Review of the Creative Gigaworks HD50 Speakers
December 31, 2008 by admin · Comments
The Creative Labs GigaWorks HD50 speakers are very disappointing. For the high price tag and superb build quality I was expecting a speaker set that rivaled the premium offerings by Bose and other manufacturers. I was so surprised with how poor the sound quality was that I had to hook it up to a few additional sources to be certain it wasn’t my equipment.
Sound is tinny and chock full of distortion even at moderate volume settings. The “BasXPort technology” is nothing but a marketing exec’s description of a hole at the top of the speaker. The reality is practically zero low range bass. The set could benefit from a subwoofer but at that point there are already plenty of more affordable options.
I rarely give a one star review, but I simply can’t recommend these speakers at the asking price. They are nothing more than mid range computer speakers wrapped in a more attractive package.
I am a a member of the Amazon Vine Voices program. Every month Amazon sends me a few products that are new or coming soon to market to review on their site.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Review
December 14, 2008 by admin · Comments
Photo technology has advanced more in the last five years than it probably has in over a century. For me, the unfortunate side effect of all of this digital wizardry are the hundreds of gigabytes that are crying out for easy organization and efficient editing. Thankfully both Adobe and Apple have stepped up with heavy duty apps that largely solve the many challenges the digital revolution has thrust upon advanced amateur and professional photographers.
Mac users find themselves with a difficult decision between Apple’s Aperture and Adobe’s Photoshop Lightroom 2. Both products are focused on efficient workflows for organization and editing but take dramatically different approaches to getting that work done. As an Aperture user I was excited to be sent a copy of Lightroom to review for the Amazon Vine program. After several hours of poking, prodding, and a whole lot of photo editing, I came to the conclusion that both are superb for what they do. While there are a few things that I like better on Lightroom and vice-versa (I much prefer Lightroom’s file management for instance), nothing stood out for me as a deal maker or breaker for either product.
And while this wishy-washy conclusion may sound like a cop-out, it really comes down to how you, the photographer, edit photos and which workflow will best fit into how you approach that work. The problem is that once you’re committed to Lightroom or Aperture it is difficult, if not impossible, to switch and maintain all of the editing and organizational data. Neither Adobe or Apple provide a pathway to import a library created on their competitor’s product.
So here’s my suggestion: try before you buy. While Apple and Adobe are locked in the grips of deadly competition we the consumers benefit not only from two great products to choose from but also 30 day fully featured free trials of each. Download both and begin experimenting to see which of the two will best fit your needs.
You can find Apple’s Aperture trial here, and Adobe’s Lightroom 2 trial here.
The decision is easier for Windows users. That’s because there’s nothing better for Windows than Lightroom. Users in a mixed Mac and PC environment will also find that Lightroom’s libraries are also completely cross-compatible, so work can be started on a Mac and finished on a Windows PC. Users upgrading from Adobe Photoshop Elements as well as the older Photoshop album can import their existing album structures into Lightroom with relative ease.
Adobe continues their proud tradition of redefining photography with this product. It’s clear that everything they’ve learned from two decades of Photoshop, combined with feedback from their customers, has gone into this version of Lightroom.
Video Review of the Neat Scan to Office System
December 10, 2008 by admin · Comments
I am a a member of the Amazon Vine Voices program. Every month I have the opportunity to review a few products that are new or coming soon to market.
My review for this month is the The NeatScan To Office system. It’s from the same folks who brought you Neat Receipts, but Neat Scan to Office lacks the organizational tools that made their flagship product such a killer app.
Watch the video to learn more:
Video Review of the Swann BlueAlert Movement Video Recorder Security Kit
December 2, 2008 by admin · Comments
I was recently selected to be a reviewer in the Amazon Vine Voices
Below is my latest review for the Swann BlueAlert Movement Video Recorder Security Kit.
Review: Epson WorkForce 600 Wireless All-in-One Printer
September 26, 2008 by admin · Comments
The Epson Workforce 600 is a very feature rich product, but it had me at ’scan to memory card.’ 
It’s a very simple feature that I’ve always wanted one of these multifunction units to implement. And Epson has executed it perfectly. Simply put a document in the autofeeder or flatbed, select scan to memory card, and push the button. It scans and safely stores the document on flash memory (it accepts a variety of flash memory cards) in either JPEG for PDF format. Epson even smartly added a file server which effectively turns the printer into a network attached storage device.
These two features are so great I actually have no intention of ever plugging it into my computer. With its built in WiFi I keep it downstairs in my kitchen so I can grab and scan important documents before they get lost on their way upstairs to my office. When I’m ready I just connect to its file share over the network and drag the files into my document manager. Totally awesome.
And yes it does the other stuff well too. Scans are crisp and clean, it has a decent and fast printing mechanism, and it sends and receives faxes adequately.
I highly recommend this well designed and feature-rich product for those looking for a light duty document center.
Nikon’s Amazing D300 and D90
September 6, 2008 by admin · Comments
While the above isn’t my most amazing photographic work ever, what is notable about this shot is that it was only lit by a single 100 watt light bulb on the opposite end of the room. No flash. ISO 1250 on a $100 50mm Nikon lens, taken with Nikon’s D300 camera
I was previously using a Canon Digital Rebel that I bought way back in 2003. It is an equally impressive camera, the first digital SLR to break the $1000 price barrier with a lens. It took excellent shots when the lighting was adequate, but fell short in low light conditions. Although Canon and Nikon both introduced some incredible cameras over the last seven years, neither manufacturer really did much to improve sensor sensitivity in low light conditions. While it was possible to boost the ISO of the digital sensor, the results were usually grainy and just not workable.
Starting with the ridiculously awesome D3
If you are thinking of taking your pictures to the next level and purchasing an SLR, you owe it to yourself to pick up a D90. It’s competitively priced, has the same sensor as the D300, and now does 720p movies. Yes an SLR that does movies with all of the incredible depth of field and low light performance Nikon delivers for still photos. Check out some sample movies of the new gadget here.
Review of MADE Products Seattle Sling Bag
September 1, 2008 by admin · Comments
I am a member of Amazon’s Vine Program, a great opportunity to review products that interest me.
This month they sent me a rather interesting camera bag to review. The MADE Products Seattle Sling bag, CA-2001-BLK. Here’s my thoughts:
CrossLoop: A free and very easy to configure screen sharing app
August 22, 2008 by admin · Comments
Screen sharing is one of the last of the holy grails of true collaborative computing. It’s so much easier to show somebody a process as opposed to trying to explain it over the phone. While screen sharing has been free and around forever, going through a complex set of software and network configuration to get it working is a hassle.
Enter CrossLoop, an upstart that has simplified the process and made screen sharing as easy as instant messaging. Zero configuration, no router settings, and a very simple interface for folks a little intimated by this sort of thing.
After selecting whether to “access” or “share” all the user needs to do is hit connect. The host is given an access code to share with the person connecting, and it will only accept connections for two minutes after the connect button is pushed.
CrossLoop uses the open source VNC for the actual screen sharing. Connections are fast and responsive, and each session is encrypted to prevent network snooping.
CrossLoop is free for individual use. They will be monetizing their business by running a matchmaking service that connects those in need of computer help with freelance techies who will assist for a fee. It’s an innovative business model that might actually make them profitable. It sure beats calling foreign call centers or having the Geek Squad mangle up your computer.
My only complaint is the lack of Mac support. Given that CrossLoop is built on VNC, which powers Apple’s own remote desktop application, I’m sure a Mac version won’t be far away.
Turn Your iPhone Into a Broadcast Studio
August 18, 2008 by admin · Comments
2007 saw an explosion of live video applications for the Web: Ustream, Justin.tv, and Stickam to name a few. The premise is very simple: take all the cool things that makes YouTube great (ease of use, embeddable videos) and allow people to stream content live. It works great but portability is a bit tough considering all of the components needed (laptop, camera, broadband access, etc).
With so many start-ups (and even Yahoo) doing live video, it didn’t take long for some to differentiate themselves in the crowded marketplace. My favorite at the moment is Qik, a live streaming video site that uses cell phones for broadcasting. They started off with software for Nokia’s 95 and have developed clients for other phones as well.
A few weeks ago they announced an iPhone version.. But there’s a catch. Apparently streaming live video from the iPhone violates AT&T’s terms of service so Apple will not allow Qik to make their application available on the iTunes app store. Rather than abandon the project, Qik developed the application anyhow, and is making it available to folks who have “jailbroken” their iPhone to allow the installation of non-official apps. Since I am most certainly not willing to risk the life of my new iPhone 3G I decided to run the hack on my old iPhone. The results are pretty good:
The above video was shot from my old iPhone over WiFi. QIK streamed it live but also records it on their website for future viewing. Cool stuff. Unfortunately I am using this on the first gen iPhone which means I will not be able to stream video without an available hotspot, but still useful nonetheless.
Getting your phone to this state of readiness takes a little bit of work. Here’s a helpful CNET video if you’re feeling up to the challenge:
Philips Streamium NP1100 Review
August 15, 2008 by admin · Comments
The Streamium
The unit has built in support for 802.11b and G wifi with support for WEP and WPA encryption, as well as a built in Ethernet connector should you have the unit close to your wired network. On the back is a tried and true RCA analog audio out, a coaxial digital connection (sadly not optical) and a headphone jack. The Streamium
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:
ITUNES USERS TAKE NOTE
This product is not for somebody with a huge Apple iTunes library. It only plays MP3 and WMA files and does not seem to work with unprotected AAC files that are sold through the iTunes store. Those of you on a Mac could probably get it to connect to UPnP software like Connect360, but this is really not a Mac friendly product.
If you are an iTunes person I strongly suggest picking up the Apple Airport Express
For those of you not using iTunes, keep reading because this product is an excellent alternative.
RHAPSODY STREAMING:
If you are a Rhapsody subscriber and have been waiting for an inexpensive way to have a dedicated device stream to your stereo system, just add this to your cart right now. The audio quality is outstanding and Rhapsody’s service sounds much better than satellite radio. Navigation is relatively simple but cumbersome with the remote. If you are across the room you will have difficulty seeing individual letters being typed in, but I do believe the Streamium will access your settings and favorite artists back on your PC-based account.
If you’re not currently a subscriber there’s a no questions asked 30 day trial. Just hit a button and it starts. No login, credit card, or next of kin required! 
Very smart move on Philips and Rhapsody to set up the trial like this.
INTERNET RADIO
If you’re not ready to take the Rhapsody plunge, the product does have a number of Internet radio stations loaded in. I did not see a mention in the manual as to how to add your own and there doesn’t seem to be an option to type in a URL.
STREAMING FROM PC
I was able to connect up to my PC upstairs via wireless and play a few songs. It works and sounds great. Streamium gets its library from an UPnP server such as Windows Media Player. If you don’t have a recent version of Media Player one is included on a CD in the box.
GRIPES:
Given the enormous library accessible through the Rhapsody service it is disappointing that the remote does not include an alpha numeric keyboard. Those of you who struggle with text messages on a standard cell phone will have a pretty good idea of what it’s like to search for songs on the Streamium.
The Internet radio station list is extensive, although it would be nice to have a way of entering custom stations from a URL. Of course given the difficult text input through the remote, perhaps Philips realized this wouldn’t be such a good idea.
CONCLUSION:
The Streamium
The bottom line: If you are a Rhapsody subscriber looking for a way to get the service off your PC and into your home audio system you can’t go wrong with the Streamium.
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