technology
5 Reasons I Use SlideRocket Over Powerpoint
May 27, 2009
Having serious dissatisfaction with Powerpoint, I set out to find an alternative. Of course, being a Mac guy, using Keynote was a refreshing change but given that I have to use a PC for work and that converting presentations back and forth between Powerpoint and Keynote is problematic at best, I needed a cross-platform alternative that would play nicely in the business world. Enter SlideRocket. SlideRocket is an online alternative to Powerpoint for giving presentations. Here are my top five reasons I prefer SlideRocket over Powerpoint:
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Quick First Impressions of the Kindle 2
February 26, 2009
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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Doing The Math on a Amazon Kindle
February 24, 2009
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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Personal SaaS - My Cloud Computing Applications
February 20, 2009
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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Why I Upgraded to the Kindle 2
February 14, 2009
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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My wish-list for the iPhone
February 04, 2009
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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Eye-Fi SD Memory Card Video Review
January 31, 2009
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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Being a Good Twitter Citizen -- A Twitter Manifesto
December 08, 2008
In every social construct, there is abuse. Obvious mentions here is the abuse of authority in both politics and business (insert current economic woes here). Perhaps on a less grand scale but still present, is the abuse of social networking of which Twitter is no exception. The good news is that it's fairly easy to mute offenders by simply not following them on Twitter (the term "unfollow" seems to be the new verb).
There is much discussed about proper Twitter etiquette in the blogosphere. However, I would classify much of the advice as simply having good manners while using Twitter. This might appease those that follow you but does little to enhance your "street cred" and does even less for building your Twitter audience and your personal or corporate brand. Just like being honest and having integrity is good in business (long-term view), being a good Twitter citizen is ultimately good for your online reputation.
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Can Online Browser-Based Games Compete With Console Games?
December 07, 2008
When you think of online gaming with your PC/Mac and just your browser, you probably think of sub-par quality or something basic. To get high quality gaming experiences, the obvious choices are Sony Playstation 3 or X-Box 360. However, these consoles and respective games are expensive. Can a web-based game compete? WGT, or World Golf Tour offers a non-diluted gaming experience on any browser and bucks conventional wisdom when it comes to using just a browser with nothing to download. Oh yeah, it also happens to be free.
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The Amazon Kindle - One Year Later
December 06, 2008
A year ago, shortly after the Amazon Kindle was announced/released, I became an early adopter and plunked down $400 for the device. The concept of having an entire bookstore within wireless reach was intriguing to say the least. I am pleased to say that one year later, I am still impressed and happy I made the purchase.
That's not to say it's perfect -- it's not. However, the highly practical nature of the device overcomes its shortcomings. Flawless and fast wireless delivery, amazing battery life (with wireless turned off), great implementation of e-ink technology, and general usability are strengths that make it a joy to use. My wish-list for the Kindle has remained fairly static over the last year: More metal (or how about some metal) in the physical design as opposed to an all plastic design, smaller page buttons and the ability to gift books directly to someone's Kindle.
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switchAbit Review
December 06, 2008
The Problem: You belong to more than one social network and yet you find yourself posting the same information in multiple locations (i.e. Facebook, Twitter and Flickr).
The Solution: switchAbit. SwitchAbit is a web service that allows you to post to a single social networking site and automatically update other networking sites. The analogy that they use on their website is a good one. It’s much like using “cc” in an email. In effect, switchAbit allows you to “CC” other social networking sites that you belong to.
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The Solution: switchAbit. SwitchAbit is a web service that allows you to post to a single social networking site and automatically update other networking sites. The analogy that they use on their website is a good one. It’s much like using “cc” in an email. In effect, switchAbit allows you to “CC” other social networking sites that you belong to.
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