I’m in the market for a new cell phone and provider.  I currently have a Razr phone from Verizon.  I get absolutely horrible service at home and at the office.  At home I have to go outside on my back patio, and at work I have to hang up and call people back from my desk.   Other than that it works fine.

You’d think since my home and office are the two places I reside at for the greater part of my existance that I would have ordered me up a new phone by now, but I guess I’d rather put up with crummy service than spend a Saturday at the mall waiting for an hour at a cell phone store talking endlessly about plans, texting, contracts, features, the web, number of minutes, and on and on with enthusiastic young salespeople.  I make calls, text, and take photos.  That’s it.  My ringtone is set to default, and except for changing my wallpaper to Chichen Itza that’s the only customizing I’ve ever done on a cell phone.

Here’s a feature that came to my attention which may sway my carrier choice.  I am smart enough to realize I need to dump my shitty Verizon service, but I didn’t know who to switch to, and again I really just don’t care or want to deal with it.

One feature I’d like is the ability to use a cell phone overseas.  For most folks using their cell phone overseas is a no go.  You need a special phone, or have to buy a chip or card.   I haven’t used my cell phone outside of the states except for Mexico, where I can easily make calls without additional equipment.  Maybe its easy, but having never done it seems like a cumbersome ordeal, and of course I loathe visiting cell phone stores.

This phone by T-Mobil has a feature which will connect through any Wi-Fi point - allowing you to make and receive calls from anywhere there’s Wi-Fi.  Apparently Wi-Fi calling is the same price everywhere, regardless of location, and of course will work in the most remotest of service areas provided there’s a Wi-Fi connection.  If you’re sitting at a coffee chop in Addis Ababa it will ring.  No expensive equipment or lengthy setup, and much less bulkier than a satellite phone.

Pictured is the Blackberry 8120 Pearl phone, the entry level Blackberry.  By selecting “Hot Spot @ Home” from the feature list of T-Mobil’s phone site you can see all phones available with Wi-Fi calling.  To me this is cool.  And even at home if my service is not perfect I can simply switch the phone to MY Wi-Fi.

For the frequent overseas traveler this is a phone and feature worth considering.  If anyone has a phone with this feature I’d love to hear about it, and know whether its easy (or not) to switch between cell and Wi-Fi calling.    When my contract with Verizon is up in June I’ll most likely be changing over to this and will post an update

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How to make your own passport photos.  The Tao examines why anyone would pay $8 at a drug store for crappy photos, when a white cloth purchased for $2, plus $3 from epassportphoto.com nets you 32 photos.  

A far greater value than my local Walgreens, who can’t even spell “passport” correctly…

Original Article from The Tao of Making Money via Consumerist.

Are hard drives going the way of zip drives and the good old 5 and 1/4?  Solid state drives, which use flash memory are more reliable, rugged, and lighter.   No moving parts =  less damage.   From Suzann Choney at MSNBC.

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I’ve finally been spending some quality time with the Asus EEE PC, or the “E3″ as some call it.  And the EEE has been winning me over.  There’s a reason this should be under “travel” as well as “tech,” because I can’t think of a better use for this computerita than as a tool while on the road.

Business or pleasure travelers wanting to stay connected usually have two options: Lug along their notebook PCs, which for minimalist travelers like myself hog valuable real estate plus require precautions against theft and damage, (hello TSA,) OR - use public internet terminals, and conduct personal business while maintaining a healthy paranoia and a vigilant eye against malware.

I’ve gone both routes depending on my needs:  I don’t mind flying with my clunky older Sony Vaio if I’ll be staying in one place for a long period.  And during a road trip or ski weekend, (where most motels have WiFi,) it’s easy to just throw my Vaio in the trunk.  Much of the U.S., from rural Wyoming to Orange County suburbia lack internet cafes where you can quickly pop in for session.  Hence it’s often worth the short term hassle of toting your laptop.  But still, I often travel for a few days with just a messenger bag, and cramming in my laptop and power cord adds bulk, weight, and inconvenience, (hello again TSA.)

I don’t take my laptop to big cities or international destinations.  Most large cities have ample internet cafes, (like Quetzal in San Francisco,) and so long as you’re careful about how you submit personal information cafes suffice just fine for checking mail, city research, activity planning, and quick tasks like printing maps.  While internet cafes abound in cities abroad, some on every block, there are enough in large U.S. cities too.

Now the bridge-gapper:  It’s the Asus EEE (Tiny) PC.  Released last fall this small computer measures 9 by 6.5 inches, with a 7 inch 800 x 480 screen.  The Asus includes its own OS with Firefox and open office.  Caleb begrudgingly modified this version to accommodate windows, all while questioning why anyone, (me,) would want to scar such a beautiful machine with Windows.  There is no hard drive in the EEE, rather it uses USB memory sticks, and also has a slot to expand the internal memory via a 1 or 2 gig card. 

It’s simple, clean, and functional.  Little surprises are found about the machine, such as the far right side of the touch pad which acts as a scroll function.  Also included is a webcam and microphone, which when tested by us worked great with Skype.  There are three USB ports, which are more than some expensive full notebooks have.

The light and little ASUS can fit with ease into briefcases, messenger bags, backpacks among rumpled up clothing, and (I’d guess,) even large purses.  For travel purposes it’s perfect.   Once you get used to the small keyboard you can whip out e-mails, surf the net, upload your photos, post to your blog, and accomplish everything you’d want while traveling without the heavy physical burden of a full notebook.

Potential drawbacks?   Obviously keyboard size, but for me it only took a small learning curve to become accustomed to the smaller keys.  If my fat fingers can learn to type rapidly on this board anyone else can too.  Also if you’re planning to use the Asus as a “remote PC” for work then you’ll want to make sure that your company’s VPN software can run on Linux.  (Or install Windows.)   The screen could utilize more of the frame; however the next generation will most likely feature a 10 inch option.

Internal storage is nominal, but I’ve never cared about this.  My one computer mantra is “treat all of your computers as dummy terminals,“ meaning all of your content such as photos, music, documents, and writings should NEVER be stored on a PC hard drive, but rather an external and separate hard drive, or backed up to CDs and flash drives, or an FTP site.  (Preferably two or more.)   Your PC crashes?  Yeah you have to spend an evening reinstalling the OS and programs, but your most important “files of life” are untouched.

Overall I love it.  This is my new friend at home and abroad.   And I think the EEE will have a great time in Amsterdam come this March.

Here are some photos of the black model from Digital-Daily.  More photos (better than mine below,) from Gizmodo.   Check out some of the reviews and see if the Asus might be your new travel companion, or further info at the Official EEE site:  eeepc.asus.com

By James Van Dellen and Caleb Cross

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I received these coasters as a stocking stuffer over Christmas.  Made by Trintec, they feature four packs of coasters feature airspeed, altitude, attitude and compass, (or in this case the HSI.)

Trintec also features a bunch of other aviation and marine chachki.  Perfect for your friend who spends hours and hours on Microsoft Flight Sim.

I like them and use them at work as I rotate between sips of coffee, water, and espresso from the cafe downstairs.  But I picture these more suited completing a wood paneled den, surrounding bottles of whiskey and tiny boats inside of bottles. They’re at trintec.com.

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Happy New Year! As promised a follow up to my earlier post in which I detailed my changeover to an insulin pump with constant glucose monitoring. As described on December 12, I’ve been using the Minimed Paradigm 522 with the Guardian constant glucose sensor.

If you’re completely bored by this and follow my articles of travel, restaurants, clubs, and Denver life - you should skip this and read my story on American Airlines flight 1469. However as insurance starts to cover this equipment more type 1 diabetics will be utilizing this and similar monitors - so hopefully this will help those new to this.

In brief: Pager size insulin pumps are used by type 1 diabetics in lieu of injections. Pumps better mimic the pancreas by giving a constant dose of insulin with manual doses at meals or as needed. An ancillary gadget called a “constant glucose sensor” sends your current blood sugar reading to your pump, providing you with a constant stream of blood sugar numbers and direction of blood sugar level - rather than the lone number obtained from a finger prick.

Overall it’s an incredible life changing tool for a type 1 diabetic. Knowing the TREND of your glucose is something that was only in the realm of imagination for years. Now, to be aware and know your blood sugar minute by minute, WITHOUT the need for (as many) messy finger pricks is an enormous step forward. And to have to blood glucose number sent directly to a small screen is a wonder of med-techy synergy.

Here are the drawbacks. Well not exactly drawbacks, but things to be aware of in order to develop your own workarounds and methods to match your daily life.

Appearance: The sensor and transmitter piece aren’t quite as sexy looking as the photos. It’s necessary to cover them with a small dressing. No big deal - the starter kit includes transparent adhesives. Medtronic sells a pack of 100 at the astronomical price of $62, but you can find similar at Walgreens for under $5.
New Sensor Obligation: When starting a new sensor you need to allot yourself a seven hour block of “awareness time.” Better said: keep your meter handy.

After starting a new sensor you’re required to enter your first BG in two hours, then another in five hours. It’s not practical to start a new sensor late in the evening, as you’ll be alerted to enter a BG in the middle of the night. After the two and five hour BG calibrations you’ll be prompted for one BG entry (calibration) every 12 hours. This is pretty easy, and I’m getting used to “thinking 12 hours ahead.” For example if I do a calibration at 2pm, I have to remember to do one around 10pm or before bed so my pump doesn’t wake me up at 2AM requesting a calibration. Typically morning and early evening is best, (before meals,) as your BG needs to be relatively stable for the best calibrations. You can set your calibration reminders up to four hours before a necessary BG entry. But again think 12 hours ahead. If you’re planning to sleep in Saturday morning you don’t want your last Friday entry to be 6pm, or you’ll be harassed by your pump at 6am. This hasn’t been an issue so far as I’ve actually been taking MORE manual readings to test the accuracy.

Accuracy and Rapid Changes: During periods of rapid change the CGM definitely lags. If my BG is 200 and I lower it down to 100, my spot checks show it will be a bit slower to reach 100. BUT, I do show during normal periods of minor fluctuation it’s very accurate. Its stable periods (non-rapid change) it’s been leveling out matching my finger sticks within 20 points.

However I am bit disappointed in how it matches blood sugars that are rapidly rising. And I’ve found when my level is LOW and bring it up, the readings bottom out and take quite a while to reach up to where it should be. These “flat periods” and annoyances are similar to blogger Jay’s experience in this recent post. I see way too many of these stagnant periods when I KNOW my levels are changing, but the results are slow to follow and stagnate within 10 points.

Attempting to remedy this I’m experimenting with new sensor sites. I realized my last sensor was on a site where I’ve given myself many shots over the years. I’m on day two of a new sensor, placed on my upper leg, and am watching the results closely. Pasta dinner at Maggiano’s last night DID prove more accurate, although my manual checks showed little fluctuation anyway.

(more…)

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For about 12 years now I’ve been a type 1 diabetic, meaning insulin dependent. Type 1 diabetes requires that you to check your blood sugar throughout the day and take shots to regulate food intake (usually at meals.)

I rarely mention this in my blog because it’s been a part of my life for so long I don’t even consider it noteworthy. Unlike an ambulatory or noticeable handicap I don’t consider type 1 diabetes to be that life altering. With proper care and planning type 1 diabetes is easily manageable, so long as you are disciplined about the food you consume and daily exercise. From traveling to scuba diving to hiking, camping, and skiing - diabetes has never prevented me from doing anything I’ve wanted in life. Oh wait - I suppose it did prevent me from becoming a professional airline pilot, but in retrospect that’s probably a good thing because my alternate life might find me unemployed living out of an efficiency apartment in suburbia. And eating nothing but fast food - thus developing type 2 diabetes.

So the overall theme of diabetes is really kind of boring to me. I did write a post in which I told a diabetic kid he shouldn’t get a dog. Then I later realized no matter what the circumstances are you should never tell a kid he can’t have a dog.

As benign as it outwardly appears diabetes does constantly factor into your daily life. The most annoying part of type 1 diabetes is the need to constantly test your blood sugar, and also experiencing blood sugar swings. During a normal day, i.e. sitting at the office or puttering around the house it’s rarely an issue: I prick my finger and sample a drop of blood with a meter. Based on the result I take a shot if it’s too high, eat some food if it’s too low, or simply remain aware of my blood sugar level for future activities that day.

However there are times when it’s a pain in the ass to check your blood sugar. When out at a restaurant or bar with friends. Or when doing my favorite “INGS” like flying, hiking, skiing, biking - it requires me to stop what I’m doing and reference my small meter. Granted glucose meters now take less than 20 seconds to process, but it’s still something that requires an interruption. And of course those are the times you NEED to check your blood sugar more often.

For years type 1 diabetics have tested their blood and injected themselves throughout the day this way. However for the past few years many have been using a newer and more effective method of control: The Insulin Pump. Insulin pumps regulate the delivery of insulin more effectively by mimicking the pancreas: they administer a small and constant dosage throughout the day and night. This is far more controlled than ONE daily injection of a “24 hour” insulin, plus additional shots with meals. People who have given up multiple shots for the insulin pump have stabilized their blood sugars and have seen amazing improvements. And with constant delivery the pump is excellent at “holding” your blood sugar levels within a tighter range.

Yet I was never that keen on wearing a pump because I really don’t mind giving myself shots. It’s easy and I’m used to it. That and the co-pay for an insulin pump is north of $1,200. BUT - the advent of the constant glucose meter is something that I find absolutely incredible. When I learned that my insurance would now cover the insulin pump AND the constant glucose monitor I decided it was time to upgrade my gear. For the past month I have been equipped with the Minimed Paradigm insulin pump which operates in tandem with the “Guardian Real Time constant glucose monitoring system.”

The benefit of a constant glucose monitor is to reduce or eliminate major blood sugar swings. Even diabetics who exercise tight control are still subject to blood sugar ups and downs. If you eat without giving yourself sufficient insulin your blood sugar is high. If you’re exerting energy during activity and don’t eat enough food you’re subject to low blood sugar. As mentioned you track these by checking blood sugar, but again when these “finger pricks,” are needed it’s often at the most inopportune moments.

Also correcting high and low blood sugars often result in a “superball” or “pendulum” effect. If your blood sugar is 220, and you correct with a bit too much insulin you risk plummeting to levels too low. Then eating food bounces it back up. Once your blood sugar is “bouncing” it’s often difficult to stabilize it back to a normal range and stop the pendulum effect.

But the constant glucose monitor provides a constant update of what your blood sugar is, and WHERE it’s going. The knowledge of the TREND allows you to take action BEFORE your blood sugars reach high or low levels.

The constant glucose sensor/transmitter attaches to your body and looks like a small seashell. It transmits a signal to your insulin pump every five minutes relaying your blood sugar and rate of change. This rate of change, or “trend” is very beneficial. For example if your blood sugar is 150 and climbing you can correct with a small dose via your insulin pump, rather than a large and potential overcorrection. You are in a sense operating an “external artificial pancreas.” This isn’t automatic though. It still requires you to be aware, alert, and make decisions regarding your food and activity hour by hour. However the resource of this small device as a guide and tool is a significant change in the life of a type 1 diabetic.

Contrary to some beliefs this system doesn’t eliminate blood sugar checks. Since the little “seashell” glucose sensor draws from your interstitial fluid just below your skin while a finger prick checks actual blood (which is more accurate,) you still need to compare and calibrate at least twice daily.

In some ways this system is far more discreet than the routines of my previous 12 years. I’ve never felt embarrassed about giving myself a quick shot. But if I’m on a plane, in a movie, at a concert, in a meeting, or similar environment it’s often inconvenient to squeeze out a drop of blood onto my machine. Now I simply look at my small pager size device for information.

But in some ways it’s NOT so discreet. Although only a small device clipped inside your pocket, you do have a tiny tube connected to a your “infusion” site, which you change every few days. As cool as this gear is, you are constantly tethered to it, and even though the pump and tube can disconnect for showering, swimming, hot tubbing, high action volleyball games, and sex - you still have your small “infusion site” patch on you. Should you find yourself at a nude beach or similar situation where you don’t care to explain a cyborg-like port on your upper buttocks, thigh or abdomen, you can easily remove the infusion patch and transmitter. But the costs of these proprietary pieces means most folks leave them attached for as long as possible. After I adjusted to the fact that this little guy is going to be at my side for a long, long time I realized that everyone, (including me,) has cell phones, iPods, and other miscellaneous toys that already reside on their being all day long. Another gadget in today’s world really isn’t that odd. The only difference between carrying this and another gadget is the small tube.

After reading this a non-diabetic is probably thinking “Holy crap I’m glad I don’t have to deal with such a nightmare.” And I’d probably think the same. But to me this is absolutely the coolest piece of gadgetry I’ve ever owned. I admire the development and technology in the medical field, and I feel very fortunate that I have the resources to obtain this.

The answer to the most FAQ’d? No, it’s not painful. The required two cannulas that sit inside of you are made of extremely tiny flexible plastic. Inserting them is no different than a shot, and once they’re under your skin you don’t even feel them. Good times.

Since my blog is more than sufficiently fragmented between travel, food, Denver, and random musings I probably won’t post further on life with diabetes - but if my regular readers are interested I would be happy to post a follow up.

If you’re curious for more I recommend visiting the blog Sixuntilme.com, written by the very attractive Kerri. Kerri’s excellent writing details life with diabetes, and she also contributes to the online site dlife.com (You guessed it - diabetes life.) Kerri’s blogroll lists a host of other bloggers devoted to the highs and lows of living with diabetes. And I’ll bet now you can guess why that last sentence was a pun.

childrenwithdiabetes.com is an excellent resource for parents, with information on insulin pumps and constant glucose meters. From a design and style standpoint Amy Tenderich of diabetesmine.com suggests we recruit Steve Job’s help in developing the next generation of insulin pumps.

And if you want an example of totally playing up your diabetes for attention watch Brett Michaels “Rock of Love” on VH1.

James Van Dellen Denver

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Hey fun -  and it’s about time.  This has been bounced about for the past year or two:  Confirm your ticket online, click and send to your cell phone, then show your phone boarding pass for gate access and boarding.  According to Chris Null’s blog 240 airlines have already adopted a universal standard and agreed to the logistics and processes of utilizing this method.

One concern I have is RETURNING from overseas to the U.S.   If these are delivered via text message can I still access it from a location where I don’t have service?   But overall this is great.  Everyone from age 8 to 80 has cell phones, especially when traveling.   This would create fewer lines like these, and less steps in the departure process.

More at USA Today.  Yahoo Tech has more on the pros and cons.

Imagine this: instead of taking a paper ticket to the airport or stopping at an automated kiosk, you’d just skip the lines and head right to security, cell phone in hand.   Blogger Chris Null has already written about Air Canada’s test program that lets passengers use a cell phone as their board pass, and now USA Today reports that a similar pilot program kicked off yesterday in Houston.  For the three-month test, passengers flying out of Bush Intercontinental Airport on Continental (the airline that’s participating in the program) will receive a bar code on their phones before their flights; once they get to the airport, fliers simply display the bar code to TSA officials and gate attendants, who swipe the code using a hand-held scanner and send them on their way.

Of course, the pilot program still has some hurdles to clear. For now, the system only works for individual passengers; Continental is working on a fix so a family can travel under one bar code. It also sounds like you’ll need a smartphone such as a BlackBerry, a Treo, or an iPhone to receive the bar code (although more and more standard phones are capable of receiving e-mail messages). Oh, and what happens if your phone goes dead? No problem—just go back to the kiosks or head to the counter.

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I’d hate to be living a life where I actually found myself climbing into this futuristic little pod on a regular basis.  But everyone has benefited from a 20 minute nap at one point, and there’s no better “away from the bed” method than this.

Christopher Lindholst and Arshad Chowdhury opened up “Metronaps” in New York’s Empire State Building to the delight of groggy commuters around the area.   Their 42nd floor station has several of these “nap pods,” with a built in alarm clock, mints, and hot towel when you awake.   

Each 20 minute nap is $14.  The Metronap “napologists” (ok I just made that up)  have assured us that a 20 minute nap is beneficial, but personally I prefer a nap of about 30-35 minutes to feel fully refreshed. 

From a travel angle an excellent use of Metronaps would be for the visitor arriving New York in the morning after a fidgety red eye flight from the west coast.   Why not?  See the view from the Empire State Building, then recharge for an evening out.   JetBlue flies Denver - N.Y. at 12am, which saves time by not eating up an entire day of flying, but any flight like that is bound to leave your head in a fog the first day.   I’d definitely use Metronaps on that schedule.

More about Metronaps at this Healthy Living NYC article

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From Gizmodo  - Head’s up fellow bike commuters:  it’s getting dark if you haven’t noticed.

Lupine Lighting Systems is a German manufacturer of mobile light for cycling, caving, climbing, and exploration in general.

The new “Betty” light is the brightest cycling light available anywhere, and in fact probably not even street legal in most U.S. states. 

The cost?  An astounding $1,100 dollars.  I’d like to try it out first.  But hey you bike to work so you have money to burn right?  The “Betty” would probably suffice as an adequate incendiary device.

They have cheaper versions and more cool stuff, plus the”Betty” release info at lupine.de

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Somehow I wound up on the iRobot e-mail list, which I really don’t mind as I enjoy reading about their new products and developments. iRobot produces the “Roomba” self propelled floor vacuum series, the “Roomba Scooba” wet mop, and also creates tactical robots for military and government. With our constant fears of the lone backpacks sitting on the park bench I’m sure those are selling like hot cakes with. Combined with the Roomba 500 series I recently featured this company seems as intelligent as their products.

Now just in time for fall: The iRobot Looj. A self propelled gutter cleaner to keep them free of leaves, debris, dead squirrels, or whatever else haunts your eaves.

Starting at $99 it’s not a bad price if you don’t feel quite nimble enough to skirt around the edge of your roof for hours, but then again I would probably just give the neighbor kid 20 bucks for the job. But on second second thought his mom might sue me when HE falls, which makes the little Looj pictured below seem like a pretty good idea.

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I’ve been testing the newest member of the iPod family, the big-screen iPod Touch.  The iTouch will be released September 28th, but I was able to try it out at home a week in advance!  It’s a close cousin of the iPhone in that it connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi wireless networking, and replaces the famous iPod click wheel with a touch screen.

Like earlier iPods, the Touch is elegant and capable, and interacts smoothly with Apple’s free iTunes software for Windows and Macintosh PCs, as well as with it’s computer-based online iTunes Store which sells far more downloadable songs and TV shows than any other legal outlet. Not only that, but the Touch introduces a mobile version of the iTunes store. It’s called the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, and it allows you to buy, via the iPod, any of six million songs for the same price you’d pay on a computer. This portable store will soon be made available on the iPhone as well.

In my experience the music and video playback went perfectly, as did viewing photos. The Wi-Fi functions, including the Web browser, a YouTube video viewer and the new mobile store, also worked perfectly.

Apple’s new iPod touch is a great media player, and the iPod remains the best end-to-end portable solution for playing and purchasing music and video.

It’s available in 8GB and 16GB.  More info at Apple.com, including a video demo.

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This is late news, but I discovered that some Best Buy stores now have a mini Apple Store inside of them! Late because being the astute online shopper that I am I fortunately set foot inside of a Best Buy only once a year or so. I guess this is a nice idea of you live in an area where the nearest Apple Store is a hefty drive away. But I think I’d prefer a commute to trundling through the acreages of blue and yellow shirts to reach the hidden gem of the Apple desk. Now if I could just have the pictured setup in my basement.

From May’s PB Central

As previously reported here on PBCentral.com in December of 2006, Best Buy is selling Macs once again. In recent weeks (to this columnist’s observations, who is a weekly visitor to said store, so consider it “fact”), the spaces/sections reserved exclusively for Apple products in-store have received a major makeover.

The makeover is so major that when you first come across it, you might think you took a wrong turn somewhere. Once you step foot into the new Apple section, you might think you were magically transported to a regular Apple Store, except this one’s a mini version.

Instead of notebooks and desktops being placed on a semi-wobbly store shelf with other Apple-branded accessories–software, connectors, keyboards, and mice–displayed at the other end, now all Apple products are prominently displayed in their own stylized kiosk. An almost store-within-a-store concept, except what’s missing are Apple employees eagerly waiting around to help you (at least, not yet).

Funny image. I can’t decide of this concept makes Best Buy look hip and smart, or Apple Stores look crass and tacky.

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I don’t bring a laptop along when traveling, and I discourage people from toting their laptops to countries outside the U.S. since internet cafes are on every other street corner in every major city on the planet.  Why carry an expensive notebook PC around when you can just duck into a small cafe the size of a Subway shop and write e-mails to home, blog, backup photos, get directions, and be done.   If all of your PC needs area web based anyway then there’s no need to worry about theft and carrying your own PC from place to place.

The ultraportable PC by ASUS could be an alternative.  But I can’t tell.  Is that their BEST photo?  It might be the ultimate travel computer.   Or it might be a complete piece of crap.  Agreeing with my premise that most folks on the go only utilize the web on their PC.  ASUS provides an easy on the go solution:  A web only PC that weighs about 2 pounds with a full size keyboard and a 7″ display.  It contains 512MB of memory and uses flash drives for storage. (Specs from Gizmodo)  Caleb’s research indicates it will retail for about $200.   I’m curious, but will definitely try this out at a brick and mortar store first.

Gizmodo Article  More info and specs

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Some people love the Roomba, iRobot’s self propelled low profile vacuum cleaner.  Others find it gimicky and a big waste of money.   I’ve owned the original Roomba and now own the Roomba Discovery, and I fall into the “love it” category.

I have hardwood and carpet in my house, and it does an excellent job of cleaning up between major housecleanings.  Plus I have a townhome, which saves me from hauling a vacuum up and down many steps.  I run it once a week around the kitchen and main floors and it easily picks up dirt, crumbs, and other miscellaneous crap.  And with the “virtual walls” I can set it to clean a certain area or room, although at times it tends to clean one area to much, ignoring another.

The Roomba 500 series has resolved a few of the Roomba weaknesses.  The navigation I mentioned above, causing Roomba to focus on one floor area too much, and also the occasional problem where Roomba gets stuck on items on the floor.  (The manuals do advise to pick up loose items, just like a regular vacuuming.)

A Virtual Wall Lighthouse offers the most efficient room-to-room cleaning and creates an invisible barrier to mark off-limit areas that Roomba will not cross. When in Lighthouse mode, it directs Roomba to clean one room completely before moving on to the next. Use Lighthouse mode for the most thorough and efficient cleaning of specific rooms. When in Virtual Wall mode, an adjustable, infrared barrier is created that Roomba will not cross. Use Virtual Wall mode to mark off-limit areas in your home.

Dramatically improved anti-tangle technology keeps Roomba from getting stuck on cords, rug fringe and tassels.

Did you know that the innovative company iRobot also makes tactical robots for government and military use?  Next time you arrive home to find a suspicious package at your doorstep the local authorities just may have one of Roomba’s cousins help you out.

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Another interesting gadget I found today.  And is there any accessory now that DOESN’T start with an I?  iTHINK it’s becoming quite overused.

There really isn’t a decent method playing music while cycling.  Personally I use a single earpiece during my bike commute and long trips to listen to the BBC and various podcasts.  However this riles up the cycling safety nannies who find this concept reprehensible.  Many suped up Harleys and other motorcycles have sound systems built in rivaling a car stereo for their road trips.

For the touring cyclist this cumbersome looking pipe bomb size gadget allows you to boom out sound while cycling, and not do damage to your precious eardrums.  At $99, The “Cycler”  from iHome  Audio fits snug in the standard water bottle holder, and includes a remote control which mounts on your handle bars for minimal fumbling

Just forego it’s use while on busy streets or a crowded city park.  Nobody wants to hear your Bon Jovi blast by while feeding the ducks.

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Caleb forwarded me this from Ubergizmo. The iStraw is a pocket size water filter, and for just 20 Euros you can enjoy your own personal filtered water anywhere. iStraw claims to remove 99.99999% of waterborne bacteria, which is probably more than the mildew laden Brita carafe sitting in my kitchen at home. I’d be surprised it my Brita even removed 99.9999% of bacteria! Although this kazoo shaped contraption will probably get you some stares as the cafe oddball, for sensitive stomachs it appears to be a useful and easy to carry tool.

Anyone try this or something similar? Does it actually work? According to their site here’s why you need an iStraw:

More than 50% of travelers report some kind sickness when travelling
Around 40% of travelers report diarrhea
Nearly 18% of travelers lose at least 1 day of their trip to illness
Almost 4% losing 4 days or more to illness

They’re at www.istraw.co.uk And I certainly hope this young lady isn’t traveling to a Muslim country dressed like that!

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Being a proud Nintendo Wii owner, (ok it’s Caleb’s, not mine),  I’ve practiced the new concept of remote interaction through actually moving my hand and arm, and not just punching remote buttons with my thumb.   This new device will allow you to ditch the remote, and use for hands for basic functions.  And no more digging through the cushions for the remote! From UK’s Daily Mail:

Daily Mail Article below: 

It sounds like the perfect invention for all those couch potatoes who find even using a remote control just a little too much like hard work.  Scientists have come up with a box that lets television viewers change channels, switch on the DVD player or switch off an irritating presenter with the wave of a hand. The controller’s built-in camera can recognise seven simple hand gestures and work with up to eight different gadgets around the home.

Not only will it be a godsend for lazy viewers, it could also save hours of fruitless scrabbling among the sofa in search of the remote control.  The all-seeing wave controller is the brainchild of Australian engineers Dr Prashan Premaratne and Quang Nguyen.  They believe it could be on sale within three years, ending the frustration involved in finding and using remote controls.  Dr Premaratne, of the University of Wollongong, said: “We all rely on remote controls to manage an increasing number of items including TVs, set-top boxes, DVDs and hi-fis, and the range of goods will continue to increase.
(more…)

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