Everyone's buzzing about the upcoming release of Windows Vista, and my decision to wait and see is looking better by the second.
First, there are corroborating reports (http://www.gottabemobile.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1547) that Vista is causing a major hit on battery life. Also, it seems the upgrade editions will not allow entirely clean installs (http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2007/01/no_more_clean_i.html). And of course, we're still waiting on drivers to make everything work properly. I may give in to peer pressure and upgrade before desired, but not on Tuesday.
But Vista is not the only hot upgrade coming. Microsoft Office 2007 (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/default.aspx) is rolling out, and it looks like a highly desirable upgrade.
The big change is the new interface, which looks very pen-friendly. But of particular interest to me is the inclusion of OneNote (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/FX100487701033.aspx) with the new Home & Student edition. Though it comes at the expense of Outlook, I think OneNote has more to offer students and I can't argue with promoting the most pen-friendly Office app to students and home users.
Office 2007 is definitely at the top of my upgrade list. Though the Home version does not include Outlook, I can get that separately later. No rush on that, but OneNote 2007 is the one I really want. Looking forward to seeing just how searchable it is.
One app I should really use more often is Mindjet MindManager (http://www.mindjet.com/us/). I never got into mapping my ideas, preferring outline form instead, but I need to make an attempt to turn that around.
Here's the back story: the better half and I attended a home buying seminar today. Naturally, I brought my tablet to write notes. As usual, I popped open Windows Journal and determined whether landscape or portrait would work better in the setting. But then I figured I'd be jotting a lot of short points and linking them to subjects for context. Outlining would be too clumsy; I had to map it.
I split the duties between the apps, writing notes in MindManager and action items in Journal. MM provides a relatively short inking space for map items, forcing me to stick to the points, split out overlaps, link properly to keep the points in context, and keep pace with the speakers. My extended thoughts were all actionable items scribed into Journal. In case you couldn't tell, I am quite pleased with the results.
In reflecting on it, I understand now why mapping didn't really grab me before. I need to write when the inspiration strikes me, and often I get struck during the planning stage. In typing an outline, it was easy to load it with material when it came to me, but that doesn't quite work with a map of necessarily brief points. But after today's experiment, I realize I can take advantage of the open flow of a map and still flesh out points as the content comes to me. Seems like the sort of thing I'd have realized before now, but I guess I just didn't have a need before today's event.
I haven't kept up with all the news blips this week, so I didn't know Microsoft was rolling out a Bill Gates Edition (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/software/bill-gates-to-autograph-limited-edition-of-windows-vista-230615.php) of Windows Vista (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista) (Ultimate, of course) until I saw it in this week's Best Buy circular. To clarify my response: WTF?!?
After the shock wore off, I checked it out online, and apparently it just has Bill's signature printed on the front of the box. The hype is that he did actually sign the boxes, but c'mon, you think the richest man in the world signed 20,000 boxes? The edition costs $10 more than the standard Ultimate upgrade, which adds up to $200,000. Hardly pocket change for Bill the Billionaire. Sorry, but I'm assuming it's $10 more for a printed signature, not a handwritten one. Not tough to guess how I feel about that, though I hope they at least used a Tablet PC to capture his signature.
In this case, that one is me. That research job (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2007/01/busy-week-into-weekend.html) I was doing was working out quite well until I got hammered by the the requirement of socializing on the phone. Oh yes, you read that correctly. Research required not just calling vendors for info, but making small talk and "not going straight to the point." Sounds simple, but I'm hardly a social chameleon and I don't like phones (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2006/08/getting-mobile-phone.html). I can handle social settings or talking on the phone, but not at the same time, and definitely not when I'm still learning the business.
Short story: I got blindsided by a dip in the deep end of the pool with an arrow through my heel. Didn't like it. Not doing it again.
Been a busy week for me. Bounced through a couple assignments before settling into something that might work out. Parts broker for military aircraft needs help with research. Wonderful database system and opportunity to work my magic in Excel. Good people too. I'll see how it works out.
In addition to that, the tutoring load was heavy. Exams are coming up and time is scarce.
The icing on the cake is the new website I've been setting up. My wife and her friend are forming a vegan group, and I was tapped to build the website. Went with the blog format for easy posting, but the twist is that it's three blogs woven into one seamless site. Need to pretty it up and it's waiting on content, but it's up and functional at Blue Ridge Vegan Society (http://www.blueridgeveg.org/).
BTW, I'd been thinking about weaving this site into a multi-blog too. Worked some of those ideas into the BRVS site. Once things settle down, I'll see about getting that done.
Read a couple of pests regarding this issue of Apple being forced to charge for a software (http://tinyurl.com/ya8pua)patch that enables 802.11n wifi on Macs (http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/1/15/6637)that offer this as an unadvertised feature. (http://tinyurl.com/ya5d2l) Apparently they must charge a fee or offer the patch with an enabling product, like their new Airport Extreme, to avoid conflict with a law that prohibits the recording of profit from the sale of unfinished products. I know of similar laws, so this sounds reasonable enough.
However, as usual, the crowd is getting so worked up about the surface issue (in part because Apple stirs up emotion), the real issue is being overlooked: why didn't Apple advertise this feature? At first glance, one would assume they'd want to advertise a more advanced feature because it would help sales. Probably true, but wouldn't this also boost sales of 802.11n routers? Sure would. Only problem is Apple didn't have one on the shelves yet. But now they do and now the previously unadvertised feature is being advertised. Sneaky way to keep you new Macbook owners from buying someone else's "n" router. Just as sneaky as creating a cover controversy to distract from it.
Been sifting through the Apple iPhone (http://www.apple.com/iphone/) reactions, which have been as wide and varied as expected. But one thing that baffles me is the persistent perception of it as a business or enterprise device. Sure, it has a lot of features that are useful for business, but it's still basically an iPod with phone and data connectivity. That doesn't spell business.
The big hang-up seems to be the price. At $500 for the 4GB model, the iPhone is a pricey device. People assume that means it is targeted at business. Yet they follow that by pointing out it lacks enterprise-level capabilities, like compatibility with Exchange servers and "push" email. Where's the logic there? One piece implies "enterprise". The rest plainly state "consumer". Not hard to figure that one out.
And it's not like the price is a hard limitation. People buy huge TV's for thousands of dollars every day. I see them load those monsters in their SUV's all the time. And what about those guys who spend hundreds on video game consoles followed by hundreds more on games? The market is there and it has money (or at least credit cards) and price won't stop them.
Okay, I admit I wasn't expecting much, and I was not disappointed, which is itself disappointing.
I'm referring to President Bush's new "plan" for the conflict in Iraq. I refer to it as "plan" in quotes because it boils down to "stay the course" but do it with more troops. He talked about securing Baghdad, strengthening the borders, and defeating the terrorists. Last I checked, that's been the goal the whole time, but now we'll do it with more troops. That's not a plan, Mr. President. That's what you do when you have no plan.
In my imaginings of the future Apple iPhone (http://www.apple.com/iphone/), I thought they'd start with a flip design, then go widescreen candy bar after a widescreen iPod was released. Thus, I was honestly surprised to see them cram about three layers of evolution into one device that beats the technological crap out of every handheld device out there. That's not hype people. Check out the specs.
Multi-touch widescreen: Anyone can roll out a device with a touchscreen. Apple's delivering one that responds to multiple points of contact. As far as I know, that's a new development for a handheld computer, and it opens a ton of data manipulation possibilities, the least of which is expanding and contracting images.
Automatic screen rotation: On a tablet, this would annoy me. On a handheld, this is a killer feature. Switch from landscape to portrait layout just by turning the device. Highly valuable when viewing photos and switching to phone from watching a video. Sounds like a very intuitive form of interface.
Wireless trifecta: EDGE is not the fastest mobile data service, but it works for typical mobile communication and wifi opens up the hotspot option when available. Bluetooth is almost a necessity given the army of headset Borgs out there, but it also opens the external keyboard option in case the touchscreen 'board isn't enough. Nothing we haven't seen on other devices, but this is a no-compromise wireless package for the vast majority of mobile warriors.
Mac OS X designed for a small screen: I have written a couple of posts (http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2006/12/small-screens-with-small-operating.html) pushing the idea that handheld computers should run operating systems designed for small screens, such as Windows Mobile, rather than systems intended for larger screens, such as Windows XP. It is my opinion that if Microsoft wants to push a full version of Windows, like Vista, on a small device, they need better support for small screens. The same holds true for Apple, except Apple has stepped up and done it by streamlining a version of OS X that works on a small screen the way Windows Mobile does, except it has the superior stability and power of OS X. It's like my dream come true but in Apple form.
Bottom line: Aside from offering "merely" competitive wireless connectivity, the Apple iPhone exceeds every other handheld computer by a huge margin. Furthermore, by running a version of OS X, it has vast potential for applications to fill its shortcomings, and it already has a big accessory aftermarket because it's an iPod.
That said, however, it has one major shortcoming; it is not a standalone device. Like the iPod, it is intended to sync with a Mac or PC. No direct downloads from the iTunes Store. Probably no podcatching, though I'm sure that would be easy to add in. That's hardly a fatal flaw, since it clearly did not hinder iPod sales, but I feel there was some potential missed there. Perhaps in the future it will be more independent. For now though, it must settle for simply being the most advanced mobile phone to date.
Oh, one more thing, anyone else look at this iPhone and see a small Tablet PC? Just upsize the hardware, software, and physical dimensions, and it turns into a Mac tablet with a multi-touch screen and phone capability. C'mon Apple, your foray into the tablet market is an expansion away.
When it first got out that a bunch of bloggers were getting high-end laptops for free from Microsoft, I was all for it. It's about time bloggers were recognized as a serious force and if anyone should share the wealth, it's Microsoft. I certainly would not have turned it down, unlike the high and mighty crowd, but honestly I was hardly jealous since I don't even like laptops. That is until Craig Pringle's unboxing (http://www.pringle.net.nz/Blog/PermaLink,guid,3d35d50a-8d39-4f2a-82aa-28f6fb91a945.aspx).
Bluetooth mouse, VoIP phone, external Firewire DVD writer, he got all that plus an Oakley vertical bag (http://www.pringle.net.nz/Blog/PermaLink,guid,f2235279-f279-468a-bf96-6c8f7a9d4b8c.aspx) that came separately. That's good stuff! Yeah, the laptop is the big prize, but I could actually make good use of the other stuff. To all the bloggers who are keeping their swag, I totally support your decision; you deserve it. But if anyone feels the need to unload that stuff, I will be glad to take it off your hands.
Enjoyed the day wearing shorts, and why not? Temperature must have been in the high 60's or higher all day. Great late spring weather. Too bad it's supposed to be winter.
Weather reports cite El Niño (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Ni%C3%B1o) as the cause of this record warmth. Nothing to do with global warming, right? Okay, so explain to me why this El Niño is occurring with increasing frequency and strength. It was considered a South American phenomenon for most of last century. Now it hits North America every couple of years. And years without El Niño, like 2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Atlantic_hurricane_season), haven't been exactly normal either.
It's one thing to recognize the source of this warmth as El Niño. It's another to dismiss it as something normal. Sure, El Niño is normal now. But it wasn't normal in North America until the late 20th century and now it's stronger than ever. Hard to just dismiss that.
[photo] It may not improve my productivity, but I certainly can't complain about the extra "workspace". The 14" widescreen on my tablet is great but work and play don't mix. Hope to give you more info on the work part. As for the play, know that this movie continues the greatest scifi TV show ever made. One hint: it ain't Star Trek.
Read some really good news about the mysterious Minimage (http://www.tabletpcblogs.com/blogs/minimage/default.aspx) today. Turns out she's reviewing tech for Allegiance Technology Partners (http://www.alltp.com/), perhaps the leading reseller of Tablet PCs. This is an exciting development for the community. The tiny magical one has a certain insight I find engaging. Looking forward to more of that as she reviews tech for Alltp, starting with the Fujitsu Lifebook 1610 (http://www.alltp.com/content.aspx/c/tabletpcreviews_main_Fujitsu). Good stuff.
As for the superhero part, aside from her being small and magical, until now, Minimage has always kept her identity secret, And now she's been outed like John Jones set on fire. No, wait, too obscure. Like Clark Kent walking into a room full of kryptonite. Oh well. I'll still call you Minimage... Minimage.
