Recently in Tech Toys Category
I carried around an Intel-branded laptop backpack for perhaps 8 or 9 years. I got it when I worked at CNN, and at the time computer backpacks were not common.
Various parts were finally giving way, so I decided to buy a new bag as a Christmas present with money my folks gave me.
I started trying to do some research, but ended up going down to REI to see what I could find.
I picked up a North Face Surge, and I've been very happy with it. Features I like:
Various parts were finally giving way, so I decided to buy a new bag as a Christmas present with money my folks gave me.
I started trying to do some research, but ended up going down to REI to see what I could find.
I picked up a North Face Surge, and I've been very happy with it. Features I like:
- Unlike the Intel bag, this is a true backpack, and it feels very good on the back. I've learned why hip and chest straps are good.
- It has a little pocket for power cords. It actually took me a while to find it - it's on the front of the bag at the bottom.
- No separate sleeve - the pocket closet to the straps is padded.
- Small pocket just for electronics - iPod, etc.
- Very well organized outer most pocket for pens and all the random stuff I carry.
It's not a cheap bag - around $100 - but if it lasts as long as my last bag, it could serve me for 10 years. Highly recommended.
My experience with the the Mac Mini I bought in October has made me a convert. Even though I built a new AMD-based Windows system at the same time that's faster than my Mini, I like the Mac environment. And for those Windows applications that I can't live without, VMWare Fusion works just fine. So since October, the Mac has been my primary environment.
I've never spent my own money for a laptop. I work in IT, and since 1996, every company I've worked for has provided me a Windows laptop. But it seemed unlikely that a company would buy me a Mac laptop. So in December the bug bit me, and I bought a black MacBook.
I was never really in the market for a sub-notebook, and the specs on the air don't attract me. 1.6 Ghz processor vs my 2.2. 2 gig of ram vs the 4 gig I put in mine. (From Fry's - only $90 with rebates!) No DVD. 80 gig 4200 RM drive vs my 160gb 5400. Higher res screen on the Air - that's nice - but not worth the extra money.
The lower weight and sleekness isn't necessary for me. The Macbook is already thinner and lighter than the other Windows laptops I've had. I like it a lot.
I've never spent my own money for a laptop. I work in IT, and since 1996, every company I've worked for has provided me a Windows laptop. But it seemed unlikely that a company would buy me a Mac laptop. So in December the bug bit me, and I bought a black MacBook.
I was never really in the market for a sub-notebook, and the specs on the air don't attract me. 1.6 Ghz processor vs my 2.2. 2 gig of ram vs the 4 gig I put in mine. (From Fry's - only $90 with rebates!) No DVD. 80 gig 4200 RM drive vs my 160gb 5400. Higher res screen on the Air - that's nice - but not worth the extra money.
The lower weight and sleekness isn't necessary for me. The Macbook is already thinner and lighter than the other Windows laptops I've had. I like it a lot.
I was paying close attention November 19th when Amazon announced their Kindle reading device. In the morning, you could order the Kindle for next day delivery, but as the day went on, the delivery date starting stretching out. That evening I wasn't sure if I wanted one, but I decided to put my order in to hold a place in line. With 2 day delivery, Amazon said I would get my Kindle Tuesday December 4th.
I'm an Amazon Prime member, so changing the order to overnight delivery is only an extra $3.99, so I decided to change the Kindle order to see if it would change my delivery date. I expected Amazon to immediately come back and say I'd get it one day early - next Monday - but instead, Amazon said to check back later for a delivery date.
I check this morning, and it says my delivery date is November 29th - tomorrow! Changing to overnight clearly moved me up in the queue.
Techdirt reported last week that Amazon has a patent on juggling delivery dates based on the value of orders they expect you to place. Interesting ....
I'm an Amazon Prime member, so changing the order to overnight delivery is only an extra $3.99, so I decided to change the Kindle order to see if it would change my delivery date. I expected Amazon to immediately come back and say I'd get it one day early - next Monday - but instead, Amazon said to check back later for a delivery date.
I check this morning, and it says my delivery date is November 29th - tomorrow! Changing to overnight clearly moved me up in the queue.
Techdirt reported last week that Amazon has a patent on juggling delivery dates based on the value of orders they expect you to place. Interesting ....
