Hillbilly Heaven

Nokia 770 2006 OS BETA Released

Illuminator — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 19:58:00 GMT

My, but it has been an interesting week. One more item to add to the list is the release of Nokia's latest 770 OS, at least the Beta of it. Maemo has released it, along with an SDK for developers. I, along with a number of others, have flashed my 770 with no ill effects. All is well so far. I am eager to get some testing done on it in the near future. I, however, don't know when I will get the chance.

Samsung Q1 First Impressions...

Illuminator — Thu, 25 May 2006 03:23:00 GMT

Today, I received my Samsung Q1. Boy Oh Boy! Read all about it on UMPC Weekly.

Gotta Keep It Separated.

Illuminator — Tue, 23 May 2006 22:24:00 GMT

In an effort to keep not only my thoughts separate, but also keep confusion to a minimum, I have started a new UMPC blog. It is my intent to keep blogging about the TabletPC and Life in the south. I also wish to keep using the ink capabilities enjoyed here as well. However, with the impending delivery (May 24th) of my first UMPC (I had to buy it.. it wasn't provided to me for evaluation), I wanted to keep my musing and post about such separate. If you are interested, feel free to drop by UMPC Weekly.

UMPC Itch Scratched

Illuminator — Tue, 16 May 2006 19:32:00 GMT

Yes, indeed, I scratched my UMPC itch....(read more)

UMPC Debate Rages On...

Illuminator — Sun, 14 May 2006 14:15:00 GMT

My internal debate, over which UMPC to choose, rages on. Lately, I have been itching over which UMPC to buy. I have decided that I will purchase one, but which? My main use will be multi-faceted; work and music. From a work perspective, I will use the UMPC to take meeting notes and keep track of my calendar, contacts and catalog technical white-papers that I author. From a music perspective, I want something that I can compose and record with. The issues I see with the currently available UMPC's (Samsung and TabletKiosk) is the availability of a mic array and drive capacity. I love the size, weight and most of the capabilities of these devices, but don't want to be tethered to the device by a headset. Such a recording method would simply not do in a meeting either, where I would want the ability to record the participants. Some items that I would like to have on a UMPC that wouldn't prevent my buying today, if devices were available, are: built-in camera, GPS receiver, firewire connectivity and IrDA. Is battery longevity of concern? To a degree, yes. However, it is not the ultimate deciding factor. The way I figure it, if the battery life is between 2 and 3 hours, good power management should be fine. I would, probably, carry the power brick with me anywhere I go regardless. I, personally, don't need to be connected to the internet 100% of the time. Heck, not even 50% of the time. I would only need that capability when I am either at home, or at some place with wireless access, such as a hotel. So, that is not a big deal, in my opinion. USB 2.0 availability is much more important to me than 802.11x connectivity is. It is much more important to me than Bluetooth capability is. The mic array is more important too. Did I mention I don't want to be tethered. Drive space availability is important too. I don't think that 30Gb is going to do it. I doubt that 40Gb is good enough either. What would be the optimum amount of drive space for my purposes? I would like, at least, 80Gb of space, considering that I will be recording meetings and composing music. The meetings can be recorded using the .wmv codec with no problems, but the music must be recorded using the, more space consuming, .wav or AIFF codecs. The higher fidelity is required. So, what are my options? Today, the Samsung Q1 and the TabletKiosk eo. Which one would I choose? Based on the above, if memory serves, only the Q1 comes close. The problem is that it doesn't come close enough. I need more drive space. The drive space is available on the eo, but the mic array is not. Woe is me... I suppose I will continue my wait. I am still hoping that ASUS will send me a demo of their R2H for evalutation and I really hope it meets my requirements, because I like the look of it better than the others I have seen. And now, back to the Sunday morning talking heads.

Thinking About Instant On...

Illuminator — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 23:34:00 GMT

After reading UMPC Future Looks Promising, posted on UMPCbuzz, I have been thinking a bit about this whole instant on thing. I thought I would take a couple of seconds to write my thoughts down on this and hopefully get your thoughts too. I've been wondering just how, specifically, the hibernate and stand-by features actually work within the Windows OS. I suppose I should read up on this, before posting postulations. I am guessing that, at some point, the system state is saved. That being said, can one direct where the system state is saved? If the location can be chosen, why not use a SD card, Flash drive, or other solid state storage device to store that information? Wouldn't recovery time, coming out of hibernate or stand-by modes, be much quicker? This would be an interesting test to conduct. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to conduct the test, as I am off to Vegas for a week (attending a conference). Anyone have any thoughts on this? Oh. And another thing... Why doesn't the preview function work?

The Dummy'ing down of Tech?

Illuminator — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 22:34:00 GMT

Here is something for you to think about and, hopefully, consider. Is tech being dummied down on purpose? This is a loaded question. I ask it with a reason in mind. I remember my first computer encounters (i.e., the first times I used, or had access to, one). The experience was something of an adventure. An adventure, you ask? Well, it was new, exciting and unknown. It was a challenge, as well. Today, it would seem that this challenge no longer really exists. "Sure," you say, "you know all about computers now." Yes, I know quite a lot about computers, but not everything. But I am not talking about me, when I say that it is no longer a challenge. Just look at the kids of the world. Look at some of the video reviews being posted by Tableteers, such as Rob "Gottabemobile" and the, "First Family of Tableteers", Heiny's. It would seem that basic tech understanding by kids today is second nature. So, are tech companies creating operating systems too intuitive? Shouldn't this stuff be a little like magic? Will the magic of tech be relegated to the area "behind the curtain" (development)? I, actually, think it is great that tech is becoming intuitive. I look forward to the day when there is no huge learing curve to an operating system. Heck, there is no reason, other than laziness, that there couldn't be a totally intuitive operating system today. The fact of the matter is, logic minded developers, given enough time and money, could create an O/S that is almost 100% intuitive. What do I mean by intuitive? Let me see if I can explain. This is, actually, more difficult to explain, than one would think. I am going to assume that everyone reading this has a mother, father, or knows someone older than they are, and less computer literate. That being said, how many phone calls have you received from them, with computer questions, or problems? Have any of them ever called asking for help installing software? Getting a printer to work? Attempting to play a game? Trying to configure an email client? Wondering how to send a picture to someone? Take the last, as a simple example, in how the O/S could be more intuitive. What if one were to click on a picture file and a dialog opened asking "What do you want to do"? If you want to see it, you would type "see it", or "see the picture." Voila. If you wanted to send it to someone, you would type "send it to..." Voila. If you wanted to print it, you would type "print it."... You get the picture, er, idea. This post has kind of taken a turn on me, but I think it may be better than my original thought, which was "where has the adventure gone."

UMPC. Desktop Replacement?

Illuminator — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 12:58:00 GMT

I've been reading quite a lot about the UMPC, lately. One question, that has been coming up, has to do with the ability of the UMPC to replace the desktop. Can the desktop system be replaced with a UMPC? Here are my thoughts, for what they are worth. There will be some cases where the UMPC will be able to replace the desktop, but these cases will be limited. In most cases, the UMPC will not be able to replace the desktop. In order to determine if the UMPC will be able to replace the desktop one needs to examine how the desktop is used. Usage characteristics are the key to answering the above question. If one uses their current desktop to create documents, surf the web, send email and like functions, they may be able to replace it with a UMPC. If one uses their current desktop to play games; first person shooters or the like, they may not be able to replace their desktop with the UMPC. If one uses their current desktop to edit video, audio, or other multimedia, they probably will not be able to replace their desktop. The UMPC is a device that will, more likely than not, augment the way one uses their desktop. It is a device that can be used to extend one's desktop's capabilities. I see this device, in my particular usage model, as one that would augment the way I operate. I do a lot of audio and video editing. I also do a lot of documentation. That being the case, I could see my use of the UMPC in the role of a companion to my desktop. Currently those companions are laptops. The problem with laptops are that they are not very mobile. In order to, confidently, efficiently, edit video "on-the-road" one needs a pretty beefy laptop. I use a 2Ghz system. I use it to capture video and do minor edits and draft projects. I also use laptops and tablets to keep notes (why I bought my tabletPC). I think that the UMPC would greatly lighten my load when attending meetings, but doubt that it would be of much help in the video editing department. However, since I have not had any hands-on time with a UMPC, it must be stated, that all of this is purely speculation. Once I get my hands on a UMPC (preferrably the ASUS model), I would be happy to revisit these thoughts.

How Much Battery Power Do You Need?

Illuminator — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 02:14:00 GMT

With the imminent release of the "origami" systems (tablets), considering the proposed power specifications, one has to ask themselves, just how much battery power does one actually need? Looking at how computer systems are used may shed some light on this question, as not all systems are used in the same way. When one is using a "desktop" system it tends to be for a longer period of time than that of the typical laptop. One tends to use a laptop long than a PDA. The PDA may be referenced more than the laptop and the laptop more than the desktop, but that is because each is used differently - in different circumstances. Let's take a look at this... PDAs tend to be used for quick notes, emails or think like that. The don't really have the computing power to be used for "heavy" tasks. Laptops tend to be used while users are on the road. Laptops are not, generally, left on for weeks, or months, on end. Desktops, the work horse of computers (outside the server) are left powered-up much more often and, in many cases, for longer periods of time then either of the other two. Examining my own usage of the three, I find that I have no power problems with any of them. I think that a three to four hour battery life is just fine. I tend to work differently than most, in that I keep multiple power supplies for laptops and PDAs. Thus, I am not often without the abilty to "plug-in." From an Origami perspective, I think that I would operate much the same. If I am on a trip, I would bring my power supply with me. I would hate to be without. The biggest problem with any handheld device, or portable device for that matter, is booting. If I need to take quick notes and am carrying around a laptop or PDA, the boot time is what will make or break my using them. If it is easier to grab a pen and scratch pad, I will use that. As long as I have an "instant on" I will use the device. Isn't that what it really comes down to? Of course it would be nice to have the device powered up all the time. I wouldn't mind having that capacity. But is it really needed now? How many of us, who are in the market, for an Origami device, go anywhere without a cell phone, or some other method of being in contact with the outside world.? Isn't that the only reason that an "instant on" function wouldn't work?

Rare Users (Is there such a thing?)

Illuminator — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 02:05:00 GMT

With the pending announcements from both Microsoft and Apple (something I won't discuss in this post), something has been bothering me. I've been wondering whether or not there is any such thing as a "rare user". I would consider someone a rare user if they use, on a daily basis, more than one operating system. I, for example, use three different operating systems - Microsoft, Apple and Linux. I am the first to admit that my Linux experience is sorely lacking (i.e., I am not a power user), however, I do use all the OS's every day. Are you a Rare User?

Glad to see the "New Post" selection is back...

Illuminator — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:42:00 GMT

I use a multitude of different machines, depending on the task I am performing. With the understanding that blogging is not my main task on any machine, I was a bit surprised to see one day that the "new blog post" selection disappeared. I looked high and low over the period of a couple of weeks for the selection, but could not find it anywhere. Well, it is nice to say that it is back again. Now, to answer your question about how this could have happened. It is really simple, I only lost the posting ability while using my Mac and Safari browser. As I said, it is back now, so all is well. And now on to bigger and better things... like speculating on what Apple will be introducing later this month.

Support Your Olympians!

Illuminator — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 01:30:00 GMT

Dont forget that the winter Olympics begin tonight/today.

Please forgive my color blindness.

Imagine This!

Illuminator — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 03:41:00 GMT

I'm sitting at home tonight, thinking about the Super Bowl and waiting with anticipation as the season premier episode of Survivor is about to start, when the phone rings. Who could be calling me on Survivor night, the eve of the eve of Super Bowl weekend? I answer the phone to find an Apple representative on the other end. What? Who? Yup, an Apple dude. Quite the unexpected call. I grew even more suspicious when he said that he had just been newly assigned to my account. When was anyone assigned to my account? Why would anyone be assigned to my account? What the...? They guy on the other end of the phone asked me about my Mac Mini purchase. He asked how I liked the machine. I told him that I thought it was great. I told him that I have never had any problems with it (In fact, I am writing this post on it). It is a trouble-free machine that does exactly what it is supposed to do. Thanks for calling, right? Nope... If my initial surprise wasn't enough, at the thought of anyone keeping track of my purchase, imagine my surprise at the response I got from the guy on the other end of the phone. He said, "You purchased your Mac Mini in February 05, right?" I said that it sounded about right. He then went on to inform me that the warranty was about to expire. Ahhh, I thought. I see where this is going. He offered a plan to extend the warranty of the Mini by two years for $99. Not a bad price, but I had to put him straight. I put the hammer down and asked him a couple of questions. First, I asked, since I have had the computer for 1 year and it has run flawlessly, should I be expecting it to have any problems? After a couple of seconds pause, he responded, "Well, no, but if it should you..." I interrupted, explaining that I have purchase a number of computer systems, a number of which are older than one year and have never had any problems with them. He then compared the warranty to car insurance, saying something about not driving a car without insurance. I explained to him that I wasn't taking my Mac Mini out on the open road. I further explained that while the cost of the extended warranty was not bad, it was, when compared to the overall cost of the machine, not really worth too much. I went on to offer the following suggestion... With the understanding that the Mac Mini is offered by Apple, predominately, to get PC users to switch, that rather than offering an extension to the 1 year warranty, it would be more worth Apple's while to offer a trade-in option on the Mini. This would more deeply embed those "just switched" users into Apple's game. He was correctly amused, stating that he would annotate his notes accordingly. We shall see. I wouldn't mind upgrading to a more powerful machine, but am unwilling, at present, to pay Apple's premium. Has anyone ever experience such a call from any PC manufacturer? I know that I haven't.

Broken Pen

Illuminator — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 01:13:00 GMT

While using my TabletPC, to take notes during an interview I was conducting...

My Pen broke. Into two pieces!!

I suggest that TabletPC manufacturers supply less fragile pens with them. My point being that I am not rough on my pen.

I doubt it is covered by the warranty.

How Will They Do It?

Illuminator — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 01:55:00 GMT

I've been thinking a lot today, which is something that I usually try to avoid on the weekend.

There has been a lot of "news" floating around the 'net lately, having to do with Skype and wi-fi headsets. Gadgets are so neat. I should know, I have enough of them. I do have one question about Skype's intent. Why?

Let's take a look at this from a logical perspective (or at least with my perspective on logic). Let's see... Skype uses proprietary softare. It also uses P2P for its networking capability. Everyone knows what proprietary means; however, you may not know that P2P is. Basically, Skype uses your Internet bandwidth for not only your calls, but, potentially, others people's calls as well. If your Internet connection is of sufficient bandwidth, Skype will "leach" some, or all, of it to route other conversations. That is bad enough. After all, you didn't pay for your Internet connection to let others, to whom you haven't given permission, use it. There are already a lot of people talking about this aspect of Skype and it is not the point of my post , so I will leave that at that.

The point of this post has to do with Skype's use and support of these new wi-fi phones. If these things become popular, and I doubt they will (more on that in a second), it will kill Skype's P2P network. Did they overlook this, or is there a big change in their engineering methodology in the works?

Continuing with my jaded spin on logic... I doubt that these wi-fi phones will become popular enough to do any permenant damage to Skype, in the short term, due to the fact that there aren't enought "hot-spots" around to make them a viable replacement for cell phones. Think about it. Why would anyone want to purchase such a phone, if the only place they can use it, and economically so, is their own home? Home being the only place that is guaranteed to have, cost effective, connectivity that the average person would need to complete their calls. Until free wi-fi connectivity is widely available, this is not a big threat to Skype.

Now, bring in the other players... What these other players do, and say, will mean a lot to Skype's viability. For that matter, it will mean a lot to any companies viability, if they soley rely on P2P capability. Let's take a look at a simple example. What if a company, companies, or government (municiple, county, state or other), were to put into place city, or county, -wide, free wi-fi connectivity? Take a look at a city such as Chicago, or San Fransico. If they have viable, free, wi-fi connectivity available, across the whole city, then wi-fi capable phones would be something of more interest to the general public. Then these wi-fi phones may be in a position more able to replace the cell phone.

Aren't there a number of cities and companies wanting to place such connectivity in place already? You can't use my bandwidth, if I don't have any. Did the engineers of Skype overlook something?

I suppose, I could be missing something...