14 June 2008
Tech Saturday
Why does everything have to break at once?
I have an OLD Compaq desktop machine that has long served as the household music server/music burner machine. It is networked, runs Squeezecenter, and is hooked into my stereo, so I can listen to tunes at home or remotely. The old gal still has enough power to handle whatever music tasks I throw at her. But of late, the music hard drive has had some issues. The music is all backed up, but I've known for a few weeks now the hard drive needed to be replaced. So the replace/rebuild got done over the past couple of days. No big deal. The old gal is running just fine again, which is cool.
While doing that bit of maintenance on Friday, I thought it would be a good idea to check up on the health of the Thinkpad's drive. Ugh. A backup revealed a file with errors. CHKDSK revealed more problems, some of which it didn't seem to want to repair. And the drive failed one of PC-Doctor's five tests -- an early sign of a failing drive. A call to IBM/Lenovo support confirmed my failing-drive diagnosis, and in less than ten minutes, the support call was resolved with the tech promising a replacement drive that might arrive by Monday but certainly by Tuesday (he wasn't just blowing smoke -- two previous hardware support calls resulted in replacement parts being shipped that fast, which is why my next laptop will be a Lenovo Thinkpad).
Cool enough, but I have been wanting a bigger hard drive anyway. So I tracked down a compatible drive (not such an easy task, as it turns out, for the T43) at MicroCenter, installed the thing (one screw removed, two screws on the drive cage removed, cage attached to new drive with the two screws, snapped into place, screw reattached -- it's SO easy to work on a Thinkpad), restored the saved drive image from an external drive with ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery, and the machine is back in business. And this drive runs quite a bit cooler than the original, according to the temp sensor. When the replacement for the original arrives, I'll probably image it with my current backup, just in case, and store it.
Both music server and Thinkpad are working normally, finally. Not the most exciting Saturday, but a little preventive maintenance sure beats losing 40GB of music or a bunch of stuff on the Thinkpad.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/14/08 21:36 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (0)
11 April 2008
New Thinkpads! *drool*
Gizmodo posts some juicy rumors about coming Lenovo offerings, which will allegedly be available in early June.
There is all sorts of stuff to drool over, but as a loyal owner of a nearly three-year-old T43, I'm most interested in the freshening of the T series laptops.
It looks like the LED backlighting that found its way into the stunning (but too pricey for me) X300 will find its way into the new T series laptops also. So will a 9-cell battery that takes up the space of the old 6-cells.
And if they're available in early June, as Gizmodo suggests, that means Windows XP can still be ordered on the machine (no Vista PoS, yay!) -- and that will be about the time my T43 hits the three year mark, my warranty expires, and I was planning on looking for a new T machine anyway.
Sweet!
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 04/11/08 21:56 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (0)
29 December 2007
Have you backed up your blog today?
Hosting Matters had another hardware failure on the server that hosts blogHOUSTON a few days ago.
As a result of their dead hard drive and one faulty backup, they had to restore an older backup, and a few days' worth of data was lost.
Since that's the second time such data loss has happened, that meant it was time to investigate backup solutions (and maybe, eventually, a new host), so that I'll have some confidence in having a backup no more than 24 hours old if things crash again. Of course, playing with scripts takes away from posting time at a time when travel, work, and Cougar athletics events are all keeping me occupied, but hey -- stuff happens, and rarely happens at convenient times.
As it turns out, this guy has a very helpful page for people who run sites powered by mySQL databases and want a fairly automated backup system. I was able to modify his script to back up two databases (the weblog and the forum) each day via a cron job, and to email the files to a gmail account set up specifically for that purpose. So that *should* ensure that I always have a backup no older than 24 hours. Maybe. Like I said, stuff sometimes happens.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 12/29/07 22:14 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (0)
09 December 2007
Need a MicroSD card?
Anybody need a 1GB MicroSD card?
If so and you are new to Google Checkout, you can get one for free in most states.
Details are here.
MicroSD cards fit quite a number of smartphones, including the HTC Mogul, TMobile Dash, and Palm Centro.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 12/09/07 13:11 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (2)
20 November 2007
I Heart my ThinkPad
Two and a half years ago, I bought a ThinkPad largely based on the bombproof nature of the product and the customer support reputation.
It wasn't clear at the time if Lenovo would maintain IBM's legendary support (although it was hard to imagine why they would acquire the Thinkpad brand only to destroy it, but hey, sometimes new management does dumb things).
I just got off the phone with ThinkPad support because of an issue I'm having with my UltraNav touchpad (the left click button is going bad). In less than 15 minutes start to finish, the support rep determined that it's a user serviceable part, had the part ordered, and had given me detailed instructions on how the process works (the part should arrive in a few days, and I can either replace it or take the part and machine to a local service center for complimentary replacement -- and she looked up the local service centers for me and gave me info so I could determine which was most convenient, just in case I do that route).
At the time I bought it, the ThinkPad model wasn't the flashiest (and certainly wasn't the cheapest) as 14 inch WinXP laptops go. It was solid, but not cutting edge, in terms of the hardware. But the machine has largely been bombproof, Lenovo has maintained frequent software updates that are easily accessed with its update utility, and as I've just experienced, customer support remains first class.
ThinkPad users are famously loyal, and I think it boils down to the fact that IBM/Lenovo has long managed to do the little things right, and to act like they give a damn, even for a guy with a machine that's nearly three years old. It will probably be time to replace this machine as it approaches the end of the three-year warranty period next summer. Can you guess what company will be getting my business?
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 11/20/07 11:37 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (2)
25 August 2007
Now THIS is Comcastic
When Comcast flipped the switch on their internet network, I experienced a big drop in speed and reliability.
With the passing of a few weeks (and some tweaking with TCP Optimizer), Comcast apparently has ironed out whatever was causing problems in my neighborhood. As the speedtest.net results below demonstrate, I'm getting very good speeds, and it seems that Comcast's vaunted Powerboost is kicking in nicely in some cases.
These results are NOT Craptastic!
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 08/25/07 18:37 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (2)
20 May 2007
It's almost Comcast time
In just a few weeks, Comcast's swap with Time Warner here in Houston will be much more visible, as branding and billing will finally switch, and so will some service offerings (with more changes to come later).
I've had the standard-plus service from TWC for ages, but Comcast has already dropped a few channels from that lineup, and will probably screw around with it even more to try to get people to move to digital tiers of service.
I'm seriously considering a switch to Dish Network, which makes it pretty painless to do a two-room, HD/DVR deal. Anyone have any experiences (good or bad) to share re: Dish?
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 05/20/07 12:17 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (11)
10 February 2007
Quero toolbar for IE 7
In the latest issue of PC World, I discovered an extension that makes the horrid new interface of IE 7 much more tolerable: The Quero Toolbar.
A lot of people will probably discover Quero for its ad-blocking capabilities, but it restores more of an IE 6 feel to the IE 7 user interface (which Microsoft absolutely botched), and even gives it a little of the feel of Firefox (although Firefox is much more customizable).
I don't much use IE, but there are those occasional sites that still work best in IE (or, in the case of several newly redesigned services at work, ONLY in IE and not Firefox -- obviously, nobody consulted me on this). So for those instances when IE is a must, this little toolbar is handy.
(Screenshot of my IE 7, with Quero toolbar installed)
One great hint from PC World:
After installing the toolbar, choose Hide standard address/navigation bar under the Appearance option.
You don't need the standard nav bar, as the Quero query box doubles as the nav box too (as the screenshot above illustrates). Very economical use of valuable screen space (why others can get it so right and the MS people can't get UIs right after all these years just boggles the mind).
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 02/10/07 13:00 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (1)
30 January 2007
Dash streams The Ticket just fine
I'm a fan of The Hardline show on Dallas sports talk station KTCK - The Ticket.
I just discovered that T-Mobile's EDGE network is fast enough to stream the station.
That means instead of listening to local talk while working out, I'll have the option of listening to The Hardline on the little Dash.
This is a very cool development. Never again will I need to switch over to Rich Lord if Palillo is out or Baker's on a fluff topic.
UPDATE: I just got back from my workout, and streaming The Hardline with the Dash made for quite an improvement. They take far fewer callers and far fewer commercial breaks than anything local, which is much better for working out. It doesn't hurt that those guys are pretty funny, and there's Cowboys talk right now.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 01/30/07 13:45 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (0)
10 January 2007
iPhone? *yawn*
Goodness, there are a lot of people on the innernut wee-weeing all over themselves with regard to the iPhone.
I'm not entirely sure why (although I suspect part of it's good ol' top-notch Apple Marketing, and also well-timed marketing that diverts attention from the unethical/illegal stock option backdating).
I'll admit, it's a slick looking little device, and there probably is a market for people who want a phone/music player combo that works well.
I have my doubts about how well it will work as a phone, but I also wonder how well it will work as a PDA (it's not being billed as one really, but Apple is touting the screen and email and web capabilities).
I can't really see the thing outperforming my wonderful little HTC/T-Mobile Dash, to be honest. I've had the thing since around Thanksgiving, and it performs flawlessly as a phone/net device. It can connect to wifi networks or use T-Mobile's EDGE network, and it switches between them flawlessly. It mates with Bluetooth devices with no problems. It tethers to PCs with no problems (via USB or bluetooth). And the little keyboard is perfect.
But HTC doesn't have Apple's marketing savvy (and TMobile is more interested in selling services than hardware), so their devices probably will never be as successful as the new Apple device (whatever the technical merits).
I suspect Treo and Blackberry users may well find they're more pleased with their devices as well, depending on how they use 'em.
UPDATE: Here's some fawning coverage of the iPhone, just so people don't think I hate Apple.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 01/10/07 09:46 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (9)
22 September 2006
Bad Sports: Accidentally ahead of the curve!
Some Hot Recorders for Those Cool Podcasts (Larry Magid, NY Times)
There are basically three types of digital flash recorders on the market. There are digital voice recorders like the Olympus VN-3100PC ($69) that are mostly used for dictation and other voice-recording tasks. Also, some digital music players, like the iRiver T30 ($40 for the 512-megabyte model), have recording abilities, and there are accessories for the iPod like the TuneTalk Stereo for iPod ($69) from Belkin.
While those can be used for podcasts, the sound quality and versatility will not be as good as the higher-end dedicated systems like the Marantz PMD 660 ($499), the Edirol by Roland R-09 ($399) and the M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 ($350).
I tested each of the three recorders and found the sound quality more than adequate for podcasts and professional voice broadcasting like the radio reports I do. I also used them to record music, which sounded very good to my ears, though audiophiles often debate the nuances of sound quality. All are able to record as either uncompressed WAV files or compressed MP3 audio.
Ethan and I are SO cool (I guess), since we've been using the little M-Audio device for podcast recording since we started the thing. I actually purchased it for recording live music, but it's well suited for the podcast, and I record more podcasts than live music these days (really can't stand the smoke at live country music dives any more *cough* *cough*).
Anyway, the little M-Audio device can be found for considerably less than list price if you search around a bit. I'll warn that for very loud live music, it's not perfect out of the box. You'll want a battery box and (depending on your mics) an adaptor that allows you to plug your mics into its phono input (because the plug-in-power mic jacks don't handle loud sounds well, and the plug-in-power gets "dirty" at high levels ).
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/22/06 09:00 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (0)
29 August 2006
Flickr adds geotagging
As TechCrunch reported yesterday, Flickr has added geotagging to its already excellent photo-sharing service.
I played around with the geotags yesterday, and it's very easy to use. Simply go to the organize screen, click on map, and start pasting your photos on Yahoo's excellent maps (or use satellite imagery if you want). It's AJAX powered and works really well.
I envision creating a Graffiti folder in Flickr and geotagging my "before" photos of graffiti that I clean up on the weekends. That will make for an excellent record of the graffiti abatement efforts.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 08/29/06 18:43 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (0)
26 July 2006
Things I Don't Need
During my daily read of Dealnews today, I ran across this iPod accessory. Here's the info from the merchant:
Now you can Enhance your Experience in any room with your favorite music with the iCarta iPod Toilet Paper Holder. Seen on the Drudge Report, the Daily Mail and more. Order today.Features:
- 4 Integrated high performance moisture-free speakers deliver exceptional clarity and high quality sound
- Charges your iPod while playing music
- Audio selector allows you to play iPod shuffle or other Audio device
- Integrated Bath tissue holder that can be easily folded as a stereo dock
- Requires AC Power (AC Adapter included)
- Easy to remove from Wall Mount
Are there really people who must be this plugged in to their music collection?
TMI ALERT (hey, it's a personal blog after all): Personally, I kind of like my experience in that room to be UNenhanced. The quiet is fine by me.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/26/06 12:13 | Tech | Technorati | Comments (3)
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