Strombotne.com » computers

for the dedicated small audience

cs — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:42:28 +0000

Discovered YouTube Channels and have subscribed to some niche programming like: DRIVE, a worthwhile video source if you happen to lust for cars like the GT3 cup car. These are all short works because there is only so much time in the day that one can spend consuming media. Here’s a representative piece on Lowriders from Motortrend . They are cinematic and skillfully done in the artistic vein of Top Gear — which has its own channel as well. There are numerous categories from which to choose should automobilia not be your thing. You can immerse in Kinetic Art or Surfing or… whatever your interest.

Unfortunately you can not replicate the YouTube channel subscription experience in your living room on your HDTV. Not yet. A few 3rd parties using YouTube APIs are trying and some have tried but Google has locked down this functionality. It is probable that Google is seeking a monetization model.

TiVo has “Web Videos“, some of them in HD, that showcase the Internet connected TV. Example: The excellent production of CNET video podcasts offerings can be viewed via YouTube Channel but on your high definition TV via TiVo Season Pass the experience is complete. One can see what Google needs to achieve.

laptop vs. tablet

cs — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:26:06 +0000

Conclusion: iPad wins. As an experiment the MacBook was left behind; lid closed and shutdown for an entire week. The objective was to lighten and reduce the shear number of devices and peripherals loading my computer bag. The test was to determine whether there would be withdrawal symptoms. There were none. As far as media usage is concerned the iPad holds its own. The iPad can be my new go-with device.

List of pleasant surprises: No more range anxiety. The battery in the MacBook was good for 3 hours tops. At times I would have to carry a spare battery to hot swap. The iPad can go all day on a charge. No more searching for an unused wall plug-in socket which can be scarce in older hotel rooms and many airport terminals. Easier, faster scan in the TSA line. Laptops have to come out of the bag to ride the conveyor belt. The iPad is exempt. Once on the airline, the iPad is less obtrusive. Try using a laptop within the cramped confines of a coach class seat especially after the passenger in the row forward reclines his/her seat-back. The iPad is quiet. No whirring fans and does not get hot. Boot time is instantaneous. No waiting. Nice form factor, very portable, less geeky.

Disclaimer: This post was typed on a full size keyboard and a Mac. Correct; the iPad keyboard is not useful for anything beyond a short email burst. It is a two finger hunt and peck. Don’t plan on using the device for creating Spreadsheets or anything. The iPad is designed for consumption and at that it excels.

The iPad may seem like a “tweener” but in many respects it shares the characteristics and functionality of the iPhone and the MacBook and is therefore not a necessary addition. However, after using it for extended duration I can report that the laptop has been eclipsed.

Lost in the Translation

cs — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:16:41 +0000

The Google Voice service transcribes voice mail messages ( by machine ) which can be somewhat off:

“This is James a catholic area calling let you know that your car needs 8 number is that it is not opening and closing properly parts and labor to your place with them. That is about 481. Give me a call back. 555-2036. Thank you.”

I get the gist. Thankfully Google has a Play Message Back link with the real deal.

Dont try this at home

cs — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:27:27 +0000

The only way in is with the cutting wheel or chisel pry tool or hacksaw. The Apple power adapter (brick) wasn’t intended to be disassembled. The case is glue bonded. However with the power supply inop due to a separated output wire, what was there to lose by attempting a repair. A simple splice and solder could make it serviceable once the dead section was cut out. So S’man with the Dremel Tool split the sealed case and from there the job was easy to complete. Of course the re-assembled package looks a bit ghetto.

this is a test

cs — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:20:00 +0000

If you’d have asked me if people would actually read (and enjoy) books on a 2 X 3 inch screen, I would have ____________.?! Well, it is not as horrible as one might think. Of course, if I have deep and permanent squint marks afterward then you’ll know better. (Font Aa size adjustable) The jurors are still out.

Media delivery to the device is nearly instantaneous. Convenience: A+ as it’s in my shirt pocket, I can whip it out, wherever. A page here a chapter there, this may be the new way to save trees. Like Apple’s excellent iTunes Store however, it’s way to easy to charge the (typical) $9.99 per to the CC.