Posts Tagged Chris Spera
Review – OCZ Agility3 240GB SSD
This is an initial impressions post, really, as opposed to a full review. Over the past year or so, I’ve been through a couple SSD’s in my Early 2011 15” MacBook Pro. I bought the PC in April, shortly after the Early 2011 models were introduced. I also purchased a couple of DIY upgrades in the RAM and storage departments. The computer is the high-end 15” model, sporting
- 2.3gHz Quad-Core i7 Processor
- Anti-Glare, HD Screen with 1680×1050 native resolution
- 12GB RAM
- 240GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD – Boot Disk
- 750GB Seagate Momentus XT (Data Drive)
As you can see, its missing the Double Layer SuperDrive. I took it out of the computer and replaced it with Other World Computing’s DataDoubler (a hard drive caddy) and originally, OWC’s 60GB 3G SSD. Nice drive. Peppy…Way too small.
Anyway, OWC makes a nice DIY kit with their 60GB 3G SSD that includes their DataDoubler for about $165 USD, as of this writing. When you’re all done with the DIY replacement of your MBP’s SuperDrive for an SSD, you’ll need to find an enclosure solution for the SuperDrive. Thankfully, OWC also recently added the OWC SuperSlim for Apple SuperDrive USB 2.0 Optical Drive External Enclosure to its DIY catalog. With it, you’ll be able to take the SuperDrive and hang it off of one of your USB ports and use the drive externally. However, you’ll need to make a couple of binary modifications so that DVD Player (as well as other apps) work with an external DVD drive. Its a nice little setup; and one that makes the PC very green and very fast.
However, I almost immediately ran into storage problems with the 60GB SSD, and I began looking for alternatives. The problem is that SSD’s are expensive, and I was hooked on the SSD performance, which, unfortunately is like crack. Once you wrap your lips around that pipe, you’re never going to go back. Thankfully, I’m patient, and I know how to search the internet for deals.
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| The Patriot PS-100 3Gbps 128GB SSD |
Mostly Microsoft #001
Posted by chspera in Mostly Microsoft, Podcasts on November 4, 2011
Starting something new is always a challenge.Pulling together a new website, like BYTE, has had its ups and downs; but as you can see, things have been going pretty well.
This week, I started a new podcast with two members of TeamBYTE – Todd Ogasawara and Larry Press. The Mostly Windows Podcast is going to cover, well, mostly Windows and Microsoft related news, events, happenings, etc. However, when something cool and interesting comes along, you can bet we’ll jump on it.
Show notes, an embedded player and a download link for the show can be found below. You can also find it in iTunes by searching for the MobileViews.com Podcast series.
Mostly Microsoft Podcast #001
- HP Slate with Windows 7. $699
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/gadgetreviews/hp-slate-2-is-a-win-7-tablet-for-road-warriors-699-video/28200
Q: Is this priced too high for mass consumer market? Is it purely a vertical product? Don’t road warriors need a physical keyboard? - Nokia Lumia 800 review
http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/3/2534861/nokia-lumia-800-review
Q: Will it save both Microsoft and Nokia? - Bing app for Android & iPhone updated
http://socialtimes.com/bing-apps-for-android-iphone_b83116
Q: But, will we ever see Microsoft Office mobile for Android & iOS?
Apple Store Down in Advance of Press Event
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| Apple Store is down as of 10am Central… |
In a not so surprising move, Apple’s online store is down in advance of today’s press release. Aside from a revamped (and perhaps free..?) MobileMe, everyone is anticipating a refreshed iPad 2 announcement, availability..? Today? Tomorrow? June..? Who knows. We’ll have to wait and see what Santa Jobs brings us.
Keep your eyes open, as I’m certain JAMM and iTechGear as well as other sites, will have news, analysis, as well as other articles pour over everything shortly after the Event concludes.
My iPad 2 Wish List
On the eve of iPad 2 Day, this is a list of what I want from Santa Jobs. I’ve been a good boy; and I own the following Apple products:
- 13″ Aluminum, Unibody MacBook (Late 2008)
- 60GB 5G iPod
- 8GB 2G iPod Touch
- 8GB 3G iPod Nano
- 32GB iPad (Wi-Fi Only)
I love my Apple hardware, but on iPad 2 Day, I am hoping my personal wish list gets some attention. Let’s take a quick look, and see if we’re on the same page with our iPad wants.
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| What will Santa Jobs bring us..? |
Apple’s MacBook Pro Refresh and Upcoming Press Event
I saw a couple of articles yesterday announcing the Apple Press Event scheduled for 02-Mar-11 where it is assumed that Apple will announce not only the latest incarnations of their MacBook Pro line but iPad 2 as well. The one on ComputerWorld was the most succinct.
The simple fact that Apple scheduled an event and sent out invitations yesterday has the entire tech sector speculating on iPad 2, iPhone 5 as well as the MacBook Pro refreshes that are likely a lock. If there’s one thing that I know about Apple, trying to guess what they are going to do isn’t always easy… Trying to crack that nut can be an exercise in futility.
Apple’s going to do what Apple’s going to do; and while its fun to play “what-if,” they’ve thrown too many curve balls for even the Wall Street Analysts to get it consistently right. Steve/Tim (cuz, they really ARE the same person now, right..?) play their cards close to their chests and they don’t let anything out until THEY are ready for it to be out/known.
Case in point – Many, myself included thought that Apple would hold off on the details of the new MacBook Pro line until next week. I noted that above, and a number of different Wall Street analysts said much the same thing. While writing this up, I got a press release announcing the availability and shipping those new MacBook Pros. So much for waiting 6 days.
New features of the new MacBook Pro line include:
- Dual-core and quad-core processors—The latest Intel Core i5 and i7 dual-core and quad-core processors provide up to twice the performance compared to previous generations.
- High-performance graphics—Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 are part of every MacBook Pro model. 15- and 17-inch models also include AMD Radeon HD graphics and up to 1GB of video memory, delivering up to three times the performance over previous MacBook Pro models.
- Thunderbolt port—This groundbreaking I/O technology allows you to connect up to six high-speed peripherals, including a high-resolution display.
- FaceTime HD camera—Make widescreen video calls with three times the resolution of the previous MacBook Pro camera. The FaceTime for Mac App comes on all new MacBook Pro models and is also available for Intel-based Macs from the Mac App Store.
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| New MacBook Pros are now available and are shipping! |
I took a look at the offerings and they look, as usual, really sweet. So sweet, in fact, that I had to wipe a layer of drool off of my Late 2008 13″ Aluminum, Unibody MacBook. At 2 years old it is holding up really well, and the 8GB RAM upgrade and 750GB hard drive aren’t shabby, either…but the Core i5 and i7 processors as well as the Thunderbolt ports are really talking to me.
You can ask Santa Jobs for stuff for Christmas all you want. You won’t know if you’ve been good or bad until you open your gifts on Christmas Day, which apparently, is today as well as next week..
Is Nokia following in Palm’s Footsteps?
Posted by chspera in Just Sayin', Mobile Devices, Windows Mobile on February 14, 2011
My good friend, Gina Smith, asked everyone this morning what everyone thought of a Nokia analysis she wrote. It got me thinking…
I can remember sitting in my car, driving home from work while living in Nashville talking with my friend (and at the time), fellow Gear Diary Team Member, Chris Gavula, talking about Palm Treo’s and how awesome it would be if Palm would release a Treo with a native version of Windows Mobile on it. A short while later, I got my wish when the Treo 750 hit Cingular/AT&T. I got to review the device for Gear Diary, here.
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| Who’s REALLY reaching for help? |
Ilium Software Releases eWallet Go for Windows
Posted by chspera in Computers and Internet on February 9, 2011
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| eWallet Go! for Windows |
Almost everyone I know has a smartphone now a days. The only people I know of that still have feature phones are my in-laws, and I think even THEY are considering a smartphone purchase, if only so they can receive MMS messages from my wife and daughter. My father-in-law is also getting back into mobile computing with the recent purchase of a laptop, and he might be interested in one that comes with a portable hot spot.
What’s this got to do with the price of rice in China? Well, as more people adopt mobile computing platforms like smartphones and laptops, its more likely they are going to want to carry important information without all the bulk. To that end, Ilium Software has released eWallet Go for Windows.
eWallet GO! is a great new way for people to safely carry their most important information and have it available all the time. Where eWallet is a full featured, customizable data storage solution, eWallet GO! is a simple, clean solution for people who don’t need the power eWallet provides but still want the quality and security found in every single one of our products.
Some of its amazing features include:
- Amazingly easy to use interface
- 29 Flexible Card Templates
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Built-in Google Docs and Dropbox backup
- Share information between Windows and Windows Phone 7 devices
eWallet Go! is available directly from Ilium Software and is $4.99.
Want to buy a New Computer? Best Buy will buy your Old One
Posted by chspera in Computers and Internet on February 8, 2011
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| Introducing the Best Buy Buy Back Program |
One of the biggest problems most people have with getting a new computer is figuring out what to do with their old one. In some cases, its easy to pass the legacy machine down to your kids or to repurpose it. Sometimes that isn’t always possible, or practical; and you’re stuck with an outdated machine. What do you do? Simple, if you bought the machine from Best Buy…
Yesterday during the third quarter of the Super Bowl, BestBuy introduced The Buy Back program. In a nut shell, the
Best Buy® Buy Back Program available in U.S. stores and online. Not available in Puerto Rico. Prices vary on Buy Back plans. Some limitations apply. Please refer to the terms and conditions for a complete description of the Program. Get up to 50% of the original purchase price on a Best Buy Gift Card when you return your TV, laptop, netbook, tablet or post-paid mobile phone in good condition with all accessories within 6 months of the effective date. Effective date starts 31 days after purchase. Excludes Desktop computers and TVs $5000 and up.
This week, the Buy Back program is free. Later on, its an add-on that you can purchase with your new toys. If during the first seven months of owning your new toy, you decide to upgrade, Best Buy will buy it back, for up to 50% of the purchase price. If you’re a chronic early adopter, this actually might work for you. Being able to get up to 50% of the purchase price back within 7 months (again, the program kicks in 31 days after purchase), as long as you have all the stuff (box, manuals, discs, cables, etc.) and as long as its in good condition could be a huge value add.
Skype 5.0 for Mac Released
If you’ve got a Mac with a built in iSight camera (and most Macs come with those, now-a-days, except for a Mac Mini or Mac Pro), then you’ve more than likely got Skype installed. It is probably one of (if not THE) most popular way to communicate with friends and family over the internet. Skype to Skype web and video calls are free. Its an awesome way to stay in touch, especially if you have relatives that live quite a distance away from you.
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| Upgrade now or later to Skype 5 for Mac? |
Death to Double-Dipping Wireless Carriers!
Posted by chspera in Apple iPhone, Verizon on February 3, 2011
I just saw this over at ZDNet, and I’m sorry, I just can’t keep my mouth shut. Verizon Wireless is going to charge users $20 a month, in addition to their $30 unlimited data plan, for the iPhone’s wireless hotspot feature. That sucks.
Its also something that needs to stop – Wireless carriers are, and quite honestly, have been forever, double dipping on data charges to customers. Currently, on T-Mobile, I pay
- $30 per month Unlimited Data
- $10 per month Unlimited Messaging
Its bad enough that I have to pay T-Mobile an extra $10 bucks to send text messages (text is data, after all), but adding Wi-Fi Hot Spot is also an additional $10 bucks. I’ve already got unlimited data for $30 bucks a month. Why T-Mobile (or any of the wireless carriers, for that matter) won’t allow you to use the data you’re already paying for without an additional charge, is beyond me.
I just recently saw that AT&T is going to allow wired tethering with a 4GB data cap for $45 per month. Verizon Wireless is going to offer an identical program, and recently throttled the top 5% data hogs on their network to help make room.
While this seems to be the standard mod of operation, its really double billing…well nearly so. In my example, I pay $30 bucks for data, $10 bucks for texting and $10 bucks for hot spot, all of which count against my data allowance. While that may be “unlimited,” there are bandwidth caps, and if you cross them, you get throttled. What really chaps my hide is that I’m already paying for unlimited data. Why I can’t use that data the way I want to, is beyond me.
I know this is an OLD argument, but with more and more people using smartphones as well as other connected, data dependent devices, at some point, you gotta cry foul and get someone to listen…
But I’m just sayin’…
