Computers and Peripherals

Review: Club Penguin Plush Toys and ClubPenguin.com

Dennis Gray — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:42:00 -0500

Last year, Disney bought the online virtual polar landscape that is Club Penguin, a virtual world where kids romp and play as penguins do.

This year, they've introduced a plush toy line that extends the virtual polar landscape into the thawed real world with the Club Penguin Series One figures, produced by Jakks Pacific and available at www.ClubPenguin.com/clubpenguinshop.

As of this writing, there are 13 plush polar players to collect, from barristas to cheerleaders, from firefighters (are there fires on a glacier?) to fairies. they've got you covered with any interest your younglings have.

The plush toys themselves are of high build quality, with all the attributes and costuming of the characters they represent. The cheerleader has pom-poms, the soccer guy has a soccer ball and athletic jersey, you get the idea. The figures are roughly 6 inches tall, and soft enough for kids to hurl at siblings without fear. But the real hook for getting moms and dads to buy these plush toys is the secret unlock coin that is attached to the tag. It doesn't seem to be the cuteness factor of the plush toys themselves.

These secret coins unlock features inside the Club Penguin game for players to use exclusively. The virtual items range from guitars and items to decorate their virtual igloos to 'puffles', which resemble small balls of fluff with eyes, which are the virtual pets of Club Penguin. So in short, buying a Club Penguin toy in the real world means instant celeb status in the frozen virtual world.

Club Penguin, the online game and virtual land where kids pretend to be penguins living in a city-sized floating iceburg landscape, is full of activities like ice fishing, and other games that earn virtual coins to buy virtual stuff in The Penguin store, and social networking with other penguins - er - kids - through a heavily controlled web-chat mechanism that protects the kids privacy and keeps them from revealing any personally identifiable info. You can visit their website for details on the privacy aspects of the online game, but I allow my son to play the game mostly unsupervised due to the strict controls placed on the players.

Club Penguin, the online game is free - mostly. There is a paid option, and to take full advantage of the secret coin with the Club Penguin plush toys, you'll need to be a paid member of the service. That said, there are still lots of sctivities to keep young ones occupied, ages 6-10 being the target audience.

So as a gift, these plush flightless birds might be suitable for kids already plugged in to the Club Penguin scene, or into penguins in general. But if your kids aren't driven to waddle or hang out in igloos, you may want to pass. The $20-30 price is high for the toy itself. Its really the benefits inside the Club Penguin game that make this a worthwhile purchase.

Review: Audio-Technica ATH-ES3 Headphones

Dennis Gray — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:34:32 -0500

Flat is the word.

They fold flat, they have a flat frequency response, and they sound kinda flat. But flat is a GOOD thing for headphones. Really.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ES3 Headphones are classified as mid-sized over-the-ear headphones that are lightweight (2 ounces without the wire) and the ear cups fold flat for storage or stuffing in your gadget bag of choice, or even the bag the headphones ship with. They have a published frequency response of 10Hz to 25KHz, which basically means that they will play back all the sound the human ear can hear, and the dog will like them, too.

They also ship the ATH-ES3 with a belt clip cable organizer, and they're available in different colors to suit; white with silver accent, white with metallic pink accent, white with metallic blue accent and white with metallic green accent. They have a 3.5mm right-angle stereo plug for connecting to your favorite portable audio source, but if your portable media player is in a carrying case or protective shell (my player of choice wears one), the plug may not fit into the headphone socket, as the right-angle connector is on the large side.

The response curve is very flat - so much so, they have a sound very similar to 'reference-type' headphones audio engineers use. When listening to these, I compared them to some high-end 'reference' headphones from Grado and Sennheiser, and the only distinguishing factor between them was the outside ambient noise from the environment creeping in due to the small earpieces. Bass is NOT boosted in the design, as is common with a lot of smaller headphone designs, and the impedance of the ATH-ES3 is on the low end - 32 ohms - which means you'll need to crank the volume a bit more than with those earbuds that came with your rig. The large 28mm drivers take a bit of energy to get moving after all.

These headphones are smallish for the average adult and style-wise are suited for a woman's tastes - at least my wife says so. The diameter of the earpieces is small-ish to be classified as 'over-the-ear', but its a compromise that aids portability. Put another way, the earpieces are just about the best fit you'll find for younger kids, without experiencing the irritating tendency of full-size headphones to fall off the kid's head and land in their plate of spaghetti-O's...not that something like that has happened in my household.

The downside is the price. These are on the high-end of the price scale, around $70, and as of this wiritng can be hard to find. But if you're looking for a headphone that doesn't fall off your head and doesn't muddy up your listening with bass-blasting and boosting, try these on for size. If you're raising a young audiophile, this headphone is spot-on.

Episode 59: Send in the Clowns

Dale — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:17:04 -0400

Dale is joined this week by a substitute host: Ringmaster Greg from Dancing with Elephants.

Tech News:

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Redboy offered his thoughts on the creepy doll.

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Music by Kevin McLeod

Netbooks: Dumbing Down the PC

Dale — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:55:35 -0400

As Apple goes, so goes the industry. When Apple announced the iMac sans floppy drive, the PC industry proclaimed it a failure, because nobody would buy a computer without a floppy drive. Based on the unprecedented success of the iMac in its many fruity, flowery, and lamp-like incarnations, this prediction was clearly wrong, and the rest of the industry followed. Today, you'll have trouble finding a PC with an included floppy drive.

Recently, Apple released a new MacBook, and while they've emphasized the new case design and environmentally-friendly components, Steve Jobs failed to mention the lack of a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port in the MacBook. We should've seen this coming when the 5th Generation iPods lost their FireWire capabilities, but nobody really cared back then. This absence may well signal the end of the FireWire standard if history repeats itself, or it may signal the end of FireWire being used in consumer-level devices. (Once new iMacs are announced, likely January 5 at the MacWorld Expo, we'll know Apple's plan for sure.) But more importantl;y, what does this mean to consumer-level devices?

In the early days, consumers used computers for programming, word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. Later, internet functions came into play, and media management, creation, and editing became popular. Except for video, none of these require a FireWire port, but with video being the hub of the next generation of computer use, and high definition video being the future, Apple has closed off consumers to the best interface for large video file transfer and editing (not to mention making their own Migration Assistant useless).

What does Apple see as the future of consumer computer use? It seems that consumer applications will soon be limited to "cloud" capabilities, all of which have to be fairly simple due to bandwidth requirements. The MacBook Air also shows a trend toward cloud-exclusive computing with its tiny hard drives. Consequently, while the shape of consumer computing may change, don't expect a major evolution of consumer computing in the near future. Applications like Keynote/Powerpoint should abandon the slideshow paradigm for a more fluid model. iMovie should become more powerful, not less so like it did in iMovie '08. Computing is getting simpler, not just to use, but in capabilities, instead of more innovative. When improved data transfer methods for greater editing capabilities should be emphasized instead of diminished, Apple, the king of creative media, decreases the capability, thus limiting the functionality of its hardware and thus the options for its software.

As computer power continues to increase exponentially, we should expect the capabilities to increase as well, not decrease. I sincerely hope that the MacBook (and all consumer-level notebooks in turn) don't soon become glorified mobile phones and that Apple soon once again makes innovation their priority. The future of home computing would seem to depend on it.

Episode 58: Creepy Doll

Dale — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:36:38 -0400

Dale and Teresa are back without pumpkins.

Toy News

Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Cuddle and Coo Doll: Subversive?

Tech News:

MyKey helps parents control teen drivers
Apple's New MacBooks (Note: No FireWire!)

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Music by Kevin McLeod

New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design

Dale — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:06:52 -0400

Industry's Greenest Notebooks

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today unveiled an all new MacBook(R) family that redefines notebook design, and at the same time dramatically lowers the entry price for advanced notebook features including all-metal enclosures and pro-performance notebook graphics by $700 to make them far more affordable. The new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro both have a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, resulting in thinner, more durable and incredibly beautiful designs. In addition, every member of the new MacBook family includes state of the art NVIDIA graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays and new large glass Multi-Touch(TM) trackpads that offer almost 40 percent more tracking area and support more Multi-Touch gestures. The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury- free and made with arsenic-free glass.

"Apple has invented a whole new way of building notebooks from a single block of aluminum. And, just as important, they are the industry's greenest notebooks," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The new MacBooks offer incredible features our users will love -- like their stunning all-metal design, great 3D graphics and LED backlit displays -- at prices up to $700 less than before."

"Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook, we've replaced all of those parts with just one part -- the unibody," said Jonathan Ive, Apple's senior vice president of Industrial Design. "The MacBook's unibody enclosure is made from a single block of aluminum, making the new MacBook fundamentally thinner, stronger and more robust with a fit and finish that we've never even dreamed of before."

The new MacBook line features the powerful new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, a revolutionary new 3D integrated graphics processor that features 16 parallel processing cores and delivers up to five times the 3D graphics performance as previous MacBook and MacBook Air(TM) designs. Apple has worked together with NVIDIA on this groundbreaking graphics processor and is the first to bring it to market in the new MacBook family.

The new smooth glass Multi-Touch trackpad on the MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro gives users almost 40 percent more tracking area than before, making it even easier to use Multi-Touch gestures like pinch, rotate and swipe. New gestures allow users to activate Expose(R) or switch between applications at the touch of a fingertip. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing users to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. Users can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.

Every member of the new MacBook family features an LED-backlit display for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor and eliminates the mercury found in industry standard fluorescent tube backlights. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies, and the edge-to- edge cover glass creates a smooth, seamless surface. Every display in the new MacBook line uses completely arsenic-free glass.

The new MacBook delivers the top three features that MacBook customers have told us they want in a new MacBook -- an all metal enclosure, high performance 3D graphics and LED-backlit displays -- at an entry price that is $700 less than the $1,999 price of the MacBook Pro. At only 0.95-inches thin and weighing just 4.5 pounds, the new 13-inch full featured aluminum MacBook is an incredibly compact and durable notebook starting at just $1,299. Featuring the new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor, MacBook delivers outstanding 3D game play on a consumer notebook, with up to five times faster graphics performance than the previous generation. The new MacBook is available in two models: the 2.0 GHz MacBook with a 160GB 5400 rpm hard drive, and the 2.4 GHz MacBook with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a backlit keyboard.

The powerful new 15-inch MacBook Pro at only 0.95-inches thin and weighing just 5.5 pounds offers ultimate performance and extensive expansion features in a remarkably portable design. Starting at $1,999, the MacBook Pro uses the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors available, running up to 2.8 GHz, and a new graphics architecture that allows users to switch between the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor for better battery life and the powerful NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor for higher performance. The new MacBook Pro is available in two models: a 2.4 GHz model with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a 2.53 GHz model with a 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive.

Today Apple also updated MacBook Air and the 17-inch MacBook Pro. MacBook Air, measuring only 0.16-inches at its thinnest point, 0.76-inches at its maximum height and weighing just three pounds, now includes new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a faster architecture to provide robust support for 3D games and enhanced performance. Starting at $1,799, MacBook Air is available with a 120GB 4200 rpm hard drive, a 50 percent increase from the previous generation, or a new 128GB solid state drive. The updated 17-inch MacBook Pro keeps its original aluminum design, and now comes standard with a high resolution 1920 x 1200 LED-backlit display and a larger 320GB hard drive or an optional 128GB solid state drive.

Setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebooks, every model of the new MacBook family achieves EPEAT Gold status.* Each MacBook unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic- free glass. The new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements, contains no brominated flame retardants and uses internal cables and components that are PVC-free.

The new MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air include a next generation, industry-standard Mini DisplayPort to connect with the new Apple LED Cinema Display featuring a 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with a built-in iSight(R) video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. Part of the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard, the new Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra- compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, perfect for the sleek design of the new MacBook family. Adapters are available for using the MacBook's Mini DisplayPort with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays.

Every Mac(R) in the Apple lineup comes with iLife(R) '08, Apple's award- winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, featuring iPhoto(R), the easiest, fastest way to organize and share digital photos, and a completely reinvented iMovie(R), both seamlessly integrated with the MobileMe(TM) Gallery for online photo and video sharing.** Every Mac also includes Leopard(R), the world's most advanced operating system which features Time Machine(TM),*** an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac; a redesigned Finder(TM) that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs; Quick Look, the best way to instantly see files without opening an application; Spaces(R), an intuitive feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them; and major enhancements to Mail and iChat(R).****

Pricing & Availability

The new MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro and 17-inch MacBook Pro are now shipping and the new MacBook Air will be available in early November through the Apple Store(R) (http://www.apple.com/), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. An updated 13-inch white MacBook featuring 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a slot-load 8X SuperDrive(R) is now available for $999 (US).

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch aluminum MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;-- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;-- 1066 MHz front-side bus;-- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;-- 160GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden MotionSensor;-- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-RDL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;-- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);-- built-in AirPort Extreme(R) 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- Gigabit Ethernet port;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- two USB 2.0 ports;-- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting bothoptical digital and analog;-- glass Multi-Touch trackpad; and-- 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.4 GHz aluminum MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,599 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;-- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;-- 1066 MHz front-side bus;-- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;-- 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden MotionSensor;-- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-RDL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;-- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- Gigabit Ethernet port;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- two USB 2.0 ports;-- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting bothoptical digital and analog;-- glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and-- 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 250GB 5400 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual- Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare(R) Protection Plan.

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch aluminum MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

-- 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;-- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;-- 1066 MHz front-side bus;-- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 videomemory;-- 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden MotionSensor;-- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-RDL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;-- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- Gigabit Ethernet port;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- two USB 2.0 ports;-- one FireWire(R) 800 port;-- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;-- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting bothoptical digital and analog;-- glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and-- 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.53 GHz aluminum MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

-- 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;-- 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;-- 1066 MHz front-side bus;-- 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 videomemory;-- 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden MotionSensor;-- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-RDL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;-- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- Gigabit Ethernet port;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- two USB 2.0 ports;-- one FireWire 800 port;-- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;-- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting bothoptical digital and analog;-- glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and-- 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 250GB 7200 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm or a 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit high resolution 1280 x 800 glossydisplay;-- 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;-- 1066 MHz front-side bus;-- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;-- 120GB serial ATA hard drive running at 4200 rpm, with Sudden MotionSensor;-- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- one USB 2.0 port;-- one headphone port;-- Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and-- 45 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;-- 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;-- 1066 MHz front-side bus;-- 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM;-- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;-- 128GB solid state drive;-- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- one USB 2.0 port;-- one headphone port;-- Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and-- 45 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options and accessories for the MacBook Air include the MacBook Air SuperDrive, Apple USB Ethernet Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple Remote and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.5GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:

-- 17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200 glossy display;-- 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;-- 800 MHz front-side bus;-- 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM;-- NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 512MB with GDDR3 video memory;-- 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden MotionSensor;-- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-RDL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;-- DVI output port for video output (VGA adapter included);-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth2.1+EDR;-- Gigabit Ethernet port;-- built-in iSight video camera;-- three USB 2.0 ports;-- one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port;-- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;-- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting bothoptical digital and analog;-- Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and-- 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, anti-glare display, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit http://www.epeat.net/.

**The MobileMe service is available to persons aged 13 or older. Annual membership fee and internet access required. Terms and conditions apply.

***Time Machine requires an additional hard drive (sold separately).

****Video chatting requires a broadband Internet connection; fees may apply.

Review: diNovo Edge, Mac Edition Keyboard

Dale — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:15:58 -0400

Just a few weeks ago, I swapped an eMac and an iBook for a MacBook as an all-in-one solution. That said, I still prefer a desktop computer, especially the full-size keyboard. When I want to move it (it's a laptop, after all--that's the point!), I have to drag around keyboards and mice or else use the smaller and less comfortable laptop keyboard, so when I heard about Logitech's diNovo Edge, Mac Edition, it seemed like just what the carpal tunnel surgeon ordered. But as a Bluetooth keyboard, the Edge isn't just convenient--the only bells and whistles it doesn't have are bells and whistles (although it beeps when you hit the Caps Lock key to let you know you bumped it before typing an entire paragraph in all caps--yes, I look at my hands when I type). It's also pretty: glossy black with a matte silver wrist rest on the front. All it lacks is the light-sensitive glow of the MacBook Pro keyboard, although that would significantly cut into battery life, so it's an understandable absence.

Setup

Install the included software, restart, and use Bluetooth settings so the Mac recognizes the keyboard, and you're set to go. Play around with the settings if you want, or just use it as is. Besides the necessary restart, it couldn't be easier.

Keys

The full-size keyboard lays very flat on the desk, so those used to the incline of Apple's keyboards will have to get used to the lack of slope, but I got used to it within a few hours, even though I use an Apple keyboard at other times during the day. The keyboard also lacks a number pad and an "Enter" key (Return, yes. Enter, no.), which may be a problem for certain applications, and unlike the MacBook keyboards, fn-Return doesn't do "Enter". That said, the extra keys can be customized, so I just configured one I wouldn't use to be my Enter key. I'll still miss the number pad, though.

The FKeys across the top are by default assigned different functions like Dashboard, Mail, iTunes, Spaces, Cover Flow, and more. You can customize these to whatever you want with a very easy setup. You can even set a key to a particular document or internet URL like Google.com or TechTalkforFamilies.com to allow you to check it often with a keystroke. Controls also include an option to limit the special functions to requiring holding the fn key, thus allowing you to use those FKeys for other uses as well.

Beyond these keys (and yes, it has a dedicated forward-del key, which many Mac keyboards lack), the Edge includes a handful of other useful buttons around the sides of the keyboard. Play/Pause, <<, and >> allow for quick iTunes control from any application (hold to fast-forward/rewind or tap for next/previous song). A power button to shut down your Mac takes the top left, and the left side finishes with a cursor key that functions as a standard (left) mouse button, which makes click-and-drag easier. (I reconfigured the power button to be my Enter button.)

Touchpads

On the right side, besides a Front Row button (which I reconfigured to launch my favorite application launcher, Quicksilver). you'll find a rounded rectangle that adjusts your speaker volume as you slide your finger up and down it, and a mute button below allows for fast silence when the phone rings in the middle of that YouTube video of the laughing baby. Bottom right holds a circular trackpad with both right and left buttons, plus 2 nubs for vertical and horizontal scrolling. The trackpad is a bit small for regular use, but it works when you don't want to drag a mouse with you on your trip, and the scroll nubs take a bit of time to master. I recommend using your pinkie finger for both "mousing around" and scrolling if you can reach, allowing you to keep your fingers on the keys.

Comfort

Besides the aforementioned flat angle, this keyboard has great response. The inverted-t of the arrow keys works well for games, but the page up/down/home/end key layout sometimes makes the keyboard feel crowded, but this again just takes a bit of getting used to. The J and F keys have subtle nubs for touch-typists.

Maintenance

The keyboard comes with a charging base (it ships almost fully charged so you can use it out of the box, and a 4-hour charge is supposed to last a month. Mine says, after 24 hours off the charger, that it still has 32 days left, and you can turn it off when not in use to further preserve the charge. Just don't lose the charger while you're not using it. (Don't leave it plugged in, either--it's a waste of energy.)

The keyboard also includes a chamois-like cleaning cloth to get your finger grub off, although black keys don't show grime nearly as quickly as white keys on Apple's keyboards. Just make sure to turn off power on the keyboard before cleaning.

Verdict

Windows keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, but the Mac doesn't have nearly the variety. That said, like applications, it's often been said that you don't need a lot of different ones when you have the best. The diNovo Edge is, for the average family, the best external keyboard on the market. At $160 ($145 at Amazon), it's double the cost of Apple's offering, but if you want the Harley of Mac keyboards, this is it.

Review: Wacom Bamboo/Bamboo Fun Pen Tablets for Macintosh and Windows

Dale — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:23:06 -0400

My kids love to draw and paint, but they also love their computers, and Wacom, known for their drawing tablets, offers tablets in a variety of sizes and feature sets. While the more expensive ones appeal more to professional graphic artists and serious hobbyists, the Bamboo series make the digital art pad available to families on a budget ($79 and $99, the cheapest Wacom tablets ever).

The Bamboo series come in 2 options, the Bamboo and the Bamboo fun. The tablets are compatible with Mac OS X and Windows, but and is compatible with both standard and wide screens. Installation went fine, but parts of the (flash animation) tutorial wouldn't work properly on an iMac G3/500. Anything faster will, I'm sure work fine.

They both offer 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, equal to the more expensive Graphire series, enough for all but the professional artist, but the Bamboo only offers 1 level of eraser pressure, while the Bamboo Fun offers 512 levels of eraser pressure as well. The Bamboo Fun also includes a wireless (and no batteries needed) 2-button mouse with scroll wheel. (Note that the mouse has a cloth bottom and keeps your tablet free of dust, but it collects all that dust and should be cleaned regularly. I found that a fingernail will clean most of it. It still works fine even when dusty, though.) The Bamboo Fun also comes in multiple sizes and 4 colors, but most importantly, it comes bundled with software, including Photoshop Elements and Painter Essentials. If you don't have a decent paint application (and no, AppleWorks or MS Paint don't count), the software alone make the Fun easily worth the extra $20. If you, like me, write faster than you type, the handwriting recognition comes in handy, using the built-in handwriting recognition systems of the Mac OS and Windows operating systems (not included in Vista Home Basic, so if you're using that system, handwriting recognition will not be available to you).

On a slower computer, the input sometimes lagged, which led to some frustration, but anything 700 MHz or faster handles it just fine with no lag whatsoever.

The Bamboo includes a PDF manual, but it's a bit difficult to find. Look on the install CD:Program Files:English for the PDF.

Recent Wacom tablets, the Bamboo series included, have added 4 "express keys," configurable in the Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac). These keys can be assigned like extra FKeys so you can keep your hands on the pad and not have to reach for the keyboard when in the middle of a sketch. The tablet also includes a Touch Ring that functions much like the touch wheel on an iPod or scroll wheel on a mouse and works better than a mouse's wheel thanks to the fine control absent in most mouse wheels, the Bamboo Fun mouse wheel included. The wheel can also be configured like the express keys to zoom and scroll.

The included stylus takes some getting used to, not because it's unresponsive, but just because it functions differently than a mouse. The tutorial helps to explain this, but it still takes some time to keep from using it like a mouse. It has buttons on it that can be configured with a custom pop-up menu to include other items like favorite applications or other commands. These many options will keep your hands off the keyboard more than you'd expect if you really tweak the buttons, wheel, and pen to your frequent needs.

The stylus handles as well as any other Wacom pen. It's light, comfortable, and easy to use, and the pad has added just enough texture to feel like writing on a sheet of paper instead of smooth plastic, making the digital writing much easier to get used to.

My 10-year-old got the hang of this, and as our resident artist, really enjoyed it. Younger children may or may not be able to adapt to the pen, depending on the child, but if they have the patience to get used to it, they'll also enjoy it. Even the Bamboo can function as a standard mousepad to use with your preferred mouse, and the included stand is convenient, but not as convenient as the integrated holder at the top of other Wacom models, so if you have a spare USB port (or powered hub), you can connect this to the computer your child uses and always have it available. My daughter swaps the pad with her digital camera, since both use the same USB cord, and always keeps it handy. I highly recommend the Bamboo Fun to enable a child, teen, or adult to take on a new tool for self-expression that becomes very powerful (yet easy to use) with the included software. If you just can't afford the Bamboo Fun, get the Bamboo, and download Gimp to run with it. (The Bamboo Fun Medium offers a larger surface and is great if you can afford it, but it's double the price.) It's different from and no substitute for real pencils, crayons, paint, and chalk, but it's rather one more artistic medium to encourage creativity for anyone. And cleanup is nearly instantaneous.

Tips: How to Keep Your Computer Clean

Dale — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:32:51 -0400

Computers still cost money, and you want them to last, so here are some tips to keep your computer clean, not only to preserve the mechanisms, but to improve your health.

Monitor

Monitors, whether flat or CRT, are best cleaned with a damp cloth. Whatever you do, don't spray Windex on the monitor screen. Also, make sure to watch the vents on the top and/or back of the monitor for dust buildup, and use a damp cloth or Q-tip to clean out the vents.

Keyboard

Your keyboard is probably the dirtiest part on your computer, just because it's touched the most. Crud builds up from your hands, dust, and food particles. Over time, especially on a shared keyboard, these keys and crud can collect and spread disease, so it's a good idea to keep it clean. Here are some quick and dirty (so to speak) tips for cleaning it.

When cleaning a keyboard, disconnect it from your computer. Since most use USB, you don't have to shut down the computer first like in ages past. This will prevent not only accidental keystrokes, but just in case you drip on the circuitry, it'll prevent an electrical short.

Compressed air is great, and every computer owner should have a can on hand (keep out of reach of children and untrustworthy teens, though--it's dangerous if inhaled directly), but sometimes, you need a little more.

A soft bottle brush will allow you to gently scrub under the keys to loosen up crumbs and other debris to be blown away by compressed air. Find one with a long wire handle but thin enough to fit under the keys. Make sure it fits easily between rows, or you could damage your keys. Follow with the compressed air.

Avoid sugar: if you must drink by your keyboard, stick with diet soda or coffee or tea, either unsweetened or sweetened by artificial sweeteners, and no milk. If it gets spilled, these won't be sticky after drying, and milk just stinks and gets crusty after drying.

Baby wipes can get built-up crud off of the tops and sides of keys, but make sure you wring excess water out first to avoid dripping.

In case of a spill

If you spill a liquid on a keyboard, follow these steps to restore it:

Immediately disconnect the keyboard from the computer. Pull the plug however you can as fast as you can.
You were drinking a sugar-free drink like I recommended, right? If not, put your keyboard in the top rack of the dishwasher, no soap, and turn off the heat cycles. Run a light wash. Really. All but the most complex keyboards are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the keyboard's dead anyway otherwise, so you have nothing to lose.
Set the keyboard in the sink, standing vertically, and generously pour isopropyl alcohol on the keys. This will wash away the water and any dyes in the drink. Alcohol will also evaporate more quickly than water or most other fluids.
Drain as much liquid off as possible. Use a dry dish towel or paper towel to absorb additional liquid.
Set keyboard upright (tall, against a wall or other verticle surface) in a dry, well-ventilated, low-traffic area. Leave it there to dry for 5-7 days. Check frequently for any liquid collecting in the bottom or other pockets.
Once dry, connect to your computer, but if you notice any odd key entry behavior (keys not working or working when not pressed or repeating strangely), disconnect immediately and allow to dry for a few more days.

Do you have any computer cleaning tips? Post them in the comments below.

Wacom and E-Ink: The end of notepads?

Dale — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:32:14 -0400

Wacom and E Ink have put digital pen to digital paper to partner the Penabled digital pen to the Vizplex epaper display, opening up guaranteed new products that will allow you to set aside that notepad and just grab your electronic notepad. Full Story Follows:

Wacom(R) and E Ink(R) Partnership Delivers Pen Input to Electronic Paper Displays

Combined expertise provides innovative and flexible human interface solutions to mobile computing platforms

TOKYO, VANCOUVER, Wash., and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Wacom and E Ink Corporation announced today a partnership that will integrate Wacom's Penabled(R) digital pen input solution with E Ink's Vizplex(TM) electronic paper displays. With pen input high on the list of many eBook, Tablet PC, eNewspaper, PDA, eNotepad and appliance-type designers, the Wacom and E Ink partnership comes at an ideal time for mobile computing manufacturers looking to develop new and exciting consumer products.

E Ink's Broadsheet AM300 prototyping kit, available in a 6 inch diagonal size in June and other sizes later, combines the two technologies in a solution that mobile computing manufacturers can easily integrate into their product designs.

Wacom (Booth 1129) and E Ink (Booth 913) will be showcasing their technologies at the International Society for Information Display exhibition, May 20 to 22, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Electronic paper with pen input is ideal for reviewing documents on a portable device. E Ink Vizplex displays enable slimmer devices to have bigger screens that are easy on the eyes, even in ambient light. The intuitive nature of pen input makes it easy to navigate, write down ideas, highlight points of interest, as well as sketch or draw. Together the technologies achieve the ultimate vision of an interactive piece of paper.

"e-Paper is opening up a number of new products for displays, including eBooks, Mobile Internet Devices, Smart Labels and Digital Signage," said Barry Young, Senior Advisor for DisplaySearch. He added that "the partnership between E Ink and Wacom in the application of pen input should increase the breadth of ePaper capabilities and accelerate the growth rate."

"The marriage of Wacom's input technology with E Ink's Vizplex electronic paper displays offer manufacturers unmatched flexibility and creativity when it comes to the design of e-paper based products," said Stephen Sedaker, Director of Component Sales for Wacom. "Whether giving the user a way to digitally jot notes in the column of a book, or circle an interesting entry in the daily newspaper, people now have the option to interact freely with electronic paper."

Partnership Promotes Innovation

As electronic paper displays enter mainstream applications, the ability to support writing and drawing has become important. In emerging applications like eTextbooks, this feature is vital. Students are used to highlighting selected text, making annotations and simply scribbling notes and until now that was only possible via a keyboard connected to an electronic paper display. Pen input allows a level of flexibility and freedom that is not easily duplicated by other input means.

Wacom and E Ink are both leaders in their respective fields. Wacom's electro-magnetic resonance (EMR(R)) technology, bolstered by its patented battery-free and cordless digital pen, dubbed Penabled, has played a significant role in the development and success of the mobile computing industry. Wacom's OEM customers include, Lenovo, HP, Toshiba and Gateway.

E Ink's Vizplex electronic paper displays have become the display of choice for applications like eBook, eNotepad, eNewspaper, and ePlanner. With key attributes such as ultra low power, sunlight readability, thin form factor, low weight and EMI, E Ink's Vizplex displays offer benefits unmatched by any other display technology or manufacturer. E Ink's customers include Lexar, Motorola, Sony, Amazon, Citizen, Casio-Hitachi, iRex, Polymer Vision and Plastic Logic among others.

"E Ink Vizplex displays are replacing paper documents as people look for faster and more convenient ways to receive and absorb written information. One of the key benefits of ordinary paper is that you can write on it," said Sriram Peruvemba, Vice President of Marketing for E Ink Corp. "Now with Wacom's help, people can write and draw on electronic paper for a natural and collaborative experience."

The Broadsheet AM300 prototype kit being offered by E Ink is the fastest way to start working with E Ink technology which now includes the Wacom Pen input feature. The Broadsheet kit will enable engineers to rapidly prototype and develop next generation ePaper products. The AM300 will be shipping in June and is available online at http://www.eink.com/ for pre-order.