Watching Videos on the UMPC

On my way back to San Diego,I busted out my new UMPC and started watching a movie. I have to admit that this device is pretty useful not only for videos, but for typing as well. It's a little hard to type that fast and I think that a regular keyboard would be a lot quicker, but like I might have mentioned before, it's all about portability. I'll be posting a little more about the full experience in a couple of days but for now, here are my initial reactions:

1. Handwriting - It's is simply amazing how easy it can read cursive. If there was an easier or faster technique, then it could be faster than typing. I'm not sure how much this feature will make me want to keep it, but it's just fun. The pen & touchscreen makes for a desirable tablet like device.
2. Speed - Using Windows Vista is definitely a big letdown only because the processor it too slow. Maybe if the device had 2 GB of RAM, it might make the user experience that much more enjoyable.
3. Programs -I happen to stumble upon the Microsoft Reader program that is bundled w/ the device, & if it works out, then this would be the solution to me buying an e-book reader. It wouldn't be that efficient but it would be able to do that much more than Sony's Reader. It also comes with Navigator but the Bluetooth chipset isn't loaded. I'll have to find out if any receiver will work particularly the one that comes with Microsoft Streets and Trips.
4. Origami - This is what Microsoft bundled w/ the Samsung UMPC as the solution to making it a worthy Media Player. I honestly thought that it ceased to exist after all the hoopla died a few years back.

Do I Really Need This?

Because I'm compulsive in nature, if I find a good buy, there's a good chance that I'll end up buying it. Now, it's just a matter ill really need it. We all know that I don't need more toys, but this Samsung Q1 Ultra that happened to be 70% off at Best Buy today was just a little too tempting. The handwriting recognition software is just too awesome but the only issue that I have right now is that the model doesn't have a built-in camera. It's also running Windows Vista which makes it all a title too sluggish taking away all the fun. The biggest plus is the fact that I won't need to bring my laptop on overnights because this is so small, light and ultra portable that it would fit in my flightbag. This whole article I wrote with the hand recognition software in Windows Vista. It was fun but the actual keyboard is pretty awesome once you start getting quick at it.

IBM T43 Conking Out

Well, over the last 24 hours, I haven't been able to constantly watch out for good phone news (even though I really wanted to write about the new Samsung that was released on T-Mobile's Network last night) due to the fact that my IBM T43 has been in and out of conscienceness.  I've been wanting, keyword wanting, a new laptop or desktop and its just been rather crazy dealing with something that isn't working for me.  Mind you I might have dropped it a few more times than usual because my Purdy Neat Luggage is out of commission as well.  So, I'm left with a Travel Pro bag that isn't at all nearly as awesome.  It's almost embarrassing being a pilot and using a cheapy bag.  

So, anyways, I called IBM and the will be sending me out a box where I can overnight my laptop to them and have them take care of the rest.  I really just didn't feel like dealing with anything, but I'm hoping that it just means that I need a new one and that they'll cover it all.  I know that once they open it up, they won't be able to diagnose anything or duplicate my issues, but hey, at least they'll be the ones tinkering with it.  I'm going to revert back to my trust Apple Titanium Powerbook 667, which by the way, was left out from being able to be upgraded to Leopard.  

AppleInsider's In-depth review: Amazon's Kindle

I have to say that I spend some good time reading this review and was left with no questions after 5 pages of relentless comparisons, short comings and history.  Almost 1 month after its initial debut, the Amazon Kindle goes through some hurdles in trying to become the king of eBook readers.  Myself being on the fence between the Sony Reader and the Kindle am still forced to wait another generation.  I had a chance to play with Sony's version but was frustrated at its slow response time and refresh rate.  Being that the Kindle has the identical screen and technology, I can assume that it already will be a disappointment to my petty but unforgiving needs. 

I've been reading books on PDF on my Palm Treo 650 via Adobe's Reader Palm Program and really haven't found too many short comings besides having to click next quite a few times due to the screen's size.  I've been happy.  I would have never seen the Kindle being compared to Apple's iPhone or iPod Touch in the task of reading books or webpages, but Mr. Dilger brings up some good facts of 3G vs. AT&T 2.5G.  The fact that viewing web pages on either device is something that I might want to do, it seems like Apple's Embedded Safari Web Browser has the upper hand in the ability to resize the page and view it in all its glory.  The Kindle was rather limited in a way that would definitely bother me due to the fact that it was horizontally inhibited forcing you to scroll through each page one at a time vertically.  The review almost convinced me to buy an iPod Touch rather than a reader! 

The path to saving trees is going to be quite difficult with having to convince people that they can highlight and take notes electronically, but hey, its just might work out!

AppleInsider | In-depth review: can Amazon's Kindle light a fire under eBooks?

Next-Gen DVDs: Advantage, Sony

I'm not at all bias because I own a PS3, but I've always thought of Blu-ray to be a little more triumphant even after all its short comings.  I just hope that the latest news of Warner Brothers choosing sides in the beginning of next year will make Michael Bay and Paramount cry because of their support of the latter.  It's just ridiculous how much the HD-DVD camp paid to have the exclusive rights.  Now, its Warner Bros. who are playing hooky and are trying to lure as much money as they can from either format.  In the end, its definitely the consumers who lose out buying into one format and just hoping that it'll prevail.  Wasn't it nice when we just had DVDs on the shelves and nothing else? 

Until the Blu-ray camp can put out a low cost device, it'll be a while before more people end up picking up a player.  Thanks to the price drop of the PS3, more and more people have been bought into the idea of a 2 in 1 where the Xbox 360 requires an add-on which by the way is now only $129. 

BusinessWeek released an article yesterday late afternoon concerning the latest in the format wars.  Next-Gen DVDs: Advantage, Sony

image provided by Gizmodo

Gmail + AIM = Chat Heaven

Gmail just released seem-less integration with AIM directly right in your mail account.  It's awesome and you have to do it!  Highlight your buddy window and then up in the menu comes the option to log on to your AIM account.  Input your username and password, and *BOOM* just like that your contacts are imported right into your buddy list!!!  I think I'm the first to blog this bad boy!

Gmail Blog = Crazy Delicious!

Check it out!

I made it...at least temporarily.  So far, I'm learning quite a bit on writing styles but its a start.  I should have jumped on the bandwagon a couple of years back, but its going to be a fun ride with this new venture.  Thanks to my honey for some proof reading!  Oh, and for you guys who didn't know what I've been posting about on my blog, it was for a writer's position on phonenews.com. 

Google's Android SDK

The battle has official begun with the scheduled release of Google's Android Mobile OS SDK. Developers all over the world are being enticed by a $10 million competition, courtesy of Sergey Brin and company, to use the Android SDK and develop innovative software sets to be released in the near future.  Not only did they demo a seamless package, but the 3D graphics that are enabled on the platform easily render Quake as one of the many gaming options.  As impressive as the demo video looks, 2008 is gearing up to be a showcase of mobile phone operating systems. For a full feature listing, click here.

Nokia's Turn at the Red Curtain

Following Apple's marketing lead with a timer and red curtain to boot, Nokia's teaser site is up and running without providing little hints as to what they have in store for Wednesday's unveiling. Speculation hints to the N82 but its only a couple of days away so just sit back and enjoy the countdown. You can also revisit Symbian Guru who, back in May, posted some images and specifications on what the N82 might have in store for its public and since then, its been really quiet...too quiet. While your there, you can browse through the N810 Tablet mini site. It looks like Nokia finally has a winner with that one but its going to be facing some stiff competition against the Asus Eee PC.

A New Phone for Sprint

Christmas has arrived early this year with the recent offering of the Motorola Q2 also known as the Motorola Q9m) available today on Sprint's Network.  Too bad the marketing ad is off to a bad start depicting the device using Palm OS Garnet while listing under specifications that it runs Windows Mobile 6.  So, if you were worried that you would have to use a 5 year old operating system, don't fret because Windows Mobile 6 on the Motorola Q2 can be yours for only $149.99. 

downgrading....

Ever since I became a Regional Airline Pilot, I have succumb to a simple life. I didn't have one that was too extravagant I might say but of course, others have had a difference of opinion. I ended up selling my Mercedes C55 AMG because I no longer wanted to bear the responsibility of the monthly payment (not that I was making it either while in school) but I felt like it was time. I will also be transporting my car bar to my mom from Atlanta and driving once more the 1985 Turbo Diesel! I'm excited to be driving that car again, but getting it there is one thing. I'm too sure exactly how I might accomplish this car swap, but we'll see how it goes.

To date, I have been spending less and less and becoming a little more frugal with my cash flow as it has been restrained by the paychecks that the airline provides me. Even though I am as skilled as I feel I am (BS degree and professional airline piot training) I'm forced to be dealt the cards of a poverish wage. It'll be a while before I can ball it up again, but I will once more. It'll just be by slower and different means. I have been able to experience the good life and I am more than eager to get back there. I do feel a sigh of relief and look foward to just being simple. I hardly buy clothes anymore or things (although I want the new PS3 and no I didn't get an iPhone) but we'll see how things go in the next few years. It's going to be an interesting ride!

Supposedly August 7th is a good day to keep in mind for new and upcoming Apple products...we'll see what ALPA and ASA provides for the pilots in the next few weeks.

waiting and waiting...

I decided that I should finally get my 10K mile service this morning right after the Valdosta Nap that I had. I'm not that tired just yet but I guess that I should be especially after having only 2.5 hours of sleep. I've been slacking when it comes to the daily things such as bills, car washes, you know...the basic stuff. I've been spending a lot of time just traveling and relaxing a little bit. Today marks the last day of my relax schedule as you can see if you click on my July Schedule, I'll be flying around 96 hours and some change. It's going to be a doozy and I guess if you were to take in the time that I am "On Duty," I'll be working more than 40 hours a week when you compare it to the normal worker bee. Make sure that you look at the calendar and see if you are going to be at the cities that I will be having a layover at and if you are, leave a comment...Let's have dinner.

I was driving yesterday to work while the thunderstorms were surrounding Atlanta and of course, we were delayed by a few hours. What do you expect you know? But one the way to the parking lot, I had my windows down and the driver next to me in a Honda Accord coupe looked at me, and rubbed in fingers together in a way while saying, "You making the ends eh?" I was just laughing a little bit, but I have to admit that I'm a little irritated that people or the general public still think that pilots make a lot. It provides for the perception that since we make so much that 1) We don't care about the passengers 2) We are too good to be them 3) We don't deserve the raises that we are fighting for. It makes us look spoiled and in fact, I have to think twice if I can buy a stupid value meal at McDonald's for breakfast which in fact I just did and it was good. We couldn't even get breakfast at the hotel this morning because they don't start the service until 0700! We left at 0545 of course to go get ready. The fact is is that ALPA needs to begin informing the public a little bit better at the airports or something. I mean, it'll definitely be a while if not it'll take me my entire life to achieve the American Dream if I just sit back and hang out at the airports.

I was on top of the iPhone news debut yesterday and am still frantically thinking about getting one. I can't believe it because I can't afford it, but damn...all the videos look sick! I guess I'll do better as long as I don't go to the store and look at one. I heard that once you touch it, you can't let it go. Damn this tech addiction!

Anyways, like I might have mentioned a few days ago, I'm going to try and be better in updating this blog. Please leave you comments and stuff and it'll motivate me even more.

updating + time

I've been just really up to no good lately. I've gotten lazy and after I get to the hotel at the various places that I go, I'm just tired. I'll try to better again in July and keep it more up to-date. I'm not sure if you have been following along but I'm activated the "twitter" feature and usually you can find the latest short ramblings to the right of the main title of the blog. It's meant to be short and sometimes I'm just that lazy to type anything out so I just use my phone. It's actually really nice.

I've also update my pilotcrossings profile with my full July schedule. (it's easy to look at my schedule as long as you sign up for it. It's free for everyone and its actually really cool. I'm blocked to fly approximately 96.06 hours!!! It's going to be a crazy month but I guess that I should get with the program and accumulate more hours rather than sitting on my ass. I get to fly to Freeport, Bahamas next month but its not an overnight. It should prove though to be a lot of fun. I can't wait. I'm doing the same trip for 3 weeks in July and I'm also planning to go to Anchorage to visit one of my buddies from CAPT. Should be fun and I hope that the loads work out!

My friend Bobby is finishing up his Doctor of Osteopathy degree and studying for his boards on July 22nd. I was able to catch up with him and he even showed me a thing or two. It's awesome how I'm at the age where my friends are now professionals. I still have a way to go till I get upgraded, but maybe once I'm there, I'll feel like I'm somewhat on par.

I haven't gone shopping in a while but there were some awesome sales at Ruehl, Abercrombie and Hollister so I had to buy a few shirts. I've been watching movies like crazy lately with Adelle. We were able to catch up with some of the latest and greatest such as Spiderman 3 on IMAX, Shrek 3, Pirates of the Carribean part 3, Oceans 13 (wow that's a lot of sequels eh?), and Knocked Up. The most fun was probably the last one but they were all somewhat entertaining. The most disappointing of the batch was probably Shrek the Third. They should stop probably with this one.

The iPhone is coming out and I'm not as excited for it as much as I am for the new Sprint Mogul phone. It can do just about everything but just has a smaller screen and runs Windows Mobile 6. There are a lot of limitation with the iPhone but I'm sure that when Apple can release different models on other carriers, I'll start to garner a little more interest on it. I'm probably going to call Sprint though and see what kind of deal I can get by staying with them. If not, then hey, I'll go grab the iPhone!

Padres are doing alright and we were first for a while, but once again, the hard division that we are in is just getting the best of us. I hope that it ends well though which I'm sure it will!

I'm checking out the Otterbox right now and am tempted to grab it for my iPod video. I'm into swimming more so right now as it is less intense than running on my joints. I just feel like doing it with some tunes in my ear. We'll see how the headphone set works with it too! I'll do a review or something of the set once I get them. Alright, that's enough right now. I'll post more later. CYA!

I was home this past weekday to celebrate my mom and girlfriend's birthday. I didn't get to do anything with my mom, but Adelle and I went to Sea World and just hung out. It was good times!