Palm responds to Engadget! WOW!

I cannot believe this my Mr. Ed Colligan has responded to Engadget's Open Letter to Palm via Palm's blog. It is a short response, but I must say that I am impress and am looking forward to see what Palm will have to offer down the road. Who knows maybe I will jump ship from the iPhone- well, maybe not that quick. Palm's got a lot of convincing to do...

"Thanks Engadget


Dear Peter, Ryan and Joshua:

Thank you for the very thoughtful post about Palm. I really appreciate the fact that you guys and others care enough to take the time to write such a comprehensive list of actions. I forwarded it to our entire executive staff and many others at Palm have read it. Although I can’t say I agree with every point, many are right on. We are attacking almost every challenge you noted, so stay tuned. Let’s remember that it is very early in the evolution of the smartphone and there is enormous opportunity for us to innovate. We have only just begun to fight!

Thank you for taking the time to write. I really do take your comments to heart and I know the team at Palm is totally committed to delivering the best mobile computing solutions in the world.

-Ed Colligan"

WOW! This is definitely not a typical move by a CEO of a company, but it will definitely help with Palm's PR and the public view of Palm as a company.

Shredding paper on the go

Funny Gadget points to a neat little USB powered paper shredder. It's small and portable, but the paper must also be small and portable. Not sure why people create these things, but I guess there is a demand for shredding papers on the go. Wonder if it does the confetti shredding?

Source: Funny Gadget

Gadget's that work as advertised!

You purchase a new gadget and bring it home only to find out something is not quite right with it. You get that sinking feeling and that money you spent on this shiny useless gadget is making you sick. If this has ever happened to you (it has with me, I purchased a few wifi routers and PC cards only to find out they didn't work), you will probably appreciate this article entitled "Let's See Gadgets That Actually Work". Now, you'll read some rather harsh comments on the iPhone which I wouldn't agree with, unless of course that happened to me!

"Even though I've spent a good chunk of my professional career writing about the technology business, I've never been a gadget hound myself. In fact, I consciously resist certain habit-changing technologies.

I was last person I know to get a mobile phone, and I only recently got a BlackBerry. I couldn't live — or rather make a living — without e-mail, word processing and the Internet.

But $500 for a first-generation iPhone? Never."

Source: Fox News Technology

How'd I used my iPhone today!

Having a gadget that can make you more productive is an incredible joy! My iPhone does just that and as today was a busy day, it was very useful for me. Today one of my teenagers texted me about helping out at our county fair this weekend passing out tracts, I quickly responded to his text letting him know some details about it. I also had several voicemails today and with my visual voicemail on my iPhone I was able to quickly hear the ones I wanted to first. My wife also sent me some texts today about some of our bills being lower- YEAH! I also responded to some email and was able to check a church's website as well that I needed to look at. I also added events to my iPhone and change a few others that needed to be update because of some changes. Of course, I made and received many phone calls today. A few minutes ago, I went jogging and listened to my jogging playlist using my iPhone.
All of this I did with one device. For several years now, I have balked at a converged device, but now I am totally sold on the idea and the iPhone has been a huge reason for that change. Some may think an iPhone is an overpriced toy, but for me it has proven to be quite a productivity booster.

Brando's USB Mini Battery recharger for your gadgets

This looks like an extremely useful gadget especially since it can charge a myriad of gadgets. I like that it can also charge the iPhone which is a very useful and important gadget to me.

USB Mini Battery

Have you ever had experiences that devices are running out of battery while in use? It is disturbing when you are enjoying your MP3 or chatting happily with friends on the phone, etc. Now! USB Mini Battery won't let these situation happen anymore! You can charge your devices in a flash before battery exhausts! You can charge your iPhone, Handheld PC, Digital Camera, Cellphone, DV, MP3, CD Player, PMP, PSP, NDS, NDS Lite and any other applicable devices.

Features:
- Recharge eletronic devices, such iPhone, PDA, Mobile phone...
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy to carry, easy to use
- On / OFF Switch
- 3-level LED indicator
- Dimensions: 70x35x21mm
- Weight: 69g

Specifications:
- Input (Mini USB): 5VDC, 500mA Min.
- Output (USB Type A Port): 5VDC, 1000mA
- Battery Chemistry: Li-ion
- Battery Capacity: 2200mAh

Package Contents:
- USB Mini Battery
- USB Cable
- User Manual

Cool gadget- A PDA for the blind.

Engadget is reporting about a new PDA that has been specially developed for those who are vision impaired. I think this is a rather col device, albeit it's rather expensive at a whopping $1895. Still I'm see there are those who are blind that would appreciate a device that allows them to schedule their day, listen to music/ebooks, etc.

"Fort Wayne, Indiana based company GW Micro has developed a new type of PDA designed specifically for the blind and sight-impaired, called the VoiceSense. The assistant runs a modified version of Windows CE and features a vocal guidance system, a full function PIM, web browser, MP3 player, Daisy talking book player, FM radio tuner and MSN Messenger -- all accessible through its custom Perkins-style Braille keyboard. The device has..."

Our new printer comes today.

Last week, our toner went bad in our laser printer. I had bought a cheap toner and it only lasted half as long in our laser printer. On top of that, a new toner is roughly $70-80. On top of that, the paper tray is broken and it does always pull the paper correctly causing paper jams. On top of that, it was not compatible with our MacBook. It was time for a new printer.

I checked out several printers that would be compatible with our new MacBook and finally setted on the Brother HL-2070n laser printer. I had read several good reviews on the printer and it seemed many people were happy with it and reported that it works quite well. It also allows you to connect it to your home network and printer via WiFi which will be rather nice since we have a laptop now and not a desktop. I purchased it from Amazon for the price of $99 which included a $50 instant rebate. So $100 for a new laser printer that can print via a network, I thought was a good deal. I'm thankful that the Lord had it on sale when I needed it. So sometime today, UPS will be knocking on our door and I'll be setting up our new printer. I've got a ton of things I need to print so it will get a good test.

The i-Spidey Dog for your iPod!

I'm a big Spider-man fan. So when I saw this gadget today, I really wanted to get it! But I knew that it was kind of silly, but still I thought it was cool. It is called "I-Dog i-Spidey". The dog basically moves to the sound of your music by moving its ears and also there are some LED lights that move with the music. Again it's the Spider-man factor here. Any other cool or design and I'd probably not even post about it, but since it resemble ol' Webhead, I just had to!

Staying fit.

Since my ACL reconstruction surgery, I've added a few pounds. My normal exercising has been reduced to nothing and it's high time for me to get back in the groove. Over the last couple weeks, I've begun to start jogging again. It's been a bit painful, but with each run the pain seems to lessen.

While I jog, I will listen to a message, podcast, or music via my iPod nano. I've found this to be a very useful and fun gadget to have. Yesterday, I stopped by the Apple Store here in Buffalo and picked up the Nike+ sensor for the iPod nano. It helps a runner track their progress and see how well they are performing. I'm really excited about this gadget as I've needed something to help me track my running. This little device has worked quite well so far. I don't think I'll be posting any of my times and distances yet, as I'm well off my normal pace.

It does bring up an important point for those who work in ministry. It's somewhat of a pet peeve with me- lack of exercise. I really believe that each pastor, missionary, evangelist, etc. ought to have some form of daily exercise. Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we ought to take care of that temple. It helps us set forth a good example to those we minister to and it keeps us healthier for the ministry. It's not easy to start, but I think the end results will be worth it. Think about it...

Giraffe video conferencing robot to weird employees out .

Engadget reports about a new robot that will allow you to be away from the office, but still be able to check up on your employees. The Giraffe robot has a built-in video camera and speaker that can allow you to video conference with your employees. It also can roam the office as well. It listens, it turns, it views, it's you!
This seems just way creepy for me. I think I'd be a bit concerned that my boss had to have one of this things in the office. Of course, this could make an effective door-to-door witnessing tool- OK so maybe it lacks that personal touch.

The Perfect Bluetooth Mouse for those on the go

If you frequently take your laptop with you while you travel, you know how cumbersome it can being having to carry accessories for it in your bag. Well, I found one gadget that might make a bit more room in your bag. It is the Newton Peripherals MoGo Wireless Bluetooth Mouse. This mouse actually slides into your laptop's PC card slot for storage and to be recharged. This would be the perfect device to replace that mini mouse in your laptop bag. This gadget has even been featured on CNN. Reviews from Tigerdirect users also give it high ratings. At $69.99, it might be a little steep, but to help take less with you as you travel, it just might be worth it.


"MoGo MouseBT is a business-card sized, Bluetooth-enabled mouse that stores and recharges neatly inside…that’s right, inside…your laptop computer’s PC card slot when it’s not being used. MoGo MouseBT is a technologically advanced wonder, featuring patent-pending optics and a system that automatically levers the mouse up into your hand as you work. With no batteries to replace, the MoGo MouseBT recharges in less than an hour in the PC card slot of your laptop.

MoGo MouseBT is specifically designed for road warriors who hate carrying around full-sized, bulky mice, but who also despise laptop trackpads and trackpoints. MoGoMouseBT provides them with a solution to their problem, making it easier for them to work on the road.

Other mice, even those meant for road warriors, just don’t cut it. Mini-mice (the “walnut shells”) get lost in your hand and are difficult to maneuver, and the ideas of carrying a full-sized mouse defeats the entire purpose of mobility on the go, making MoGo MouseBT a natural.

The MoGo MouseBT is compatible with any laptop, either PC or Macintosh, which is equipped with a PC slot, Bluetooth hardware and software."

FunnyGadget.com

If you like to read and see some of the funniest and oddest gadgets around, Funny Gadget is the place to check them out. I went over and visited the site and I really like the "One touch pressing Robots for your Pants." That could be a huge help for many a pastor and missionary. Definitely something I would want and I'm sure that my wife would too! Be sure to make the jump and give them a look-see. They offer a English and a Spanish version, too.

Pogue’s Posts - Technology - New York Times Blog

Pogue’s Posts - Technology - New York Times Blog is a good resource to help you better understand the Apple iPhone. David Pogue is a popular tech guru from the New York Times. He's reviewed loads of gadgets and his opinion weighs heavily on the consumer's decision.
There's been quite a stir over the iPhone and the impact it will have on the cellphone and smartphone market. I believe it will help other smartphone makers like RIM, Palm, Nokia, etc. to design more advance products instead of the some old design. The Apple iPhone may not be all that folks had hoped it to be, but it still looks great and there are 5 more months for the device to get some of the wrinkles ironed out. I do believe that this device will be quite a success down the road. I'm not sure though that this first generation product will be a huge success.
If you are already a mac user at your home or church, the iPhone maybe right up your alley. If you have been considering a smartphone to help you be more productive, then this device may not fit all that you want. You should consider a Palm Treo device as they are much cheaper and have a tried and true record. The iPhone is yet to be completed and it will have limited, if any, 3rd party programs available for it.

My favorite music at the moment

I enjoy listening to music. It's a great way for me to relax or study. The majority of my music is piano, classical, and movie soundtracks. Right now I'm listening to The Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack. It's the orchestration version, not the lyric soundtrack. I'm listening to the soundtrack on my iPod nano. Works very well and I highly recommend the nano as it is a light device and the battery life on it is amazing. It's a lot easier to carrier the nano around then my Lifedrive and with the nano I don't have the annoy skipping like the Lifedrive is occasionally prone to.
I have also loaded some messages and Christian podcasts on my nano. My favorite podcast is Back to the Bible with Woodrow Kroll. It's about 25 to 30 minutes long and I can listen to it on my way to the church and on my way home and have the complete podcast done. It's multitasking and is proving to be very helpful and spiritually challenging.
Now you have many choices for an mp3 player, I choose the nano because of the wealth of music available on iTunes and the simplicity of an iPod. Another great mp3 player I have used is the Creative Zen Nano Plus. It is the 1 GB model and I must say it has way more features then the nano. It's also a lot cheaper as well. If you are looking for a decent mp3 player check out the Zen nano and the iPod nano. Both are excellent devices.

Wow! What a week of news.

When I heard about the iPhone and saw the picture of it, I told my wife that is the cellphone I have been waiting for. I pulled out my PDA and started looking at Engadget's coverage of the Mac Keynote. Needless to say the iPhone will change the mobile phone market forever.
The reason I believe this is the current companies' designs have become stale. They lack innovation and creativity in their phones. While some may not like the iPhones data entry method or the virtual keyboard, it does offer something that is futuristic in its design. I do remember that Star Trek: The Next Generation used virtual buttons and as best as I can remember they had no actual buttons to press. You will no longer have to worry about buttons being loose falling off etc. (think Tungsten E's power button here) I think what Apple has really is a better design then what is available.
I'm concerned about a few things though. The battery is my first. The talk time for the iPhone is 5 hours which is quite comparable to a Treo device, but the iPhone's battery is not swappable. That means once you are out of battery juice, you are done. The iPhone does have two batteries in it, one for the phone and the other for the music, so maybe there will be a way to utilize the second battery. Another concern of mine is the inability to add other software and to develop software for the iPhone. Rumor has it that the iPhone's software is what you get is what you have. Now hopefully this will change by June, the release date of the iPhone, because I would love to have a couple Bibles installed on the iPhone.
One of my last concerns is will this kill Palm? I will say this: it surely doesn't help Palm stay alive. While the Treos definitely have advantages over the iPhone, the iPhone looks awesome. An iPhone next to a Treo makes the Treo look homely. Palm better put up this year or they will be shut up this year. Don't fret yet Palm users, this iPhone may be the push that Palm needs to be innovate in their next Treo design.
Whether or not I get this device will depend on the reviews that come over the next few months. I will say this, it does speak out to me. I'm very interested in this device and I am a cingulr customer. ;) We'll see...
I'll be talking about more of this past weeks news and other thoughts I've had, so stay tuned!

Refurbished Apple Goodies

I've been tossing the idea of switching to a Mac in the near feature and still haven't decided whether or not I will. However, the Apple site has a refurbished outlet store that you might want to check from time to time. Right now they are offering the original Shuffle 1 GB model for $59. That's a good price for an iPod. The store has deals from time to time, but they do go fast. So if you are interesting, you best get clicking.

Look in the sky its a bird, no its plane, no its...

a Superman projection alarm clock! That's right folks, now you or your kids can have the Superman S and the time projected onto the wall. That should keep everyone company at night. I know my boys would go crazy of this clock. I'll have to see if I can find one.

"This AM/FM Clock Radio features a Superman design and another high-flying feature: you can project the time on your ceiling for easy reading. The S-shield can also be projected for added fun. Wake up to the built-in Superman theme song or the built-in alarm.

The red LED display is clear and easy to read. A large snooze button helps you get a few more minutes of sleep when you need it. Use a 9V battery (not included) for backup and the clock will keep telling the time even if you lose power."

Source: Gizmondo