macbook air and what I think

January 30, 2008 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

[wp_youtube]GBCfW9-hjKI[/wp_youtube]

I keep getting asked what I think about the new macbook air. What’s interesting is that the tone in which the question is asked is “Hey, this thing is greatest”. I’m not going to bore anyone with a personal review of a machine I haven’t had in my possession for any amount of time. However, I will try to best answer that looming question of “what do I think?”

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RNDIS and your new Smart Phone

January 21, 2008 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

Trouble connecting your windows mobile6 phone to your mac? I recently ran into this situation and after a lot of reading searching and searching the searching…I came up with this…

Windows Mobile 5 included a new way to connect USB devices using a new protocol (RNDIS). Unfortunately, devices using thi protocol will not always be able to communicate with the sync software you use as a conduit on your Mac such as MissingSync. The solution for this is a small application known as a USB killer. Basically, the application sets the USB port to act as a serial port. Of course finding the application is prompted this post…I couldn’t find one. Then by chance, and I do mean chance since I have not been able to find the same article again, I came across the following directions on the Microsoft website (can you believe it?)

To disable this setting on a Windows Mobile-based Smartphone device or on a Windows Mobile Standard device, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Settings, click More, and then click Data Connections.
2. Click USB to PC.Note You may have to click More to view the USB to PC setting.
3. Click to clear the Enable advanced network functionality check box.

That’s it…now your smart phone’s USB port will be serial and more than likely your connectivity issues will be gone. Happy Syncing!

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GelaSkins a BIG hit at MacWorld

January 20, 2008 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

I posted about this company last year see protection with style not bulk.  It’s been great seeing how much exposure these guys have been getting from MacBreak and MahaloDaily.  I can’t say enough but if you are looking for something to protect your iPhone or just want to add a little flare and distinction then these guys have something for you.  Check out their full line-up at GelaSkins.

[update]  I just had my iPhone replaced at the Apple store and I was a little nervous about losing my GelaSkin.  The skin worked as advertised.  I just peeled it right off and placed it on the new iPhone.  No problems in removal or re-attaching.  Awesome product!  Check out the vids after the break and if you want to see the MahaloDaily coverage you’re gonna have to check out the iTunes store podcast section. look for episode 38 (the keynote has the same episode number)

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XtremeMac’s SportWrap iPhone/iPod Cases

January 14, 2008 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

Lightweight Neoprene Sport Armband for iPod and iPhone

I received the SportWrap for x’mas and just broke it out a couple weeks ago. I have to admit that I pretty excited about this gift. I do like my bags and cases and am always on the lookout for something new to try in an effort to find just the right fit. You might recall my experience’s with the STM Evolution last year (still have and loving it). I like to carry my phone in my pocket but did break down last year and bought a belt clip. Sometimes you just need something that is totally out of the way and this case does the trick.

The basics are a neoprene case that surrounds the phone as well as makes up the armband. A great choice of material as it is meant to be used while the wearer is in motion. You still have access to the phone functions via a clear plastic front that only causes a bit of trouble with the touch screen (not enough to mention more than that). There are holes at the top and bottom to allow access to the headphone port and o f course the arm band is adjustable with the use of Velcro. One very nice feature is a hard rounded piece of molding that follows the edge of the clear part of the case. Originally I thought this was just for decorative purposes but after bumping into a couple walls it becomes clear that it does more than just look good, it actually adds an additional line of defense in protecting your iPhone while on your arm.

I really like this case, it’s comfortable, light weight and protects like it should. You will also notice that although there is bulk to the case by itself, once on it melds right into your arm and it becomes barely noticeable. You can’t go wrong with this one. I’ve been wearing while biking, hiking and just around the house.

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The Optimus Maximus @ CES

January 8, 2008 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

I think as average consumers we often ask ourselves what would we do with that? and how would it make life better for me?  Sometimes the answer is simply “It’s Cool!”  and other times its just another fad.  The Optimus Maximus keyboard has been making headlines for over a year now and rightfully so. This keyboard sells for $460 to $1500 in the U.S.  What makes this keyboard so special?  Every key is actually a mini display utilizing OLED technology.  The use of displays means the user can completely configure the keyboard for a specific program whether it be daily use, gaming or some editing software. 

The least costly of the keyboard configurations comes with only one OLED key and you can purchase additional as you go.  The software is not completed yet but it sounds like it should be done soon so the keyboard can be ready for general sale. 

Hopefully the price will come down soon as I can only imagine not only the coolness but some of the applications.  For example, if you have an elderly parent, as I do, you can set up a keyboard with dedicated keys that have pictures for easy reference for what they may want to do.  I don’t have one now so I can’t write about it but check out the video since Veronica Belmont and Engadget have a nice 6 minute tour.


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Nikon D-40

December 18, 2007 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

What a great day! Not only did the Paula Dean turkey thing arrive today but more importantly, the Nikon D40 did too. A quick charge (only took a few hours) and slap in an SD card and I’m ready to go. So the picture is obviously not taken with the D40 but with my Olympus u70. However, a quick comparison between the same shot with both camera shows an obvious difference between cameras (something to be expected), the noise level was noticeable with the Olympus where it there ws very little if any with the Nikon. Ok, so one would expect the Nikon to be better. What I am after is the level of quality for the average guy, average shots of average composition. I’m not a professional or even a prosumer photographer as you already know. I do like my new toys and have great hopes in the integration of this one into my daily life. The size may be the biggest obstacle in average use but we’ll see how that goes.

Keurig B-50 Single Serve Coffee Maker

December 11, 2007 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

How exciting, the Keurig B-50 showed up at my doorstep today. I’ve been on the fence on this product for a couple years now. (yeah some things take me that long to get) Someone else actually sent this to me as a gift. I have to say it is as cool in my kitchen as it is in the GreenMountain catalog. One of the coolest upgrades over the first $500 model introduced a few years ago, is that the water tank now has a blue led and it just looks cool. One thing you would think someone would mention in a post or in a review (why I am) is that this thing is loud. If you have an espresso machine then you know the noise generated from the pump. All I have to say is this thing is louder than my espresso machine when its pumping water or frothing milk. Pros-

  • Easy to setup and use (fill water, press a couple buttons. I will admit the directions were reversed in terms of button layout but that should not be cause for too much confusion)
  • Simple to use. place coffee in basket, inset mug of choice and press a button
  • Coffee is perfect temperature (the brochure says this but it really is true)
  • Brews in a few seconds and only needs another 30 to make another cup of coffee. Heating from a cold start is only 3min long.
  • No clean up!
  • Great tasting coffee repeatedly

Cons-

  • The coffee packs are designed for a smaller 7oz cup. If you make a mug size 8oz your coffee is a little watered down
  • The coffee packs are plastic. I wish they could make these a little more environmentally friendly. This is one of the biggest reasons I never purchase don in the past. Keurig does include a reusable filter that you can place your own coffee in (the main reason i accepted the gift)
  • Did I mention the noise?
  • Cost of k-cups (you can bypass this by using your own coffee in the special adapter)

100 Days with an iPhone

December 8, 2007 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear, Random

Well it’s actually been 110 days but that didn’t sound right for a title. I’ve now experienced several system updates and had the pleasure of jailbreaking and loading 3rd party apps at one point. I can’t wait until next year to see what kind of apps get made once the SDK gets released. I wanted to just update you on, well my experience so far with the phone. I read a lot of reviews and listen to the haters and lovers alike. I think just like any phone available, there is no such thing as one size fits all. For me, this is as close as I have been able to get since Nokia introduced the 232. It’s the perfect form factor and weight that I have ever used. Read more

STM Evolution

November 28, 2007 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

 I know it sounds like something Subaru and Mitsubishi came up with but it’s not.  No the STM Evolution is a back pack from non other than STM.  A small Australian company I came across when I was looking for a way to carry my macbook pro and other stuff.  I am always looking for that new bag since I never seem to be completely happy with my current one.  I replaced my Timbuk2 messenger bag with this backpack.  So far, I have to say that it was a great move.  I like the distribution of weight that I couldn’t get with the messenger bag.   Read more

Protection with Style not Bulk

November 20, 2007 by phoFuki  
Filed under Gear

Let’s face it, if you have a mac, iPod or iPhone, you have been in search of the best way to protect your new found love and still keep those great looking lines of your latest masterpiece to come out of Cupertino.  The crystal films for the iPhone and iPods were a great way to keep the front looking great without adding any distraction.  What about the back or like me you let your iPod go ‘Oh Naturale’?  [Enter] GelaSkins Inc.  I was watching episode 198 of DL.TV and Roger Chang had some sort of art piece covering the lid of his macbook.  He got this lid cover from GelaSkins Inc.  All I have to say is WOW!  Read more

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