The Siemens SX66 Pocket PC Phone: Coming soon from Cingular

OK, now, I truly have another new toy to drool over. I think this is definitely going to be the one for me (assuming Cingular does release it, and I can get a decent deal trading in my old Nokia phone). See more here: The Siemens SX66 Pocket PC Phone: Coming soon from Cingular - Engadget - www.engadget.com

Update: If you visit Microsoft's Windows Mobile web site, they "confirm" that Cingular will have the SX66 available. Sprint beat Cingular to the punch on this phone, but I'm hoping that Cingular has it available before the end of the year.

A future addition to my entertainment center

HP has done it right with the HP z545 Digital Entertainment Center. The unit looks great and according to reviews works fabulously. I hope to make this unit the hub of my home entertainment center someday.

This Thumb's for you

Does your thumb have memory? See more here: Gizmodo : Real Thumb Drive.

w.bloggar test post

I've decided that it might be wise to check out a blogging tool like w.bloggar. Here's my first test post to see how it works exactly.

Comparison shopping

I like to know exactly what features things I intend to buy have in comparison to their competitors. This article: Pocket PC Phone vs Pocket PC Phone and Smartphone vs. Smartphone over at Engadget, points out all the features several new toys I'm looking at contain. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Which came first...?

This article at ExtremeTech: Survey Says DIY Is Best brought several interesting points to mind.

The first point: Do-It-Yourself computer builders' computers are more reliable because they take more care of their machines (i.e. the latest patches are applied; antivirus definitions are constantly updated; no unnecessary software is installed).

The second point: HP's tech support rates last because the average user expects magic from HP. I have always gotten excellent support from HP on hardware failures. Replacement parts arrive the next day usually. Most home users expect HP to fix software problems that the user has created. That is unrealistic. If you get stuck, call someone other than the hardware manufacturer for help.

Final point: Apple computer users are mostly tech-heads with a few non-techie users; PC computer users are 60% non-techie; 40% techie. Of course Apple users always come out on top, they know what they're doing. The majority of PC users treat a computer as a toy, rather than a tool. It's all about how ignorant the masses can be.

Am I cynical? You would be too after watching people's non-changing attitudes for 10 years.

That was an emergency..

Now things are getting ridiculous. Am I glad I'm not in the "dating scene" anymore. Read about Cingular's Escape-A-Date at Engadget.

Blogger imaging

I imagine Google is going to use the Picasa software for it's own benefit to allow users to create their own online photo albums using their Blogger system. I've been using Hello, Picasa's photo sharing system with the Bloggerbot they created to post photographs to my blog. I can't imagine that Google wants to get into the software business, and competing against Ofoto and Snapfish would be quite easy for Google. Read more at: Digital Media Thoughts - Digital Media News & Views

These are the guys RIAA needs to go after

BBC NEWS has an article about a large bootlegger who has been arrested. I've always contended that those of us who are downloading and sharing music via the Internet and receiving no financial gain are doing nothing wrong. Bootleggers that profit from their illegal sales are the ones that need to be stopped and jailed. Kids and grandmothers that share music and gain nothing financially should be ignored.

How helpful are Pocket PC's really?

Thanks to Pocket PC Thoughts I was able to read this excellent article. Anyone who uses a Pocket PC can appreciate this article. Using a Pocket PC is easy and you can do lots of things without the need for a full blown computer. Read the article here: 40 Things I Did with My Pocket PC in a Week :: September 2004

The next rage -- Portable Media Centers

Digital Media Thoughts has a link to Amazon, which is starting to list these new units. Samsung and Creative are the first two to "market" at Amazon.com. It will be interesting to see if these units manage to take off. While the price is not very high, there are already similar products on the market like the FlashTrax by SmartDisk. The main difference is that the Portable Media Centers use the Windows Mobile OS. I have to say that my Pocket PC runs great with the Windows Mobile OS, so perhaps there is a great future for these products.

Easy way to make your own blog using Bloglines | Clip Blogs

Robert Scoble has a link blog that is very similar to what Clip Blogs is all about. Scoble likes to use NewsGator to read his RSS feeds, and then usesKunal's OutlookMT -- an easy drag and drop way to create a link blog from within Outlook.

I recently thought I would give NewsGator a try in Outlook 2003, which I use on my Tablet PC. NewsGator took a while to configure like Bloglines, which I have broken down by topics. NewsGator was easy to use, but I wasn't 100% convinced. I made a few posts to my blog using NewsGator, but I didn't quite like the method. While I haven't used Kunal's product yet, I really like using Bloglines' Clip Blog feature.

Clip Blogs will allow me to post items without requiring a lot of time and/or writing. I already have great plans for it, now I just need to link it to my main blog. You can find it here for now.

Tivo vs. Windows Media Center

This elaborates on something I had imagined to be true

Oh, oh, Eric Harrison compares a Windows Media Center to a Tivo and finds the experience wanting. One caveat. What's excited me is the next version of Windows Media Center. That hasn't been released yet. So, let's revisit this in the fall when the Media Center gets released. It'll be interesting to compare the two then (and compare my experience to Eric's).

I'm also trying to get an interview with folks over on the Windows Media Center team and get a demo for our Channel 9 audience. More to come on that front.

Since I don't have a Windows Media Center (yet) I'd like to hear opinions of those who have gotten one. What do you think?

Related...

[Scobleizer: Microsoft Geek Blogger]

Myths

 Mike McBride posted this link, Busting the Biggest PC Myths, on his blog: Life of a one-man IT department. It’s worth noting that most users I know are clueless about the majority of the topics in the PC World article.

 

Test post using NewsGator

I am hoping that using NewsGator to post and read while offline will become second nature to me.

Blogger posting plug-in updated

I’m testing out NewsGator to see how I like it.

The posting plug-in for Blogger has been updated; the new version supports the subject/title field. It is available immediately for download.

Existing users will need to install the latest version, and then reconfigure the plug-in from NewsGator/Options, Posting tab.

UPDATE: the new plug-in has been updated to fix some configuration problems that some upgrading users were having. If you upgraded earlier today, and are having problems configuring the plug-in, download and install the latest version from the link above.

Related...

[NewsGator News and Updates]

Wired over wireless followup

OK, Microsoft does an excellent job of filling in the blanks to my questions with Knowledge Base Article 299540 - An Explanation of the Automatic Metric Feature for Internet Protocol Routes.

Resolving Connection Problems in Mixed Wired and Wireless Networks

This is an excellent article, but I'm not sure that it is accurate. I am having this problem at my office and I have set my wireless card to a metric of 1 and left my wired card set to Automatic. For some reason, my wireless card still takes precedence. I wouldn't mind, but my wireless card is in a very low signal zone and it gives me problems connecting. I wonder if there is something else to this problem? Read about it at Windows & .NET Magazine.

They seem to have left us this horse, as a gift...

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts and beware of web sites bearing pop-up ads. It appears that there is a Pop-up program that reads keystrokes, steals passwords. I read about it at Neowin.Net.

How big is your PPI?

I thought this was a great explanation for why I don't see the need to have a camera with a larger than 3 megapixel CCD. This explains a lot about pixels per inch and how large a picture can ultimately be. Read more at Digital Media Thoughts - Digital Media News & Views. And they say the size of the PPI doesn't matter...

MPx220 on its way

Am I truly impressed that this phone is now available? No. I hoped that the MPx220 was going to be leaps and bounds better than the MPx200, but I am sadly disappointed in its specifications. It's still running the old operating system; it has a built-in camera; and it uses miniSD. I want a phone that continues to build on what I've got, not another gadget that I have to buy new accessories for. Maybe once I see it in person I'll change my mind, but for now, woohoo. Read more over at Brighthand � MPx220 Smartphone Officially Unveiled by Motorola.

Cingular moves up high-speed deadline

The Technology News Article section at Reuters.com says that Cingular wants to give its customers high-speed service earlier than planned. Cingular certainly has a lot of plates spinning with the buying of AT&T Wireless and the switch from TDMA to GSM. Pushing the envelope to add high-speed wireless data to its offering may not be such a wise business decision.

The lesser (or greater) of two underdogs

At first, I was a little disappointed by the headline, but then, I had a change of heart. After all, how could Spielberg get Knocked Out by 'Dodgeball' at the Box Office? A comedy, a Ben Stiller comedy with gross antics, beat a funny, yet touching story about a man with no home starring Tom Hanks? Then again, in these times of trouble, maybe what we need is a little humor to help us forget about our stressful lives.

I haven't seen either film yet, and "The Terminal" is higher on my list than "Dodgeball", but I can understand how the masses would flock to see "Dodge ball." It's just that my brain needs alot more than guys throwing balls at each other to function properly. Maybe if Dave Barry had written it...

The World of Blogging

I find it curiously interesting how small and large the Internet can be. Take, for instance, the amount of RSS feeds I read (about 80), and how many of them point to the same information. Different writers cover different angles of a story, but for the most part the information is the same. That makes the Internet seem small to me.

Next, notice how many blogs and blog services are out there -- minus weblogs, of course. Tonight, I came across Wil Wheaton dot Net. I thought, "Isn't that the kid who used to be on Star Trek NG?" Then, I thought, "It must be some clown with the same name." A little further perusing of the site cured me of my skepticism. How large must the Internet be, that a former child actor can have a pretty extensive blog, and I am, just now, discovering it?

My point is the wealth of information that is available out there is incredible. Finding it takes persistence and quite a bit of careful observance. A number of times, I've thought about closing down this blog, but I realize that someday, maybe, some poor soul searching for knowledge, will trip on the few pebbles I've left behind to find my way home.

Everything including the kitchen sink

Yesterday, there were numerous postings around the web about the new HP H6310, a Pocket PC Phone that I am seriously considering. quantumBlog: HP iPaq H6310 has a nice picture of this new phone; I will probably have a hard time making a decision and between it and the MPx220 (via Engadget).

Choosing an RSS Reader

I came across this post LAWTECH GURU BLOG by Jeff Beard: Extensive RSS Reader Review & Compilation, and thought it might be helpful to my friends that are just starting to learn about RSS news feeds. Several people have asked me about getting into reading news feeds recently; I use and recommend Bloglines, which I can use anywhere I go. The PC World article Jeff refers to talks about some great readers. I've also tried Pluck, but liked the lack of software installation an greater flexibility that Bloglines provides.

Mobile possibilities

Yesterday, I attended a Microsoft Tablet PC Tour 2004 event sponsored by Toshiba, where they discussed how to enable your mobile workforce and featured tablet PC technology. The presentation was given by Bill Hagen, a Mobility Solution Specialist in Microsoft's Education Solutions Group. Obviously, Microsoft understands that it is important to get students excited about technology so that they will want to continue using technology, and be valuable assets when they join the global workforce. As a college student, I would have benefited from a tablet PC to take notes in class.

As a tablet PC user -- I own a Compaq TC1000, I was curious to see the Toshiba product that was available for hands on demonstrations at the event. The Portege M200 tablet PC, Toshiba's second generation product was available to view and play with, and one lucky winner received one at the end of the show. Recently, I had been to Best Buy and saw the retail version, the M205S810; I thought the unit was very flimsy and cheaply made. I was immediately turned off by the display unit, and felt secure about having purchased my TC1000. Then, at the Tablet PC Tour, my curiosity made me look at the units I had previously written off with a little more scrutiny.

Contrary to my former impression, I found these units to be very well made. I also liked a lot of the features that were available on the M200. I've read up on them, and was pleasantly surprised to find out that the M200 will begin to use the new Dothan processors (found via PDA Buyer's Guide).

Now, I'm simply resigned to wait. I'll wait for a new generation of smartphones; I'll wait for a new generation of tablet PCs; I'll wait for a new generation of Pocket PCs. I won't wait forever, just until a little later this year. :-)

Future vehicles

/. had a link to this article: Howstuffworks "How the Toyota PM Concept Car Works". How far away is the future? I remember the Segway was a futuristic method of transportation and the world went "whoopee" when it arrived. Are there really people other than the minority of techno-geeks, myself included, that really find these future vehicles interesting?

I've always found vehicles interesting. In grade school, I would look for books on cars of the future. I remember these books were written in the 1950s and 1960s, and they were talking about flying cars and autopilot vehicles coming in the next 50 years. Where are they? Seems like the industry has gotten all wrapped up in having these monstrous SUV vehicles, that they've forgotten about modernizing our vehicles. Get with it fellas! We can't let all those books from the 1950s be wrong...

Pocket-size 'personal server'? [video]

This is reminiscent of the IBM modularized computer that I saw a few years ago. Although the idea is neat, I don't know if the masses are ready for something like this. Some people have enough trouble understanding how a wireless keyboard and mouse work, and this is a completely wireless computer... Watch the [video] -- Intel pitches pocket-size 'personal server' | CNET News.com and decide for yourself.

David vs. Goliath a la vehicle

Obviously, the Mini has less kinetic force when it hits because it has less mass, but I'm not sure I agree that the Mini would lose head-to-head. Your talking European vs. American manufacturing, and let's face it, European cars are just designed much better. Thanks to Scoble's post for bringing us: Crash Testing: MINI Cooper vs Ford F150.

Beat Street Geek?

In the class of weird design, someone has made a boombox complete with a Tablet PC interface. I can't imagine seeing someone walking down the street with this on their shoulder. Read more about the Touchscreen Boombox PC.

What's that little speck way over there?

Honestly, I haven't been plagued with knowing the answer to this question, but it is an interesting answer. Read more about how they were able to measure the universe.

Wi-Fi TV

OPINION: For a long time, I thought that have a TV tuner on my computer would be a great thing, until I realized that I couldn't watch TV on my PC and perform meaningful work that required concentration simultaneously; I guess I'm not such a great multi-tasker after all. Also, no matter how comfortable my desk chair is, I like watching television in a supine position. Sitting through two 2 hour movies back-to-back convinced me that this was something I wasn't going to do often. Then, I got my Tablet PC. Now, I can watch my full size TV in my bedroom, and surf the web comfortably. Do I try to work while I'm watching TV? Sure, but it's easier when the two items aren't on the same screen.

I don't understand the television manufacturing industry. On one hand, you have these great large LCD/Plasma television sets that are becoming thinner and thinner every year, and on the other you have these tiny screens that are now allowing you to roam around your house watching television. We have become a society of wanting creature comforts at all times. Cool factor aside -- and it is cool, check it out here: Sony's LocationFree TV Hands-On -- why would I want to have a TV in my face that I have to carry? A computer is a lot more functional to carry around, but a TV? Sure, now you can have a TV in every room at a moments notice, but how many people can comfortably watch it at the same time? How about making a great large flat panel with this technology built-in, and making it light enough to move around? That sounds a lot more like technology for progress than technology just for technology's sake.

Thin and thinner...

I've seen the DSC-T1 up close and the camera is not only impressively thin, but the 2.5" screen on the back makes it easy to snap photographs. Read a comparative review of the DSC-T1 and its thinner cousin, the DSC-T11, here: DSC-T11 vs. DSC-T1 - Engadget - www.engadget.com

Power for a whole day?

This article about a new battery technology is very interesting. SION Power Debuts First-Ever Lithium Sulfur Battery at Windows Hardware Engineering Conference; New Battery Powers an HP TC1000 Tablet PC for the Entire Day on a Single Charge. I found a link to the article over at the Tablet PC Buzz.com forums. Can you imagine how great this will be? Using a tablet pc for a whole day with only one charge would be incredible. And, the ramifications for all other battery-powered equipment... Cellular phones that work for two months on one charge; PDAs that go for one month on a single charge.

Tivo-like PC

This is the first PC I see that looks similar to Tivo, even in functionality. Tivo could take a cue from these folks and add multiple tuners to their boxes. That's all that Tivo really needs in my opinion to make their units perfect. Thanks to the folks at quantumBlog: Tape It All.

Great enhancements

Well... I think I like the new stuff. At least I like it enough to have revamped my entire blog...

Test email post

This is a test posting via email.

 

The information contained in this transmission is privileged and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, do not read it. Please immediately reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error and then destroy it. Thank you.

New Blogger.com

Well, it looks like they may have done something cool with this site. I'll decide after a few days. At least now I have the ability for people to leave comments and I can post by emailing.

Future PDA?

This article describes the future of the PDA, which will make it much more of an assistant than we know today: Pocket PC Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves.

The future we are awaiting

This is a great breakdown of what's coming down the pike: What's the plan? :: What Is New :: Tablet PC & Computer Industry News, Reviews, Opinions and Stories.

Windows XP Gets Smart (Networking)

Mary Jo Foley over at Microsoft Watch posted this article with a link to the PC Magazine article here: Windows XP Gets Smart (Networking). Looks like Microsoft is taking the concept of the Network Setup Disk in Windows XP and modernizing it in the age of USB flash drives. I guess this puts another nail in the coffin of the floppy disk.

KABOOM!

I came across this article at Sudhian Media describing the changes that Intel is making in its future processor manufacturing. Is Intel really going to take such a major risk to become the top dog in the CPU market? Has AMD really caused such a stir that Intel is going to scrap the design line they have been following? Thanks to Anandtech for pointing me to the article.

802.11i Coming Soon to a Router Near You

I found this over at Wi-Fi Networking News: 802.11i Security Ratification Coming in June. Looks like my worries about purchasing a new 802.11g wireless router are unfounded. I've held on to my 802.11b wireless router with the hope that D-Link would upgrade the firmware for my hardware version. Since I no longer need to worry about a new router becoming immediately outdated, I'm going to be purchasing a new D-Link DI-624. Just like many of my old things, my parents' outdated phoneline network will be replaced with my older 802.11b network allowing more flexibility to the placement of their computers. My parents' phoneline networking equipment will be up for sale on eBay soon.

Microsoft Reveals Future Of Tablet PC

More on the new software that's coming for the Tablet PC -- Microsoft Reveals Future Of Tablet PC. I'm really interested in the new features that are going to be integrated into the operating system, like the snipping tool. Also, the fact that notebooks and tablets will converge makes sense. If you can get as powerful a tablet pc as a similarly equipped notebook pc for the same price, why not have the tablet abilities available to you?

CDs and DVDs aren't so immortal after all - they can rot

This article gave me the creeps. I have a little over 400 music CDs and all the movies I buy today are on DVD. Now, we're not sure how long they will last? Read more here: ABC13.com: CDs and DVDs aren't so immortal after all - they can rot

Longhorn & the Tablet PC

There is Some great information here including screenshots of what's to come. jrjBlog

Acer TravelMate C111Tci Tablet PC Review

This is the next object of my attention. I'm not 100% keen on all its features, but it's faster than my TC1000. With Dothan about to be released, maybe I'll wait to see what appears on the horizon. X-bit labs - Articles - Acer TravelMate C111Tci Tablet PC Review

WaterCar

I saw this over at /. and had to post a link here on my blog. WaterCar - Builder of the World's Fastest Amphibious Car, Amphibious Cars, Amphibious Vehicles and Amphibious Automobiles

AOL updates its blog service

Even AOL is getting its users into blogging. AOL updates its blog service | CNET News.com

The XML Files: All About Blogs and RSS -- MSDN Magazine, April 2004

Although most people know that use a blog know all about RSS, XML, etc., I thought this might be a good reference for users that are new to blogging. I certainly could have used a link to a page like this when I first started. I'm surprised none of the techno-bloggers, like Scoble, have blogged about this page... Maybe it's just too new. Read more here: The XML Files: All About Blogs and RSS -- MSDN Magazine, April 2004

The modern Publix

Recently, we made a trip to Disney World. On the way, we had to make an emergency bathroom pit stop in Jupiter, Florida -- one of the perils of traveling with women. We found a Publix supermarket that was not too far from I-95 and stopped there. This looked to be a relatively new, warehouse-sized Publix. The first thing I thought was,"Why is it so big? There can't be that many people living around here." Then, I rationalized that it must be the only Publix in the vicinity and every new Publix I visited was indeed this large.

Different from the average Publix in Miami, it was clean and tidy, the people were friendly, and it was fairly empty. Then, my ears tuned in to the music playing on the overhead speakers. Did my ears deceive me? Was that Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order playing? Yes, it was. No antiquated Muzak? What strange universe had I crossed into when I got off I-95 and walked into this Publix?

As I walked into the bright and clean restroom, it dawned on me. Mass immigration and overpopulation had not yet arrived in Jupiter. What I found strange and modern was actually just simplicity. I wish Jupiter the best of luck in keeping that Publix the way it is. And could you maybe play something by The Cure or Depeche Mode too?

Koolio

I found this over at /. this morning. A neat little invention from my Alma Mater: Koolio

Suggestions for protecting your identity

This is some great information. Suggestions for protecting your identity :: What Is New :: Tablet PC & Computer Industry News, Reviews, Opinions and Stories

I also got the following good tips in an email from my wife's aunt:

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:

* The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them.

* If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign
your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will
know how you sign your checks.

* When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO
NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the
last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and
anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to it.

* Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If
you have a PO Box use that instead of your home or Never have your SS#
printed on your checks (DUH!) you can add it if it is necessary. But if you
have it printed, anyone can get it.

* Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both
sides of each license, credit card, etc., You will know what you had in your
wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.

* Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my
passport when I travel either here or abroad.

* We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us
in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my
wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an
expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a
credit< BR>line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number
from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.

But, here's some critical information to limit the damage in case
this happens to you or someone you know:

We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But,
the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you
know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.

* File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen,
this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step
toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

Here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do
this).

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to
place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never
heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an
application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.
Actually, due to a recent ruling, you need call only one agency since
that agency will pass the report along to the other two.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize
new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the
theft, all the damage had been done.

There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves'
purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then,
no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away
this weekend.(someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their
tracks.

The numbers are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Lego Volvo

Thanks to Gizmodo for this one: Lego Volvo. I wonder if I can build one modeled after my 1979 244 DL?

Mobile Computing with the Tablet PC

I attended one of these events recently, and it's a great way to get your hands on some tablets. Acer sponsored the one I attended, and I was very impressed with the C111. In comparison to my TC1000, the C111 is very quick at opening programs. I am actually considering selling my TC1000 and buying a C111 thanks to being able to get a hands on demo this event. They also had a C300 on display. Talk about a large screen! If you get a chance, attend one of these events: Mobile Computing with the Tablet PC.

Blogroll added

Thanks to Bloglines, my rss subscription reader, I just added my Blogroll to this page. All the rss feeds that I read daily are posted over in the Links column. If you find any interesting ones, send them my way.

Blogging from Outlook

Loren has some interesting info on a new blogging tool to use with Outlook. Incremental Blogger: Blogging from Outlook

Blog updates

It has been a few months since I've had any inspiration to blog. Today, I created a Technorati profile, and I am going to start maintaing this blog on a more regular basis.

Greg Hughes -- Blogging with OneNote

This is really interesting. I have to see if I can manage to do this on my blog. Read more at: Greg Hughes, Portland Oregon, United States - Blog