For the full article, please hit this link : (via Tom’s Guide)

—————-
Now playing: The Rolling Stones – Angie
via FoxyTunes

At least keyboards matter to me – I spend far too much time on them each day!

Keyboards of Summer

We bang on fresh keyboards from Microsoft, Logitech, Matias, and Eclipse, and determine whether they deserve to sit in front of your monitor.

While summer isn’t traditionally keyboard season, this year manufacturers decided to launch new keyboards just ahead of the back to school season.

If your current keyboard is getting a bit crusty, or you’re simply looking to upgrade, consider one of these: we’ve got options for multimedia gurus, budget-oriented consumers, and gamers looking for something different.

To compare these new keyboards, we’ll examine them based on five areas: design, value, features, performance, and build quality. For design, we’ll look at how well the keyboard looks and feels when used, and answer the question, “Is this something we would want on our desk every day?” For value, we’ll look at the price point and see what you’re getting for the money – not all cheap keyboards are bad, and clearly not every expensive keyboard delivers bang for the buck. Next we’ll examine the features of the keyboard: its options and characteristics that make it stand out. One keyboard doesn’t have to offer more features than another to do well here, but it must offer a good set of features for its type.

Performance is judged by day-to-day use. Even the most attractive keyboards can be clumsy and difficult to use, and a good looking keyboard that’s horrible to use is no good for anyone. Finally, we’ll examine build quality– whether or not the keyboard feels like it will hold up over time and is made from quality components.

For the rest of the article, head over to http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Keyboard-Wireless-Test,review-1566.html
—————-
Now playing: George Thorogood & The Destroyers – The Baddest Of George Thorogood & The Destroyers – I’m A Steady Rollin’ Man
via FoxyTunes

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Android 2.2: Froyo Is a Major Update

Google announced today Android 2.2, a major update for Google’s mobile operating system. There are many changes and a lot of new features that are really useful.

Android now uses a just-in-time compiler that improves the performance for some applications, especially for games. “The new Dalvik JIT compiler in Android 2.2 delivers between a 2-5X performance improvement in CPU-bound code vs. Android 2.1 according to various benchmarks,” says Xavier Ducrohet.

Android’s browser includes the V8 JavaScript engine created for Google Chrome, so web pages that use JavaScript heavily will load much faster (some benchmarks show a 2-3X improvement). Google claims that Android’s browser is the fastest mobile browser available today.

Developers have a new API for app data backup, which is really useful if you want to switch to a new Android device or you want to install a custom version of Android. There’s also an extremely useful messaging API for sending data to an Android phone from another device. For example, you’ll be able to send a link from your computer to your Android phone and the phone will automatically open the browser and navigate to the web address. You can also send files and install applications from your computer over the air.

Android Market will have a web interface, applications can auto-update and you can quickly install all the updates, instead of manually installing each update. Another change is that applications can be moved to the SD card. Google also announced that it has acquired SimplifyMedia, a company that developed some cool applications for streaming your music.

Android 2.2 has built-in support for tethering and it can transform a phone into a portable hotspot. Android Market includes some great applications for tethering, but it’s nice to see that’s now a built-in feature.

You can add multiple languages to the keyboard and switch between them by swiping across the space bar, there’s a new UI for the camera, there’s support for Exchange calendars and remote wipe, LED flash for the Camcorder, support for sharing contacts with other phones and much more.

Flash 10.1 is now available as a beta application in the Android Market, but it requires Android 2.2. Nexus One and Motorola Droid will be updated to Froyo next month. The other HTC phones launched this year will be updated in the second half of the year. “This includes popular models like the Desire and Droid Incredible as well as hotly anticipated phones like the Evo 4G, MyTouch slide and upcoming models.”

(yes, I’m hoping this capability comes to the HTC Hero (sprint version / cdma) soon ) – and for those wondering – relocation was typically painful, but is now complete

—————-
Now playing: Rush – Rivendell
via FoxyTunes

I have a feeling the price point on these AMD 6-core chips makes a LOT more sense for most of us : http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/phenom-ii/Pages/phenom-ii.aspx vs. the intel.

AMD 6-core pricing vs. Intel 6-core pricing

So you are thinking about upgrading your gaming rig or workstation to the latest AMD 6-core Phenom II X6 processor. While most of the components today will work with the new processor from AMD, not every case, power or cooler will provide the same level of performance to ensure optimal gaming or working experience. So here are some of today’s hottest products for you next upgrade! Case Armor A90< (P/N: VL90001W2Z) • Black Armor Design for Combat w/ Massive Protective Mesh Door & Drive Accesses. • 10 Drive Bays w/ Tool-Less Structural Mechanism. • Awesome Cooling Capability: Oversized Top 200mm Blue LED Fan, Rear 120mm TurboFan, Front 120mm Blue LED Fan (Supports 200mm Fan Upgrade) and Optional Side 120mm Fan Mount. Element V< • Full Tower w/ 12 Drive Bays & 7 Expansion Card Slots • 6 Color Shifting Modes & Speed Adjustable Cooling Fans for Optimal Gaming Experience. • Thermal Capability w/ 2 x 50mm, 3 x 120mm, 2x 200mm & 1 x 230mm Case Fans. V3 Black Edition< (P/N: VL80001W2Z) • Black Finishing Interior w/ 9 Drive Bays & 7 Expansion Card Slots • Omni Directional Thermal Solutions w/ Capability of Four 120mm Cooling Fans • Bottom-placed Power Supply Sign for Ease of Installation & Structure Gravitational Stability. Power Supply TR2 RX 750W < Cable Management (P/N:TRX-750M) • 80 PLUS Standard Certified: 80% or More Efficiency @ 20%, 50%, and 100% Load. • Ultra Quiet 140mm Cooling Fan delivers Excellent Airflow Thermal Solution. • Cable Management: Internal Airflow Improvement by Reducing Cable Clutter within PC to Promote accelerated Heat Removal. • 5 Years Outstanding Warranty Guarantee. Toughpower XT 775W < (P/N: TPX-775M) • 80 PLUS Bronze Certified: Provides up to 89% Effective Power Conversation to Cut-Down Electric Cost • NVIDIA SLI & ATi Cross Fire X Certified. • 24/7 @ 50 °C: Guaranteed to Deliver 775W Continuous Output Power • Fan Delay Cooling Technology: Dissipate Remaining System Shut-Off Heat – Prolonging System Lifetime. • Cable Management: Conveniently Save Space w/o Cluttering Un-Needed Cabling Spaces.. TR2 700W< (P/N: TR-700P) • 80 PLUS Standard Certified: 80% or More Efficiency @ 20%, 50%, and 100% Load. • Stable 700W Continuous Output 40 °C Operating Environment. • 99% Active Power Factor Correction provides Clean and Reliable Power CPU Cooler Frio< (P/N: CLP0564) • Ultimate Overclocking Thermal Structure Design • Dual 120mm Performance VR Fans • 5 X Ø8 mm U-Shaped Copper Heat Pipes for Accelerated Heat Conduction SpinQ VT< (P/N: CLP0554) • Optimized Spiral Aluminum Fins Structure & Smart 360° Airflow Design • Silent 80mm Blower VR Fan w/ Red LED • 3 X U-Shaped Heat Pipes ensures Ultra High Efficiency Contac 29< (P/N: CLP0568) • 3 X Ø8 mm Heat Pipes w/ Direct Contact processed Heat Sink for Rapid Heat Dissipation • Versatile Compatibility, No Cost for Future Processor Upgrades. • 2 Sets of Anti-Vibration Soft Mounts allow transforming compatibility of Second 120mm Fan. If you no longer wish to receive your newsletter from Thermaltake, please unsubscribe here

—————-
Now playing: Creedence Clearwater Revival – Up Around The Bend
via FoxyTunes

20 Smart Android Phone Tips and Tricks

For starters: customize your Android phone’s background. Some devices will even let you add a moving, interactive image. Just hit the menu button and select the Wallpaper option. Follow the directions to select images from your phone’s camera, images loaded onto your phone, or a default wallpaper. But images are just the beginning of what you can put on your desktop. Clever programmers have created dozens of widgets that can also be moved to your home screen. Press down on an empty spot of real estate on your home screen, and that will pull up a menu to let you add everything from widgets, to program shortcuts and folders. If you can bear to part with a little over $1, Beautiful Widgets from the Marketplace is a great place to start for finding home screen add-ons.

view the full tip list at http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/160-Android-Smartphone-Tips-Tricks.html

—————-
Now playing: Nirvana – Lithium
via FoxyTunes

Google, Microsoft Prepping iPad Rivals

ByAntone Gonsalves InformationWeek  April 13, 2010 08:35 AM

Google and Microsoft are reportedly working on their own slate computers that would challenge Apple’s iPad.

Google chief executive Eric Schmidt told friends about the company’s new device at a recent Los Angeles party, and the company is talking to publishers about delivering books, magazines and other content to the device, The New York Times reported Sunday. The gadget would run exclusively on Google’s Android operating system.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has built a prototype of a slate. The device, called the Courier, is about the size of an average paperback and unfolds to reveal two screens, a Microsoft employee claiming to have seen the device told the Times. Users would be able to write on the screens using a stylus and would be able to drag content between the two screens.

While Microsoft engineers have talked about having the device ready for release by early 2011, no official announcement has been made on whether to sell the computer.

(for the rest of the article, head over to http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/portable/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=224400032 )

—————-
Now playing: The Rolling Stones – Paint It Black
via FoxyTunes

Wired Top Stories – E-Books Too Expensive?

Behold: The $20 DIY Book Scanner

By Charlie Sorrel  – April 9, 2010 7:14 am

OK, it’s time to set up google apps via the HTC Hero.  It’s syncing everything right now.

Good buy.  w00t

Strongly considering the HTC Hero smart phone, as it has a lot of features I’m looking for.

http://www.htc.com/us/products/hero-sprint?view=0-2&sort=0&filters=2-0-0

There appears to be quite a few mobile WP blogging tools out there, too. One thing I really like is the fact that the app store is “open” – and you can choose to use apps from anyone, so no “jailbreaking” needed.

I think this is totally the direction of the future : sure, you can be featured on the “official apps” page, but there’s nothing stopping you from hosting an app on your own web page, and charge or not for it independent of the Android pages . . .

The Nexus One would be a contender, again, were it not locked down to a single network. Any such lockdown is an immediate strike against a device for me, let alone if the network is not going to meet my needs (shout out to the iPhone!)

Anyway, that’s the current plan. The prior 2 years of contract is up tomorrow, and this beauty is on sale for $75 locally . . . no need for rebates, etc. a definite plus.

—————-
Now playing: Men At Work – Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive
via FoxyTunes