Here's a video of my Pandora GUI

Hi all - here's my "Tango" GUI "in action" so-to-speak.  It's just a slideshow on my N800 and my PSP.  But it kind of gives a feel (i hope!) to what it would look like on a handheld UMPC and a gaming device. Enjoy!

Introducing.... The MacBook Spare

Because having a Mac Pro to do the heavy lifting on, a MacBook Pro to do the hard core - but portable stuff on - a MacBook for general use - an iPhone or iPod Touch for ultra portable web surfing, and a MacBook Air for other traveling, just isn't enough. You need another computer!

My MacBook is For Sale!

Alas, it is time for me to part with my old friend, my MacBook. Having revived it from the land of the dead, and restored it to better than new condition, I have to part with it. I have to pay off the debt I got into replacing it!

It is on ebay right now.

Here are the specs.

• 1.83 Ghz Dual-Core Intel Core Duo Processor
• 2 GB DDR2 PC2-5300 677 Mhz 200-pin SO-DIMM RAM
• 80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive SATA
• ComboDrive (CD±R/W & DVD)
• 13.3" Screen at 1280 x 800 resolution native
• Front Row (remote included)
• Leopard Mac OS X 10.5.1
• iLife '08
• iWork '08
• Microsoft Office 2004
• Windows XP Professional SP 2
• 2 USB 2.0 Ports
• Wireless 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
• Ethernet 10/100/1000
• iSight web cam
• built-in mic
• headphone and mic jack
• stereo speakers
• Mini-DVI out
• And more....

If you are interested, please check out the auction. If you "Buy it Now" at the Buy it Now price, I'll throw in my Brenthaven carrying case, which is $50 online.

I really hate to part with this computer, since it was the first new computer I ever bought, but I can't really justify keeping it since I replaced it. Also, since people have asked, I will say that I can load all my YouTube videos on it, and even sign it, if you are so inclined. And if you don't want XP for whatever reason, I can take that off, too. It's a new hard drive with a fresh install of everything - so this is in better-than new condition. I replaced the keyboard, maxed out the RAM, and put in a bigger hard drive. This this is better than the MacBook Air in every way except thinness!

If you have any questions at all, feel free to leave a comment - email me - or contact me through ebay. Thanks for reading and happy bidding!

Nokia NSeries N800 Linux-based Internet Tablet Review

Here's my (first?) review of the Nokia NSeries N800 Internet Tablet. It's got WiFi, BlueTooth, a Touchscreen, VOIP, Games, a full web browser, and more. Check it out!

Also, I mention that I'm selling my MacBook on ebay in the video.

Here's the auction for the "Apple MacBook Dual Core OS X Leopard Mac Windows XP OSX
White MacBook with Leopard iLife iWork Office and more!" - ebay Item # 230214193666.

My New Nokia NSeries N800

I just got my Nokia N800. This is not to be confused with the upcoming Nokia N810. This NSeries model does not have GPS or a physical keyboard. It has WiFi, BlueTooth, a good sized Touchscreen and lots of apps, including Skype! Check out my unboxing. I'll be posting a review or 3 later on.

Long Live My New MacBook

Well, after watching that heartwrentching video of me saying goodbye to such a dear friend, now you can watch me kick that old piece of crap to the curb as I greedily unwrap my new New MacBook. Let's watch. This guy is really cool.

Apple developing mini-disc adapter for slot-loading drives

Apple iPod chief Tony Fadell has develop a hardware solution that would allow his company to ship software on mini-discs which could then used in slot-loading optical drives built for standard 12 cm CDs and DVDs, a new filing has revealed. This is good because I was just wondering how I could run Damn Small Linux off of a business card CD in my MacBook. And now I know it's on the way!

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Meet the Zonbu - the $99 Open Source, User Friendly, Good for the Planet Computer

Zonbu, makers of the Zonbu Mini Desktop, have a long standing commitment to at least 3 times that I can relate to.

1. Open Source software. All Zonbu applicances run the Zonbu OS which is a variant of Gentoo, one of the major distributions of Linux. On the Zonbu OS you'll find such great open source programs like Firefox, OpenOffice.org, and GIMP.
2. Ease of use. The Zonbu makes computer using a snap - just plug it in and go. It works right out of the box, (as long as you have the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and broadband). If you can use Windows, if you can use Mac OS X, then you can use Zonbu. It's not identical to either of those, of course - but it is just as easy to use. Plus, you don't have to worry about all those nasty Windows viruses, so there's no need for anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-adware, anti-malware, etc. And since it's Internet connected, you're always going to have the latest and greatest version of the OS without having to do anything. The Zonbu automatically keeps itself up to date.
   
3. Being Environmentally responsible. Some desktop PCs have power supplies measured in hundreds of Watts. The Zonbu clocks in at a mere 15 watts. That's less than a standard incandescent light bulb! They also do carbon off-sets and recycling of your used systems. And, since the device is so small (unlike the supposedly eco-friendly gPC that uses a full sized tower), there is far less use of fossil fuels and other materials than other computers.
   

And on top of all of that, they have a real commitment to customer service. Unlike some big brand name computer companies (I'm looking at you, Dell!), they really care about their customers. I've had a few issues with my box (I received one of the eariler beta versions), and they sent me out a new one, with WiFi, no questions asked!
Once I received my new system, the Vice President of the company and a tech support guy worked with me to solve a problem with my ISP. Not a problem with the Zonbu - it was my ISP and my network - but they kindly, patiently, and happily walked me through the problem. I tell you something - no way any other computer company will do that! I can't even get my ISP (Charter - bleh) to help me with my other network stuff.
They just announced that now they have a laptop available, and I will be getting one soon, Lord willing. It's much more powerful than the EEE PC, and unlike the gPC - it's a notebook, so it will go with you anywhere. It is more powerful than the desktop (which is counterintuitive, but a good thing), and it's also eco-friendly, user-friendly, and Tux-friendly. I don't think this is an offical name, but I'm going to call it the Zonbook. (Zonbu + Notebook... get it? Pretty clever, huh?)

As I test it out and put it through the ringer, look for more posts about this $99 computer that seems to have everything the average user needs. For more information check out their website, as well as a blog called "Mr. Zonbu" who has been using the Zonbu as his main computer for several months now.

MacBook wireless suffering after recent Mac OS X updates

Owners of Apple's 13-inch notebooks are reporting that their Wi-Fi access is much less reliable after installing Mac OS X Leopard or more recent updates to Mac OS X Tiger, especially when the systems switch to battery power. As a MacBook owner and user, I am not happy about this, but I am sure that Apple is working on the problem.

read more | digg story

Google Maps gets upgrade - terrain maps, social collab features and more

Google Maps has added a new view layer to its repertoire today. It's called terrain view, and as the name suggests, it lets you get a detailed look at geographical features both natural, and human-built like buildings and landmarks. Unlike Google Earth, you can't zoom around and change eye level to see how high something is, but it does "feel" 3D.

read more | digg story

The Engadget Interview: Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility

There was almost too much to discuss, but we able to get his take on Android and the Open Handset Alliance (specifically, why AT&T isn't a part of it -- yet), the 700MHz spectrum auction in January, their groundbreaking partnership with Apple, and the many reasons the US wireless market does and doesn't seem to suck so badly.

read more | digg story

EXCLUSIVE: Apple giving certain developers early iPhone SDK

Choice developers are gaining early access to Apple's iPhone and iPod touch software developer kit, according to sources familiar with the matter. A handful of companies are said to be getting rough versions of the tools to help code more advanced applications than would be possible with today's web-only solution.

read more | digg story

And the Beat goes on... your new touchscreen WiFi OS X based iPod?

What will be announced at today's "And the beat goes on..." Apple announcement? Will be be the iPod Touchscreen? FatBoy Nano? WiFi for iPods? OS X based iPods? The Beatles' library on iTunes? All of the above? How about a speed bump for the Mac Pro and the Xserve? Only time and the Steve will tell. But, mere hours before the announcement, Chad W. Smith (hey, that's me!) gives his thoughts on the subject.

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