#42 - If its Thursday is this Selma?

Keeping track of where I'm supposed to be has become a very high tech activity. Getting old has given me the wonderful talent of completely forgetting where I should be. I've been using a Palm Pilot Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) for many years, but it has become more important every year.

My first Palm really only did a few things. Contacts, calendar, calculator and a few games. I waited until the Palm came out with a color screen to buy one. I have found that color is so much easier on my eyes. When I got the first Palm there really wasn't a choice of competitors. Microsoft came out with the Windows CE operating system and several manufacturers, notably HP and Toshiba, began making a Palm alternative. Unfortunately, I've found the Palm alternatives to be big, heavy and expensive.

The fate of my first Palm Pilot was unfortunate. It got lost. I mean, I think it got lost. One day I had it, and the next I didn't . Much searching and gnashing of teeth did not bring it back. Fortunately all my data was backed up on the PC. I purchased a new Palm and all my data flowed back. You will never believe how lost I was the days between not having the Palm and getting the new one. The new Palm had some cute features. It could play music (additional memory card required). And the version of the Graffiti writing recognition software was improved. It was smaller and lighter then the original. I was in heaven again (at least that's what the Palm said!)

My second Palm stopped holding a charge several weeks ago. That meant lost appointments and and unreliable Nick. So another new Palm is now in my pocket. This ones adds video and Wi Fi capability. I'll talk a bit more on those points tomorrow! Gotta run, meeting at 10PM says the new Palm!

#41 - Take me out to the Ball Game

The effects of technology on sports is more subtle then in other areas of life. Sure there are huge LCD screens in every sports arena. You can now pay big bucks to go to a stadium and watch the sport on a big TV. I'm missing something here. Isn't the purpose of going to a game, to watch the game live? I like seeing statistics and some instant replay, but watch the game on the screen? Boy those must be lousy seats you have.

Speaking of instant replay, the NFL announced today that they will have instant replay review as a permanent part of all games. Now that should make fans happy. We want perfection in our games so badly that we will stop the games to see if the call is correct. Well maybe not correct, but not overturnable.

Technology has really impacted the preparation phases of sport. From learning opposition tendencies to breaking down your team or players weaknesses to improving technique via slow motion video, its all being done. Remember this is big time sports so cost is no object. My beloved Virginia Tech Hokies basketball team bought a Free Throw improvement system that included a video analyzer and practice feedback system. Results were slightly improved free throwing, but we still lost 3 games due to missing free throws.

Golf has really gone high tech. New materials and designs pump hope into the hearts of every 20+ handicap golfer. Even the pros chase new technology in hopes of grabbing the brass ring. If you haven't had a lesson from a pro lately, then you are in for a shock. Your swing is recorded on digital video and can be broken down for all your swing foibles. They can even impose Tiger Woods swing on top of yours to make you truly feel inferior.

Even the grand old game of baseball has all kinds of high tech wizardry. Every pitch is on digital video with its speed accurately recorded. There are new training devices for batting, fielding and throwing. Lets not even talk about performance enhancing drugs. Thank goodness the 7th inning stretch is still celebrated!

#40 - Technology and Genealogy

A quick google search of the work GENEALOGY leads to tons of Internet sites dedicated to the process of checking up on your ancestors. The Chinese and the Mormons have major fixations on ancestors and have spurred a great interest in genealogy.

So what does genealogy have to do with technology? Well technology has certainly helped the ancestor search process. Many more documents have been placed online. It makes it alot easier to search records from the convenience of your study then having to trek across the globe. Musty old papers are preserved and you have the ability to easily look for great aunt Matilda.

I was thinking about genealogy due the birth of a great niece. Lucy Eleanor Bonadeo joined the human race yesterday around 3PM. Ellie (that's what the parents want to call her) is named after two great grandmothers. Thus keeping peace in the family. Now my only question is, if you wanted to call the young lady Ellie, why not Eleanor Lucy? Got to be some politics involved!

Back to genealogy, Did you know there is a Genetic DNA project? You can submit a sample of DNA and a search will be made to identify your surname history and your ancient ancestors. Click Here for more info: http://www.dnaancestryproject.com/ydna_intro_about.php

I've been back to my Grandparents homes in Romania, but that about peaks my interest in where I came from. I'm more interested in where we are heading (not a big history buff either). It takes all kinds!

#39 - Why do things cost what they do?

I am visiting some friends and they asked for some computer help. The idea was to hook up their printer/scanner/fax to the PC. They have been using it just as a fax machine. Oh and they couldn't find the driver CD. Ok no problem, I can download the driver since they have Broadband Internet. AND they don't seem to have a printer cable. Also no problem. I didn't bring one with me, but almost every store should have a USB printer cable.

So off I go shopping for computer equipment. Now, recall I have a PC business so I don't usually shop in stores for computer stuff. A nearby Office Max seemed to be the ideal solution. So I go in and get directed to the USB printer cable section. There I see a few cables, not a lot of choices. In fact there is only one USB printer cable with 10 feet length (what I need). And then I suffered sticker shock. The cable was $32.99. Oh my goodness! I sell that very same cable (Belkin) for $9.00. What is going on here? I talked with one of the dudes in a Office Max vest (Why do all the mega stores put their employees in vests? Hmmm) and ask if there are any other cables available. The only other item was a cable 6 feet long for $19.99. That wasn't long enough. I made a snap decision and walked out of Office Max.

I looked around and the only store that might have a cable was Target. I ran over there and was directed to the Electronics section. In the back of the huge store of course! But low and behold I find the exact same cable for $14.99. Now we are talking. I go to the checkout and viola it rings up at $17.99. I tell the check out person (in a Target Vest!) "Hey this was marked $14.99 on the shelf in the back of the store!" So I'm thinking this is going to be a hassle. But the check out person calls for a manager and the young lady (23 year old max). Looks at me and says "ring it up like he says". I dash out of the store as quick as I can.

So is that 10 foot cable really worth $32.99? Do people really pay that much for a cable? Should I increase my prices? I make a good % on the cable at $9.00. I remember the old days of PCs (the 80s) when you could get good margins on PC products, but those days are long gone. If you make 10% on a sale you are doing good. Amazing.

#38 MAC vs PC

Have you seem more humorous advertising? Mac vs PC. That poor old fuddy duddy Mr. PC. You wonder why anyone would buy a PC wouldn't you? Well to be fair, lets take a look at the other side of the debate. We love our Mac Mini, and there are lots of great things about MAC Os X that blows Windows away. However, there are reasons the world has not converted to MAC.

#1 and foremost is cost. There is no low end for MACs. The mini MAC is an underpowered 6"x6" box that starts at $599.00. For your money you get 512MB memory and a puny 60GB hard disk drive. For the same money you could have a pretty tricked up PC. And the PC throws in a mouse and keyboard (extra cost on the MAC). Desktop models like the iMac and Power Mac are way over prices versus their PC counterparts. Twice the price in many cases. See how nice a monopoly (Apple) prices its products? And don't even talk about laptops. The MACBook has a 13.3" screen and 512MB memory and that puny 60GB hard disk drive. Costs a scary $1099.00 vs $699 from HP, Toshiba or Lenovo. They will have 15.4" screens with 80GB hard drives. Is the MAC worth an extra $400 for less of a PC? To most no.

#2 Compatibility. Although there are an interesting array of software that runs on the MAC, it is tiny in comparison to PC options. I am constantly amazed at the lack of options of programs to run on the MAC. If all you need to do is browse the Internet and run MS Office, then the MAC is fine. Any specialization that isn't Graphic in nature you are hard pressed to find the program. And you'll pay more for the program than the PC equivalent. If you have some specialized software that your company uses, it likely won't port over to the MAC. There are also issues with the Internet browser that comes with the MAC. Safari is a decent browser, but it doesn't open every Internet site just right (of course the new Internet Explorer 7 has the same issues!). I've downloaded Firefox for the Mac and don't have those issues. Of course anything that was designed for the PC, like WMA audio files and MVM video files have to be translated to the MAC.

#3 Service. Apple is notorious for very mediocre customer service. Apples better be more reliable, cuz you are on your own if you have problems. Just ask ipod owners how nice Apple is when the battery dies. Now not all PC manufacturers are wonderful in customer service. But the options for extended warranties are much less expensive and available for PCs vs MACs.

I can think of great MAC vs PC commercials I can make from the above 3 items. The MAC would look as wonderful. I liken it to buying a car. The majority of people are happy with a Chevy, Ford, Honda or Toyota. Some have to have Mercedes, Lexus or BMWs.

#37 - Light enough?

I head the other night that the Phillips corporation is making a huge push into the florescent bulb business. They are calling for the end of production of incandescent lights by 2016. The announcement follows the recent introduction of legislation in California , Connecticut, North Carolina, and Rhode Island to ban the sale of incandescent bulbs. Australia recently announced it will begin to phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2010.

So is the end of the 128 year old incandescent light bulb (ILB) at hand? There are compelling reasons to make the switch. The ILB uses more energy to make heat then it does light. If the world were to change today to florescent bulbs we would reduce the annual energy demand for by the equivalent of what is generated by 30 nuclear power plants or up to 80 coal burning power plants. Moreover greater than 158 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and 5,700 pounds of air-born mercury emissions would be eliminated.

Of course there is no free lunch. Florescent lights cost 5 -10 times more then ILB, though they last much longer. There is also the issue of energy to produce the florescent bulbs. They are much more complex with a small ballast built into the base of every bulb. When small florescent bulbs first came out the manufacturers separated the actual bulb from the ballast. When the bulb failed you just replaced it and kept the ballast. This model was bulkier and consumers never warmed to it. They just wanted an ILB one for one replacement. Now you have to throw away the bulb and ballast when the bulb fails.

I've changed many of our bulbs over to to florescent. We've gotten used to the white light for reading. Make sure to get ENOUGH light for the job. You probably ought to try some out soon.

#36 - A wandering mind

Just a bunch of random thought this morning.

I see where our local KMart is recycling ink cartridges and old cell phones. The local high school gets a donation based on how many get dropped off. Do your part and don't throw away these items. The US needs so many more recycling programs. We waste more then most nations produce. Keep it green!

Today's Windows Vista rant. For whatever reason, Windows Vista Business has no way to burn a DVD. Only Windows Home Premium and Windows Ultimate have that capability. Hmm seems Microsoft doesn't think business people make DVD presentations. That's novel. Fortunately there are several free or inexpensive programs out on the net that can help. It seems Microsoft is using the leave out key ingredients to make you UPGRADE to their Windows Vista Ultimate program. That's how you make a buck.

Another way is the HP model on printers. Generally give the printer away and then charge an arm and two legs for the cartridges. I saw a cheap HP printer for $49.00 after rebates. To replace the ink cartridges? $60.00 for the two. Economically seems like you just buy another printer. This is one crazy strategy. (I think its the Gillette razor strategy - Give away the razor, make money on the blades).

HP also has a new computer designed for the kitchen. It has a cleanable touchscreen monitor (no mouse) and is a small form factor (small box). It can be placed in any nook and can also take TV input. Costs around $1800, so we'll see if all the hip kitchens start putting one in.

I think I'm randomizing too much, so hopefully I'll be more focused tomorrow!

#34 - Clean PCs out of the box

Today's blog is a rant. I admit it, I confess to being angry about the issue, but its my blog so I can rant at will!

Every PC or Laptop that I set up, I have to remove and delete a ton of programs. Computers come so full of programs that you don't need that they are slow to start out with. My biggest complaint is the Antivirus teaser. Symantec is the biggest instigator of this fraud. You get a 30 or 60 day complimentary trial of the antivirus. Come the end of the trial period and you are reminded (constantly) that you need to pay list price to continue to get protection. Many times its their full blown security program that is so bloated that most PCs just stop what they are doing when it wants to run. I ALWAYS remove these nuisance programs.

Next I remove all the Internet service files. Earthlink, AT&T and of course AOL put tons of files and services on your new PC whether you want them or not. I figure you'll put the Internet Service Provider you want on your PC. 99% of them don't require special files. Just plug and play.

Lately PC makers have been putting all kinds of photo programs on new PCs. I have to confess that what Windows XP has built in is fine for most people. If you want to do some editing pick up a copy of Photoshop Elements. It has EVERYTHING you need and won't use tons of valuable PC resources.

Bottom line is I have to spend 1/2 hour on EVERY PC that I sell to GET rid of programs you don't want or need. I would love to get a PC with NOTHING but the operating system and Computer drivers on it. That's it. Let the user decide what they want to run.

Rant mode off!

#33 Sound of Technology

Sorry for no Blog on Friday. I actually took the day off to watch the rain! Well that was the end result! So lets talk about sounds and technology. If I make a little chirping sound people all around me start reaching for their cell phones. Make a long Beep sound and people start to open their microwave oven. A ding ding sound and you check if you left the keys in your car or the lights are on. We have been trained by our high tech items to answer their call. Pavlov's dog indeed.

I get a kick out of the various ring tones people use on their cell phones. From college fight songs to classical overtures to hip hop/ rap ditties. Me? I usually put my cell on vibrate since I wear it. I feel any other action is rude, crude and intrusive. But hey, that's just Nick. I try not to use the phone when driving or in any public place, but sometimes even the best intentions get swayed by a buzz. Good news is that most Cell Phones have caller ID so if you get Beethoven's Sonata #3 calling you can not answer Aunt Gladys' call.


We have our door bell set up that for one ding its the side door, 2 dings its the front. An electrician not so long ago reversed the wires during a fix up job and we were turned around for days. I quickly changed the wires back to original settings. We understand change, but don't like it much!


I think Microsoft paid someone over $100,000 for the sounds that Windows uses in start up and shut down. I don't think AOL paid much for the infamous "You've got Mail" sound. My Apple mini Mac has a very unique sound that it plays when you turn it on. So having a unique hello must really matter. Again, I would rather they start up quicker and silently, but I must be in the minority.

The most annoying high tech sound for me is when a power supply fan or processor cooling fan starts to go bad. The fan gets a high pitched whiny sound that can last for weeks. It is an indicator that the end is near so don't ignore it! Let me know what high tech sounds you like or hate! Till Tomorrow

#32 – What’s going on outside?

Forecasting the weather is one discipline that has changed dramatically due to modern technology. But even with all our advances, disasters such as the Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the recent Southeast tornadoes happen with surprising regularity. It appears we can get the broad idea of what the weather is doing, but the devil is in the details.

Doppler radar, Meteorological Satellites, global seismographs and the use of modern computational power have all increased the ability of predicting weather phenomena. One of the issues with all these wonderful technologies is our ability to get the information we have to the people that need to hear it. In the case of the Asia tsunami, scientists knew a huge earthquake had happened and that a tsunami was likely. Unfortunately there was no easy way to get that information out to people in the path of the tsunami in time to make a difference.

The case of Hurricane Katrina is even more interesting. Who in the US did not know a big hurricane was going to hit the Gulf Coast? The hurricane was followed for days before it hit land a second time. What many didn’t believe is what the computer models had told for several years. A big hurricane could weaken the levees in New Orleans and flood most of the city.

The recent Alabama tornadoes that killed eight students and 7 others were clearly predicted by the National Weather Service. In fact, the students at the high school in question were in tornado warning position when the tornado hit. What went wrong? What more could technology have done? Maybe build stronger schools? I’m not sure. The power of tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes can’t be discounted. Knowledge of their coming isn’t enough. Being in the right place at the right time transcends the technology to predict natural disasters.