p-p.net

ProClip - Very cool

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:16:58 -0400

If you’re getting tired of throwing your personal electronics in the glove compartment or cup holder, you may want to check out ProClip. They offer custom, non-permanent mounts for all types of personal electronics. You first select a mount using the year, make and model of your vehicle. From there, you select the specific mount for your device (e.g., phone, PDA, GPS, MP3 player, etc.). Put it all together and you have a customized mount for your car.

Along with options like tilt and swivel, they offer mounts that also allow you to charge your devices. They even offer choices to accommodate multiple devices on a single mount. ProClip also has you covered if you’re looking to reuse a device mount for more than one vehicle.

I recently acquired an iPhone mount for my car and have been extremely pleased. The installation was very simple, and I didn’t have to drill any holes. I chose a mount that allowed me to keep my phone charged while driving AND without removing it from the case. Now, I simply drop my iPhone into the mount/dock and never have to fumble with the charge cable. It looks very clean, professional and integrated on the dash of my car.

So if you’re out looking for something a bit nicer than the usual cup holder or cigarette lighter accessory, consider taking a look at the ProClip site. I’m considering a mount for the other car. I’m very impressed with the quality and durability of their product and feel sure about recommending that others take a look.

CD-R reliability caution

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:06:44 -0400

Have you been backing up all your music, home movies, and personal photos to CD-R or DVD-R media? For safety’s sake, you might want to consider moving that data to a hard drive.

According to this article: Checked Your CD-Rs Lately? on Tech ARP, you might want to verify your data is still intact and recoverable. Dr. Adrian Wong describes that a number of his archived CD-R’s, which are less than 10 years old, are coming up corrupt or difficult to read.

Dr. Wong’s overall conclusion is that, despite what the manufacturers say about lifespan, you should use caution if you’re storing important files to CD-R’s. “If you have something important to keep, back up OFTEN and use MULTIPLE storage options!” Follow the link to his article above, it’s a good read.

Today it has become cost effective to backup to a hard disk drive. The cost per gig of storage has become incredibly affordable. Aside from choosing an external USB hard drive, consider storage that offers some RAID features in the form of NAS (Network Attached Storage) or perhaps a Windows Home Server.

Here are a few links to manufacturers that offer a variety of storage options. From desktop to rack mounted NAS solutions, proprietary RAID options with considerable flexibility, and even drives that will float in the water and withstand a fire.

Buffalo Technologies

Net Gear

Data Robotics Inc.

IO Safe

The iPhone Transition

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:12:30 -0400

Well. . .with the official release of the iPhone 3GS and after a good bit of personal deliberation, I have chosen to go back to AT&T. Not entirely thrilled over THE COST, but the weight of some professional efforts and convenience stacked up against the competition. All things considered, my experience with Sprint has been pleasant and I will miss them for their service and fair pricing. For this round, here are a few things that I'd like to share about the experience. . .'cause sharing is caring.

MobileMe (formerly .Mac)
So, what were some key turning points? Nowadays I try to keep track of umpteen calendars day to day, so synchronizing was pretty big. Even though I had wireless sync options with Windows Mobile, I found I was not re-sync-ing regularly. Since I already had a MobileMe account, which syncs all my calendars and contacts auto-magically (when connected to the net), I found myself carrying the iPod Touch. During business hours, I was walking around like Dilbert's Techno Bill. Eeeesh. Now I'm back to just one piece of personal electronics to schlep around. Again, the convenience was HUGE. Once I got the iPhone, I configured the MobileMe account info. Before I knew it, all my contacts and calendars were there. All the numbers in my dial history and text message threads were updated with names. This was VERY CONVENIENT.

VPN
Virtual private networks (VPN) are used to establish a secure connection to business/corporate/private networks. It was nice that Apple provided this functionality as part of the iPhone operating system. With very little effort, I was able to configure the iPhone to connect to a VPN. After downloading a few FREE apps from the App Store, I was able to remote-desktop to a machine. It's not something I'd do all that regularly on a small screen without a real keyboard, but it was nice to know that in a pinch I could log onto a server and troubleshoot. The geek in me says it's impressive to see.

Battery Life
It's not a big surprise that, similar to my previous phone, the battery life isn't fantastic. So far, it looks like the guy reduces to less than a 1/4 power by late afternoon. I'm thinking that any phone that offers Bluetooth and wi-fi is not going to last a full day. Remember, there aren't any options to change out the battery to something with more capacity either. I haven't had the phone for more than a week, so we'll have to see how well it holds up before I end up exercising any techniques for power conservation.

E-Mail -> Text Messaging
If you don't already know, most cellular carriers provide your phone with an e-mail address where you can receive e-mail as text messages. Some people use this as a workaround to international text messaging charges. Unfortunately, during my phone transition, I lost this functionality (at least initially). I have some computers set up to send messages to my phone, so losing this functionality became problematic. Once I discovered this wasn't working correctly, I initiated some calls to AT&T support. The short story goes like this. . .I spent a cumulative 4+ hours on the phone and in the store to try to resolve the issue, and no one could help me resolve the problem. It appears that the concept of sending an e-mail to a phone was new to all the support staff. Thankfully, it looks like it's working now. Per the guy at the store, he thought it might work after a few days, after allowing time for my phone number to port over to AT&T completely from Sprint. Perhaps that was the case here?

Anyway, here's a list of e-mail domains you can try for your carrier. Just put your 10-digit phone number in front of that @ sign.

ALLTEL - @message.alltel.com
AT&T - @txt.att.net
Sprint - @messaging.sprintpcs.com
T-Mobile - @tmomail.net
Verizon Wireless - @vtext.com
Virgin Mobile - @vmobl.com

So far the iPhone experience has been good. The screen is sharp and the 3G data service (HSDPA) works well when it's available. Having already owned an iPod Touch helped the transition too. From what we hear, MMS and tethering are supposed to be formally offered by the end of the summer. I'll miss the keyboard and multi-tasking that I had on my previous Windows Mobile phone. I took a close look at the Palm Pre but couldn't live without some specific functionality right out of the box. I see its potential, and I'm really interested to watch how it matures.

WMWiFiRouter - Cellular Tethering

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:17:09 -0400

For those not familiar with tethering when it comes to cell phones, the following link does a good job of describing what it means. If you're feeling lazy about clicking, it's basically connecting a computer or networking device to a cell phone to utilize its internet connectivity.

What is tethering?

All that said, a colleague (and fellow Sprint Mogul user) pointed me to a Windows Mobile software application that specifically provides tethering. That package is WMWiFi Router. Similar to the Cradlepoint I mentioned in an earlier post, this software will turn a Windows Mobile device into a WiFi hotspot. More specifically, depending on what type of connection options your phone offers (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, USB), it will allow you to use the data service connection of your phone with multiple networking devices. After surfing the site and hitting a few reviews, I decided to try out the demo.

So. . .I'm very impressed. Although my phone doesn't have the Rev A (faster EVDO) firmware, the speed over the phone was very usable, and the install AND config ran flawlessly.

CradlePoint CTR-350 EVDO Router = BRILLIANT!

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:56:07 -0500

As some of you may know, I've been on the EVDO bandwagon for a while. Recently, I've been using a Novatel U720 to get me online. It has served me quite well on both Mac and PC platforms. It wasn't until recently that I found myself interested in acquiring an EVDO router to share the EVDO connection. Why? 'Cause sharing is caring.

I've been aware of the options and alternatives but didn't feel very compelled to drop any dough on such a device. Well, when it came down to connection competition (e.g., being the individual who gets to use the laptop while traveling because you have an internet connection but somebody else wants to use it so they can check their e-mail but then don't want to give it back because now they want to look something else up to entertain themselves because you're not as interesting as you thought you were, etc.), it seemed like it might be a good idea.

Enter the CradlePoint CTR-350. This slick portable piece of technology "creates a Secure WiFi Hotspot" using a broadband-enabled cellular phone or modem. In other words, this allows more than one person to use the EVDO connection.

It was very easy to set up and currently appears to be running pretty swiftly handling 2 users. BRILLIANT!

Identity Theft

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:17:01 -0500

Like me, you may have recently received a flier about identity theft via the USPS. Courtesy of the FTC, I think it does a very good job of summarizing some practical points of how to avoid being a victim. It additionally provides some useful information you may not know.

The following information comes (almost verbatim) from that flier:

DETER
Shred - financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

Protect - your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

Don't give out - personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

Never click - on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

Don't use - an obvious password like your birthdate, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Keep - your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

DETECT
Be alert to signs that reuire immediate attention:
- Bills that do not arrive as expected
- Unexpected credit cards or account statements
- Denials of credit for no apparent reason
- Calls or letters about purchases you did not make

Inspect:
Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.
- The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies-Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion-to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
- Visit www.Annual CreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Your financial statements - Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

DEFEND
Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
- Equifax: 1.800.525.6285
- Experian: 1.888.EXPERIAN (397.3742)
- TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289

Close accounts. - Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
- Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okey. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
- Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
- Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
- Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

File a police report. - File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

Report the theft to the Federal Trace Commission. - your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
- Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
- By phone: 1.877.ID-THEFT (438.4338) or TTY, 1.866.653.4261
- By mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commision
Washington, DC 20580

Comcast Strikes Again!

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:30:30 -0400

First game of 2007 World Series with the Sox 'n Rockies.

I'm a little late, but I turn on the screen to watch it in High-Def. Channel 434 comes up with the message "ONE MOMENT PLEASE, This channel should be available shortly." In fact, I noticed that all HD channels are working properly EXCEPT channels 434 and 435.

I then call up a friend to see they're get'n channel 434. They are. Now knowing that, has me thinking this issue is localized. I then try the good 'ole Windoze solution. Unplug the guy - wait - plug it back in - turn it back on. No success. Same krappy results. Time to call Comcast customer support. Oh boy, here we go.

The good? I didn't have to wait long. The customer service rep (CSR) was pleasant. Unfortunately, things didn't really get better.

The bad? Unfortunately, the CSR wasn't able to fix anything from their seat. The CSR then discovered that they are experiencing the SAME ISSUE!!! IN THEIR OFFICE! ON THEIR BOX/TV! They proceed to call 'engineering'. Engineering says they are getting the channels and it works fine. Yet, they don't seem to be doing anything to help diagnose the issue. I'm then told that engineering won't do anything unless more complaints are raised?

I've got nothing else to say right now.

I take that back - before hang'n up, the CSR is comp'n me $5 for the loss of service this evening.

[EDIT 1] - I also neglected to mention, I have an appointment to have a tech visit Friday morning.

Good News!
[EDIT 2] - It turns out to be a localized issue! With some help, a tech was able to come by earlier than scheduled. The cable signal registered fine coming in the house, but the signal at the cable box was very weak. To quickly resolve the signal weakness, we re-wired the guy with a more direct connection to the source (sans surge protector and splitter). Voila! It works. . .channel 434 has returned.

Conclusion:
1. Albeit procedure was followed, where 'engineering' could not help. The CSR's messaging did not inspire confidence. Perhaps they should have just moved to offer an on-site visit by a tech.

2. From another perspective, it's kind of a freakish coincidence that the CSR was experiencing similar issues. The other downside, is that something had transpired in my residence to affect the specific HD channels.

I'm glad that I should be able to watch game 2 tonight in all it's High-Def splendor and hope we can all learn from this Halloween experience.

Bad news
[EDIT 3] - Not 100% what's happening, but it appears that I'm getting hit again. :-/ The bonus? A channel I don't watch.

Need The Info?

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:13:06 -0400

Need the 411? Consider using these FREE voice services from Microsoft and Google.

Tellme Networks. . .acquired by Microsoft.

800.555.TELL

Google - All Google. . .all the time.

800.GOOG.411

JawBone - Not a bad BT headset!

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:01:09 -0400

After my mini-rant on bluetooth (BT) headsets (Bluetooth Smootooth), my faith in the application of technology was withering (Awwwww). Yet recently, the JawBone may have proven that technology may once again prevail (Yayyy!). At least in the BT headset arena anyways. I've found that the BT JawBone is a headset with which you don't have to YELL or PROJECT your voice for someone to hear you on the other side. Aliph, the company that brings us this device, is using digital signal processing (DSP) for noise cancellation. Surprisingly, it works well. Previous applications of DSP have made people sound too processed, synthetic and robotic.

I haven't been in the market, but after being on the receiving side of the JawBone - I was quite impressed. I finally tried the guy out in person and was equally impressed with the user experience. The fit and comfort for my little ear was very adequate, and the package provides several different ear loops to customize the fit.

Could it be possible? Is this real? Could this be true? Something that is usable?

Jesus Phone Review

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:26:45 -0400

I recently found (what I believe is) a good iPhone review. Check it out here:

Gizmodo iPhone Review

Without a doubt, there's some very cool technology in new iPhone. It's neat to see multi-touch technology getting introduced to the masses in true Apple marketing form. I think even Google Maps has been more widely presented to the public via Apple and the Jesus Phone.

If you don't already know, you too could run Google Maps on your phone. Performance may be spotty if you don't have a decent data connection for your phone though. Visit the Google Mobile page on your phone web browser to determine compatibility: Google Mobile.

I also caught some stuff on the net that the iPhone has already been hacked. I'm curious to see what our geek friends will do with it.

Mobile Internet for Rent and Track!

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Tue, 22 May 2007 12:32:05 -0400

I find this pretty interesting. If all the stars and moons are aligned in our solar system, you too can get your WiFi on the go - for the fee of $11 bucks per day.

Avis to Offer Wireless Internet

'n for a cool $500 bucks, get a slick Mobile Tracking system using an EVDO router, GPS receiver, and freely available services and software:

New cheap ink cartridges. . .not so cheap.

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Fri, 11 May 2007 00:08:35 -0400

Check this out:

What's Behind Cheaper Printer Cartridges

The article discusses that printer manufacturers are releasing lower priced ink cartridges, BUT with lower ink. Where, in the long run, could cost the consumer more to print per page. Aside from the spin the manufacteres put on the topic, it continues to address that they are working to compete with remanufactured cartridge companies.

It seems that the cost to replace ink cartridges can be pretty expensive relative to the cost of some printers. In one case, it's enough that a friend has chosen to buy a new printer rather than buy new ink cartridges! His printer is a little dated, but it still reminds me of how much we can spend on ink cartridges. Per this line: "Printer makers such as H-P have long sold printers for little or no profit, making up the loss from ink sales." I guess that says it all.

So look out the next time you're out to buy ink cartridges for your printer. Maybe it's time to load up on those generics vs. branded? I'm beginning to think that's the right prescription for me now.

Improve Gas Mileage w/ Acetone?

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Tue, 08 May 2007 18:43:08 -0400

This has been a new topic of conversation in the circle. After a bit more research though, it doesn't seem to be such a "new" discovery.

According to this web article by Louis LaPointe: Acetone in Fuels (A Study of Dimethylketone or Propanone), an individual can improve their gas mileage (15-35%) by adding PURE ACETONE (approx. 2-3oz per 10 gallons) to their tank. Apparently, acetone assist in the vaporization of the fuel, thereby improving mileage.

Here are a couple more interesting reads (same author):
Acetone Additive FAQ
Acetone In Fuel Said to Increase Mileage

Double Your Gas Mileage 2X - For more amazing video clips, click here

All things considered, the question we are all asking is, "are there any long term consequences to adding acetone to my car?" Per Mr. LaPointe, after five decades, we have never seen a problem with acetone.

More EVDO Chat

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:59:30 -0400

Check out this link: Verizon Admits 5GB Wireless Broadband Cap.

Aye yay yay. I don't know about you, but admittedly, I don't always read ALL the fine print of service contracts. Yet it seems that everything will always be left to some interpretation. I guess anytime we see words like "unlimited", or perhaps "all", means we have to be cautious of what the person or entity on the other side is really saying. I guess we all have to be watchful for marketing speak.

My guess is that Verizon needed to do something to compete with Sprints "Unlimited" EVDO plan. So much for doing honest business. Who knows, maybe Sprint will come out and say they do things to limit EVDO bandwidth? I hope not, but at this point. . .I wouldn't be surprised.

Lemme ask you this. . .did you believe this statement when you heard it?

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

Chad Vader

nospam@example.com (Perry Palacio) — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 07:59:39 -0400

OK. . .this stuff has been out for awhile, but I wanna do my part of spread'n the viral video.

The following is Episode 1 of 7 (as of this posting). Check out the whole series, it's good whacky fun.