Look Out Here Comes Acer?

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/162833-5/first_look_acers_aspire_timeline_ultraportable_laptop.html

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
Acer is in the process of releasing a new laptop called the Aspire Timeline. This laptop not only looks cool but if rumors can be believed, it could mark a whole new level in Acer laptops. No, I have not lost my mind and I am give Acer a GOOD rating, I never thought it would happen either, but take a look at this thing before you call me nuts.

The new timeline is going to be loaded with a core 2 duo processor and supports up to 8 gigs of ddr3 ram. It comes with screen sizes 13.3 up to 15.1 and sustains an 8 hour battery life. My 12 cell HP battery can only hold a 6 hour charge. It also is said to run 66% more energy efficient than energy star standards, that’s impressive. This is accomplished by switching automatically to adaptive charging mode when it detects a full battery, even if the adapter is still connected. This helps to swat the current problem of overcharging laptop batteries. Acer is also keeping up with a new style and design. With a sleek new look and only 3.5 pounds even grandma can carry this in her bag. In hope that Acer is on a new path of quality laptops, I am giving them a GOOD rating.

Sunblock, Swimsuit, and My Cellphone

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2345626,00.asp

Rating: BAD

Explanation:
In the interest of going green, everyone is trying to conserve and find new ways to power their electronic devices. Sharp along with the Japanese cell phone company, AU KDD, are about to release a solar powered water proof cell phone. The phone with about 10 minutes of sunlight will provide enough power to talk for one minute or be powered for a couple hours on standby.

If my math is correct, for every hour I spend sun bathing I can talk to my friends for 6 minutes. I sure hope its not a cloudy day. The concept behind this new solar phone I feel is a great theory on paper, but will be unpractical in practice. If this solar phone truly only gets 1 minute of talk time for every ten in the sun, then people are going to plug it in and charge it anyway, therefore it would fail the intended purpose to conserve energy and help the environment. It’s a great concept, but we as a society need to start putting time and money into energy solutions that will have a greater effect, such as solar power houses, which would save a lot more energy. Then when I plugged my phone in to charge it, I would be using solar energy.

The waterproof feature is cool and I am sure will catch on rather quickly. In a world of clumsy Americans it’s more of a, spill and 'opps I dropped my phone in the toilet' than anything else. I expect to see this feature become popular and more widespread. Although Sharp gets an A for effort, I need more than 6 minutes of talk time; Sharp receives a BAD rating.

Going Backwards, Can Be Making Progress

Source: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/04/xp-will-not-expire-once-windows-7-ships.ars

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
My very first post dealt with the poor decision made by Microsoft to release six different versions of their new operation system Windows 7. This time Microsoft did something smart when considering Windows 7. Microsoft has announced that it will offer a downgrade service to Windows XP after Windows 7 ships. This would allow someone buying a new computer to choose to have it shipped with Windows XP instead of Windows 7.

For a company who is notorious for trying to force the computer industry to change on Microsoft's time and money, this seems strange; however smart. Generally the concept is to force everyone to upgrade at the time of a new operating system release to bring in the maximum profits. This attempt failed with Windows Vista which is why I believe Microsoft is trying to prevent this from happening with Windows 7. There was an uproar in the IT world when they could no longer order machines with Windows XP. People actually liked XP.

“As much as we [Microsoft] would like all its customers to switch to the latest-and-greatest on release day, the company recognizes that the wheels of business turn slowly, and that sometimes a little more time is needed”

For finally snapping back to reality, I am giving Microsoft a GOOD rating.

Tandy 2000, Tape Players, and the Land Line

Source: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_15/b4126065685084.htm?chan=technology_tech+maven+page+-+new_this+week%27s+column


Rating: GOOD

Explanation:

Verizon has released a new phone, but this time it’s not a cell phone. It’s a line to help start a new generation in land lines. It’s called the Hub. It’s a home phone which uses broadband and Voice over IP to make calls and much more. The hub is a cordless phone that makes use of your existing broadband connection, which can be from any Internet service provider. You can make phone calls and use other features over the Internet such as checking traffic, weather, text messaging, and for $10 more, even keep track of your kids.
The traditional land line is quickly becoming as obsolete as the Tandy 2000. With long distance now costing the same as calling your neighbor when using your cell phone, people are canceling their phones attached to a rj-11 jack by the millions. Verizon is trying to help bridge the gap between the old and the new which I feel is a great idea. It will help ease the process of removing the old technology by giving a security blank to those who don't want to give up their antiques. For taking VOIP to the next level and helping to push out the old I give Verizon a GOOD rating.

Time is Running Out

Source: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/03/ipv6_analysis/

Rating: BAD

Explanation:

There have been predictions that IPv4 numbers will be completely used in as little as two years. This means the implementation of the long awaited IPV6 is closer than most would like to believe. So what is IPv6? IPv6 is a new method of assigning addresses to networks which allows communication between computers. IPv6 has a much larger address space than IPv4. This results from the use of a 128-bit addresses instead of IPv4 which only uses 32 bit addresses. The larger addresses provide flexibility in allocating addresses and routing traffic and eliminate the need for network address translation (NAT). Ipsec is also incorporated by default into Ipv6 which allows for much more secure data transmission than IPv4.

IPv6 needs to be implemented before the Internet can no longer function properly. Unfortunately I fear the transition will be hard for the average person. Sure, the techies of the world should have no problem switching over and it will be a relative simple process. I am concerned for Grandma who likes to check her email from her grandchildren. Although this is always an issue with new technology, this has the potential to have a larger effect. This is due to the magnitude of the change. New routers will be needed and older machines which still don't use Windows XP or newer, are no longer going to be used for just email. Because a potential cyber chaos could be caused by such a switch, I give IPv6 a BAD rating.

Cool Phone Tricks

Source: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_pogue_on_cool_phone_tricks.html

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
David Pogue gave a very energetic talk at TED this year. His topic of choice was cool cell phones tricks. As a side note, if you get the chance you must watch the end of this video, especially if you have an iPhone. It’s hilarious.

In this talk, one of the many “tricks” mentioned is a new cell phone program by Google called Grand Central. This program allows you to hook one number up to multiple phones. So your house phone, your cell phone, and your work phone could all ring under one phone number. This would allow you to never miss a call. Also you can customize the voice mail depending who is calling. It allows you to have a professional voice mail for your work, and a causal voice mail for your wife and kids.

Google never fails to amaze me. A service like this for many business men and women could be extremely profitable. A doctor could always be on call with one number. His babysitter can get a hold of him in an emergency just as easily as the emergency room, with only one phone number. For keeping the world connected, Google receives another GOOD rating.

Hands Free Email

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/technology/personaltech/19pogue.html

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
Cell phones started an age of hands free communication. Email has completed it. A new hands free device called the iLane has been released for your car which will read your emails to you as you drive. This device links wireless to a Blackberry phone using Bluetooth. The iLane also comes with an ear piece, which also utilizes Bluetooth to connect back to the iLane unit. Ilane uses the Blackberry to monitor and retrieve your email and dictating it aloud to the ear piece. It even allows you to respond to emails using speech to text.

Certain states, such as New Jersey have banned talking on the phone while driving. The iLane is another tool to help people pay more attention to driving than to their smart-phones. Distractions that cause your hands to leave the wheel, can be the cause of fatal accidents. For business men and women who need to stay in contact via email 24/7, this allows them to do so in a safer manner. Unfortunately I think the drivers who could benefit from this device the most are teenagers. With the iLane costing well over $600, you are not going to find many 16-21 years riding around with this slick new design. Any devices that attempts to make our roadways a safer place I am more than happy to endorse; therefore iLane receives a GOOD rating.

Looks are Not Everything

Source: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-touchsmart-iq506/4505-3118_7-33074466.html

Rating: BAD

Explanation:
In an attempt to stay current with the times, my place of employment decided to upgrade their touchscreen computer. Their choice of touchscreen computers was the HP I504. At first glance the computer looks very sleek and well equipped. It comes with an Intel core 2 duo, 4 gigs of ram, and a 22 inch glossy touchscreen monitor. The design looks like a LCD TV and takes up little desk space.

So what’s the problem? As with most "all in one" computer units, repairs are always a problem. These units take special parts, which makes them costly and inconvenient to fix. Let’s face it, all computers crash. Although on paper, this model is well equipped; out of the box it runs sluggish and buggy. It would appear the touchscreen software is affecting the performance.

As with any piece of technology it does have its place. Although I would not recommend this machine for any home desktop computer, in the business world it can have it' place. It would work well as a walk up Internet station/kiosk. It may also work well to display demos of software since it is easy to transport and has a beautiful screen. However the major downside is even with these advantages, it is not worth the price. Even the most basic models price at about $1200. That makes an expensive Internet booth. With the disadvantages outweighing the advantages, and an A for effort, HP 1504 gets a BAD rating.

George Jetson's Car

Source: http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2238758/flying-car-takes-skies

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
The future has arrived, cars have been spotted airborne in New York. Before you claim that I am crazy, click on the link and see for yourself. A successfully test flight of a flying car happened at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh. The car is called the Terrafugia Transition and is a road legal two seat vehicle. It has electronically foldable wings which can be deployed in 30 seconds and ready for take off.

“ Once airborne the vehicle is capable of flying at 115 miles an hour and uses around five gallons of fuel per hour to drive the rearward facing propeller. As a car it gives around 30 miles to the gallon for normal use”

On the hunt for more energy and gas efficient cars I never expected to see a car that actually flies. This car is expected to produce average gas mileage on the ground, but it only uses 5 gallons an hour in the air. I think the combination of road and air cars is the future of travel. I am sure the airlines and traffic control would not appreciate this since it decreases the need for commercial air travel, and creates the new need to police and monitor the new airways. We need to stop being afraid of putting major companies out of business, and allow science and technology to advance society, and in this case improve travel. For flying in the right direction, the Terrafugia Transition receives a GOOD rating.

Magnetic Computers

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/technology/personaltech/12touchb.html?ref=personaltech

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
Always Innovating, has designed a brand new laptop focused on ultra portability. The laptop is designed for basic use such as Internet browsing and word processing. The design comes in two parts, a full touch screen and a detachable keyboard. One of the most impressive features is its battery life. The laptop houses two batteries allowing between 10 and 15 hours of workability. The most innovative feature is when the keyboard is detached from the screen, the back of the screen is equipped with a magnet and allows the screen to be attached to any surface including a refrigerator. In the race to produce new laptop features, I never thought the ability to attach a screen onto the front of your refrigerator to be a top priority. I initially found this worthless and a design for a marketing ploy, however the more I consider the idea the more I like it. Being able to attach the screen to a metal surface could provide useful to watching movies or in working with a group of people. As a kitchen computer, you could have a recipe displayed on the screen as you cook. In an automobile repair garage, the monitor could be attached to a tool box and used to run diagnostics on cars. Just the portability it provides by creating a wide variety of potential uses prompts me to give this new feature a GOOD rating.

The Insignificance of Security

Source : http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/transfer-jet-ready-for-its-close-up/

Rating: UGLY

Explanation:
As I was reading David Pogue 's blog today, I came across a new wireless technology that concerns me. It is called transfer-jet. It’s a wireless data transfer technology that works only when the devices are within an inch of each other. Sounds cool. David Pogue also thought so:

“You bring a camera over to your computer and touch them together—and a whole memory card’s worth of photos are transferred in a few seconds. No wires, software, password, pairing, none of that. Just touch ‘em.”

No password or pairing. Its ok, security is vastly overrated, right?

David Pogue makes a valid point about how the physical security is implemented because of the range of the device. “It’s the short range, in fact, that lets you get rid of all that red tape; it’s not very likely that a bad guy could intercept your file transfer without your knowledge. He’d have to be the size of an atom.”

However he is missing part of the puzzle. Any wireless transmission can be captured with the right antenna. An attack does not need to be physically in between the two physical medians. An attacker for example, could produce the same signal on a device, amplify it so the computer thinks the devices are physically an inch apart, attach a virus, and sit in a coffee house scanning for these connections. Without a password or a form of encryption, the attacker can freely upload his virus to which ever machine he feels fit. Let’s hope it’s not a rootkit.

With a society that focuses on convenience, it is imperative that the security of our information is kept as a priority. I love the concept of the technology, but before this could ever receive a good rating it would need to incorporate encryption or passwords. Until then, my rating will stand at UGLY.

"Space Telescope Launches Friday to Find New Earths"

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,504747,00.html

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:

“If Friday's launch goes according to plan and successfully lobs NASA's new Kepler space telescope into orbit, the mission stands to potentially change the way we look at the universe.”

NASA is trying to answer the everlasting question, is there life on planets other than earth? The 600 million dollar telescope is equipped with a 95 mega pixel lens and is programmed to study 100,000 different stars while in space. For those who do not understand the significance of a 95 mega pixel lens, your standard camera at your local electronic store is around ten mega pixels, if you are willing to spend your months pay check, then maybe 12 mega pixels. The discovery of new planets which can support life I believe will lead to new advancements in technology. If nothing else, the possibility of needing a new place to inhabit is increasing as the population grows. This telescope could be the first step to finding a new home. Meeting a new race of beings, although potentially dangerous, could also lead to learning parts of science which currently cannot even be conceived or maybe a cure for disease such as cancer. Just as a newborn moves around the outdoors and proceeds to learn new life altering facts, we need to move around the universe and hope to make a few life altering discoveries. With the potential for new discoveries, NASA gets a GOOD rating.

Customizable TV

Source:
http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSTRE52377V20090304

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
Watching television on the Internet is convenient and allows a user to select which shows interest them. Hollywood is trying to cash in on this growing interest by teaming up with a new service called ZillionTV. ZillionTV uses your home internet connection but does not connect to your computer it connects to your TV via a special device built by ZillionTV. This service streams TV from the internet directly to your TV screen. ZillionTV offers different viewing options. The service is free with advertisements; you can rent a show, or buy a show. If you choose to rent or buy shows they are commercial free. The interesting aspect regarding the advertisements is that you may choose which vendor's commercials to view. I previously posted about Yahoo sending customized ads to your computer, producing a BAD rating. This however, allows the user to pick the advertisement, they are not being chosen by a computer without the user knowledge or consent. This method I find productive and acceptable. The ability to sit down in front of a TV and choose what to watch instead of being to force to watch whatever might be running at that given time, is a great advancement for TV. I dislike watching commercials, however I could find them more tolerable if they were on technology, for example. Due to the customizable commercials and the free on demand television, ZillionTV gets a GOOD rating.

Lasers May Be a Reality

Source:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16675-video-airborne-laser-weapon-sails-through-tests.html

Rating: GOOD(potential to be UGLY)

Explanation:
The Pentagon is currently funding a project which would allow military aircraft to carry a laser attached to the nose of the plane. This laser has been tested over the last 16 months and has enough power to shoot down missiles and potentially other aircraft. This new powerful weapon could be a great defense against terrorist weapons of mass destruction. With the ability to respond in minutes, a missile could have barely left the ground and be able to be shot down using this new technology. Therefore this warrants a GOOD rating. However like any piece of potentially destructive technology, in the wrong hands it could produce massive loss of life. This same technology could destroy a plane carrying innocent passengers across the Pacific. This would obviously then result in an UGLY rating. The Obama administration has yet to decide if they are going to continue to fund this project.

What Have You Been Searching?

Source:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10170725-93.html

Rating: BAD

Explanation:
Does an individual have privacy on the Internet or it is the Internet classified as public domain? Yahoo has decided to take the stance of public domain. Yahoo has started targeting their advertisement to an individual based on what they are searching for on their search engines. The positive side of this new analytical technology is I could hopefully stop seeing ads for products I have no interest in, therefore making the ads marginally less annoying. For this technology to work, a computer algorithm must first be able to identify what searches are coming from which computer. The problem therefore lies in the lack of consent given by the user to obtain this information. I would not like a search engine company having information about what I have been recently searching. The question is why not? Social engineering is becoming an increasingly larger threat in today’s world of technology. With this being the case, my recent search information can be used against me. For example, if I have been recently searching for tickets to a game, an attacker could use this information to track which website I purchase my tickets. Now an attacker has narrowed down from over a million sites which site has to be attacked to obtain my credit card information. I hope no one has a grudge on me. For the reason of increasing the lack of privacy, my rating is BAD.

Building Blocks to Learning

Source:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_merrill_demos_siftables_the_smart_blocks.html

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
The computer as we know it is always changing. Yes they have been becoming smaller and smaller over the past several years, but now they are available in all different shapes as well. David Merrill gives a talk about a new learning tool called shiftables. Components are modeled to look like the building blocks everyone played with as a kid, however they are actually adaptive computers. They can be used for everything from a math learning aid to musical instruments. I found this technology astonishing. With each generation becoming more and more dependent on and needing technology, this can provide a great way to teach children math and other concepts while having fun; even learning something about computers. The blocks use sensors to know what each block around it is doing. For example you put the number 4 on one block, a plus sign on another, and 3 on another, an equal sign on another, and put a blank block next to the equal sign and the number 7 will appear on this block. The possibilities are endless. With the potential to change society in so many ways, it earns a GOOD rating.

Portability Revolution

This weeks article:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/companyNewsMolt/idUKTRE51F3PF20090216

Rating: Good

Explanation:
Texas Instruments (TI) has produced what appears to be the next revolution in portability. TI has developed a chip that will allow a cell phone to become a mini projector anytime, anywhere. The new chip was unveiled on Monday (February 16th ) at the Mobile World Congress showcase in Barcelona and was said to be ready to be included in commercial products in 2010. The chip will allow customers to load a presentation or to surf the web and have it projected onto any surface such as a wall or even a table cloth. Imagine the possibilities for salesmen to have the ability to be at a lunch meeting, take out their phone and project their companies product right onto the table. A teacher or professor to be able to carry their class notes on their phone and walk into a classroom that is not technology enabled and display their content on the wall. I believe this last option is the biggest advantage to society. A school may not be able to afford projectors or computers for every classroom, however a teacher may be able to afford a phone with this capability and provider his or her students with a better education. Texas Instrument not only gets an award for coolest technology of the year but an award for potentially improving society. This results in a GOOD rating.

Google Goes Green

This weeks article:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/159430/google_power_meter_analyzes_home_energy_consumption.html

Rating: GOOD

Explanation:
Google has decided to join the GO GREEN community by “developing a Web service that will let users track electricity usage in a very detailed way.” Google wants to alert consumers about how much energy they use throughout the day in their house and show users how this cost can be reduced. The analysis would provide feedback such as it is cheaper to run the dishwasher during the day. Google makes many contributions to computer science and society and I believe they have out done themselves again. Awareness is the first step to correcting a problem. If I was told running the dishwasher was cheaper when I was at work versus at night when I am asleep, I would. Most people don’t take this step simply because they are unaware of the difference. Everyone loves to save money and why not help mother earth in the process. This product is still in beta and should be released within the next couple of months. Google is hoping to get more companies such as electricity suppliers on board to help improve their product. Thanks Google and you have my approval.

Calling all stalkers!

This weeks Article:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13557_7-10162552-31.html

Rating: BAD

Explanation:
The world of technology has created yet another corporate tag team to take on the “Mobile World Congress” The new players are Garmin and Asus. Garmin and Asus have come together to produce a new generation of smart phones called the Nuvifone M20 and the Nuvifone G60.
The M20 is a Windows mobile based system while the G60 is a Linux based system. These phones have all of your standard features for today's smart phones including email, WIFI, Bluetooth, touchscreen, camera and stalker capability. That’s right Garmin not only put a high end GPS into their new toy but the provided an application called Ciao which has the ability to locate any other phone in your contact list, and then display them on a map.

“Lets you see your friends' whereabouts by linking location-centric social networks and then showing friends' locations on a map. You'll then be able navigate to their locations from there.”

I am in favor of GPS systems in phones and the ability to find restaurants and a specific address, however the ability to locate your friends without their consent or knowledge I believe crosses the line. I could see it being helpful in large crowds, such as in a city as New York but this could also be dangerous in the hands of the wrong type of person. A hacker could tap into this and locate your whereabouts. For these reasons I rate this as BAD for society.

How many?

This weeks Article: http://www.pcworld.com/article/158861/windows_7_to_ship_in_six_different_versions.html

“Microsoft confirmed the multi-version release of Windows 7 to various sources including Gizomodo and Paul Thurrott of Windows Supersite”

Rating: UGLY

Explanation:
Microsoft has once again decided to release not just multiple versions of their upcoming operating system, but 6 completely different versions to the public. Microsoft started releasing different versions of their operation systems with XP Pro and XP home. The initial concept was a good one, a version for your average user, and a version for your business. However the underground community quickly exploited the lack of security in XP Home and everyone from your average user to your business professionals started using XP Professional. With Windows Vista becoming the new Windows ME, it is easy to look at some of its flaws including the number of versions released. With so many versions it was hard for a consumer to get everything they wanted and / or needed without buying the complete version of Vista Ultimate. With this being the case the concept of having other cheaper versions becomes useless because they did not accomplish giving the consumer another option; it was Vista Ultimate or a version of Vista which was not as well supported and had a fair share of issues. This all being said I can't imagine releasing six new versions with Windows 7 as a good concept. Sure, for Microsoft it is a great marketing ploy to create more sales but it does not benefit the consumer. This being the case I would have to say that Microsoft repeating an already experienced problem would result in an UGLY rating.