Posts by Marcel Brown
Au Revoir, XP
Years after the introduction of Windows Vista and now Windows 7, Windows XP still runs on more computers than any other operating system in the world. Certainly the Windows Vista debacle scared many users away from upgrading their computers. Also many people simply did not need to purchase new computers so they’ve stuck with their Windows XP computers. I myself have recommended many people to not upgrade to Vista or to purchase XP if possible on new computers. But now I believe it is time for many users to start to move on from Windows XP. If you still use Windows XP, please read on to find out if you should start planning a move away from XP and what your next computer should be.
I’m going to go over a few quick points. However, the most important is simply the fact that if you have a computer that is running Windows XP, it is likely at a minimum 3 years old, if not a few years older. Older computers are more likely to start having problems and there’s always been a fine line between fixing an old computer or investing in a new one. At this point, if your computer runs Windows XP, the line has shifted towards purchasing a new one.
The second point is also important in that newer operating systems have much better built-in data backup options. With Windows XP, you must purchase 3rd party backup software, which most people never bother with. As well, if your computer is older, it may backup much more slowly, which inclines people to put off backing up if it is slow. Newer Windows and Mac operating systems have built-in backup software and newer computers can back up more quickly. These two things make it much easier to backup, so it becomes more likely that people will actually backup their data. But of course, you already back up your data, right?
The final point is that Microsoft has announced that the next version of their web browser, Internet Explorer 9, will not run on Windows XP. Internet Explorer 9 will feature support for many important new web technologies, for example HTML5. As such, it will be an important upgrade for those users who want to ensure that they can continue to visit web sites without problems. In the near future, Windows XP users will begin to have problems visiting certain web sites and they will need to decide to install a different browser (which most people will have no clue how to do) or upgrade to a newer computer.
Obviously the follow-up question is if I have Windows XP what should I do now? This question is answered in this month’s Q & A article. But I want to make sure that you understand that I’m not saying that you should immediately upgrade from Windows XP. So don’t start freaking out just yet. Just know that the curtain is coming down for Windows XP and you should start preparing for your computing future now.
If you have any questions about any technology topic, feel free to contact me today!
April 2010 FYI – Beam Me Up, Scotty!
It is a commonly known phenomenon among Star Trek fans that many of the futuristic devices featured on the original series have now come to fruition. Space.com took it upon themselves to make a top-10 list of such devices to help the rest of us catch up on this nugget of trekkie lore. But seriously, it is an amusing read, so take a break from your mundane existence and boldly go where no man has gone before …
Tech Toy of the Month: Apple iPad Redux
I know that I had the iPad as the January Tech Toy of the Month, but this is such a groundbreaking piece of technology that I felt it deserved another mention. Since the iPad was just released this month and I’ve had some time to review it, there is no better time to talk about the iPad than now. For those of you that are thinking that this will be a boring dissertation on the technical details of a tech gadget, fear not! Because what is important about the iPad is not the tech details, but what the device empowers users to do.
Many people have commented that the iPad is nothing more than a big iPod Touch. The people that say this mostly have not used the device or have only given it cursory usage. Regardless, to those that think this I say “exactly … but that’s what makes it different.” Of course, my response is designed to draw them into a conversation, but the thought behind the statement is spot-on. In other words, the iPad on the surface is really very much like a big iPod Touch (or iPhone). However, the simple fact that the device has a bigger screen opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
The fact that the iPad is like an iPod Touch or iPhone is good because many people already know how to use these devices. This means that for many people there will be no learning curve for the iPad. But regardless if a user has previously used an iPod Touch or iPhone, the Touch OS is extremely easy to learn. So basically using an iPad is just like using the aforementioned devices. It’s all touchscreen with a single home button, along with power and volume buttons.
But with a 9.7 inch display, the iPad is a much more functional device. Things like web browsing suddenly take on a whole new experience. It’s very hard to describe, but the iPad just feels natural to use. Sitting on the couch web browsing with the iPad is so comfortable that I now find it awkward to sit with my laptop anymore. The touchscreen interface, at least for tasks like web browsing, feels more intuitive to me than a keyboard and mouse. And the fact that you can hold the iPad fairly close to your face makes the screen feel a lot bigger than it actually is.
Reading on the iPad is very pleasant. This is crucial because the iPad has the potential to revolutionize the publishing industry. The long awaited promise of technology to reduce the amount of paper we use may finally become a reality. It is entirely conceivable the iPad and future devices like it will become the dominant method people use to read books, magazines, and newspapers. Given that people will be reading on an interactive touchscreen device, indeed the entire concept of what books, magazines, and newspapers are could even change. Imagine students carrying one iPad instead of a backpack full of textbooks. The electronic book aspect of the iPad alone could change the world.
However, where I think the iPad will really make an impact is in the way we use computers in the home. I have been calling the iPad the first “coffee table” computer. For as far as personal computers have come along, they are still basically tied down to desks. Even laptops are not as portable as most people would like. The iPad changes all this. The device is so small and light and its battery life is so long, that I predict the iPad will be entirely more accessible to family members in a home. As many things in a home, it will find a place on the living room coffee table and it will migrate around the house as necessary. Because the price is so low, I also predict that many homes will own multiple iPads. This will go very far in meeting the ever increasing demand of computing in homes. For the price of a single good laptop or desktop, a family could purchase 2 or 3 iPads which will likely fit the needs of most family members and give them all their own iPad to use.
Because this device could change so much in the computer industry, I recommend that you test drive an iPad as soon as you can, especially if you are considering a new computer purchase in the near future. For all that you can read about the iPad, there is no substitute for actually getting your hands on one. If you know someone that owns an iPad, try using it while lounging on a couch or recliner. I promise it will change the way you think about interacting with computers.
If you’d like to test drive an iPad, visit the MacXprts store in Edwardsville, IL. There are 3 models on display so you should be able to spend as much time as you’d like with one.
Q: Should I buy an iPad with Wi-Fi only or should I wait for the 3G version?
A: The iPad has generated a lot of buzz among consumers and business people alike. While tremendous numbers of iPads have been sold already, many people are waiting for the 3G model to arrive, due April 30th. The difference between the Wi-Fi only model and the 3G model is that the 3G model will add cellular data connectivity to the AT&T network. Many people have been asking if they should wait and purchase a 3G model or if they would be fine with a Wi-Fi only model. The answer, of course, depends on how one intends to use the iPad.
Firstly, note that Apple’s official designations for the iPad models are “Wi-Fi” and “Wi-Fi + 3G”. They do this in order to ensure that people realize that the 3G model also has Wi-Fi. I believe this is wise, as already we’ve had many people ask if the 3G model has Wi-Fi. However, the common practice is to simply call that model “3G”.
Second, the 3G model’s subscription plan is month-to-month and does not require a contract. This means that a user who has a 3G model does not necessarily need to pay every month for data service if they do not plan to use it.
The major determining factor on which model to buy is whether or not the user believes they will be using the iPad in areas where there is no Wi-Fi available. For users who will mostly use the iPad in their home or office, the Wi-Fi only model is likely just fine. Even users who will take the iPad around town will likely be fine with the Wi-Fi only model if they know they will be using the iPad in areas with public Wi-Fi coverage.
On the other hand, users who will require Internet access in any location will likely want the 3G model. Users who plan to take the iPad to places like trade shows or on-site to client locations where Wi-Fi is not guaranteed would benefit from having connectivity to AT&T’s network for Internet.
But as with most things, there are exceptions to the rules. For example, many apps on the iPad do not require Internet access. If the user plans to use the iPad for non-Internet related activities while away from home, they may not need the 3G model. And in contrast, a user who mostly uses Wi-Fi but thinks they may need 3G connectivity periodically may benefit from the 3G model. Remember, because the iPad’s data plan is month-to-month and does not require a contract, a user only needs to pay for months in which they will use the 3G service. For example, a user may only need 3G service while on vacation once or twice a year. They would only need to pay for one or two months worth of 3G service out of the year and simply use Wi-Fi the rest of the year.
Another exception are users who need Internet access anywhere but already have or plan to purchase a separate “mobile hotspot” such as a MiFi device. These devices connect to a particular wireless carrier (like Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T) and broadcast their connection over a Wi-Fi connection. These devices are very useful if you will be traveling with a group of users who all have Wi-Fi capable devices since a single device can cover many Wi-Fi devices such as laptops and iPads.
The 3G models are all $130 more expensive than their counterpart Wi-Fi only models. Honestly, if you think there is any chance that you will benefit from Internet access while on the road with the iPad, then the 3G model is probably worth purchasing. Assuming you do not have a MiFi device, the relatively small difference in price is probably worth the assurance that you will be able to connect from nearly anywhere with your iPad if you need to. However, if you are confident that the iPad will only be used in Wi-Fi areas, then save the money and get the Wi-Fi only model.
If you have a technology question, please let me know and it will be featured in a future newsletter!
Spring Fever!
It is officially spring, and with spring comes outdoor activities which often involve water. But today, more and more people own mobile electronic devices like iPods and iPhones – and water and electronics don’t mix! I can’t tell you how many people told me they destroyed their device because it was in their pocket when they jumped in the pool. Or they were on a boat and they got soaked. Or they dropped it into a toilet, dog bowl, or sink of water. Others have had their devices get rained on. Especially if you have kids that own devices, the following tips might save you a lot of money!
First, I know of no warranty on an electronic device that covers liquid damage. So it’s going to cost you full price to replace your device if you soak it. Especially with fairly new phones you’re probably going to pay a lot more for a replacement because you’re not likely to get the subsidized price you got when you first bought the phone. Unless you like paying twice as much for a replacement phone, you should definitely not let yours get wet! There are potentially some insurance policies that cover accidental damage on electronic devices, but that’s an article for another time.
The bottom line, for your own sake, is to be very aware of your devices when around water, whether you are indoors or out. For example, let’s say you are in the kitchen boiling water. I would not carry your phone on your hip while doing this. Lean too far over the stove and the steam could get in your device. Leave it on the other side of the kitchen or better yet, leave your expensive device out of the kitchen altogether! There are lots of opportunities for liquid damage in a kitchen! Also, if you are outside you may not want to leave your device lying around. Rainstorms can come out of nowhere and you may forget that you left your phone outside. It may be best to leave the phone indoors depending on your activity. However, don’t forget that rain can come in through a window, so a windowsill may not be the best place for your device either! Finally, if you are in a bathroom and there is *any* chance of your device ending up in a toilet or sink, take precautions to make sure this doesn’t happen. Put your device in a bag or purse and don’t get it out again until you leave. But DO NOT swing your purse or bag over the water hazard lest it fall out and make a splash!
If you are frequently in an environment that is hostile to electronic equipment, you may want to consider a ruggedized case for your device. A common brand I recommend is Otter Box. Their products provide extra protection than most cases and some even provide some protection against liquid damage. The trade-off is that Otter Box cases are a little bulkier than most, but if you need to provide extra protection to your device, they can definitely be worth it. I have several clients that use Otter Box cases and they are very satisfied.
So again, simply be mindful of where your mobile electronic device is, especially when water is around or if rain seems likely. A little awareness could save you hundreds of dollars.
If you have any questions about any other technology topic, feel free to contact me today!
March 2010 FYI – Cat Scan!
Do I really need to say anything about this picture? Yes. The fact is that I’ve seen many cats do very similar things on multi-function printers. What is it about MFPs that cats love? What do you think?
Tech Toy of the Month: Canon PowerShot SD780
One of the most common requests I get is recommendations for digital cameras. It seems like a simple question, but holy cow is it hard to make recommendations! There are so many manufacturers, models, features, price points, and target markets for digital cameras that I don’t even really try to keep up with them all. However, it is such a requested item that I thought I’d give it a try. What I was looking for was a camera for an average user looking for good quality on a budget. I believe I stumbled upon such a camera, the Canon PowerShot SD780.
In reading reviews of this camera, a few things stood out. First, the camera is less than an inch thick. This makes it easy to take along in a purse or even a pocket. Second, the price point is $250 or less, which makes it a very affordable camera for the for category. Finally, the camera can take respectable 720p HD video.
Overall, the SD780 has gotten very good reviews. I’ve selected two reviews to link to here:
DigitalCameraReview.com
PCMag.com
As well, reading user opinions shows that most customers are happy with their purchase of this camera. I also noted that many users talked about how durable the camera was. I think this is a very important and often-overlooked quality of many tech devices. Broken devices don’t make anybody happy.
So if you’re in the market for a good quality camera for taking day-to-day snapshots, it seems that the Canon PowerShot SD780 could be a great fit for you.
If there is a new technology device that you would like more information about, please contact me today!
Q: Should I wait until the iPad comes out to purchase a new computer?
A: The answer depends on several factors. You must first determine who is going to use this computer, how it will be used, and what software you may need to run on it. Once you have those factors in mind, then the following should help you decide.
If you are a more technical user, or a “power user”, and this will be your main computer or laptop, the iPad may not fit your needs at this time. However, even if you are a power user and this will be an additional computer, for example, one that you will have with you just to be able to do light-duty tasks, then the iPad may be worth checking out.
If you are needing a computer for general purpose use, such as browsing the web, checking e-mail, and working with digital media, the iPad could very well be the computer for you. If you can sit tight for another month or so to try out the iPad, it might be worth the wait.
If you are in the market for a very small and light laptop (i.e. a “netbook”), then definitely wait to try out the iPad. The iPad promises to be a lot easier to use than a netbook and has many technical advantages worth considering such as longer battery life.
If the computer you are considering purchasing will need to run a particular software program that only runs on Windows or Mac, then the iPad probably won’t be a good fit at this time. However, carefully consider the necessity of the particular software program to see if there is a way to get around using it. Don’t let old technology unnecessarily hold you back from progressing forward. There may be no way around it in your situation, but it is definitely worth considering moving on from older software if possible.
If this will be a computer primarily for use by a child or for use by various family members in a home, then the iPad could very well be a perfect fit. The iPad will be the first true “coffee table” computer. In other words, a computer that is almost always within reach, as magazines on a coffee table would be. Instead of spending a lot of money on one desktop or laptop, you could spend the same amount on two or three iPads that can work anywhere in the home. Now you would have more computers available to meet the ever-increasing demands of computer usage in a family household. As described above, the iPad will be very good for general purpose and light-duty computing, as is the typical usage of most families, especially if there is already one “main” computer already in the house.
Hopefully, this gives you a good idea on whether the iPad may be right for you. Because this product has not yet been released, there are a lot of questions that are waiting to be answered. We will know more after April 3rd, when the iPod is made available to the public!
If you have a technology question, please let me know and it will be featured in a future newsletter!
iCredit Card
The ability to take credit cards is very important in today’s marketplace. For businesses with a storefront or an e-commerce web site, it is commonplace to set up the ability to take credit cards. However, for professionals that do on-site services, the ability to take credit cards has been an elusive target. For many years, wireless technologies were not up to the task. Also the equipment or services were expensive. Personally, as an on-site services professional, I’ve had to deal with this problem for many years. However, I can now happily state that I’ve found a great solution that is easy to use and fairly inexpensive.
The solution is an iPhone app simply named “Credit Card Terminal”, by a company called Inner Fence. The app was originally priced at $49, which is a great price compared to a normal credit card machine. However, the app has been priced at 99 cents for several months now, which essentially makes it free. More importantly, however, the monthly service fees are very reasonable. Inner Fence’s web site has more details on the service pricing.
The software basically allows you to enter in the customer’s credit card number, expiration date, CVV code, zip code, and amount of the transaction. Optionally, you may enter a lot more information about the client, including e-mail address. The e-mail address is important because you may then e-mail the client a credit card receipt. Once all the info is entered, if you turn the iPhone on its side, the client may sign for the transaction by using their finger as a pen. Turn the iPhone upright again and then simply press the “charge” button to process the transaction. In my experience, it only takes about 2 seconds to complete, which is usually faster than even in-store credit card transactions. A detailed list of features and screen pictures are on Inner Fence’s web site.
Overall, the Credit Card Terminal app has worked without problems and is extremely slick and polished. Everyone I’ve showed the app to has been very impressed with the app and wants to know more. If you need to take credit cards on-site and you own an iPhone (or are thinking of getting one), I can wholeheartedly recommend Inner Fence’s product.
If you have any questions about this product or any other technology topic, feel free to contact me today!
February 2010 FYI – 2010, meet 1980
30 years ago, a device of sheer torture was unleashed on the world in the disguise of a toy puzzle. Ok, maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but the Rubik’s Cube definitely felt like torture to me as a kid. I never had the patience to solve it. Ironically, I picked one up over the holidays and now armed with the Internet, started researching how to solve it. I almost completed it, but I put it down and haven’t yet gotten back to finishing it. Now a robot made of Legos has showed me up. It can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 12 seconds. I guess I better get back to that cube …