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Goodbye, Dear Ol Mac, I'm Headed For The Dark Side
Smartfish ErgoMotion Mouse Tilts, Rocks, And Rolls
Intermittent Freezes Could Indicate A Failing Hard Drive
How Much Does Linux Need the Desktop?
Dude, Where's My Apple iCar?
Tip: Reuse That Old PC With Your New Mac
SkinnyBytes Launches New Power-over-Ethernet Computers - the PoE-185 Elite is an 18.5 AIO Which Requires No AC Power
Apple Is Most Vulnerable To Security Hacks: IBM Report
The Tech Night Owl: The Net Neutrality Greed Argument
Goodbye, Dear Ol Mac, I'm Headed For The Dark Side
The Springfield News-Sun's editorial page editor Tom Hawkins unapolofetically proclaims himself a Mac fanboy who when Steve Jobs says "buy" opens his wallet and flings money toward Cupertino.
Hawkins says he's run Macs since owning a 1984 Mac Plus, and even even owned an Apple Newton, but that today he's a broken man trapped "in the hell of the Windows universe" using a Dell Latitude E6500 laptop his employer's IT department is forcing on him despite "you'll have to pry my Mac from my cold, dead hands" protestations on his part that did not receive a sympathetic hearing from yhe IT commissariat.
Hawkins likens working with Windows on the Dell to coming home and finding that someone has come into your house and rearranged all the furniture. Badly.
He concedes that the Dell does everything his Mac does, "but without grace."
For the full lament, visit:
http://bit.ly/aYGfA3
Smartfish ErgoMotion Mouse Tilts, Rocks, And Rolls
The Smartfish ErgoMotion Mouse features a patented pivot base that for the first time allows the mouse to move with your natural hand and wrist positions, adapting to your unique movements while you work.
A Mouse that Rocks and More
The ErgoMotion Laser Mouse doesn't just rock, but swivels and pivots, too. The ErgoMotion Mouse redefines what a true ergonomic product should be by actually reducing your risk of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). How? By adding motion. The ErgoMotion Mouse utilizes a patented motion-base that adapts to your natural hand and wrist positions while you work. The mouse will rock, swivel or pivot with your movement so your hand and wrist are never in a fixed position, creating a more comfortable and healthy mousing experience.
"ErgoMotion" - A Technology Movement
ErgoMotion is a revolutionary technology that applies motion to experiences, a solution that is claimed to actually reduce the risks of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). The ErgoMotion Laser Mouse challenges other fixed-position mice by utilizing a patented pivot base that adapts to your natural hand and wrist movements. The mouse conforms to your unique positions, alleviating discomfort and encouraging productivity while you work. ErgoMotion technology has been developed in collaboration with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York - the #1 rated Orthopedics Hospital.
Wireless Connection
The ErgoMotion Mouse connects wirelessly to your computer using 2.4GHz USB nano-tranceiver. No software is required. The nano-tranceiver is an intelligent plug-and-play device that provides instant and uninterrupted connection, wire-free. The nano-tranceiver is also small enough to leave plugged into your laptop so you are ready to mouse all the time, wherever you are. Saving battery life is easy enough by switching the power on/off while traveling.
Laser Tracking
The ErgoMotion Mouse uses a high-resolution laser for precise mousing control. The 800dpi laser provides superior response over traditional optical tracking, allowing you to mouse on practically on any surface without a mousepad.
Ambidextrous Design
The Smartfish ErgoMotion Mouse is a symmetrical design created for both left and right-handed users alike, making the ErgoMotion!" Mouse the most comfortable device for everyone.
System Requirements
Mac
Mac OS X (10.2.8 or later)
USB port
PC
Windows XP, Windows Vista!", Windows 7!"
USB port
The Smartfish ErgoMotion Mouse sells for $49.95
For more information, visit:
http://smartfishtechnologies.com/products-mouse.php
Intermittent Freezes Could Indicate A Failing Hard Drive
MacFixIt's Topher Kessler says:
Older computers will often start to slow down for no apparent reason. Even when not used frequently, slowdowns may occur where the system may pause for a few seconds and then run fine for a little while. In OS X, when these pauses occur you may see the spinning color wheel and not be able to do anything with your system until the problem resolves itself.
Usually these pauses are a result of hardware I/O problems, where the system is waiting for a local hardware device to resume proper communication. Though improperly configured drivers for peripheral devices are likely reasons for such pauses, one that might be easily overlooked is the health of the boot drive.....
For the full report visit here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20014971-263.html?tag=mncol;title
Steam Survey Finds 47% Of Mac Gamers Run Apple's MacBook Pro
Appleinsider's Sam Oliver reports that Valve's monthly survey of the hardware specifications of Steam users has found that nearly half of Mac gamers run a MacBook Pro, while the iMac accounts for nearly a quarter.
You can check it out at:
http://bit.ly/9aX9mE
How Much Does Linux Need the Desktop?
ostatic.com's Sam Dean says:
Does the true future of Linux on computing devices lie outside of desktop computers? It s no secret that on the desktop Linux has held steady at only about one percent market share for many years, and that has caused many pundits to proclaim that it will never be a truly meaningful player on the desktop especially on business desktops. Now, more and more stories are appearing about inroads for Linux on computing devices other than standard desktop and laptop computers. For example, some are saying that Ubuntu 10.10 will find a big home on tablet devices.....
To read more, click here.
http://bit.ly/b1O6u2
Dude, Where's My Apple iCar?
Computerworld's Mike Elgan says that while Apple is wasting its time on TV, Microsoft is driving away with the automobile integration market:
Apple is announcing something next week, and everybody expects that announcement to involve new iPods, a new strategy for iTunes and possible a new direction for Apple TV....
Apple and Google are fighting it out over control of the TV experience, but I don't sense a lot of desire on the part of consumers to change their habits. It's an uphill battle.
And while Apple sinks major resources into solving a TV problem that doesn't exist, the in-dash car entertainment system desperately needs Apple's help.
Here's what's going on.....
You can check it out at:
http://bit.ly/9QN14n
Tip: Reuse That Old PC With Your New Mac
The Apple Blog's Dave Greenbaum says:
Now that you (or a friend) switched from PC to Mac, what do you do with the PC? Surprisingly, that old PC might be a great accessory for your Mac (and not just as a footrest). Reuse before you recycle, pull that old PC out of the trash and make it submit to the power of your Mac.
You can check it out at:
http://bit.ly/baiCl9
SkinnyBytes Launches New Power-over-Ethernet Computers - the PoE-185 Elite is an 18.5 AIO Which Requires No AC Power
SkinnyBytes has launched a new line of PoE Computer, the PoE-185 Elite, an 18.5 AIO (All-In-One). All SkinnyBytes systems are Power-over-Ethernet, therefore they do not require AC power outlets. AC electrical is expensive to install, and far more dangerous than the low-voltage DC power provided by PoE. All SkinnyBytes PoE computers are engineered for extremely low power consumption, therefore are able to receive all of their power over a standard network cable via Power-Over-Ethernet. The PoE-185 also supports VESA mounting, making it ideal for a variety of environments including schools, healthcare, professional, retail, and industrial.
PoE Advantages
Value - Eliminating the need for installing AC outlets can easily reduce installation costs by 50% or more. And Power-over-Ethernet computers are eco-friendly computers, consuming 90% less power than a traditional computer, reducing your energy bill.
Safety - AC power is very dangerous due to the high-voltage/high-current it supplies. In classroom environments where the safety of the students is of paramount concern, SkinnyBytes maintains it's| hazardous to install AC outlets within reach of curious students. Power-over-Ethernet computers utilize low-voltage/low-current over a standard network cable, making them compliant with UL classification SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) and therefore make ideal classroom-friendly computers.
Technology - Utilizing emerging technologies such as Solid State Drives (SSD), low-power Intel Atom Processors, LED backlighting, and passive cooling technologies, SkinnyBytes has created a line of PoE computers that can run on a meager 30 watts of power without sacrificing performance. By eliminating moving components, we are able to reduce the power requirements of our systems by 90% compared with traditional computing systems.
Simplified - One cable provides all of your power and data. Eliminate the tangled mess of cords and power strips.
Flexibility - Built-in stand or VESA mount. Power via PoE or included AC power adapter as needed. You can install or move your computer anywhere without requiring an AC outlet nearby.
All of SkinnyBytes' systems are tailored toward business and educational institutions. No moving components translates into highly durable systems with high uptime and long life span. Every system comes with Windows 7 pre-installed, and a variety of custom options including color, capacity, and memory.
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Models available:
• 10.1" PoE Computer - TouchScreen Tablet - $699.00
• 15.6" PoE Computer AIO 'Touch' - $799.00
• 18.5" PoE Computer AIO 'Elite' - $999.00
18.5" PoE Computer AIO 'Elite'
Featuring an 18.5" LCD, this unit is custom engineered for low-power and low-voltage operation. Thanks to the use of the Intel Atom platform with a D510 Dual-Core processor, the power consumption of the POE PC has been reduced by 90% without (SkinnyBytes claims) sacrificing performance. A further contribution to power conservation is the use of a Solid State Disk SSD drive and LED backlit monitor.
Equipment includes a 4-in-1 card reader, integrated webcam, integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics, and a widescreen display, as well as everything you need to get started with PoE including a PoE 'Injector' to supply power to the unit over the network cable. The unit can be powered via PoE or using the included AC adapter, and also supports VESA mounting.
10.1" PoE Computer - TouchScreen Tablet
The 10.1" Tablet power-over-ethernet computer with touchscreen can be used in laptop configuration or flat as a touchscreen tablet. Optional VESA mounting hardware is available.
The 10.1" PoE Computer - TouchScreen Tablet comes with a PoE 'Injector' for supplying power to the device over the network cable. Optional 6, 12, 24 port PoE Injectors (midspans) can be purchased separately for larger deployments. Also included is an external AC adapter, allowing you the flexibility to power the computer via PoE or AC power as needed.
10.1" PoE Computer - TouchScreen Tablet Specs.
• Intel ATOM N450 CPU
• 1GB DDR2 1 x SODIMM slot; up to 2G; 160GB HDD; no optical drive
• 10.1" Touch Screen (Multi Touch functionality when loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium OS)
• 802.11 bgn; 3M pixel camera
• Windows 7 Starter OS; 35W/h polymer (Up 6.5(*) Hrs)
Included
• PoE Splitter (Power-over-Ethernet)
• AC Adapter (standard AC electrical power)
• PoE Injector
Size (LWH): 10.39 inches, 7.13 inches, 1.22 inches
Weight: 2.86 pounds
For more information, visit:
http://www.SkinnyBytes.com
Apple Is Most Vulnerable To Security Hacks: IBM Report
ibtimes.com's CarlBagh reports:
Linux topped the list of the most vulnerable OS. The current trend shows that working on Mac OS or Linux is as vulnerable as Windows.....
Apple accounted for 4 percent of all vulnerability disclosures with Microsoft reporting 3.4 percent. But when it comes to the least patched vendors, the top three positions are held by Sun, Microsoft and Mozilla with Apple in the fourth place.
For the full report visit here:
http://bit.ly/90XnJn
New Kodak ESP 9250 All-in-One Inkjet Printer
[Press Release]
Eastman Kodak Company has announced the newest addition to its line of All-in-One (AiO) Inkjet Printers, that are designed to deliver superior performance while maintaining Kodak's claimed Best-In-Class overall print permanence(1) and low-cost ink system. With the introduction of the Kodak ESP 9250 AiO Printer, Kodak delivers an advanced printing system for consumers seeking professional-quality photos and documents without compromise.
"From low running costs to no-compromise, high-quality output and one-touch simplicity, the ESP 9250 Printer is a high-caliber printing machine designed to improve every aspect of the printing experience," says Susan Tousi, General Manager, Inkjet Systems, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "Consumers demand printing excellence and Kodak delivers with this new, advanced system."
QKodak's Proprietary Ink System
The Kodak AiO Inkjet portfolio produces Kodak Lab Quality photos,(2) documents that last a lifetime,(3) and low total running costs. Whether displayed on a wall or simply tacked on a refrigerator, Kodak Prints are designed not to fade.
The Kodak ESP 9250 Printer features Kodak's proprietary pigmented inks for brilliant colors and permanence to last a lifetime.(3) Kodak offers proprietary pigmented inks to the average customer, which are designed to deliver richer, more vibrant colors that bond more effectively with paper to provide significant fade resistance advantage over other ink systems, particularly the dye-based ink systems used by the majority of consumer inkjet manufacturers.
Using Kodak Ink and Photo Papers, prints dry instantly, don't smear or smudge and are water resistant(4), even when using a highlighter on documents. Kodak's propriety ink system has achieved Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR) Display Permanence and album/dart storage ratings of greater than 120 years and WIR Unprotected Ozone Resistance ratings of more than 100 years.(5)
Kodak's 'You Push the Button, We Do the Rest' Performance
Kodak combines one-touch simplicity with high-end performance and features. The new Kodak ESP 9250 Printer brings this combination to the inkjet printer market.
Like others in Kodak's full line of home inkjet printers, the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer features an intelligent bar code system that optimizes settings for superior printing performance using Kodak's versatile proprietary pigmented ink system. Kodak Printers automatically detect and adjust for printing documents or photos and feature a bar code reader that works seamlessly with Kodak Photo Paper to customize the printer's ink output to produce the ideal result for the selected paper. This intelligent design ensures customers receive exceptional image quality time after time.
Kodak AiO Printers are the only consumer printers on the market that actively monitor and display how much ink and paper are available both on the printer LCD screen and remotely on the computer screen, so consumers can simply hit print and walk away. Kodak's intelligent paper tray also features an auto-engaging photo tray that holds three sizes of paper.
With the latest Wi-Fi and networking capability, consumers can effortlessly print with Kodak printers including the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer, from anywhere in their home or even from an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad device.(6) An intuitive control panel and built-in templates make it easy and convenient to print a variety of forms, including graph paper, line paper, wide-ruled paper, tic-tac-toe, to do lists, grocery lists and even sheet music.
To reduce paper use, the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer seamlessly handles double-sided, duplex printing.
With other printers, consumers waste time thinking about settings and modes, but the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer ensures a high-quality print every time without the guesswork.
Print & Prosper with Kodak
With the new Kodak ESP 9250 Printer, Kodak maintains its commitment to delivering the lowest total ink replacement cost in the industry.(7)
• Up to 425 black text pages for only $9.99 msrp(8) using Kodak Black Ink Cartridge 10B(9)
• Up to 770 black text pages for only $17.99 msrp(8) using Kodak Black Ink Cartridge 10XL(9)
• Up to 420 color pages for only $17.99 msrp(8) using Kodak Color Ink Cartridge 10C(9)
With Kodak's approach of delivering fair-priced ink without compromising quality, consumers have the freedom to print everything from documents to color photos without worrying about overpaying for ink.
"Over the past three years, Kodak has established itself as the consumer champion in the inkjet printer market, bringing fair pricing to ink while delivering high-quality output and ease of use," says Susan Tousi, "With the introduction of the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer, we are building on that promise by unveiling advanced functionality and quality enhancements that continue to challenge the industry for performance and value."
Kodak's new printer announcement is coupled with advancements to its Kodak All-in-One Printer Home Center Software (v 5.4), including social media photo printing from FaceBook, Picasa, Photobucket, Flickr sites, and Kodak Gallery enabling consumers to manage these photos from one place. Additionally, the software also features Perfect Page Image Processing Technology that maximizes image quality right at the scanner, and Kodak Perfect Touch Technology which allows consumers to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and enhance facial features.(10)
Available in August 2010, the Kodak ESP 9250 Printer retails for $249.99 U.S.MSRP. Learn more about Kodak's inkjet portfolio and see how much you're overpaying for ink at:
http://www.printandprosper.com
Manage, share and create photo gifts online at Kodak Gallery:
http://www.Kodakgallery.com
(1) Based on Kodak ESP 7250 testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR). WIR's image fade resistance testing included the five major longevity testing factors: light, temperature, unprotected exposure to ambient ozone, high humidity and contact with water. For more information, visit http://www.wilhelmresearch.com
(2) Using Kodak Ultra Premium and Kodak Premium Photo Papers
(3) Under all common consumer display and storage environments. Based on testing by Wilhlem Imaging Research (WIR)
(4) Based on testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR) and Kodak internal testing on Kodak photo papers.
(5) WIR's image fade resistance testing included the five major longevity testing factors: light, temperature, unprotected exposure to ambient ozone, high humidity and contact with water. For more information, visit http://www.wilhelmresearch.com.
(6) Compatible with iPhone (with OS 2.2 or later) and iPod Touch (2nd generation).
(7) Results based on average ink costs of leading consumer inkjet printers using an average page mix of 52% black text documents, 35% mixed-color graphics and 13% photos (printed on Kodak Ultra Premium Paper, glossy finish & highest quality photo papers from other manufacturers) utilizing manufacturers' recommended standard ink cartridges available in single quantity pricing (i.e. no multi-packs, high capacity, combo packs, value packs or special promotions) as of June 2010. Actual results may vary. For more information and a list of all printers tested, go to http://www.Kodak.com/go/inkdata for details
(8) Pricing as of June 1, 2010
(9) Ink yield values obtained by continuous printing in accordance with ISO/IEC 24711 (black text documents using ISO/IEC 19752 test target), utilizing Kodak All-In-One Printers. Actual results may vary.
(10) Not available on Macintosh OS
SOURCE Eastman Kodak Company
The Tech Night Owl: The Net Neutrality Greed Argument
Yes, we know the Michael Douglas character in the 1980s film, Wall Street, said greed is good, but you wonder just how far that can go without hurting your customers. And, no, I m not about to talk about how the character might have evolved in the forthcoming sequel, since I haven t read the script.
Here's the URL for today's commentary:
http://snurl.com/10vq8s
Notes: You can also access our new RSS feed, available at:
http://www.technightowl.com/rss
Or our new Atom feed at:
http://www.technightowl.com/atom
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