a great fan of Pleco, available for both Apple and Android. The OCR is great. That's the first add-on I purchased. Moving on, I ended up buying the whole bundle. The handwriting recognition and flash card are excellent too. You don't need other apps once you have this, I think.

Before Pleco, I used Besta electronic dictionary to painstakingly translating word by word of her Chinese reading. After she entered P1, I realized that the pinyin tone is slightly different for a few words. Fret not, Pleco pinyin tone is so far matched the Primary textbook.

Armed with electronic dictionary and Google Translate (better to translate lengthy text efficiently), I still help the kids with their homework, miraculously. Lucky, Chinese grammar is quite simple.

Other than that, we also invested in a lot of Chinese books. A bit heart breaking to see the books are seldom touched. But at least when the mood strikes, the environment is ready. After some times, seems like both kids are slowly warming up to Chinese.

Kid no 2 is lucky. I have no 1 as guinea pig. So after observing her weak point in primary, now I started the younger one on comprehension earlier. It forced him to read Chinese slowly but surely. Otherwise, the jump from P2 to P3 curriculum is too wide. Seems like from character recognition they need to jump to composition.

Well, can't say much beyond P3. So I need to end this here. Good luck :)

Mrs. Chan agar agar

Twice a year, I crack my brain for a good birthday cake for our two kids.

Below is what I got recently:

The pic is not doing it justice. But I hope you got the thrill of seeing cute agar2 or jelly. It's yummy too.

Mr and Mrs Chan have lots of design to choose from, with reasonable price. 

A minor disadvantage is that I always buy a small cake so that we can poke the candles on. Too weak hearted to damage the sleek shiny surface of the jelly.

Monopoly Zapped

My dearest soul-mate loves games. From snake and ladders to oh-so-complicated computer games, he loves it all. 

Our kids had their first brush with monopoly from the tender age of around 2 plus.

So now, we have an array of board games. From domino to Robinson Crusoe. There's an online board game shop with good service in Singapore, but maybe that's for a later post.

This post is dedicated for Monopoly Zapped, our newest family member. It has reduced kids to tears, as well as elevated them to a whooping joy.

What's that? It's a combination of normal monopoly and iPad/iPhone.

How?

1. Instead of chance or community cards, you'll get to do games, auction, etc on the iPad/iPhone. No more messy or bent cards.

2. Instead of fussing with paper money, each player hold a card which we tap onto iPad/iPhone to charge/collect money. No more calculating everything with the kids arguing in the background. A much welcome relief. But, I wonder how if the card gets damaged. Hope it won't happen so soon.

3. The possibility is limitless. For example, for chance, the player might be required to spin the arrow via device. Something that requires another board on normal monopoly. And the games played allows more player to compete, or even all players. 

4. It allows auction of property. Adding an interesting concept to the game. 

5. Dices and houses are still physical. Not sure whether this is a plus or minus.

All in all, we're very happy with it. 

iPad

Hmmm... I forgot that I haven't wrote anything about iPad.

Anyway, here it is. 

I thought iPad is simply a larger scale iPhone. But, a few days after playing with it, no... I was wrong.

Below are some iPad features and apps that I adores:

1. The larger screen allows us to watch with others. This makes the experience so much more enjoyable. Laughing together amplifies the joy. If course, we can go the extra mile, use Apple TV.

2. Apps in iPad usually pack more functions. You can get things done easier there compared to iPhone. Kids, without doubt, have more and better games. 

3. QuickOffice. I have tried many free apps that allows us to edit MSOffice on iPad. So far, QuickOffice is the most suitable for me. User interface is simple and intuitive, we can upload and download from google docs, etc. Beware  though, documents that are originally created in QuickOffice cannot be edited via normal MSOffice on PC. In a way, it's a one way compatibility. But if the doc is originally created in MSOffice, you can go to and fro. Other two downsides are formulas and data size in a sheet. Only simple formulas are accepted. And, I tried on data 12 columns wide for 1000 rows. It went haywired, failed to save and auto close. Oh... And there is no charting function. Though it seems like lots of downside, it is a good apps. Very useful for mommying. 

4. AXS on mobile... Or something like that. This apps allows us to pay bills by internet banking, just like normal AXS machine. Receipt will be sent to our emails. Plus side, it keeps track of our payment history, easy to check whether we've missed anything.

5. Paper by 53. If you're an occasional doodlers like me, this app is cool. Very easy to use. It is not like other apps which offers many tools combination and sizes. Papers offers a very simple concept. But it is amazing of what we can do, and lots of great artist did, on it.

So there you go, perfunctory acknowledgement of good stuff.

Apple TV

I always try to catch snippets of time to read a jolly rom-com or to watch comedy... Even for 10 mins, it works wonder for me.

A few months back, I was on The Nanny rerun on my iPhone (yay YouTube).

Hubby took a pity on me and my little screen and he bought me an iPad.

Since then, the children have also been enjoying My Little Pony on iPad. Two little bodies were huddled together in front of the VUT (Very Useful Thing).

So... Dear Hubby, bless him, bought us and Apple TV.

Before purchase, I was sceptical. Why pay for something which in essence only allowing the TV to access internet? But he assured me that it will be worth every cent.

So, as I have marveled at iPad, I continued to a greater height of respect for Apple product. (In fact, since this discovery, I have been reading Steve Jobs biography. Very much intrigued on how his mind works, what's the background behind good invention).

As a product, it gave us a wide spectrum of joy. Watch movie, share photos, share videos, karaoke, ... Even the kids had fun using iPad/iPhone camera in one room, and watching what's happening through the TV. 

One thing that I salut most is Apple ability to design a somewhat modular joyful devices that works together, as well as solo. And that, at a price that is acceptable. Based on experience that our iPhone 3G is still working fine until now, I put my hope high that Apple product is also long lasting. 

Sadly, this post is not sponsored by Apple. It's purely my opinion in supporting a good product, of a man who leaves this world with a bang.