Monday, October 5, 2009
Confessions of a Blackberry Addict
I must confess, I really love my Blackberry 8820. It is my constant companion and goes with me everywhere. As a phone and communications device, it has no equal. The Blackberry keyboard is very ergonomic with great tactile feedback. It is incredibly flexible and configurable. There is nothing like push e-mail. In fact, e-mail messages typically show up on my Blackberry before they hit my browser. The browser is sufficent for simple surfing tasks and for getting information from the web on the fly. The built-in apps are serviceable and there is decent third-party app support. The Blackberry's battery life is legendary. I can get at least two days of typical use from a single charge. I can understand why so many Blackberry users (including our President) are so addicted to it. It is a superlative device!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Xara Web Designer
Designing web pages is an arduous process using most tools. As someone who has built web sites with simple tools and occasional hand coding for the past 14 years, I can attest to the complexity of the task.
Xara Web Designer enables anyone to effortlessly build killer web pages and sites without having to learn HTML or JavaScript. All you need to do to get started is to select a template and load it. Edit the content to your liking and customize to taste and you are done. You can export your site to HTML complete with graphics or upload it directly to your server using its built-in FTP client.
With Web Designer, you also have the ability to create web pages manually and save them as templates, providing tremendous flexibility to the experienced web and/or graphic designer. Another huge plus is true WYSIWYG display of web pages--something that anyone who has designed web pages with simple HTML editors will instantly appreciate.
Those who have used any of Xara's other programs (Xara, Xara X, Xara Xtreme) will feel quite at home. The GUI is very similar and the tools are where you expect them to be. The resulting quality is incredible, just as you would expect from any Xara product.
Xara Web Designer also allows you to perform tasks which would be daunting in many other programs, such as liquid text flow around objects, Flash creation and easy mouse-over. That makes for a very compelling offering.
And the price--$49 US. All I can say is: Wow!!!
www.xara.com
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Sansa Clip 1MB
I picked up one of these little Sansa Clip players at Wal Mart recently and have been delighted with its performance.
The 1MB unit only set me back around $30 and offers MP3, OGG, FLAC, secure WMA & Audible playback. In addition, it has a great FM tuner with 20 presets (I am a radio junkie) and a great sounding voice recorder with built-in mic. You can even record FM broadcasts!
The sound quality is excellent using the included headphones. It comes in fashion colors including black, pink, red, blue and silver. The internal rechargeable battery (which is charged using your USB port) is good for 15 hours of playback.
The clincher for me was that it has a setting so that it appears as a disk drive on your computer under any OS and does not require proprietary software. This was a "must have" since I use Linux most of the time on various computers.
If you are looking for a tiny clip-on player, this is the one to get!
www.sansa.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
ASUS eeepc 900HA
Less than a year after getting the eeepc Surf 4G, I decided to pick up the new eeepc 900HA. Even though it is about the same size as the Surf, the 900HA is far more advanced than its predecessor.
The pokey, underclocked Celeron M ULV Processor processor is replaced by the snappy Intel Atom. Instead of the tiny 7" screen, the 900HA has a slightly larger 8.9" display. In terms of memory, there is 1GB instead of 512MB and the claustrophobic 4GB SSD of the Surf is replaced by a giant 160GB hard drive.
One of the first things I noticed about the 900HA is its impressive battery life of 4-5 hours—about twice as long as that of the Surf. This is one of the benefits of the amazing Atom processor since it uses very little power compared to regular mobile-class CPUs. Another benefit is the 900HA runs much cooler than the original eeepc.
I decided to install Kubuntu Linux on the eeepc (using an external DVD drive) in a dual-boot configuration running in conjunction with the supplied Windows XP. That gives me considerable flexibility and security since I do all my surfing via the Linux platform.
The end result is an impressive unit that is quite a bit smaller than your average notebook PC. While some folks my be put off by its small keyboard, I think that the size-reduction of the unit is worth the trade off.
If you are looking for a diminutive notebook that packs a real punch, I highly recommend the 900HA.
http://www.asus.com
11/08
The pokey, underclocked Celeron M ULV Processor processor is replaced by the snappy Intel Atom. Instead of the tiny 7" screen, the 900HA has a slightly larger 8.9" display. In terms of memory, there is 1GB instead of 512MB and the claustrophobic 4GB SSD of the Surf is replaced by a giant 160GB hard drive.
One of the first things I noticed about the 900HA is its impressive battery life of 4-5 hours—about twice as long as that of the Surf. This is one of the benefits of the amazing Atom processor since it uses very little power compared to regular mobile-class CPUs. Another benefit is the 900HA runs much cooler than the original eeepc.
I decided to install Kubuntu Linux on the eeepc (using an external DVD drive) in a dual-boot configuration running in conjunction with the supplied Windows XP. That gives me considerable flexibility and security since I do all my surfing via the Linux platform.
The end result is an impressive unit that is quite a bit smaller than your average notebook PC. While some folks my be put off by its small keyboard, I think that the size-reduction of the unit is worth the trade off.
If you are looking for a diminutive notebook that packs a real punch, I highly recommend the 900HA.
http://www.asus.com
11/08
XARA XTREME 4.0 REVIEW
Xara Xtreme 4 is a evolutionary update to a truly revolutionary product platform. I have been an ardent user since it was released in 1996 and can say that the folks at Xara have built this product, block by block, into a formidable competitor in the once-crowded graphic design application field.
Unlike many other programs I have used, Xara has not re-invented itself over and over again. It has a user interface that has been solid and consistent from day one. Thus, there wasn't a huge learning curve to scale when moving from one iteration of the program to the next.
Xara Xtreme 4 builds on the Xara legend by offering breathtaking speed and a smooth work flow to both amateur and professional graphic designers, illustrators and web designers.
Xtreme 4 adds welcome new features, such as:
- A slick new 3D extrude feature that designers everywhere will surely love.
- Superb integrated photo editing capabilities that are 10 times faster than other photo tools and produce files that are 1/10th the size.
- A complete website creation feature. This is something I have wanted to see for a long time. My tests have proved that this feature works great! Now, you can produce teriffic websites from within Xara Xtreme 4 without having to use another editor!!
- Real-time liquid text flow around shapes. This makes designing complex pages a snap!
- Panoramic photo creation from within the program. Drop in a bunch of pictures, optimize the picture transitions and you can have great panoramic pictures with just few clicks of the mouse.
For professionals, there is an Xtreme 4.0 Pro version which also includes: color separation support, PANTONE® color support, PDF/X export, XPS support, HD Photo import, Panorama Studio (an advanced version of Xtreme's panorama editor) and multi-core processor support.
To top it off, Xara Xtreme 4 only costs a fraction of what many competitive programs cost. It is one of the true bargains of the graphic software world. file:///home/tony/Desktop/techtrnd.htm
I rate it Five Stars. * * * * *
http://www.xara.com
6/08
Unlike many other programs I have used, Xara has not re-invented itself over and over again. It has a user interface that has been solid and consistent from day one. Thus, there wasn't a huge learning curve to scale when moving from one iteration of the program to the next.
Xara Xtreme 4 builds on the Xara legend by offering breathtaking speed and a smooth work flow to both amateur and professional graphic designers, illustrators and web designers.
Xtreme 4 adds welcome new features, such as:
- A slick new 3D extrude feature that designers everywhere will surely love.
- Superb integrated photo editing capabilities that are 10 times faster than other photo tools and produce files that are 1/10th the size.
- A complete website creation feature. This is something I have wanted to see for a long time. My tests have proved that this feature works great! Now, you can produce teriffic websites from within Xara Xtreme 4 without having to use another editor!!
- Real-time liquid text flow around shapes. This makes designing complex pages a snap!
- Panoramic photo creation from within the program. Drop in a bunch of pictures, optimize the picture transitions and you can have great panoramic pictures with just few clicks of the mouse.
For professionals, there is an Xtreme 4.0 Pro version which also includes: color separation support, PANTONE® color support, PDF/X export, XPS support, HD Photo import, Panorama Studio (an advanced version of Xtreme's panorama editor) and multi-core processor support.
To top it off, Xara Xtreme 4 only costs a fraction of what many competitive programs cost. It is one of the true bargains of the graphic software world. file:///home/tony/Desktop/techtrnd.htm
I rate it Five Stars. * * * * *
http://www.xara.com
6/08
THE JOYS OF eeeXUBUNTU
I decided to switch over to eeeXubuntu from the stock Xandros distro.
While Asus and Xandros did a nice job of creating an OS that is easy to use for beginners, it just isn't very extensible. Power users will hit a veritable brick wall if they want to install many applications because of dependency issues.
That's because the custom Xandros install used on the eeepc sports an old version of KDE and many custom libraries. It is kind of a mishmash that doesn't lend itself to upgrading via Synaptic or apt-get install without all kinds of errors and the potential of bricking the eeepc.
The issue that finally pushed me over the edge was an inability to get it working with my Bluetooth dongle. After many failed attempts, I decided to wipe it clean and install eeeXubuntu.
The eeepc Wiki has a special page for eeeXubuntu and I highly recommend it:
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/ubuntu:eeexubuntu:home
By following the instructions, I was able to burn a CD and then install it to a USB flash drive and finally to the eeepc. The installation went without a hitch and I was able to boot into XFCE desktop.
While XFCE is a nice, light, environment and plenty fast, I am a KDE fan and I decided to overlay KDE onto the install. That went quite well and I was able to get Bluetooth working great using bluez and kppp. I can now tether my eeepc to my Moto Razr and log on to the web using my T-Mobile data plan.
Finally, I decided to overlay a slimmed-down version of Kubuntu. Now, the system cranks really well, I can install the latest apps and still have about a gig left over!
3/08
While Asus and Xandros did a nice job of creating an OS that is easy to use for beginners, it just isn't very extensible. Power users will hit a veritable brick wall if they want to install many applications because of dependency issues.
That's because the custom Xandros install used on the eeepc sports an old version of KDE and many custom libraries. It is kind of a mishmash that doesn't lend itself to upgrading via Synaptic or apt-get install without all kinds of errors and the potential of bricking the eeepc.
The issue that finally pushed me over the edge was an inability to get it working with my Bluetooth dongle. After many failed attempts, I decided to wipe it clean and install eeeXubuntu.
The eeepc Wiki has a special page for eeeXubuntu and I highly recommend it:
http://wiki.eeeuser.com/ubuntu:eeexubuntu:home
By following the instructions, I was able to burn a CD and then install it to a USB flash drive and finally to the eeepc. The installation went without a hitch and I was able to boot into XFCE desktop.
While XFCE is a nice, light, environment and plenty fast, I am a KDE fan and I decided to overlay KDE onto the install. That went quite well and I was able to get Bluetooth working great using bluez and kppp. I can now tether my eeepc to my Moto Razr and log on to the web using my T-Mobile data plan.
Finally, I decided to overlay a slimmed-down version of Kubuntu. Now, the system cranks really well, I can install the latest apps and still have about a gig left over!
3/08
SURF'S UP!
I finally succumbed and picked up a 4GB eeepc Surf.
I've had it for a week or so and am really happy with it thus far. It is a really cool little (and I do mean little) machine.
I got it to be more of a laptop replacement than anything else and it fits that role quite well. As a result, I'll probably be putting my Thinkpad T40 up on the block.
The smallish keyboard isn't an obstacle for me. I type with only two fingers so, even with my big hands, the keyboard is workable. It does have a spongy feel and is not nearly as nice as the Neo's, but I can get used to it.
The eeepc poses no threat to my trusty N800 which is in my hand more often than not. The N800 is my trusty communication machine, has wi-fi and Bluetooth and has really good battery life (4-5 hours for me).
The eeepc does have wi-fi. I just haven't been able to get my Bluetooth dongle functioning completely as of yet, so tethering it to my Razr isn't an option right now. Battery life on the eeepc is also much shorter, although I am using some aggressive power management techniques (turning down the screen backlight as low as possible, turning off wi-fi when I am not using it, automatically turning off the screen and powering down the machine when not used, etc.) to make the batteries last as long as possible.
With three USB ports, the eeeepc makes a great "mother ship" for all my other devices. It can "see" my N800 and Razr hard drives if I connect via USB cable. The Neo also can dump data via USB. I use a Logitech notebook mouse with it and several USB flash drives. I bought a 2GB SD card to reside in the slot for storage. I have about 1 GB left on the 4GB SSHD even after installing several programs.
The machine seems to be well-built and it should last a long time. Highly recommended!
http://eeepc.asus.com/global/
2/08
I've had it for a week or so and am really happy with it thus far. It is a really cool little (and I do mean little) machine.
I got it to be more of a laptop replacement than anything else and it fits that role quite well. As a result, I'll probably be putting my Thinkpad T40 up on the block.
The smallish keyboard isn't an obstacle for me. I type with only two fingers so, even with my big hands, the keyboard is workable. It does have a spongy feel and is not nearly as nice as the Neo's, but I can get used to it.
The eeepc poses no threat to my trusty N800 which is in my hand more often than not. The N800 is my trusty communication machine, has wi-fi and Bluetooth and has really good battery life (4-5 hours for me).
The eeepc does have wi-fi. I just haven't been able to get my Bluetooth dongle functioning completely as of yet, so tethering it to my Razr isn't an option right now. Battery life on the eeepc is also much shorter, although I am using some aggressive power management techniques (turning down the screen backlight as low as possible, turning off wi-fi when I am not using it, automatically turning off the screen and powering down the machine when not used, etc.) to make the batteries last as long as possible.
With three USB ports, the eeeepc makes a great "mother ship" for all my other devices. It can "see" my N800 and Razr hard drives if I connect via USB cable. The Neo also can dump data via USB. I use a Logitech notebook mouse with it and several USB flash drives. I bought a 2GB SD card to reside in the slot for storage. I have about 1 GB left on the 4GB SSHD even after installing several programs.
The machine seems to be well-built and it should last a long time. Highly recommended!
http://eeepc.asus.com/global/
2/08
MORE N800
After spending a few weeks with my N800, I can say I really like it. It is a different paradigm than a notebook or an AlphaSmart Neo, but it fits my needs quite well. It bridges the gap quite nicely between an entertainment device like an iPod, an organizer like the Palm and a notebook. I like the fact that it uses an open and extensible OS: Maemo based on Debian Linux. That means new apps are in development and there will be more to look forward to. In fact, the new OS2008 that will make its debut on the new N810 will also run on the N800.
The fact that it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios (plus an FM receiver) really sealed the deal. It talks quite nicely to my Palm and my Moto Razr, allowing me to connect to the Internet anywhere I can get a cell phone signal. The Palm acts as something of a "translator" between my AlphaSmart Neo and the Palm since it has an IR receiver and the Neo doesn't. I'm getting used to the Think Outside Bluetooth keyboard and it seems to work well with the N800. I may also try the new Apple Bluetooth keyboard. (Update: Actually, I did add the Apple aluminum Bluetooth keyboard and it is a killer device.) The price is certainly right for all that you get and I am certainly happy with my purchase.
http://www.nseries.com/index.html
10/07
The fact that it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios (plus an FM receiver) really sealed the deal. It talks quite nicely to my Palm and my Moto Razr, allowing me to connect to the Internet anywhere I can get a cell phone signal. The Palm acts as something of a "translator" between my AlphaSmart Neo and the Palm since it has an IR receiver and the Neo doesn't. I'm getting used to the Think Outside Bluetooth keyboard and it seems to work well with the N800. I may also try the new Apple Bluetooth keyboard. (Update: Actually, I did add the Apple aluminum Bluetooth keyboard and it is a killer device.) The price is certainly right for all that you get and I am certainly happy with my purchase.
http://www.nseries.com/index.html
10/07
ENTER THE NOKIA N800
The N800 Internet tablet arrived the other day. It is a really elegant device. The form factor is really small--not much bigger than my Palm T|X. Its OS is Gnu Debian Linux-based and is supported by the open-source maemo.org project. What attracted me to it was its wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities. I can use it at any hotspot and I can also tether it to my Motorola Razr for web access anywhere. It offers Opera as its browser, so you get the full-web experience, not just wap pages like on my Palm T|X.
It can also play videos and mp3s as well as Internet radio streams. I also found out that it was designed with an FM chip and an app was created to allow it to function as an FM radio. Enter your city and it automatically finds all of the FM stations in your area. Other apps include a RSS reader, clock, Skype (using the N800s built-in camera, mic and speakers for webcam apps), contact manager, IM, e-mail, calculator, clock, notepad, games, PDF reader and sketchpad. Data entry is via a styus and onscreen keyboard, handwriting recognition, a larger finger keyboard or an optional Bluetooth keyboard like (I am seriously considering getting one).
As far as storage capabilities, it has 128MB of RAM, 256MB of flash memory and 2 SD slots for up to 8GB of additional storage. A USB port is included for enabling you to hook up to a PC for data transfer (its 2 SD slots appear as drives). Unfortunately, no host mode for the USB as of now. (Update: Host mode is now available using OS 2008.) Battery life is decent--4-5 hours or so with the radios on and more with them off. While this may not be a replacement for the Alphasmart Neo, it would be a great companion for surfing the web, watching videos, listening to tunes and checking e-mail on the go. And at its current price point, it is a steal.
http://www.nseries.com/index.html
10/07
It can also play videos and mp3s as well as Internet radio streams. I also found out that it was designed with an FM chip and an app was created to allow it to function as an FM radio. Enter your city and it automatically finds all of the FM stations in your area. Other apps include a RSS reader, clock, Skype (using the N800s built-in camera, mic and speakers for webcam apps), contact manager, IM, e-mail, calculator, clock, notepad, games, PDF reader and sketchpad. Data entry is via a styus and onscreen keyboard, handwriting recognition, a larger finger keyboard or an optional Bluetooth keyboard like (I am seriously considering getting one).
As far as storage capabilities, it has 128MB of RAM, 256MB of flash memory and 2 SD slots for up to 8GB of additional storage. A USB port is included for enabling you to hook up to a PC for data transfer (its 2 SD slots appear as drives). Unfortunately, no host mode for the USB as of now. (Update: Host mode is now available using OS 2008.) Battery life is decent--4-5 hours or so with the radios on and more with them off. While this may not be a replacement for the Alphasmart Neo, it would be a great companion for surfing the web, watching videos, listening to tunes and checking e-mail on the go. And at its current price point, it is a steal.
http://www.nseries.com/index.html
10/07
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