Ning looks fun

I played around with Ning a while back and could not get my head around why I would want my own social network. I guess a lot has changed in the past year. Many starting networks have really taken off. Which is good, but also a problem. It's a little harder to stay in touch with just a few people in a specific area. I think that's where Ning can really fit in.

A small group can stay in touch or share info on a related topic or area. For example I just started up this group:

Moodle Alberta

Why would I do that when there are lots of Moodle groups around the world? Mostly so I can stay in touch with this smaller sub group. I live here in Alberta and I want to make sure I don't miss what's going on here while I'm reading tweets or posts from all around the world. Try it out.

Making the most of your USB key

The USB key. Everyone has one .... or should ($7.95 for 2GBs at the local tech store). But are we using them well? Two sites I use that helps the lowly USB key come alive. First,

http://portableapps.com/

It's really amazing what you can carry around with you. All the essential apps and many niche ones too. The top of your list should be from this site though:

http://allwaysync.com/download.html

Unlike the apps listed on the first site, this one is for pay. However, it's worth it. Every penny. Your USB key should be your TEMPORARY doc store, not your ONLY doc store. Having Allway Sync "portable edition" on your USB key means that on any computer; at work, at home, at the cabin, you will have the latest version of whatever you want. Amazing sync software. I don't think I could sleep without it!

Kindle 2 ... cool but pricey

I love the concept of this device, but sadly, I have not laid my hands on it. I have been reading books on electronic devices for years, and this looks dramatically better than anything I've used. The size, the contrast, the easy of access to a library all looks very good. Unfortunately, who has this kind of money lying around for books? or rather, just to access books.

This brings up a major problem I have with ebooks. Why are they not cheaper? Clearly they have no production cost compared to printing books, yet they still are close to books in actual dollars. In fact, if you wait for clearance or good book sales, you can often pick up the paper edition for less than the ebook. Until that changes, ebooks will always be a novelty.

Oh .. almost forgot the link. You can read more or watch a few videos of this device here
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Generation/dp/B00154JDAI/ref=sr_tr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1234206835&sr=1-1

n810 so close to perfection

If you are a tech junkie like me, you probably already have a nokia tablet. If not ... what are you waiting for? These devices are dropping rapidly in price and who doesn't want a linux based PC in your pocket?

In case you somehow missed what this device is, it's basically an underpowered notebook to-go. It has a beautiful 800x480 touch screen, slide out keyboard, mini-SD slot and a built-in mic/webcam. The audio only Skype client works incredibly well, and the Gizmo video client too, though sadly I have no Gizmo friends :(

My only hold back is that I live in the sticks. That means I only have wifi at home, at work, and at "special" spots when we go to town to buy more stuff. That, and my work admin has locked down the public wifi to do only websurfing. Still, this little trooper surfs better than anything else in it's size class, and yes I mean the iPhone too. Why? well the resolution and the flash capable browser. Yes FLASH CAPABLE BROWSER. The CPU is a little underwhelming so it can bog down on complex sites. Still, it's the first pocket web device I've used worth it's weight.

Nokia is releasing a new version in March, so look for prices to go even lower. Way cool. Now ... how can I use this in class ....