Newspapers are dying off slowly but ever so surely. Most new media critics easily dismiss the printed page as ‘old media’ that will continue to fail. While the conventional wisdom that new media is the new medium and the transition from print to digital is necessary holds validity, there are some prescriptive paths to not follow the herd mentality that seems present in an online culture. The following is a great video that gives some more context to this idea that design matters, even in the newspaper business. Read More/Comments...

Tags: newspaper, design

I’m planning on a more in-depth review along with a video review of the Kindle 2 from Amazon. However, before I produce those, I thought I would share my first impressions after playing with the Kindle 2 last night. As an original Kindle 1 owner (and overall tech nerd), I can easily say that the Kindle 2 is a big improvement over version 1. Here is my quick list of likes:
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Tags: Kindle

Perhaps the number one complaint about the Kindle is price. The argument goes: “Why would I want to pay $359 for a Kindle, when a book costs me between $15 and $20?”. Sounds reasonable upon first blush, but I decided to do the actual math on what the Kindle cost me with my book purchases and subscriptions and compare that to both the Amazon price and the list price. The results might surprise you:
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Tags: Kindle

I work for a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, so it's only natural for me to assume a technology advocate role for cloud computing in general. In the technology realm (and specifically in the software space), the terms cloud computing and SaaS are hot topics, especially in light of an economic downturn. The move towards Internet based applications are becoming the new norm. Web-based services such as Flickr, Google Docs, and Gmail are all examples of cloud computing. Whether you realize it or not, chances are that you are utilizing cloud computing in your everyday life. While there are some distinct differences between SaaS applications for the consumer/individual and those for organizations, the fundamental principles still apply.
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Tags: SaaS, cloud computing

As an early adopter of the first generation Kindle from Amazon (Nov. ’07), I have devoted several posts to my blog specific to my Kindle experiences. While not without it’s quirks, I have been pretty vocal about my enthusiasm for the Kindle. While it’s no iPhone in terms of pure technological achievement, it carries out its intended purpose really well and completely changed my reading habits for the better. The Kindle 2 that will be released in ten days is not a leaps and bounds advancement from Amazon, however there is enough there for me to pull the trigger on the upgrade. Read on for my reasons.

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Tags: Kindle

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Apple. I was first exposed to Macs in college nearly 20 years ago and I’ve owned a Mac since 2000. I owned the first generation iPod and yes, I was one of those guys in line the day the iPhone debuted. There are good reasons behind my Apple bias: great design, excellent user interfaces and very stable operating systems. I’ve probably switched at least a dozen people over to Macs from PC’s. However, after having an iPhone for over eighteen months, I do have some criticism and a running wish list for the iPhone. Here it goes:
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Tags: Apple, iPhone

Okay, here is my review of the Eye-Fi Wireless SD Memory card. I’ve decided that this technology is better reviewed using video as you can see it directly in action and see just how fast it all works in real time. To see the video, click on the read more link.

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Tags: photography

I’m a technology guy, so reviewing a piece of luggage is a bit out of step for me but I also travel for my job and find myself in and out of airports frequently. I’m always looking for ways to optimize my travel habits and when someone I follow on Twitter raved about their latest luggage purchase, I followed the link and was immediately sold on the concept. The question is whether the concept turned to reality upon actual use. Read More/Comments...

Tags: luggage, productivity

This post is inspired by a recent blog entry from O’Reilly Radar (It’s really more of an essay & series of interviews). In brief, Tim O’Reilly discusses the merits of practice as it relates to programming. The line that got me thinking was right in the opening paragraph, discussing a disturbing trend:

“the unwillingness of people to work hard to learn new skills...”

Busted! I am guilty as anyone amidst the instant gratification of today’s Internet culture to expect something for nothing. The article is rather long, but worthy of your stayed attention.

In my reflection of the past year and in my planning and dreaming for the new year, the question that I challenge myself with is what am I going to do about it? I hasten to call it a resolution, but rather more of a concerted effort and awareness that I need to instill the habit of practice in both my personal and professional life. Read More/Comments...

Tags: productivity