Imagine Blog

An interesting conversation between a Kindle and an iPad

2010-01-30T08:47:00.001-08:00

http://gadgetophilia.com/apple-ipad-and-amazon-kindle-a-conversation/

My opinion is that the the Kindle will continue to be a nice eBook reader. Its advantage is beautifully

rendered black and white pages (not kidding), extraordinary battery life, and looks nice in broad

daylight.

The iPad is so much more than an eBook reader, it shouldn't even be compared to the Kindle.

It has the potential to change the way we work; finally a device that makes it easy (and fun) to

capture data in the field! Developers, get your data entry web apps ready!

Time Lapse Photography

2009-06-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

The digital camera has helped produce more artists than any other time in history, and time lapse photography is growing as a result. Check out Ross Ching - probably one of the Internet's best time lapse photographers.

http://www.rossching.com

Read Magazines Online with Zinio

2009-02-18T11:13:00.001-08:00

If you haven't used it yet, you should. Zinio allows you to subscribe and read magazines online, for a fraction of the newstand price! It renders the magazines in Adobe's Flash, and has a surprisingly nice interface.

Check it out at http://www.zinio.com

Free Talk With Fring

2008-10-09T03:47:00.000-07:00

We new this was coming - free mobile calling using VOIP and your iPhone.

Fring enables you to make calls using Fring (to call other Fringsters), Skype, Google Talk, MSN etc. Calls can be made using Wifi or your phone's data plan.

Fring can be obtained from the App Store.

http://www.fring.com/

Google Android - What to Expect

2008-09-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice article on what we can expect from the Google Android phone set to be anounced on 9/23/2008.

Probably the most important Google Android play is the synchronization of calendar, contacts and email without requiring USB cables or third-party apps to get the job done. I'm assuming that Android data will be hosted by Google, which of course will one day create a Microsoftish monopoly for Google.

Google Chrome Download

2008-09-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Google Chrome can be downloaded here.

Google Chrome

2008-09-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Chrome is a new, open-source web browser from Google.

Google explains what differentiates Chrome from other browsers in a comic book here. This is a great idea that explains complex things in a simple way - and can only help Chrome gain traction.

Some of the highlights:

tabs are individual browser processes that are sandboxed from each other
sandboxes have no write capabilities to the local machine (although plug-ins might)
includes its own highly optimized javascript virtual machine (V8)
includes anti-malware/anti-phishing

Hopefully the download link will be posted soon.

Make Your Own Word Clouds

2008-08-23T09:03:00.001-07:00

Create your own word clouds using web-based Wordle.

The cool thing - once you create a word cloud, you're free to use it in any manner possible - t-shirts, book covers etc. as long as attribute the image to http://wordle.net.

Mind Mapping with MindMeister

2008-08-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

A mind map is a radial diagram that represents ideas around a central key word or idea. MindMeister is a web-based, collaborative mind mapping tool that facilitates creating and sharing mind maps.

MindMeister is a blast to use, and the site is well put together. Sign-up is simple, the demos and tutorials are a snap, and viewing others' mind maps really helps get the creative juices flowing.

Read more about MindMeister here.

iPhone 2.0

2008-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

This isn't fresh news by any means, but we wanted to test 2.0 ourselves before posting.

In a nutshell, the 2.0 update is well worth it. There are lots of neat iPhone software applications in the newly installed icon 'App Store'. If you're an Ebayer, you'll find a slick free Ebay app. For corporate users with Exchange Server email, you'll like the integration to Exchange.

Google IM for iPhone

2008-07-03T11:36:00.001-07:00

I've been using Meebo on my iPhone for a about six months now, and I like it. I can Instant Message using my Yahoo, MSN or AOL accounts.

Now, Google is jumping into the mix with their Instant Messaging client for the iPhone here. It looks pretty slick, but, there's one drawback - you can only send and receive messages with other Google Talk contacts. I suspect this app will facilitate VOIP down the road, but will probably be limited to Android phones.

An HDTV Primer

2008-06-29T09:44:00.001-07:00

I thought I knew almost everything about HDTV until I read Ken Rockwell's article here. Prior to his current job as digital photography blog guru, he worked in the television broadcast industry. His article really cuts through the HD FUD, and offers some sound advice instead.

The Megapixel Myth

2008-06-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ken Rockwell is a photography guru, and his site is an awesome resource for learning everything you'd ever want to know about photography, especially digital photography. One article really stands out - The Megapixel Myth. In it, he explains that the number of megapixels that your camera can produce aren't necessarily as important as other factors required, such as skill.

Read more about it here.

Get Something for $10

2008-06-12T14:04:00.001-07:00

SomethingStore is a site that sells you something for $10. Seriously, it's just a random something. It may be worth $10, or more - you just won't know what it is until it arrives at your door.

Read more (or order something) from here.

Easy2Add - Outlook Events in Plain English

2008-06-04T23:06:00.001-07:00

This has been one of the niftiest features in Google Calendar, and it's finally available to Outlook users in the form of an add-on utility. Use simple English to quickly create Outlook events.

Some examples:

Lunch with John 6pm tomorrow at home
Haircut Thursday 11am

Requires: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Required: Outlook 2002/2003/2007

For more information, visit here.

MozBackup - Firefox / Thunderbird Backup

2008-05-26T10:01:00.001-07:00

MozBackup is a great way to backup and restore your Firefox and/or Thunderbird information. MozBackup will copy bookmarks, mail, contacts, history, extensions, cache etc. I needed to use it recently to move my information to another computer, and it saved the day.

You can download MozBackup from here.

Eye-Fi Wireless SD Card

2008-05-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Wirelessly upload photos to your computer.

The Eye-Fi Home SD card connects to your home WI-FI network and uploads your pictures automatically to your computer. No more wires, no more hassles. The card delivers pictures to an assigned folder that you designate. Suggested retail price is $79.99. Visit Eye-Fi for more information.

PowerPoint Sharing / Publishing

2008-05-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Want to share a PowerPoint presentation, but you're not sure if your audience has PowerPoint installed? authorStream is a free sharing site that converts uploaded PowerPoint presentations into videos that can be shared with anyone.

For more information visit authorStream.

Mario, All Post-It'd Up

2008-05-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

I came back from lunch today, and much to my surprise Itai had created a Mario out of 3M Post-it Notes! He promised me that this was just 1.0 beta, and that 2.0 production will be ready soon. We'll post 2.0 here when it's ready.

Windows XP SP3 Available

2008-04-29T06:59:00.001-07:00

You can download Windows XP SP3 from here.

And while that's downloading, you should read an interesting article on standards, which explains why Microsoft Vista hasn't taken off.

iPhone / iTouch Naked Case

2008-04-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Case-mate has just introduced the Naked Case, which is the first acrylic case that offers 100% protection for iPhone and iTouch, including the screen. It uses an electrostatic membrane that mimics the iPhone/iTouch screen which facilitates full touch through access while still protecting the screen. It appears to be amazingly thin.

For for information, visit Case-mate.

IOGEAR DVI Extender

2008-04-15T13:06:00.001-07:00

The IOGEAR DVI Cat5/Cat6 DVI Extender with Audio can extend a DVI signal up to 100' natively, and 300' by means of cascading multiple kits. As the name implies, it works over Cat5e and Cat6 wiring, and sends audio as well as video signals.

MSRP is $499. For more info, visit IOGEAR.

Belkin N1 Vision Wireless Router

2008-04-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

This slick looking wireless router has an easy-to-read, built-in screen that displays broadband speed, computer bandwidth usage, and the status of all of connected devices.

Of course membership has its privileges, this nifty device will set you back $179.

For more information, visit the Belkin product page here.

Mobile Edge Komen Collection

2008-04-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Mobile Edge has created a product line that supports breast cancer research by donating 10% of each sale to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. All cases incorporate a pink hue, as well as the official Komen ribbon.

For more information, visit the Mobile Edge Komen Collection page.

WOWIO Offers Free eBooks

2008-03-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

WOWIO uses the ubiquitous advertising scheme to distribute free eBooks. While you won't find the latest Harry Potter (at least not yet), you can find some useful reads. For instance, if you feel the need to tie something, Knots by Andrew Adamides might come in handy.

Belkin iPhone Acrylic Case

2008-03-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

We normally don't get too excited when it comes to iPod or iPhone cases, but this one caught our attention. Not only does it protect your iPhone, but the belt clip serves as a 45 degree angle kick-stand for movie or TV show viewing.

List price is $29.99.

For more information, visit Belkin or call us, we have em in stock.

IOGEAR Mobile Digital Scribe

2008-03-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

We didn't give the original IOGEAR Digital Scribe a rave review, and for a couple of reasons; one, it has to be connected to a computer and two, movement of the receiver caused the notepad to lose calibration with the receiver.

The Mobile Digital Scribe at least aims to solve the first problem - you need not have a computer connected to the receiver; you can take notes while on the road and upload them later. While the second problem hasn't been solved entirely, it might be easier to keep the receiver from moving now that its lengthy USB cable has been removed.

Features that is shares with its corded brother:

Uses standard notebook paper and pen ink
OCR capable
Bundled softwares helps manage notes

IOGEAR's website lists the price as $129.

IOGEAR Bio Mouse

2008-03-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

File this under biometric.

The IOGEAR Personal Security Mouse doubles as a biometric fingerprint login device. IOGEAR claims a 99% recognition rate, which is good, and virtually eliminates the need for password lists. It includes drive, file, and folder encryption as well. Street price is around $79.

For more information, check out the IOGEAR product page, or call us - we have these in stock.

MojoPac - Take It With You

2008-03-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

File this under free, desktop virtualization.

MojoPac is software that allows you to carry data files and applications such as Outlook and games on a USB 2.0 device, or iPod and use them with multiple Windows XP computers. It sort of transforms your portable storage device into a portable computer.

Here's how it works. You install MojoPac onto your portable USB device. You then install applications directly onto the device using Mojopac software. The software does NOT need to be installed on subsequent PCs; each time you plug the device into a PC, MojoPac automatically launches your environment on the host PC.

For more information visit MojoPac.

IOGEAR Digital Scribe (Update)

2008-03-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

We received our Digital Scribe and updated this post with our internal review.

Based on a pen that uses ordinary ink, the device captures normal text and doodles from any writable surface to your computer. It can also act as a substitute for your normal mouse. List price is $99.

Pros:

Easy to install
Can be used as a mouse (which is kinda fun)
Can be used with a regular paper notepad
Uses a standard ink pen refill
OCR capable

Cons:

Must be connected to a PC or Notebook computer
Uses 2 each 1.5v batteries (the small watch type)
If the infrared receiver moves, so do your notes - recalibration is difficult
Pen is not very comfortable to use

Result:

The Digital Scribe is fun to doodle with, and may have a place for homework use, but not very practical as a business productivity tool. Our advice - doodle on your paper notepad and scan it with the company all-in-one copier, while you await the arrival of your LiveScribe.

For more information visit IOGEAR, or call us.

USB Hard Drive Dock

2008-03-03T06:59:00.001-08:00

File this under storage, usb.

The Thermaltake BlacX External SATA Hard Drive Docking Station allows you to plug in 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives without opening your computer case to do so. It uses a USB cable to make the connection and requires an AC Adapter (included) for power.

List price $39.99.

For more information call us.

iPhone Headset Adapter

2008-02-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

File this under iphone.

If you own an iPhone then you are familiar with the headphone situation. If not, then here goes.

The headphones that ship with the iPhone have a built-in microphone - and with this the connector is slightly different. Simply put, the iPhone doesn't play nicely with all third-party headphones, such as Sony and the like. If you are looking to upgrade your headphones to something better, you may need an adapter.

After scouring the supply chain, we discovered a $10 (list price) solution from Belkin.

For more information, check out the product page at Belkin or, call us - we have them in stock!

Kill-A-Watt Power Meter

2008-02-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

File this under green, power.

The Kill A Watt EZ is a watt hour / kWh meter that aims to help you monitor electricity use of your plug-in appliances. It can calculate running cost and projected cost. It can also monitor the quality of power by monitoring line frequency (Hz), voltage and Power Factor (VA). With a street price of $59, the payback won't take long.

For more information, call us.

Gorilla Tripod

2008-02-27T06:38:00.001-08:00

File this under camera.

The Gorillapod can secure your digital camera to just about anything. It has flexible legs that grip and can be wrapped around almost any surface. It comes in three sizes with prices ranging from $39.95 to $54.95 depending on the size.

For more information, visit joby.com, or call us.

Lowepro CompuTrekker Backpack

2008-02-26T06:43:00.001-08:00

File this under, camera, laptop.

For you serious (or not-so-serious) camera toting, notebook packing fools, this case is for you. Why carry two cases, when you can carry one? Better yet, this thing is built to protect your valuable techno investment. It has plenty of room for a large professional SLR camera and up to a 17" notebook while still meeting airline carry-on requirements. It' s made of shock-absorbing closed-cell foam and water resistant materials. The interior is customizable and includes removable dividers, pouches and mesh pockets. Further, it has a built-in memory card pocket and tripod holder. Top it off with extra padded shoulder straps.

For more information, visit Lowepro, or call us, we're here to help.

Liberate Your iTunes

2008-02-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

File this under itunes, drm, mp3

The gent that was the first to officially unlock the iPhone last year, Jon Lech Johansen, has released a new software product called DoubleTwist. DoubleTwist aims to liberate your iTunes music library by removing Apple's Digital Rights Management (DRM), which prevents your iTunes music purchases from playing on your friends' iPods and non Apple music players. Once liberated, the software then aims to help you share your music with others and sync with non-iPod devices. Features also include sharing of photos and videos, and Facebook integration. Our first look has been promising.

For more information, visit DoubleTwist.

BioPassword Security

2008-02-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

File this under enterprise, biometric, security, authentication.

BioPassword increases standard username and password security by adding a biometric twist. Biometrics measures a person's physiological or behavioral characteristics, such as voice patterns, fingerprints, and now, typing patterns. By measuring your typing style - or technically, your Keystroke Dynamics, BioPassword can decipher whether you are typing your username and password or if it has landed into the wrong hands and being typed by an impostor. This is pretty cool stuff if you think about it. If your username and password are stolen, they become essentially useless!

Your bank probably won't be using BioPassword anytime soon, but it certainly has its place in the enterprise market.

For more information, visit BioPassword or call us.

Belkin PocketTop

2008-02-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

File this under cool, cheap, laptop stuff.

This laptop case isn't for road warriors, but if you're a SOHO laptop user, then this thing is for you. Your AC power adapter is neatly stashed so that you needn't fumble around with it as you travel from room to room. It's also a nifty little mobile workstation which is comfortable on the couch, the kitchen table, or your bed. It's covered in a washable material and includes a lifetime warranty. It works with laptops with 15.4" widescreens or smaller. Comes in silver, orange, green, dove, chocolate and steel. Best news, it's $49.95 list!

For more information visit Belkin or call us, we can get them in 1-2 days.

In-Desk USB Hub

2008-02-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

File this under cool, gotta-have, cheap stuff.

Connect your USB gadgets directly into a flush-mounted In-Desk USB Hub by Belkin. If you don't have a 3" hole already, you can always drill one using a 3" hole saw bit. Cool on the wallet at $39.95 list price.

For more information visit Belkin.

Tripp-Light (PDU)

2008-02-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

File this under power, server, rack.

If you are unsure of how much power your server racks are consuming, or just need to get a better handle on your remote power management, then a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is just for you.

Here's how it works. Plug in up to 8 devices that you want to monitor and control. Make sure you don't exceed 15 amps at full load - which is easy to do, because the LCD on the front displays your total amp load. As soon as you exceed 8 devices, or 15 amps, it's time for another PDU. Also, consider plugging each PDU into its own UPS. This helps determine your total run time you can expect with each UPS.

Now, let's say you get home from work and one by one your users call you complaining that the Remote Access Server is not responding. You try to login it which confirms your worst fear, the server is in fact hung. No problem, login to the PDU and restart the outlet that the Terminal Server is plugged into, then, get back to watching ESPN.

Summary of features:

1) Displays total amp load.
2) Helps you determine how much up-time that your UPS will provide.
3) Helps you power cycle devices plugged into each power outlet.
4) Redundant power source.
5) Monitor via Web or Network.
6) Individually controlled power outlets.
7) Sequential outlet turn-on which eliminates power in-rush.
8) 1U rack space.

For more information go to Tripp-Lite PSUMH15ATNET.