Tech Toy of the Month: iRobot Roomba
One of the more simple chores that most of us put off doing is vacuuming our floors. Especially for those who have carpets that easily show dirt or crumbs, vacuuming can seem like a never-ending job. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just have a little robot zip around our floor when we’re not there and clean up for us (that way, we wouldn’t even need to keep rug cleaning tips in mind)? Apparently so, because one company has a whole line of little robots that vacuum our floors for us.
The Roomba, from a company called iRobot, is a line of small robot vacuum cleaners. The original Roomba product was introduced in 2002. So this Tech Toy has been around for many years, but it still is not very well known among the average consumer. I’m writing about it because I recently noticed that the company has expanded their product line to include robots that handle all sorts of menial tasks. So it would seem that this company and their products have been very successful.
But I’m going to focus on the Roomba products for this article. Now on their 3rd generation of robotic vacuum cleaners, the Roomba basically works by periodically navigating your floor area, cleaning as it goes. It uses various sensors to avoid stairs, drop-offs, and areas you deem as off-limits. It is small enough to travel under furniture, clean into corners, and along walls. It automatically adjusts for hard floors or carpets, and also is smart enough to determine how dirty an area is and spend extra time on spots that need additional cleaning. Click here for a more detailed video showing how the Roomba works.
When not in use, the Roomba finds it’s “home”, which is where the Roomba recharges itself when not working. The newer Roomba models can run on a schedule, so you can set it to run when you’re not at home, or if you don’t mind, while you are sleeping. Since the Roomba runs more often than we humans tend to vacuum our floors, it tends to keep messes from building up, which should give your floor an overall cleaner look most of the time.
As I mentioned, the iRobot company now has a whole line of cleaning robots. One is even designed to clean swimming pools! So if you’d like a little help keeping your home clean, check out the iRobot line of products.
If you have come across an interesting device or emerging technology, please let me know and I may include it in a future newsletter.
Q: When should I replace the battery in my battery backup unit?
– Submitted by Darell Newman, Personal Preference Landscape Care
A: The batteries in most battery backup units last between 3 – 5 years. In fact, some companies have their battery backup software warn users that the battery in their unit is over 3 years old. Given this information, obviously most people would think they need to replace their battery in about 3 to 4 years. However, my recommendation in most cases is actually for users not to replace the battery in battery backup units. Let me explain why.
The first reason is cost. Simply speaking, the cost of replacing a battery in a battery backup unit is almost always nearly the same price as just buying a new unit. Even if you are spending a little more for a brand new unit, the pace of technology improvements in the course of 3 – 5 years means that you will be getting a better overall unit by buying a new one.
Second, the purpose of a battery backup or surge protector is to absorb power problems so your computer doesn’t. Over time, these devices can be damaged or wear out. It would be a shame to spend money on a new battery only to have the unit fail soon after.
Finally, some batteries can be difficult to find replacements for and difficult to physically replace. Any savings in getting a new battery will probably be lost in the time involved finding a matching battery and then actually installing it.
So basically, the answer to when to replace your battery is never! Generally, no harm comes if the battery stops working (but be sure to replace it right away), so you can wait until the battery backup indicates that it is time to replace your battery and simply buy a new one. If you want to be proactive, wait about 4 years to purchase a new unit.
As usual, please submit any technology questions you may have and your question may be featured in this newsletter!
Content Filtering Made Easy
One of the more common concerns I hear from both parents and employers is how they can keep questionable content off the computer of their kids and employees. The most common way to do this is by the use of a content filtering system. The problem with content filtering systems are that they are generally difficult to implement, difficult to manage, and often costly. However, within the last year, a new content filtering service has become available that is relatively simple to implement, nearly no work to manage, and is completely free!
The service is called OpenDNS. Once configured, the service can content filter an entire network or a single computer. It can filter out over 30 categories of content, such as adult, gambling, phishing, and weapon sites. Setting up OpenDNS utilizes the existing domain name system that is part of every computer so it does not require any software to be installed. Since the content lists are maintained by OpenDNS, you do not need to download updates or otherwise perform any maintenance yourself.
I’ve set up this service for several of my clients and use it in my own store. So far it has lived up to its promise. As simple as the service is to describe and setup, it really does appear to be as powerful as it claims. The reason that OpenDNS is free to use is because they generate revenue by displaying ads when a user types an incorrect address or hits a site that is blocked by the content filter. At first this sounds somewhat concerning, but I’ve observed this in practice and in my opinion, it is very unintrusive.
Now be aware that content filtering using OpenDNS is not infallible. A technically savvy user could easily figure out how to work around OpenDNS if a computer’s settings are not locked down. There are ways to prevent savvy users from getting around OpenDNS, but be aware that those methods involve additional work or cost. These measures may certainly be worth the cost, and some computers may already be locked down, but I simply want to make people aware of the limitations.
If you are interested in content filtering one computer, a few computers, or a whole network of computers, please let me know. We can discuss OpenDNS and other content filtering systems to make sure you find a system that works best for your situation.
May 2008 FYI: Dell Goofs Big Time!
It seems Dell had a bit of a quality control issue for certain laptops in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Click on the picture to the left for a larger view and notice the lower left corner where the Z key normally is.
Tech Toy of the Month: Belkin Wireless USB Hub
Over the course of the last 10 years, the Universal Serial Bus, otherwise known as USB, has changed the way we use computers for the better. Instead of several different types of ports, USB has become the standard for connecting nearly every type of computer peripheral available. Everything from keyboards to flash drives to printers to digital cameras can be connected via USB. USB is hot-pluggable, which means devices can be plugged in or removed without the need to reboot or without causing any damage, as was the case with older port technologies. The ease of USB has caused the proliferation of many types of USB devices, such as toy kittens and beverage chillers! With all the types of devices that users can plug into their computer, this has also caused the potential for a rats nest of cables. Fortunately, a technology that has been quietly developing for a few years should be soon coming to fruition.
Wireless USB, as the name implies, is USB without wires. Ultimately, the plan is that devices and computers will be created with wireless USB built-in. This will allow for truly wireless USB devices. Users will be able to bring a wireless USB peripheral within range of their computer with wireless USB and “connect” it to their computer just as easily as they do today with a wired USB device.
However, at this time few truly wireless USB devices exist. In the interim manufacturers are creating wireless USB hubs that allow today’s wired USB devices to be connected wirelessly to a computer. One good example I found is the simply named Wireless USB Hub from Belkin. While certainly not for everyone, for those users who have a lot of USB devices and could benefit from placing some devices away from their computer, wireless USB hubs like these could be very useful. By moving some devices away from the computer, users reduce the amount of cables connected directly to their computer, helping simplify cable management. It may also increase the amount of usable desk space for some users.
Unfortunately, at this time the Belkin Wireless USB Hub only works with Windows. Mac drivers are in the works and other companies are also working on wireless USB hubs that will work with the Macintosh. Additionally, reviews of the Belkin device show that while performance is generally overall very good, the further the device is moved from the computer, the worse the performance becomes. Therefore, for devices that require higher speed, such as USB hard drives or flash drives, using them wirelessly may not be the best option. Finally, the list price of the Belkin device is currently $199, which seems a bit pricey. But as all technology tends to do, this price will probably come down fairly quickly.
So if you’re someone who has a mess of USB devices at their desk, look into the Belkin Wireless USB Hub. It may help you make some room on your desk for those USB cup warmers or toy missile launchers!
If you have come across an interesting device or emerging technology, please let me know and I may include it in a future newsletter.
Q: I hear that Microsoft is going to “kill” Windows XP this summer. My computer has Windows XP. Is this something I should be concerned about?
– Submitted by many
A: It’s funny how many variations of this question exist. Yes, Microsoft says they will stop shipping Windows XP after June 30th. Some people think that this means that Microsoft will no longer provide support for XP. Others think they will be forced to upgrade to Vista this summer or their computer will stop working. But most people have only heard little bits of this story and basically have no idea what to think. So let me set the story straight for you.
Microsoft says they will stop shipping Windows XP after June 30th. They could still change their mind, as there are many grassroots efforts trying to convince Microsoft otherwise. But let’s assume Microsoft will stick to their guns. What this means is that Microsoft will not ship XP to the distribution channel (wholesalers) or directly to customers. However, any copies of XP that are in stock in distribution or retail will still be available for purchase as long as that stock is available. Many distributors and retailers are planning on stockpiling copies of XP, so it could be very likely that Windows XP will be available for sale long after June 30th. And there are some loopholes for “system builders”, small companies who build computers for resale where they can continue to buy Windows XP through the end of the year. There are also other loopholes that apply mostly to businesses which I won’t go into here.
So June 30th may be the beginning of the end of Windows XP, but certainly nothing dramatic will happen on that date. Your computer with Windows XP WILL continue to work. You will NOT be forced to upgrade to Vista. Microsoft will simply stop shipping new Windows XP copies. Buying a new PC with Windows XP may become a little more challenging after June 30th, but it will still be possible.
Also, just because Microsoft will stop shipping Windows XP does not mean they are ending support for XP. Microsoft will continue to provide “mainstream” support for XP until April 2009. Then they will continue to provide “extended” support through April 2014. However, most people don’t get support directly from Microsoft anyway, so this is largely irrelevant. What is important is whether or not Microsoft will continue to release bug fixes and security patches. Microsoft’s plan is to continue to provide security updates through April of 2014. As far as “bug fixes”, that is left up to Microsoft’s discretion whether they will release fixes to the public after April of 2009. But some experts believe that because Service Pack 3 for Windows XP was just released very recently, that Microsoft may extend the timeframe in which they will continue to release bug fixes for XP with SP 3.
So bottom line is don’t worry … be happy! June 30th will pass us by and you and your computer will be no worse for the wear. As usual, please submit any technology questions you may have to me and your question may be featured in this newsletter!
Laptop Lockdown
As laptops continue to become more and more prevalent, they have increasingly become a target for thieves looking to score a quick and pricey haul. It’s not hard to find statistics showing how staggering widespread laptop theft is. Or how few stolen laptops are ever recovered. While the cost of the laptops themselves can be a painful enough loss, many people don’t realize just how valuable their data can be until it has fallen into the wrong hands. In order to help laptop owners hold on to their precious investments, here are a few tips and tools to prevent your laptop from being stolen – or recover it if you do lose it.
The first rule is to simply use common sense. Don’t leave your laptop lying around in public – ever. Personally, every time I take my laptop out, I imagine it as a $2000 bundle of money. I would never leave a bundle of money sitting out unsecured, so why would I do that with my laptop? I would hope that most people think like this as well, but it seems that the vast majority of laptop thefts are crimes of opportunity. Too many people simply leave their laptops sitting in the open out of their sight. If I’m in a public place, my laptop or laptop bag is never more than a few feet away. If I leave my laptop in my car, it always goes in the trunk, out of plain sight. I am perhaps overly paranoid about keeping my laptop close to me, but I guarantee that no one will ever swipe my laptop from me because I neglected it. If you too are diligent about keeping your laptop in your possession, then you will likely never have it stolen either.
The second rule is physical security. If you are in a situation where you must leave your laptop out of your sight in a unsecured or unfamiliar environment, then do what you must to lock your laptop to something secure. For example, when I’ve traveled and left my laptop in my hotel room, I take along and use a laptop cable lock. Similar in idea to bicycle chain locks, laptop cable locks connect to a physically reinforced security port found on almost all laptops. Once connected to the security port, the cable is designed to be looped around a permanent object such as a heavy table so that the laptop is secured in place. While most laptop cable locks can be cut with 14″ bolt cutters, they will deter the casual “snatch and grab” theft and will stand up to small handheld wire cutters.
Finally, if all else fails and your laptop is stolen, all hope is not lost – if you have installed laptop recovery software, that is. Software like LoJack for Laptops actually keeps contact with a “recovery center”, communicating what Internet address the laptop is connected to at any given time. When a laptop is lost the owner contacts the recovery center who then begins monitoring what address the laptop is reporting. Using this information they can track down what Internet provider is assigned the address. Working with the Internet provider and law enforcement, the lost laptop can be tracked down and recovered from the thief or whomever is in possession of the laptop at the time. LoJack for laptops is only $49.99 for one year of service, or $99.99 for 3 years.
A recent story in the news highlighted how technology can be used to recover stolen laptops. Using the built-in functions of an Apple MacBook along with the optional .Mac service, the theft victim was able to remotely control her laptop and take a picture of one of the thieves! This picture helped law enforcement capture the thieves and return the laptop to its rightful owner.
So by using some common sense and a few useful products, your laptop can stay on your lap. If you have any questions about securing your laptop, please let me know.
April 2008 FYI
I just wanted to clear the air in case there was anyone else out there who thought that the press release we sent out last Monday was real. It was, in fact, an April Fool’s Joke. It is a quasi-tradition among Internet sites (especially technology-based sites – and really especially among sites that cover Apple) to post an April Fool’s article.
What I find flattering is that many of you thought that I have the visibility to be recognized by Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Maybe one day soon, but not yet! Still, I thank you anyway!
But for your reading enjoyment, here are some April Fools web sites:
http://mail.google.com/mail/help/customtime/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_1,_2008
http://www.squidoo.com/aprilfool2008
Tech Toy of the Month: Nike + iPod
This interesting tech toy has been out for quite a while, but many people have never heard of it. It is fairly unique in the world of tech toys, in that it combines “real” exercise and technology (when I say “real” exercise I mean not the kind of exercise you get from playing video games – not that there’s anything wrong with that). Basically, the Nike + iPod consists of a small wireless device that fits in your shoe and an adapter that you connect to your iPod Nano. Nike makes a shoe that has a special “pocket” to fit the wireless device into, but there are ways to make other shoes work as well. When you go on a run with the wireless device in your shoe and the adapter connected to your iPod Nano, the Nano is able to keep track of many statistics, such as the time you’ve been running, the distance you’ve run, calories you’ve burned, or the current pace you’re on.
By itself, those features are can very useful. However, the integration features of Nike + iPod make things very interesting. You can sync your workout information with iTunes on your Mac or PC, which then in turn can sync with a site called Nikeplus.com. Using Nikeplus.com, you can do things such as compare stats of all your workouts, set goals, and see your personal bests. Finally, if you are so inclined, you can choose to share your stats with others, or see the stats that others have shared. You can then set up competitions with other people, which is an interesting way to push you to work out harder. There are also some other features such as combining custom music for your run, which you can read about at http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/.
The Nike + iPod is a very interesting combination of technologies that create a very unique product and service. I think this is an example of the first of a new wave of products that we’ll likely see be introduced over the next several years. The ability to easily capture, track, and analyze all kinds of personal data will likely change our lives in ways that we haven’t even begun to understand yet. If you are a runner, I suggest you check out the Nike + iPod. At only $29.00, you could totally transform the way you keep track of your exercise.
Contact me if you have any questions regarding this technology or any other!
Q: Should I set up a wired or wireless network for my small or home office?
– Submitted by Dr. Clinton Frye, Frye Chiropractic & Laser Center
A: In any particular real-world situation, many factors will weigh into this decision. But for sake of simplicity, let’s assume that you could feasibly do either a wired or wireless network. When set up properly, either a wired or wireless network should perform well for the majority of things that most people do on a network, especially when using the Internet. So really there’s no reason you couldn’t do both. However, if you are using a particular software to run your business, you should check with the developer of that application to see if they support the use of a wireless network.
Many programs, especially those that had their roots before wireless networks, depend on a very reliable network to work well. While wireless technology can be very reliable, wireless networks can suffer from interference. This interference can cause varying interruptions in network service. Most of the time, a user may never notice. However, particularly sensitive applications may not work well even with very minor interruptions. Again, you must consult your software’s developer to verify their recommendations. Ideally, you should do this before you purchase the software.
In some situations, wireless networking is a critical necessity. If this is your situation, you should seek out software that was designed to work over less reliable connections. The good news is that more and more developers are realizing that they need to design their software to work over “unreliable” networks such as the Internet. As they design their software to do this, the ability to use wireless networks for business software improves. As well, wireless technology continues to evolve. Newer devices are much better at managing interference and preventing network interruptions.
With all that being said, however, if it is feasible to wire your business, I suggest you do so, especially if you are starting a new business or moving to a new space. It is much easier to pre-wire a building during build-out or construction than to wait until you’ve moved in. By having your business wired, you have the flexibility to implement a wired network if desired. As the speed of wired networks improve, your business may one day need to take advantage of faster networking speeds. One tip: make sure you wire using “Category 6” cabling. This newer type of cabling (as compared to Category 5 or 5e) supports Gigabit Ethernet, which is up to 10 times as fast as the most common type of network today. Already, many new computers come with Gigabit networking built-in, so Gigabit networks may become more common sooner than later.
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