Month: December 2007

Considering a Motorola Q?

I bought a Motorola Q a few months ago. It’s not a bad device if you text/email a lot, but it’s not a great phone. I wrote a review of this phone after I’d had it for three months.

I recently upgraded to the Motorola Q9M (I’m told the “M” stands for Music) which possess the same chip as the Q but includes several big upgrades. The biggest of which is the move to Windows Mobile 6. The Q includes Windows Mobile 5 which is quite sluggish in comparison. Windows Mobile includes some shortcuts when dealing with mail that are not included in WM 5. If you read a lot of mail on your phone, the small improvement can lead to big productivity gains.

It’s worth upgrading to the Q9M just to get Windows Mobile 6 but I’m not happy that Verizon and Motorola decided that the older model couldn’t be upgraded. Why would Verizon do this when the phones have the same chip? In order to collect more money from you, that’s why!

Here are a few more reasons the Q9M is better than the Q:

  1. Vastly improved keyboard – the Q’s keys are terrible. I made far more typing mistakes on the Q. The keys on the Q9M are still small but they have a much better feel and are spaced properly.
  2. Improved Battery – This is probably a benefit of Windows Mobile 6, but the battery life is much better on the Q9M than the Q.
  3. Lighter Weight – The Q9M weighs less, yet still feels substantial in my hand.
  4. Improved ergonomics – Not only does the keyboard feels a lot better, so do all the keys on the Q9M. The big arrow buttons and analog stick are much improved making menu navigation easier on the Q9M.

One question you might have is whether or not the Q9M is a better phone. I think it is for two reasons: keyboard makes it easier to dial and Windows Mobile 6 improves the phone functions. It’s still not a great phone and if you’re looking for a great phone, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But it’s serviceable. I can’t understate how much better the device performs under Windows Mobile 6 though which makes using the phone a much better experience.

I don’t know why Verizon continues to sell the Q except that it’s $50 cheaper than the Q9M ($199 vs. $149). The only thing I like better about the Q is the scroll wheel sticks out a bit further and seems to have a better tactile feel compared to the slicker wheel on the Q9M. But that lasted a day and now I can’t imagine going back to the Q.

If you’re considering one of these devices, go with the Q9M. Even if you’re not a heavy text/email users, you’ll appreciate the substantial performance upgrade that Windows Mobile 6 brings to the phone. I wish I had upgraded sooner.

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              Q9M                                                 Q

Taking a break

I need a break. Christmas can’t come soon enough so I can catch up on my sleep and get excited about work again. I feel like I’ve been moving in slow-motion since baby Kai arrived. I’d forgotten how baby’s can wreak havoc on one’s normal routine.

I’ve had time to blog I just haven’t had interest lately. I’ve been sending thoughts to Twitter, but not as much as I was.

I wish all companies were as generous as Microsoft and gave father’s a month off for paternity leave. My employer doesn’t give any time off which forces me to take vacation. That just sucks.

Other than our baby being born, one of the best things I’ve done lately is see Luca play two Christmas songs at her recital last week. She’s gained so much confidence since taking piano and we couldn’t be more proud of her.

Things will improve. Sleep will come. And the kids will make us laugh.

Latest BMW 3 Series vs. Infinity G35/37 Reviews

Car & Driver

1. BMW 328i vs Infinity G35 Sport

Conclusion: “The G35 scores points for comfort, capable moves, and thrust in surplus, but BMW still builds the best tools for driving”

Winner: BMW

2. BMW 328i vs. Infinity G35, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes Benz C300

Winner: BMW

Conclusion: “Once again, a 3 series rises to the top of a comparison test. It is simply the best executed, best conceived, and best sports sedan currently available for the price”

BMW 3 Series named to 2008 10 Best List for a record 16th straight year.

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Road and Track

1. BMW 335i vs. Infinity G37

Winner: Tie

Conclusion: “It’s a simple choice, the 335i for the track, or the G37S for the Autobahn”

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Automobile Magazine

1. BMW 335i vs. Infinity G37

Winner: BMW

Conclusion: “With its highly entertaining dynamic aptitudes, near-BMW speed, and hot appearance, the Infiniti G37S easily tops the value chart. Anyone seeking a passionate fling will be well served in this seat. Those more interested in a long-term relationship should dig several thousand dollars deeper into their wallets for the 335i”

BMW 3 Series and G35/37 named to 2008 Automobile All-Stars

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Motor Trend

BMW 335i vs. Infinity G37

Conclusion: “More muscle and technology deliver BMW brilliance on a budget”

Winner: Infinity

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Edmunds

BMW 335i vs. Infinity G35 Video Review

Conclusion: “In the end, the BMW 335i is a better drive….more intimate and more engaging driving experience. The real thing comes out on top”

Winner: BMW

The Fry’s Return adventure

I bought a VGA converted at Fry’s last night. When I got home I opened it up to find a few problems:

  1. Inner box was torn
  2. None of the items (cables, converter, manuals) were in bags
  3. The converter box itself had scratches on the top and bottom
  4. The remote control was missing
  5. Batteries were missing

It was clear that Fry’s had sold me a used product. So I drove back to Fry’s and parked about a half mile away. I entered the store and stood in the return line until a man dressed like a Mormon missionary asked me to follow him back to his station.

At this point the following conversation took place:

Fry’s Missionary: So you want to return this?

Me: Yes, I do.

Fry’s Missionary: Is something wrong with it?

Me: Yes, several things. I bought a used converter unit. The inner box is damaged, the converted is scratched, and the remote and batteries are missing.

Fry’s Missionary: OK. But other than what you mentioned, it’s working properly?

Me: *SIGH*

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Twitter is down tonight

Twitter has been down now for about 2 hours and is expected to be down for another 2. They were supposed to be down for 12 hours yesterday but postponed the maintenance a day.

I don’t know who does their graphic design but they do a nice job. Here’s what visitors saw tonight if they tried to access Twitter.

 screen_2007-12-16 23.59.37

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Henry Bloget: Microsoft in Denial

Bloget writes one of the best articles I’ve come across that explains why Google is such a big threat to the Microsoft monopoly.

His description of disruptive technologies is exactly what I was attempting to describe at the end of my last post.

Disruptive technologies take advantage of a new manufacturing/business process or technology to provide a cheaper, more convenient, simpler solution that meets the needs of the low end of the market.  Low-end users don’t need all the features in the Incumbent’s product, so they rapidly adopt the  simpler solution.

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The top 10 most embarrassing songs on my iPod

    1. Sonny & Cher – I Got You Babe – The Wayne’s World of 1965. Cher almost looks normal 30 years ago.
    2. Hanson – Mmm Bop – I keep this one on my iPod Shuffle for when I jog on the treadmill. I have no idea what they are saying.
    3. Adam Ant – Goody Two Shoes – Everyone wore make-up in the 80’s. I thought he was pretty cool during his day.
    4. Tommy Tutone – 867-5309 Jenny – My friends would call this number all the time. In fact, I might call it a few times tonight. Impossible to get out of your head.
    5. Tone Loc – Funky Cold Medina – I have no idea what this song is about and I don’t want to know.
    6. Martika – Toy Solders – I couldn’t decide between this or 99 Luftballons. I don’t think this is such a bad song, but I wouldn’t want my friends to know that.
    7. Backstreet Boys – I Want it That Way – I have no excuse. Sugar-coated to the max. But I sing along anyway.
    8. Eminem – The Real Slim Shady – Yes, that’s Kathy Griffin in the nurse outfit. His lyrics are wacky, but the beat is……catchy?
    9. Spice Girls – 2 Become 1 – Kim has teased me about this more than any other. I actually bought the single! I need help.
    10. Warren G – Regulate – Wow…I don’t know what to say about this one except to blame it on Kim who brought the CD into our marriage. “MOUNT UP!”

Links to go YouTube videos.

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My Favorite Schoolhouse Rock Song

I love the Schoolhouse Rock songs. When they were released on DVD a few years ago, I bought them and have watched them over and over with our kids. 

My favorite of all them is “Three is a Magic Number”. The tune is so catchy and I love the lyrics like this:

Somewhere in the ancient mystic trinity….you get three…as a magic number

The songs brings back such good memories of waking up early on Saturday mornings and watching Hong Kong Phooey, Scooby Doo and Superfriends.

My favorite Twitter Tools

I’m officially addicted to Twitter. It’s a great way to connect with others of similar interests. I also use the same way I used to use IRC but asking questions when I need help or a recommendation. I’ve found the people to be super friendly for the most part. If someone is a dork, Twitter makes it easy to block them.

Several friends have asked what I use to access Twitter. I’ll send messages in three different ways:

  1. Twitter.com – The place to go to add followers and make changes to your profile.
  2. Twhirl – This is my favorite desktop Twitter application. It runs on Windows and OSX and is based on Adobe Air. 
  3. M.Twitter.com – The Twitter website formatted for mobile phones.

A lot of people also use SMS to send updates but I find M.Twitter.com just as easy. I use Twhirl the most because it color codes the messages as they arrive so I visually see the difference between a message send to everyone vs. just to me or even a direct message.

I’ve found myself using two website recently that attempt to rank Twitter users. Twitterposter has been around a while and shows icons based on how many followers a person has. The bigger the icon, the more followers someone has. At times, I’m not sure that it’s still being updated, but it’s pretty cool.

Tweeterboard is the one I’ve been checking more often. It ranks the top 100 users using what the creator calls a person “reputation score”. I haven’t looked into it much but I was surprised to see myself listed at #67 yesterday afternoon. By evening I was off the list and right now I’m back on at #97. I don’t know that it means anything but it’s sort of fun to track occasionally.

I still check Twittervision a couple of times a week. If you want to find out where a Twitter user lives give Twittermap a try.

Those are the tools I use regularly. The most comprehensive list of Twitter tools I’ve found was put together by Stan Schroeder at Frantic Industries.

Pixoo review

I signed up for the Pixoo beta a while back and finally received my invitation yesterday. The concept is so simple it’s hard to imagine I’ve not come across a similar service till now. Basically, you send Pixoo a picture of your self and they touch it up and then format it for 49 difference online communities such as Digg, Facebook, Flickr, LindedIN, MSN Messenger, Revver, Twitter, Yahoo Mail and many others.

The number of fixes Pixoo can make to your picture is extensive. Just a few of the fixes include changing the background, removing blemishes, changing your clothing, removing distractions, whiten your teeth, and even touch up your mustache or beard. There are many things they can do. There’s an area on the picture submission where you can give them any special instructions if your fix isn’t listed.

Here is the picture I submitted to Pixoo

brett 

I asked  Pixoo to lighten the background, remove the shadows, remove skin blemishes and make me look professional. Basically, make me look like Brad Pitt. That’s not too much to ask!  Here is what they sent back about 12 hours later.

brettn

They did a great job. I love the background. They also removed the shadows and they made me look look better than I do in person. A few of my Twitter pals and coworkers told me I look like a weatherman. Ok, not the look I was after. Some figured I was interviewing for another job. The picture looked a bit on the formal side, but Pixoo makes it easy to send it back for additional touch up at no extra cost.

This time I told Pixoo to keep the background but put me in a Steve Jobs approved, black mock turtleneck shirt. Here’s what they sent back about eight hours later.

brettcasuaul

Hey, that’s more like it! When I told Pixoo this would work, they sent me to a page that was filled with all versions of this photo. That page looks like this:

screen_2007-12-12 01.01.58

The pages includes several nice touches. First, they show a preview of how the picture will look on the different services. You can download each picture individually (Not sure why anyone would want to do this) or one can download a ZIP file that contains all 49.

I believe the pricing for the service is $20 per picture. If you’re accepted into the beta program they charge $10. The service is so impressive that even 20 bucks feels like a bargain.

One other thing. I never realized till today how often I use a picture icon like this. I went around to the different services I use and updated my picture. Almost immediately I received feedback on the picture. If you blog or you Twitter or whatever that little picture is your brand. It’s often the first thing someone sees as they come across your profile.

I’m sure many people already have a high quality picture of themselves. If you do, great. If you don’t I highly recommend Pixoo.

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