MiiikeeeWorld

Dell streak

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:09:00 +0000

I've been playing with my Dell Streak tablet for the past 24 hours or so. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. It must be understood that my standard of comparison is my 2nd gen Ipad2.
Based on that, the Streak lost out of the gate. The display does not begin to compare to the Ipad. Holding the device at any angle other than straight on in front of your eyes results in a skewed image.
The rest of the hardware in the streak is quite good. It's a shame that Dell opted to cut corners on the display. I'm hoping any future devices they create will address this issue.
Comparing any current tablet to the Ipad is tough. Apple has kept device quality their #1 priority. The extra $200 or so cost of the Ipad is a good investment to have the king of the hill.

Dell Streak

A new laptop is nice.

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:20:00 +0000

   My world isn't perfect but it's real close. I work part time for a software development company based out of Seattle. This past month was the slowest in the 18 months I have worked there.
In a Skype conversation with my boss a few weeks ago I mentioned I wanted to get a somewhat powerful laptop computer that would work well for work when I am away from home. Two weeks ago Fedex delivered an Acer 5741 Laptop computer to my door. My boss had shipped it saying since my month was slow this laptop would boost it up a bit. I was overjoyed. Further conversation revealed he found it in a local computer store and bought 3 of them at a good price.
   I've been totally impressed with the performance of this computer. It has an Intel I5 2.26 Ghz cpu (that will turbo boost to 2.53 Ghz when load dictates it.), 4 GB DDR3 ram and a 320 GB hard drive. Out of the box performance was excellent. However, I insist on having a solid state drive in all of my Notebook computers for the additional performance and battery efficiency they provide. So I replaced the hard drive with an OCZ Agility II 60 GB solid state drive. This change resulted in a huge improvement in performance. I love booting it up and having Windows 7 ready to go to work in 25 seconds.
   Some might argue that restricting myself to 60GB of storage isn't prudent. I don't find it limiting at all. With all the software I need installed I still have 33 GB of storage available. Working for a company immersed in cloud computing I have the ability to store files on the company server, my own home server, a 50 gb Drop Box account as well as a number of USB storage drives.
   This is one computer that I have integrated well into my computer arsenal.

Google Stops shipping CR48 Notebooks.

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:17:00 +0000

As reported on Mashable, Google has ceased shipping CR48 notebooks. Originally it was announced that 60,000 would be shipped. We can assume there are in fact 60,000 of them in use.
At this point anyone wanting a Chrome operating system notebook will have to wait for Acer and Samsung to offer their models sometime in the summer.
I'm hoping that those that received one of the Google notebooks will continue using them and provide feedback to Google to help improve the operating system.

Time for another Desktop Computer

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:40:00 +0000

I've managed to sell the majority of my desktop computers. The building of a new one is in process. I've always been a bigger fan of Intel processors rather than AMD. However my local Microcenter has a program where you buy an AMD processor and get a Motherboard for free. So I picked up an AMD Phenom II X4 3.2 Ghz processor and motherboard. The build is in process. Once completed I'll post details here.

Google Chrome Notebook - First Impression

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:54:00 +0000

A little over a year ago I tried the first version of the Chrome operating system for the first time on a 10" Asus Netbook and was impressed. When Google announced that they had Chrome on a prototype notebook I was all ears to learn more about it. I signed up to receive one by filling out the application. I received an email from the Chrome team that my application would be considered. Yesterday Fedex dropped off a box containing the CR48 Chrome operating system notebook.
I've opened many new notebook boxes. This one was a radical difference. In the box there was a card explaining how to install the battery. There was also another sheet explaining the differences from a normal notebook keyboard. Also in the box was a business card that said "If you cracked this open you'd find Intel".
The first thing I noticed about the CR48 is it's finish. It has a flat black almost rubbery feeling finish. I like the look and feel of it. Perhaps the era of piano black fingerprint magnet finishes is coming to a close. There are no markings anywhere in the notebook. Google has made it clear that it's not a production notebook. It's a prototype to test the standard for manufacturers to design to. Samsung and Acer have already announced that they will have models out in the spring of 2011. I'm sure other manufacturers are working on their own models.

I could not find a way into the bios to see the specifications of the notebook. Fortunately several Tech news sites have already taken one apart.
Specifications
Intel Atom N455 1.66 ghz cpu
2 GB DDR3 1066 ram
16 GB solid state drive
12" LCD Display

I find it a very comfortable notebook to use. The keyboard and touch pad are very similar to Apple's Macbook Pro.
I'll do a follow up on my impressions after a few days use. My first impression is Google has a winner here.

The Cloud

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

In recent weeks I havn't blogged about hardware. I've been extremely active working with cloud based services. The biggest advantage of doing all you can in the cloud is it requires less powerful hardware for the user. Essentially if you have a slower computer you can do many functions in the cloud rather than with software you have to install on your computer. Over the next few weeks I will be blogging about many applications you can run in the cloud to enhance your online experience.

A Keyboard is a Keyboard until....

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:41:00 +0000

A keyboard is a keyboard until you need one that will work on a home theater PC across the room.

I needed a wireless keyboard that would work well across the room from my home theater PC. After looking at hundreds of keyboards I opted for and ordered the Iogear gkm561r.

The main feature I like about it is the laser trackball. Sitting on your lap, the trackball is in the upper right corner making it easy to manipulate with your right thumb. The upper left corner has the 2 mouse buttons and track wheel which are easily controlled by your left thumb.

The specifications say it will work up to 20 foot from the computer. I've managed to get a bit more distance than that. So it serves my needs well.

I've always been cheap about buying keyboards and rarely spend more than $20-25 for one. This Iogear keyboard ran $49.99. After using it a few weeks, I can say it was well worth the money.

Phone Service Does Not Need To Be Expensive

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:50:00 +0000

What do you pay monthly for your mobile phone service $40, $60, $100? Do you still have a land line phone? What does it cost per month $30, $40 or more?
I have both with unlimited long distance and all the usual services at a cost of $85.87 a year. Yes that's right $85.87 a year.
I'm a technology geek. I want all of the latest gadgets and their associated services. But I try to do it as cheap as I can. Allow me to explain how I do it.
Land Line Phone Service
I'm sure you have seen all the Infomercials and Ad's for Magic Jack. I've used a Magic Jack for over a year and it's performed as advertised. Initial cost was $39.99 (includes the first years service). Renewal of service is $19.99 a year. The computer you plug the Magic Jack in to has to be turned on for it to work. If you turn the computer off your Magic Jack calls will go to it's voice mail. I run an energy efficient computer 24/7 to have the Phone available 24/7. This computer only uses 17 watts of power. So the impact on my electric bill is minimal. The computer doesn't require a monitor to be turned on for Magic Jack to work. So I have it connected to a monitor on another computer via a monitor switch box.
Mobile Phone Service
For my mobile phone service I use Skype. My Skype service cost is $30 a year for an incoming number and $2.99 a month for unlimited calling. Total cost of $65.88 a year. I can access my Skype line from any of my computers, my Ipad or my Ipod Touch. . I keep my Ipod Touch on 24/7 with Skype running in background. So it functions the same as a smart phone.
The one flaw with this system is that it requires a wifi internet connection to work. Most places I am I have access to Wifi. When I don't have a wifi connection, I use my Virgin Mobile Mifi. The credit card size Mifi connects to Sprint via a 3g connection and functions as a Wifi hot spot that allows up to 5 devices to connect to it via wifi.
My employer pays for my Mifi service. The Mifi service would cost me $20-40 a month if I had to pay it.
If I paid $20 a month for the mifi, my total phone cost would still be about $27.00 a month. This would also include internet access from anywhere.
Hopefully this will make you take a deep look at your phone service and find ways to reduce costs.
Feel free to send questions and comments to miiikeeeworld@gmail.com.

Ipod Touch Fourth Generation

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:36:00 +0000

On September 1st Apple announced the 4th generation Ipod touch. Initially it didn't interest me as my 3rd generation Ipod touch is only a little over a year old. After reading several reviews my interest in it quickly changed.
The 4th generation Ipod was updated to the same 1 Ghz processor as my Ipad. Additionally Apple went to the upgraded Retina display, built in microphone and 2 cameras.. One camera for taking photos and video and a front facing camera for Facetime video chat. All features I find useful.
So off to the Apple store I went. $229 later I had an 8GB Ipod touch 4th generation.
I am totally impressed with it. Processor speed is noticeable. Battery life is outstanding. The photo/video camera is good, but not up to the standards of a good pocket camera.
The feature I like best is the built in microphone. As I've previously blogged about, I use my Ipod for a Skype telephone. The older versions required the optional earbuds with microphone to use Skype as the microphone and earphones used the same jack. The 4th generation Ipod with the built in microphone & speaker makes it function like a smart phone. IOS4 software allows Skype to run all the time in background at a slight loss in battery time.
After 2 weeks of use, I can't see myself without it.

Ipad Update

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:33:00 +0000

After 6 weeks of use, my Ipad is fast becoming a vital part of my Geeky hardware.
I just returned from a business trip to Austin, Tx. Knowing I was only going to be there one night, I decided to only use a carry on bag and avoid the checked bag issues. I opted to use my Swiss Army backpack/computer case. In this case I was able to pack my 13" Notebook and my Ipad along with a change of clothes and all the essentials I needed.
Once I arrived at my destination I needed my notebook but while traveling I used my Ipad exclusively. It did everything I wanted it to do. It's an amazing experience being on the web in flight. I surprised a lot of friends and family checking in to social networks from 30,000 feet. Having my Skype account on the Ipad eliminated the need to carry a mobile phone. I also had a movie of my choosing as well as an audio book and a good assortment of music to keep me entertained.
The Ipad has become an essential item when I walk out the door. Whether going across town or across the country, my Ipad is essential to my lifestyle.

Windows Home Server Up & Running

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

I recently received an HP Media Smart Home server model X310.

The X310 uses the Intel D510MO dual core Atom process with 2 GB Ram. The unit comes with a 1TB hard drive as well as 3 front panel hot swappable drive bays. While setting the unit up I added one more 1TB hard drive. Being a headless server requiring no monitor, keyboard or mouse connections, HP managed to make it a very compact server (10"H X 10"D X 5"W).

Rear panel connections are minimal. Power reset switch, AC power connector, Gigabit Ethernet connection and 3 USB jacks for additional hard drives.

Set up is extremely easy. Plug the server into your network, power it up and start the provided CD on any computer on the network. Once the server is set up, backing up all the computers on the network is easy. Storing photos, videos and music on the server with the ability to be streamed to any computer on the network is painless. The server can also be accessed from the web in your browser from anywhere. That's a feature I really like.

I'm really happy with the server. It's compact, runs quiet, is extremely energy efficient and most of all easy to use.
My next project is to set up an off site remote backup of the server.

Network Upgrade

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:02:00 +0000

I've connected to other peoples networks that have wireless N. The speed over wireless G impressed me . I have 2 laptops as well as an Ipad that have wireless N so I decided an upgrade was in order.
Looking over the vast array of wireless routers can be confusing. I narrowed the search somewhat by deciding I not only wanted a wireless N router, I also wanted gigabit wired connections. In most cases the difference between a standard 10/100 connection and a gigabit connection isn't critical. In my case, I recently installed a Windows Home Server so a faster wired connection to the server would make a big difference.
Over the years I've had better luck with Linksys routers than most others. Now that Cisco owns Linksys they are even more attractive. You get a consumer grade router with commercial grade engineering.
Ultimately I opted for the Linksys WRT320N. The setup software couldn't have been easier. I'm extremely happy with the Wireless speed and the gigabit wired connection makes an obvious difference.
I would recommend it to anyone.

I bought my last netbook?

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:51:00 +0000

I bought my last netbook! That's a bold statement for a netbook fanboy. As I've blogged a number of times, I love netbooks. For quite some time I have been looking for a laptop that is compact yet easy to be productive on while out and about. I normally use my 14" HP laptop for my work away from home. But I find it a bit big to use when running around town. My HP mini 311 netbook does most of the things I need to do, but I found it a bit too small when doing anything that required a bunch of typing.
Today while picking up other things at the local computer store I discovered the Acer Aspire 4880.
Being a 13" thin and light notebook computer I was impressed with it's size and appearance. My only concern was the processor. It uses the Intel SU2700 1.3 Ghz cpu. While this is a dual core cpu, I really thought the speed might leave something to desire. I played with the computer for about 30 minutes and was quite impressed. Especially considering it is a refurbished notebook running Windows Vista. The processor with the installed 4gb DDR3 ram was more than up to the task of handling Windows Vista 64 bit. That was enough to convince me it would work out fine for me running Windows 7. So I brought it home.
With windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit installed, it performs better than any of my netbooks. A decent 10" refurbished netbook can be found for $200-250. Considering I would up the ram to 2 gb the price quickly approaches $300. Finding this notebook with 4 GB ram, 320 gb hard drive and an 8 hour battery was a great bargain at $329.

Home Servers

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:51:00 +0000

Having been an advocate of cloud storage solutions for quite some time, I've been reluctant to set up a home server. We recently set up an off site backup server for my employer here in my home office. It's been performing like a trooper. It was initially built on a celeron dual core board running a much modified version of FreeNas software. Wanting more energy efficiency out of it I convinced my boss to change over to an Intel atom dual core board. He was more than willing to make it a more "green" system. The end result was a 60% power reduction.
Doing this project sparked my interest in setting up a home server to be used for file storage as well as backup of all the computers here in the office. I decided to use Frankenzilla for my server. That computer has been used for many different projects here in the office but wasn't being used for much right now. It's 3 ghz Pentium D processor with 4 gb of ram was more than adequate for a home server. I have it running on FreeNas and it's doing well.
The only problem with the new home server is the power it consumes running 24/7. I decided to build an Atom D510 energy efficient server to replace it. I mentioned what I was going to do to my boss. He asked me if I had tried Windows Home Server software and went on to explain some of the advantages in using it. He offered me a copy of Windows Home Server software that he hasn't used. Naturally I took him up on his offer. Being a collector of all things tech, my boss called me back later and said he has 2 new windows Home Server machines in his shop doing nothing. He's sending me one. I'm not sure what brand they are, but I'm not one to turn down free hardware.
In a few days I'll be playing with Windows Home Server and comparing it to running FreeNas.
More to come as this project progresses.

Ipad - First Impressions

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:52:00 +0000

When the Ipad was first launched in January I was estatic. It took all of my will power not to order one. I opted to give it a few months to ensure there weren't any bugs in the initial build. I finally took the plunge and ordered one.
Initial response from the tech news world ranged from it was magical to it's an oversize Ipod. A couple of the reputable reviewers made it clear that you can't appreciate what a powerful and useful device it is until you actually have it in hand. After having one in hand for the past 24 hours I couldn't agree with them more.
I find it useful for checking in to social media sites, checking email in multiple email addresses at the same time as well as most of the daily tasks I was doing on my computers. Skype phone service works exceptionally well on it using the built in speakers and microphone.
If I am rushing out the door and don't want to take my usual collection of tech gear with me, taking the Ipad will fill most of my online needs.
I'll be writing more about the Ipad as I integrate it into my life more.

Wifi and Mifi

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:04:00 +0000

When out and about, I use wifi extensively. I'm fortunate to live in an area that I can normally find an open wifi hotspot within 2 or 3 minutes. I use Skype for both my work and normal telephone activities. I've often considered dropping my normal mobile phone service and going strictly with Skype, But there are occasions where I might not have immediate wifi access. I've solved that problem with a Mifi from Virgin mobile.
A mifi is a compact (3"x2-1/4"x1/4") device that connects to the web via 3G on the sprint network and provides a wireless access point for up to 5 devices at once. I went with the Virgin Mobile mifi because it doesn't require a service contract with the wireless carrier. You pay for service monthly and can start and stop your service at will. There are several choices in the monthly service ranging in cost from $20-60. Because of the extensive Wifi services I have in my area, I can get by with the bandwidth provided by the $20 plan as I use mifi only when I don't have access to a wifi hotspot. Speeds seem to be in about the same range as I get from the public Wifi hot spots in the area.
Battery life in the Mifi is about 4 hours. I've yet to drain the battery so low that it required a complete recharge, so I'm not sure how long a total recharge will take. I've made up a 12 volt charging cable so I can charge it from the lighter socket in the car when on the road.
I don't use the Mifi daily, but it's compact size makes it convenient to have on hand to get online from anywhere with my laptops, Ipod touch or the Ipad I have on order.

Netbook Fanboy

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:17:00 +0000

OK, I'm a Netbook Fanboy. I find them to be a useful relatively cheap device to access the web. Over the past year or so a number of Netbooks have come across my desk. For various reasons most of them have been sold or disposed of in other ways. I've now settled on 2 Netbooks in my computer stable.

My primary Netbook is an HP Mini 311 . I use this netbook daily for my work. It runs the typical Atom N270 Netbook processor. It has the added advantage of running the Ion graphics chip for enhanced performance. I've upgraded it to 3 gb of DDR3 ram and added a 32GB Patriot Solid State Drive. The 11 inch screen and usable keyboard makes it a good work horse netbook. I don't find the 32 GB Solid State Drive limiting as our company utilizes cloud computing and most files are stored in the cloud. I've installed Windows 7 home premium on it and it integrates well into my home network.

My secondary Netbook is used more for play than anything else despite being fully capable of doing productive work. It is an Asus EEE PC1000H. This is a quite typical netbook but it has a couple features I really like.

I like having rear panel access to the hard drive. Very few of the modern netbooks have this. The idea of having to totally remove the keyboard and do a near total tear down of the netbook to upgrade the hard drive doesn't set well with me. Fortunately both of the above mentioned models have rear panel access to the hard drive.

I also prefer a Mat finish screen on the Netbook. The Asus has the Mat finish and is usually my first choice when outdoors or on the road where I have to deal with bright sunlight. The HP Mini 311 has a beautiful display, but it's glossy screen is hard to see in the sunlight. I intend to order an anti-glare screen film to help it out.

Choosing a netbook is really a personal thing. It has to be comfortable for you to use. What you intend to use it for makes it a more critical decision than most other computer choices.

Choosing a Netbook requires considerable research to determine what works best for you.

Listening To Audio Books

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:38:00 +0000

For the past few months I've been listening to audio books. I've found it a great way to absorb books at times when it isn't practical to be reading a printed book. While out for a walk, exercising, working around the house, or any other times your hands and eyes are busy with other things are all opportunities to listen to audio books.

There are a number of places on the web to get audio books. Some books are even free. A Google search for audio books will result in many. I use audible.com.

Audible has over 75,000 books to select from. You can buy an individual book or sign up for a monthly membership that will include one or more books per month as part of the package. Audible allows you to carry over credits for book from month to month.

You can download the books to your Ipod or mp3 player, most smart phones or your computer. You can also listen to clips from the books. I like that feature as all of the book readers aren't equal. What could be a good book can be dull and not keep your interest if it's reader isn't good.

Have you tried audio books?

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this post and receive no compensation from any audio book providers.

Social Network Privacy - or not

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:12:00 +0000

I've been trying to keep this blog focused on computer hardware and gadget projects. My online social activities have diverted my attention to privacy on social network sites.
There is much talk in the social sphere about Facebook's privacy policy. Facebook responds to all complaints by pointing out that you can control what you share with others. I'm sure they are right. However setting it up is all but impossible. A number of active social networking experts have trouble with all of the security settings. What's a problem for the experts is an impossible task for the typical computer user on Facebook.
So how do I deal with this? I don't! I assume that anything I post on Facebook or any other social network is available for the world to see. The only thing I do for privacy on social sites is ask myself "Do I care who sees this?". If I don't care I will post it.
A number of people I know have their settings set so others won't know when they are actually on Facebook or turn off their Facebook chat etc. I don't do any of these things. I don't care who knows that I'm on Facebook at any given time. I find Facebook chat handy to have conversations with friends and family members that I don't have on any of my instant messenger contacts. If one of my contacts is someone that bugs me in Facebook chat, I simply tell them I don't have time to chat with them. If they can't accept my honesty and persist I simply drop the person from my contacts. I'll be damned if I will turn off a feature I like because of a couple pesky people. I hide from no one online. I keep my online life as real as the rest of my life. Works for me.

Ipad is winning my vote

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:15:00 +0000

I have been devoting a lot of time reading specifications and reviews of the various tablet type devices as well as tablet convertible netbooks on the market.
I've found the most of the devices limiting. The tablet type devices are a bit under powered to perform well. The convertible netbooks touch screens seem a bit sluggish and slow in response.
After seeing some of the early reviews of the Ipad, it is winning my vote. Initially I was disappointed that it didn't do the typical multi-tasking that we are all used to on our netbooks and laptops. I would have liked it to have a webcam for video conferencing on Skype. Thinking it over, I realized that the Ipad would be another tool in my collection of web devices. I don't view it as being my "do all" device. I use various types of computers and devices for various tasks. Any task that can't be done on the Ipad can be done on another device. Thus it's limitations are far more insignificant than I initially thought.
Most of the early reviews of the Ipad are quite positive. Several from people who's opinion I value and trust. I anticipate buying an Ipad in a few weeks. I want to wait and see consumer opinions as they hit the streets over the next couple weeks.
Initially I was considering buying the entry level wifi only 16 gb storage Ipad. After giving it some thought I'm leaning towards wating for the 3G model and signing up for the unlimited bandwidth plan. That would make it a much more flexible device. I would also gain the GPS function and eliminate the need for a separate GPS device in my truck. It would also enable me to use my Skype in/out phone from anywhere eliminating my need for a separate cellphone.

Deck Mini Computer

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:47:00 +0000

Working from home has it's perks. One of which I am looking forward to as summer approaches is working outdoors on my deck. I do most of my work on my HP Laptop computer. However while working I like to have a second computer going to use for communicating with coworkers. Typically I have Skype, and Ventrilo open for both voice and text communicating. Not wanting to drag a larger computer and monitor out to the deck daily I put together this compact yet efficient package.

The computer was built in a M350 enclosure with a Pico psu80 power supply from mini-box.com. The motherboard is an Intel D510MO with an embedded Atom D510 1.66 Ghz dual core processor with 4 GB Ram and a Patriot 32 GB Solid State Drive .

The monitor is a 7" Lilliput usb monitor from ThinkGeek.

My initial thoughts were that the monitor might be too small to be useful. After using it on the desktop for several weeks as a secondary monitor I was convinced that it would work out fine in this application.So I set it up as the primary monitor on the mini computer.

The system is extremely fast running Windows 7 home premium 64 bit. Now I wait for the weather to warm a bit so I can work from the deck.

Another Compact Computer

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:01:00 +0000

My love of building small form factor (compact) computers continues. For several weeks I've been staring at a Pentium Dual Core 1.8 Ghz CPU sitting on the desk. This CPU was removed from another computer I upgraded. Having an urge to build another computer I set out to gather parts to use to recycle this CPU. Having a spare Ark P1PH1 itx case I wanted to use I set out to look for a motherboard that would support the CPU on hand.
My research revealed that Socket 775 mini-itx motherboards are extremely over priced. Fortunately I found one reasonably priced board from Zotac. The Zotac NF610I-K-E would fit well in the Ark case and prove to be a good platform for the CPU at hand. The big brown truck delivered one a couple days later.
The build went without incident. Setting it up was about as easy as it gets. I installed 4 GB of DDR2-800 ram. Windows 7 found and installed all of the drivers. Performance was on par with the MSI G31 motherboard the processor previously ran on. Graphics seems slightly better on the Zotac board due to the onboard ION video.
The Ark case had room to spare for the motherboard and provided more than adequate cooling.
It was a good build and yielded a reasonably fast computer at minimal cost.

What's all the buzz about Google Buzz

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:37:00 +0000

Without a lot of buzz or hoopla, Google recently released Buzz to the world. Surprisingly, it wasn't released as a Beta application as is the usual case with Google. I jumped on Buzz to see what it is all about. While I am still learning my way around buzz, I want to share my initial thoughts and reaction to it.

If you take Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Picasa, Youtube and other social media and mix it all together, you have Buzz. The entire Buzz experience takes place inside your browser in Gmail. This delivery method lends itself nicely to those of us experimenting with the Chromium browser based operating system. For the desktop computer I look forward to desktop applications for the management of Buzz.

I find Buzz a great sharing application. It will no doubt be refined and fine tuned to make it a better experience. The Buzz development team is receptive to thoughts and ideas on improvement.

I like the entire concept of Buzz. I'm working on learning more about it and look forward to it's migration into the socialsphere.

IPOD Touch After Six Months Of Use

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:36:00 +0000

I bought my Ipod Touch several months ago only because I was curious about it (and I found it at a really good price). At that time I wasn't sure how I was going to utilize it, but being a portable device with wireless internet it had my attention.
I don't do anything on it that I would consider exotic or out of the norm. I use it to listen to music and podcasts when I'm out for my daily walk or away from the home office computers for other reasons. I also find it handy for checking email on multiple accounts, checking facebook and twitter etc. I've also set up instant messaging applications as well as an IRC chat program on it.
Quite some time ago I divorced myself from the world of conventional Landline and Cellphone services. I have a Skype account with a Skype in number as well as unlimited long distance so I've found the Skype application for the Ipod extremely useful.
Would I buy an Ipod Touch again? Absolutely!

Upgrade Of The Linux Computer

miiikeeeworld@gmail.com (Michael (Miiikeee) Wagner) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:18:00 +0000

After building and running this computer a few months I decided it was time to upgrade it a bit. I obtained this motherboard from one of the liquidators for $20 last summer. It is an older socket 775 ATX board running a Celeron 3.33 processor with 4 GB of DDR ram.
Having developed a love for SSD/Flash drives, I installed a Compact Flash to Sata adapter board with an 8 GB Compact Flash card as the primary drive running Ubuntu version 9.04. There is a 100 GB hard drive installed for file storage.
I was totally impressed with the improvement in performance the compact Flash drive made. I have used Ubuntu on a number of computers but never realized the speed and response I have on this computer. This was an upgrade well worth doing considering the $6 cost of the Compact Flash adapter (bought on Ebay) and the $22 cost of the 8 GB compact Flash Card (bought at the local Microcenter).
Future plans for this computer are up in the air right now. It is a keeper. However it's full size tower case doesn't fit into the scheme of things in my home office/workshop. I've managed to have all the other computers built in small form factor cases or my computer cabinet. At some point I can see it taking up residence in the cabinet.