WinBook TW700 - the 7" Windows 8.1 Tablet for under $60 - 2-day Review

Here is an unboxing of my new WinBook TW700 7" Windows 8.1 Tablet from MicroCenter.

It cost me (and is still currently on sale as of the time of this writing) only $59.99 plus tax (normally $89.99).

Here be the specs:

• 7" 1280x800 (16:10 aspect ratio) IPS LCD 5-point Capacitive Touchscreen
• Intel BayTrail-T Z3735G 1.33GHz Quad-Core CPU
• 1GB DDR3 RAM
• 16GB Flash Storage
• Windows 8.1 + Bing Operating System
• 1-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 included (via code on card, not pre-installed)
• microSD Card Slot
• Full-sized USB 2.0 slot
• MicroUSB
• MicroHDMI video-out
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.0
• GPS
• Stereo Speakers
• Built-in Microphone
• 3.5 mm Headphone/Mic combo jack

Windows 8.1 + Bing

Don't let the "+ Bing" thing scare you.  All it means is that the manufacturer got the OS for free from Microsoft with the guarentee that it would ship the product (in this case, the tablet) with the defaults for Internet Explorer all set to Bing and MSN.  This is normally the case anyway on Windows 8 - but some companies make deals with Google or Yahoo to change those defaults.  As the consumer, you are free to change all the settings you want.  You are not locked into Bing.  You never have to use it at all, and you are free to use Google, or Yahoo, or Ask, or Alta Vista... (is that even still a thing?) or whatever.

So you are getting a full Windows experience.  This is not WindowsRT, or even something like the Windows 7 Starter Edition.  This is full Windows 8.1 - with all that entails, the good and the bad.  So don't freak out about the + Bing.

I do also want to point out that Windows 8 by itself sells on the Microsoft Store for $79.99.  

Microsoft Office 365

There is a folder and icon for Office 365 on the tablet, but it's not actually installed.  Clicking that starts the installation process, and you have to input the code from the card that is included in the box with the tablet in order to authenticate your subscription to the service. I haven't installed it because I'm not sure I'm going to use it, and since it is a subscription and not a straight install-once-use-forever thing, I'd rather wait until I'm sure I need it before I activate it.

The license is good for "1 Tablet + 1 PC/Mac" - but I don't think it has to be *this* tablet.

A one-year subscription to Office 365 costs $79.99 (or $7.99 per month) - so, again, like with Windows, the cost of the tablet is less than the cost of the software.  (Although, to be fair, the $79.99 subscription gives you 5 installs instead of 2.)

Initial thoughts

I've only had it a couple of days, but I am certain I'm going to get my money's worth out of this one.  Like I said, Office 365 alone is worth more than I paid - but even aside from that - I got a full brand-new Windows computer for less than $60!  That's amazing.

The full-sized USB is important to me.  That gives it far more of a computer vibe and less of a tablet vibe.  I mean, I know technically any tablet/phone/device with a USB-OTG port, regardless of size (full, micro, or mini) can have peripherals -- and I know BlueTooth peripherals exist.  But the convenience of being able to just plug something directly into the side of this thing makes it feel a lot more like a PC to me.  

No adapters or limitations - just any other USB slot on any other computer I've used over the last 15 years.  Easy Peasy.  I've plugged keyboards, USB drives, etc. into the thing, and it just works.  Sure - you have to install drivers for certain things, just like on any Windows computer - but there's nothing strange about the process just because it's a tablet.

The device has a 16GB internal flash drive, but you only have access to 8GB of it, I'm not sure what's up with the other 8GB, but I assume it's something like a recovery drive or something, but it's not visible in Explorer.  I didn't look before I started installing apps and software, but even after installing LibreOffice and a few other decent sized programs, I had over 2GB left.  And it has a MicroSD slot, so I've got a 32GB card in there.  That should hold me for a while.

I do wish the RAM was upgradable.  1GB isn't much.  If you aren't multitasking too much or playing graphics-intensive games, it shouldn't be a problem.  But having too many Google Chrome Extensions installed (like I do) does slow things down a bit, especially when streaming audio in one window and trying to surf in another.  (There is an 8" model with 2GB of RAM available [currently on sale] for $139.99, but that is more than twice the price.)

I am a Mac user, and I have Windows installed on a small partition of my MBP, but I rarely use it.  This tablet will let me quickly and easily run lighter Windows-only apps.  And with the full-sized USB I can do things like root my phone quickly and easily (which is not always simple on a Mac).

I wouldn't recommend it as your main computer, but if you are chugging along on something that is 5 years old, or if you just want a second machine for the living room or something - this is far more functional than a phone or Android/iOS tablet, and it costs less, too.

Why I *still* won't be getting an iPhone

A year ago, when the first upgrade to the iPhone was released, (iPhone 3G), I posted 7 Reasons Why I Won't Be Buying An iPhone.

I'll summarize them here:

1. The 2-year contract.
   
2. There are better phones. (Here I talked about non-swappable battery, non-swappable SIM, no voice dialing, no MMS, no tethering.)
3. There are better pocketable internet devices. (No external storage, no copy & paste, no physical keyboard, no Flash, low-res screen.)
   
4. There are better media players. (Low-res screen, again, no stereo speakers)
   
5. There are better smartphones. (Keyboard again - copy and paste.)
   
6. There are better media phones. (See 4 + 2)
   
7. There are better GPS devices. (No turn-by-turn - not "true" GPS - no voice directions.)
   

Well, the 3Gs has been announced now, and some of my complaints have been addressed. Storage has been increased - up to 32GB is available, MMS has been added, turn-by-turn voice directions from someone who knows GPS devices (TomTom), Cut, Copy, & Paste is available throughout the device, Voice dialing - and voice commands - are built-in, non-jailbroken tethering is also possible in the new iPhone - but it's up to at&t to make that happen, and the landscape keyboard for the whole OS does a lot to answer my complaints against the lack of a physical keyboard.

Plus, for the better part of 2009, I've had an iPod Touch to get me used to and familiar with the power that these little guys offer. So, let's revisit the list.

1. The 2-year contract. I'll come back to this one.
   
2. There are better phones. While I can't say for certain the iPhone is the best phone in the world - most of my previous issues have been addressed. The Palm Pre comes to mind as a potentially "better phone" - and I still want easy, non-warranty-voiding access to the battery and sim card. But I'll scratch this item off the list... for now.
   
3. There are better pocketable internet devices. I'm still waiting for the Nokia N900 Internet Tablet and/or the Pandora vaporware handheld. And there are other devices like the UMID and a few of the smaller, cheaper UMPCs. But it's hard to ignore the popularity and ease of use of the iPhone. I'm keeping this one in the "Valid Arguements" list.
   
4. There are better media players. I'm not even close to being an iTunes fan. I'd rather load my PMP like an external hard drive. Syncing through some draconian propritary software is just plain stupid. That's why there is no music or video on my iPod Touch. Give me a $50 iClone that I can load with any and all of my content from any source at all anyday.
   
5. There are better smartphones. Again, Palm Pre's multi-tasking kick's the iPhone's butt. Plus there's Andriod and BlackBerry.... But the new iPhone has business-class encryption and other pro-professional features.... It's too close to call, so I'll take it off the list.
   
6. There are better media phones. I'd say any of Nokia's media phones are better. At least easier to sync (bleh - that word) and just as good in play back, etc. But Nokia's phones are several times more expensive - at least up front. I'll take it off the list to please the kool aid drinking fanboys.
   
7. There are better GPS devices. Let me say first that, yes, there are still better GPS devices. But assuming the new iPhone GPS works as advertised, I'd say that for a phone, this works more than good enough in the GPS department. Plus, the "Where's my iPhone" feature is just too cool for words. Scratch another item off the list.
   

Really, you could take off the whole list at this point, I'm pretty much sold that the iPhone 3Gs + iPhone OS 3.0 = the best currently available pocket device there is. Gaming, high quality video recording, voice controls, a compass, level, GPS, WiFi, BT, 3G, PMP... and I hear that it makes phone calls, too. :) It's really impossible to find anything better.

The only thing that's holding me back is item #1 - the 2-year contract. I'm too cheap (poor, whatever you want to call it) to pay $100 a month for phone service. If that wasn't an issue - I'd have an iPhone 3Gs on Day One. Hope your financial situation is better than mine so you can get one.

Announcing the netXbook

I'm simplifying my netXbook pricing. A netXbook is a netbook that runs OS X, and/or other operating systems. I'm offering 3 levels of hardware with 3 options of operating systems. If what you need is more precise than this, or if you have your own MSI Wind or derivative that you want me to Mac-ify, please see my more detailed post and/or contact me.

The netXbook is on the left. The MacBook is the one on the right.

netXbook Dual (Mac OS X 10.5 and Windows XP SP3)

• Entry Model - 1.6GHz, 1GB, 120GB, WiFi G, 3-Cell battery, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam
• $399
  
• Midrange - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 160GB, WiFi N, 6-Cell, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth
• $499
  
• Powerhouse - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 320GB, WiFi N, 9-Cell, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth
• $599

netXbook Triple (Mac OS X 10.5, Windows XP SP3, Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.04)

• Entry Model - 1.6GHz, 1GB, 120GB, WiFi G, 3-Cell battery, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam
• $429
  
• Midrange - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 160GB, WiFi N, 6-Cell, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth
• $529
  
• Powerhouse - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 320GB, WiFi N, 9-Cell, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth
• $629

netXbook Mono (Mac OS X 10.5)

• Entry Model - 1.6GHz, 1GB, 120GB, WiFi G, 3-Cell battery, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam
• $379
  
• Midrange - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 160GB, WiFi N, 6-Cell, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth
• $479
  
• Powerhouse - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 320GB, WiFi N, 9-Cell, 3xUSB 2.0, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth
• $579

Add Touchscreen to any model for $199.
Add External USB DVD-DL Burner Drive for $79.

Shipping on anything - even if you order 57 complete netXbooks - $10 to the US, $25 Worldwide

All payments will be made by PayPal - but email me first to set up the order, (my email address is different from my paypal account email.)

It takes some time for me to do this - especially if I need to order parts - so please allow up to 3 weeks for me to do it.

Any questions at all, please email me, I'll be glad to answer any questions you have. Thanks!

All netXbooks are MSI Wind U100s (or rebranded derivatives). I am in no way associated with Apple. Apple does not produce the netXbook.

Let me make you an OS X netbook!

If you read my blog, you know that I love me some Hackintosh Netbooks. Well, I've made and sold two of them already, and my third MSI Wind is on its way to my door. So I thought I'd start taking requests via my blog. When I get the next MSI Wind - I plan on making a YouTube video and offering to make them on there as well.

How this works.

There are two basic ways you can get your very own "MacBook Nano". (Just a note for clarity's sake - there is no official Apple product called "MacBook Nano" - that's just the name that I and others have used for a Netbook mini-laptop running OS X.)

• You supply the hardware - I supply the work and software
• You tell me what you want, and I do it all

So far, I've only done this on MSI Winds - and from my research and experience - they really are the best bet. First I recommend using a hard drive and not an SSD. It's merely the practical matter that if you installed Windows and Mac on a 8 GB flash drive, you won't have much room for anything else, like applications and files.

Also, you want something that has similar features to a real Apple MacBook. A built-in Webcam, WiFi-N, BlueTooth, ethernet, and, and nice slick appearence help make your netbook more Mac-like. Also, Mac OS X - especially "Hackintosh OSX86" - seems to use more power than Windows. So, a powerful battery is also important.

No, you're not seeing double. The MacBook is the one on the right.

It's for all these reasons that I picked the MSI Wind - spacious 160 GB Hard Drive, one of the best prices on netbooks, 6-Cell battery, WiFi-N, Bluetooth, etc., and the only thing that doesn't work under OS X is the mic port and headphone jack (the built-in mic, built-in stereo speakers, or USB/Bluetooth options all work).

Now, why do you want this - and what will you be able to do with this?

With a dual-booting netbook, you're basically looking at carrying two fully functioning computers that you can carry with you anywhere. Run Office 2007 on the same computer as iLife and iWork '09. Use iMovie to make vlogs and podcasts on the road. Use Skype on Mac for screensharing, video chat, and cheap mobile phone calls from free WiFi hotspots. And so much more.

Options and Pricing

OK - you're interested. But now comes the hard question - how much? I'll break down the options in a second, but I want you to know you can have a full featured dual booting MSI Wind for under $500 - and that's with me doing all the work and shopping for you. If you do your own "legwork" and shop around for the hardware yourself - you might be able to go for less than that.

Here's the breakdown.

• Ready Made Options
  
1. Base - MSI Wind u100 with 1.6Ghz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 3-Cell Battery, 120GB HD, WiFi G, 3x USB 2.0 ports, VGA out, SDHC Card Reader, running Genuine MS Windows XP Home SP 3 - $339
2. Upgrade to 2GB RAM - $35
3. Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM HDD - $100
4. Upgrade to 500GB 5400RPM HDD - $125
5. Upgrade to 500GB 7200RPM HDD - $175
   
6. Upgrade to a 6-Cell Battery - $45
7. Upgrade to a 9-Cell Battery - $110
   
8. Upgrade Package A - 2GB RAM, 6-Cell Battery, BlueTooth 2.1, WiFi N, 160GB HD - $60
9. Upgrade Package B - 2GB RAM, 6-Cell Battery, BlueTooth 2.1, WiFi N, 320GB 7200RPM HD - $145
10. Upgrade Package C - 2GB RAM, 9-Cell Battery, BlueTooth 2.1, WiFi N, 500GB 7200RPM HD - $250
    
11. Upgrade to Mac OS X 10.5.6 (not dual-boot, Mac Only) - $75
12. Upgrade to Mac OS X & Windows XP (Dual-Boot) - $100
13. Upgrade to Linux (no Windows) - $25
14. Upgrade to Mac OS X & Linux (Dual-Boot) - $100
15. Upgrade to Triple Boot (Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows) - $125
16. Software Package A - Offices - MS Office Enterprise 2007 (Windows) & MS Office 2008 (Mac) - $35
17. Software Package B - iApps - iWork '09 & iLife '09 - $35
18. Add External USB CD-ROM Drive - $40
19. Add External USB CD Burner Drive - $50
20. Add External USB DVD-ROM Drive - $65
21. Add External USB DVD-DL Burner Drive - $85
    
22. Upgrade to TOUCHSCREEN - $200
    
• You supply the Netbook
  
1. OS X (not dual-boot) - $75
2. OS X & Windows (dual-boot) - $100
3. Linux - $25
4. OS X & Linux (dual-boot) - $100
5. OS X, Linux, & Windows XP (triple-boot) - $125
6. Installing user-supplied RAM - $15
7. 2GB of RAM - $35
   Note - Any Installation of Hard Drives Requires the Installation of one or more of the above listed Operating Systems - otherwise the hard drive will be left blank!
   
8. Installing user-supplied hard drive (any capacity / RPM) - $35 + OS
9. 160GB 5400RPM HDD - $85 + OS
10. 320GB 7200RPM HDD - $115 + OS
11. 500GB 5400RPM HDD - $145 + OS
12. 500GB 7200RPM HDD - $185 + OS
    Note - If you just want a new battery - nothing else, there's no need to send me your computer
13. 6-Cell Battery - $75
    
14. 9-Cell Battery - $110
15. External USB CD-ROM Drive - $40
16. External USB CD Burner Drive - $50
17. External USB DVD-ROM Drive - $65
18. External USB DVD-DL Burner Drive - $85
    
19. Software Package A - Offices - MS Office Enterprise 2007 (Windows) & MS Office 2008 (Mac) - $35
20. Software Package B - iApps - iWork '09 & iLife '09 - $35
21. TOUCHSCREEN - $200

Shipping on anything - even if you order 57 complete netbooks - $10 to the US, $25 Worldwide

All payments will be made by PayPal - but email me first to set up the order, (my email address is different from my paypal account email.)

It takes some time for me to do this - especially if I need to order parts - so please allow up to 3 weeks for me to do it.

Prices as quoted are for an MSI Wind. If you want me to upgrade another brand of netbook, please contact me first for options. Some are easier to upgrade than others - so pricing will vary.

If you are concerned about me running off with your money - I can set up a private ebay Buy-it-Now auction, and PayPal will be protect your purchase - or we can work something out with a down payment for me to start, and then you pay the rest when I ready to ship it. I'm not about to throw away my online rep for a couple hundred dollars.

So, there you have it. Let's get you the Mac-running netbook Apple refuses to make.

"Netbook" naming nonesense news

Well, it seems that Dell has joined the fight against Psion, claiming that their supposed claim to the word "netbook" is not just nonsense, but actually fraud! Way to go Dell. I think it may be too early to say that the legal battles are over, (I still want my Cease & Desist order!), but having a deep pocketed tech giant like Dell stepping up to the plate, the fat lady might be warming up for her song.

'Nother Netbook Note - Neofelis Nano

(A note about the title - I like to alliterate. Since Apple, Mac, OS X, MacBook, iWhatever, Leopard, and even Lisa do not start with the letter "n" - I used the only big-cat-related "n" word I could find. Neofelis is the genus that contains two species, the Clouded Leopard and the Bornean Clouded Leopard. So, basically I'm talking about putting Mac OS X on my MSI Wind netbook.)

Here it is, folks, my Mac-powered MSI Wind. *Updated - See note at bottom

Ain't she a beaut? Okay, so it looks just like every other MSI Wind U100 black out there (well, the ones with a Canadian International keyboard). But it's running OS X!

Î ® 733† h@XÓR! w0ot¡ Witness my madd  hakksing skillz and ph33r!

Yeah, okay, so anyone who can download ISOs, burn DVDs, read internet forums, and follow instructions can do it. I am not elite. (Yeah, that's really how you spell elite.)

Basic run down of what I've done. More details later... maybe... if I find more time.

• Bought an MSI Wind U100-422CA ($349.99 shipped from zipzoomfly.com)
  
• Bought 1 GB RAM DDR2 ($10.99 shipped from newegg.com)
• Bought a DVD±RW USB drive from ebay (Around $50 shipped from ebay.com)
• Installed the RAM
• Downloaded and burned a file called msiwindosx86.iso from the webbernetz
• Reinstalled MS Windows XP Home (using the Genuine restore disc that came with my MSI Wind)
  • (You don't have to do this - I just screwed up and had to start over - but the good news it, it gets rid of some of the pointless "trialware" that ships on the Wind)
• Used the Ultimate Boot CD and gparted to repartition my hard drive.
• (I couldn't get it to resize my Windows drive, so it was another good thing that I reinstalled Windows, because I put it on a 30GB partition to start with. I think it shipped with Windows on a 40GB partition.)
• I made 4 partitions - 30GB for XP, 5GB (in fat32) for a (not-yet-done) Linux install, 20 GB (in fat32) for media sharing between the OSes, and 99GB (which I reformatted later into "Mac OS Extended" with the OS X install disc) for Mac OS X.
  
• Installed the slipstreamed Mac OS X
• Found (using another computer) the drivers for my WiFi card.
• Used a Time Machine Backup from my MacBook to install all my apps and setting.

Just a note. I bought the U100-422CA because it had the bigger hard drive, bigger battery, BlueTooth, and WiFi N. That last bit is a problem. The much-touted "official OS X Wireless drivers" for the MSI Wind are not official, (not from Apple or MSI anyway), and they don't work for all models of the Wind.

Basically, if the Wind only has 802.11b/g you're fine with those drivers. But if you go all out and get the 802.11n like I did, then you have to do some more digging. Unless, of course, you are reading this. Then I can tell you the drivers are here... but they suck. (Use the 3rd one down, the "PCI/mPCI/CB (RT2860/RT2790)" ones. Not sure how long the direct link will work.)

It doesn't work like an Airport card, at all. It's not built into the System Proferences in anything close to a "Mac-like" way. You have to run a seperate app to connect to any WiFi point, at least anyone that requires a password. Don't misunderstand, you don't have to leave it running, but you do have to run it to establish a connection. And it's horrible to use. It makes very little sense, and I have no idea how to save the settings. There's not even a way to click "okay" "done" "apply" or "quit". You have to go up into the menu and quit from there. And you don't know if your settings are saved or not. It's horrid... but it works. And the settings apparently don't last if you reboot your MacSI Wind or your iWind or your MacWind or your WindMac or your iNetbook or your MacBook Nano or whatever you want to call it.

What's left? Well, it's running software update right now. Not sure how smart that was, I'll let you know. I still need to install Linux, although for the life of me, I can't think of why, other than then I can say "I've got a triple boot netbook!!!" I might try Windows 7 Beta, but I'm iffy on that, too. Since I have 4 partitions, I could possibly do both, so who knows.

Oh, since it's not a Mac, the Boot Camp feature doesn't work. I think it's a part of the hacked ISO, but what happens is, when you turn on the Netbook, if you do nothing, it will go into Mac OS X. but there's some text that comes up before the familiar gray apple screen and it asks if you want to choose which partition to boot from. If you hit any key, a list of the partitions shows up, and you can select which one to boot from. It's kind of funny because it calls the other partitions "Foreign OSes" or something like that. Anyway, just thought you might want to know how to switch. And VMWare recognizes the Windows install as a "Boot Camp partition" but it I got error messages and it wouldn't start. Apparently it couldn't mount the drive while booting.

*Update about Software Update!

Okay, I figured as much - don't run Software Update without being ready for it. It screws everything up. It can be fixed, and you can be up-to-date (10.5.6), but it takes preparation and work and a USB keyboard and mouse, (which are buried in my basement somewhere at the moment...) See this blog post for more info.

My netbook plans - 4 OSes, touchscreen, BT, WiFi-N, and less than $500

Check out the Mac OS X Netbook Compatibility Chart for the best options for installing OSx86 aka Hackintosh on a non-Apple netbook, (of course, there is no non-non-Apple netbook... let's see 3 negatives... the last two cancel out... yeah, that's right). According to the chart, the two netbooks that are most compatible are the MSI Wind U100 and the Dell Mini 9. Since the MSI Wind has more storage, costs less, and doesn't have a compatibility exception (the Dell Mini 9 doesn't sleep in some models), and since MSI has officially released drivers for the WiFi under OS X - I suggest the MSI Wind.

In fact, that's what I plan on ordering as soon as I get my next check. My plan is to get the 160 GB model with the 6-cell battery, do a triple boot of OS X, Windows XP Pro, and Linux. Then on top of OS X, install SheepShaver to run Mac OS 9. Four powerful operating systems on a system that costs less than $400 and weighs less than 2.7 pounds - that ain't bad.

I also plan on, eventually, adding a touchscreen kit - (which comes with drivers for all the operating systems - except OS 9, I imagine) - so make that a ultraportable tablet with four operating systems for under $500.

Oh, and did I mention it comes with Bluetooth, WiFi N, a built-in webcam, and card reader... Not too shabby.

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!

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.

My MacBook LIVES!

In this video, I show you how to replace a broken keyboard on an Apple MacBook.

Take note, there are a LOT of screws.

This could save you hundreds of dollars. Step by step instructions can be found here Thanks to IFixIt.com and Roger of RogersVids for your help and advice.

I will be listing this MacBook, my original "My New MacBook" from my most popular videos, on ebay. Look for the link here soon. It's a 1.83 Ghz Intel Core Duo with a 60 GB Hard Drive and maxed out with 2 GB of RAM. It will be a fresh install of Leopard, as well as software like MS Office, iLife 08 and iWork 08. Stay tuned for more details.

MacBook Field Test

I took my new MacBook on the road, and it's working great! I kind of failed to mention a few things in the video.

1. It found the WiFi with no problem. I was online as soon as I turned on the AirPort (which I turn off at home when I'm not using it).
2. This thing did editing and rendering of video and audio SUPER fast. I couldn't say that in the video because I didn't know that until *after* I shot the video. Go figure.
3. The battery power is holding up great. It's running out a little faster now that I'm on WiFi but, even after 40 minutes, I'm still at 84%. (Yes, I'm still at St. Louis Bread Co. now).
4. I love my new MacBook! :)
   

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!

read more | digg story

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

My phone call from OWC

If you don't know who OWC is, then you probably aren't a Mac user, or at least you are a new Mac user. OWC stands for Other World Computing, and they are one of the best known, best loved, and longest standing third-party supporters of Apple hardware.

A couple of days ago, I was browsing their site, and I had a few questions. So I filled out a form, banged out a few lines of questions - bullet point style - and pressed send. I expected an automated response, and, maybe, at best an email with quickly copypasta'd answers.

Instead, this afternoon my phone rings. The caller ID says "Other World Computing".

"What's this?" I think to myself. "Is someone using Spoofcard on me? Did I accidentally order something at 3 am I don't remember buying?"

Well, it turns out it was, in fact, Other World Computing calling me up to answer the questions I sent in, and any others I might have had. In a world of email, instant messaging, TXTing, live support chat, and microblogging - an actual phone call seems almost as antique and nostalgic as a house call. (For those of you who don't remember when the years started with a 1, that is when a doctor would actually come to your home to help a sick person - it is not in reference to a telephone that is plugged into your wall. Those still exist, too, btw.)

I told the caller, (whose name I really wish I had written down), that OWC definitely has some "above and beyond" / "second mile" kind of customer service, if they are willing to imperil themselves by dialing up some nut bag who asked a slew of questions about their product.

Well, I didn't say all that. I just said that I was impressed by their customer service, or something like that. In the age when user reviews are king, but mostly negative, I wanted to give OWC a hearty pat on the back for making the extra effort of calling a form filler.

BTW, my questions and their answers were as follows:

Q1. Are you offering upgrades to the CPUs on Intel Macs?
A1. Stay Tuned, especially closer to MacWorld

Q2. Do you offer GPS add ons to MacBooks - ala the ModBook [which they are the American distributors for, but not the makers of)?
A2. No, installing such a device should be done by a professional, and, regardless would void your warranty. With the Modbook, the Apple warranty is already voided, but Axiotron [makers of the ModBook] provides an included 1 year warranty and offers an additional 2 years of protection.

Q3. What about colors for the ModBook?
A3. We don't make them, just sell them. [Although I contacted Axiotron, also by webform, and received an answer back that they are in talks with ColorwarePC to provide custom colors - and I was again hinted at to keep my eyes open as we get closer to MacWorld.)

Q4. Monitor upgrades for Notebooks?
A4. No, sorry.

Q5. Can I have a free unlocked iPhone?
A5. Sure! What's your mailing address!

OK, that last part didn't happen. But it would have been nice, huh?

I highly recommend OWC. If you want to upgrade anything on your Mac - more memory, bigger hard drive, anything at all - check them out first! There quality is top notch, their tech support is impressive, they have a ton of information on their site - like high-def Quicktime videos step-by-step of how to install RAM in your MacBook, and benchmarks for various Mac with incremental steps of RAM. (Can you tell what I was shopping for?)

And if you haven't heard of or checked out the ModBook - you owe it to yourself to at least look!

Two Words - Mac Tablet!

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