International CES 2009 starts this week and as product announcements roll out it will be easy to get engulfed by products on the trade show floor. However, CES is much more than vendor exhibits. It is one of the largest networking events in the industry and a conference with sessions discussing the future of the industry.

You can find the session list at http://www.cesweb.org/sessions/search/default.asp. Here are a few sessions that I find particularly interesting because they focus on current trends, such as solid state drives with mini-notebooks / netbooks, and future concentrations, like kids & our environment.

Which sessions do you hope to attend?

Conference Sessions

Track: Kids@Play: Building a Smarter World

Disruptive Technologies in Kids' Education
Friday, January 9 at 11:05AM - 12:05PM
The Venetian Lando 4203
Moderated by Sue Tave Zelman, SVP Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Panelists: George Cigale, CEO Tutor.com; Rob Franek, VP Publishing at The Princeton Review; Cheryl Petty Garnette, Director Technology in Education Programs, US Department of Education; David Lord, CEO of Knowledge Adventure; Adam Masur, VP Marketing at Tutor.com

Intel: A Vision for Education
Friday, January 9 at 2:15PM - 2:20PM
The Venetian Lando 4203

Intel plans to unveil a new design, adding to its Intel-powered classmate PC family at CES this year. The company will show off this latest design targeting the education space during our Kids@Play Summit.

What's Dust and What's Magic
Friday, January 9 at 3:30PM - 4:00PM
The Venetian Lando 4203
Speaker: Warren Bucleitner, PhD., Editor, Children's Technology Review
A spirited look at the best and worst of 2008 and what we can learn from them in 2009.

Track: Technology & The Environment

Better Batteries and a Greener Charger
Thursday, January 8 at 10:30AM - 11:30AM
LVCC, North Hall N254
Moderator: Suzanne Kantra
Panelists: Jerry Hallmark at Morotola, Christina Lamp-Onnerud of Boston-Power, James Prueitt of MTI MicroFuel Cells

Going Green: More than a Label
Thursday, January 8 at 12:00PM - 1:00PM
LVCC, North Hall N254
Moderator: Ron Schneiderman of Electronic Design
Panelists: Jeremy Arditi of Greenzer; John Frey of HP; Robert Scaglione of Sharp; David Thompson of Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM); Mike Trainor of Intel

Track: Flash Memory

Collaboration Successes in enabling SSDs in a Windows Environment
Thursday, January 8 at 2:00PM - 3:00PM
LVCC, South Hall S104-105
Presenter: James Borden, Senior Technical Strategist, Microsoft

Solid State Drive Standardization Activities
Thursday, January 8 at 3:30PM - 4:00PM
LVCC, South Hall S104-105
Presenter: Scott Graham, Sr. Manager, Micron Technology, Inc.

Track: Just the Facts: Research, Reports, and Revelations

The Millennials' Influence on CE Purchases
Thursday, January 8 at 3:00PM - 4:00PM
LVCC, North Hall N264
Presenter: Ben Bajarin, Director, Consumer, Creative Strategies, Inc.

The Future of Display Technology in Consumer Electronics
Saturday, January 10 at 10:30AM - 11:30AM
The Venetian Lando 4302
Presenter: Sweta Dash, Director LCD and Projection Research, iSuppli Corp

InkLearn helps with learning to write in Chinese

- by Lora On Apr 28, 2005 - 8:14 AM

New Download:

InkLearn uses Tablet PC technology to create a breakthrough in Chinese learning software. Just write the character and recognize it instantly. Surpasses old cumbersome methods such as radical and stroke count lookup. Bring this tool and your Tablet PC anywhere, to help you read and write better Chinese at your convenience and leisure. (TabletPCPost.com)

Intel Reveals Plans For New Notebook Platform Tailored For Chinese University Student

- by Lora On Apr 28, 2005 - 12:07 AM

Neusoft Institute of Information Adopts Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology-Based Notebooks for More Than 8,000 Students

BEIJING, April 14, 2005 - Intel Corporation China today announced the next phase of its successful Intel® Mobile Initiative for Learning in Education, revealing plans for a new notebook platform specifically designed for Chinese university students. The new notebook platform, codenamed "Tanggula," will be stylish and light-weight, and will come in a range of affordable performance and entry-level designs for students and parents.

Intended for demanding university student uses and lifestyles, the new platform will include such features as enhanced security, wireless capability, and high quality sound and audio for multi-media enabled interactive learning and entertainment.1 The system will have specific features for students, which will be disclosed closer to the platform's introduction. Initial OEM systems based on the Tanggula platform are expected to be available in the second half of this year.

The Tanggula notebook platform from Intel will also feature Common Building Block Program-compliant notebook sub-system ingredients. The Common Building Block program is an initiative to define common notebook ingredients based on pre-existing industry specifications in order to improve ingredient consistency and notebook quality while reducing notebook assembly costs and time-to-market for manufacturers.

Intel also announced that Neusoft Institute of Information's entire student body of more than 8,000 has been equipped with Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology-based notebooks and wireless LAN successfully tested and deployed through the Intel Mobile Initiative for Learning in Education.

Launched in 2004, the Intel Mobile Initiative for Learning in Education aims to accelerate the adoption of mobile computing and wireless technologies in more than 300 universities throughout the Asia Pacific region. More than 100 universities are participating in the program in China. (Intel.com)

Intel Mobile Platform SDK: Network Detection

- by Lora On Apr 27, 2005 - 11:47 PM

Learn how to use the Intel® Mobile Platform SDK to extract Network device information. Also included are code samples written in C# for the Windows XP* platform.

The ability for an application to determine the status of available network(s) is an important factor in the resource constrained Mobile application arena, since wireless connections cannot be assumed to be always available (possibly a bad assumption for wired networks also). Applications need the capability to determine the current status of network devices and take the appropriate action(s) when connect or disconnect events occur. For example, a mobile platform moves out of range from an access point (AP), or the signal is blocked. The Intel® Mobile Platform Software Development Kit (Intel® Mobile Platform SDK) provides a common framework (for developers) to retrieve properties of network devices and to monitor the appropriate current network status.

This paper demonstrates how to use the Intel® Mobile Platform SDK to extract Network device information. It also includes code samples written in C# for the Windows XP* platform. (Intel.com)

More notes from WinHEC Day 2: Aspire to a PC per Person

- by Lora On Apr 27, 2005 - 11:39 PM

Bill Mitchell, Corporate VP of Mobile Platforms Division encourages hardware companies to “aspire to a PC per person”, as Microsoft wants to do. He urges them to also consider the barriers to this dream, such as form factors, battery life, and all around time access to data.

He says that Microsoft has taken a look at the current buying trends of thin and light mobile PCs and sees investing in this area as important. The effort has brought the price difference between Tablet PCs and traditional notebooks down as low as $100. However, he also encourages investment in ultra-mobile designs. The logic is consistent with the more places people can take a PC, the more ways people will be able to use a PC. It's a good direction and Bill Mitchell reminds the audience that getting the right hardware will improve customer experience with Tablet features.

Robert Williams, Director of Tablet PC Business Development, demonstrated ways that hardware vendors can introduce positive customer interest through the new Experience Pack for Tablet PC. I was sitting half way back in the room, which was filled with a few hundred people. People actively nodded their heads as Williams demonstrated the Media Transfer Tool, Ink Desktop, and Energy Blue skin to the Media Player.

Next the presentation moves on to Longhorn and mainstreaming mobility. Form factor improvements are needed. Mitchell shows off the new Acer hinge with built in kickstand. There are plenty of opportunities for hardware vendors to differentiate.

* Innovative mobile PC form factors - opportunity to build more devices
* High end graphics
* Aux Display
* Touch screen
* High-resolution wide-screen
* Ambient light sensor
* Array microphone
* TPM 1.2
* Wireless peripherals

LH time frame goals:

* 1-2 second resume time from sleep vs cold boot
* 5-6 second resume from disk
* 10-15 second boot time

The focus is on the user and answering the user's question of, "How fast can I use it?" [my data]

Andy Fuller demonstrates an ASUS mobile PC with an auxiliary display, which is an LCD on the outside casing that allows you to get faster access to information even if a lid is closed on the computer.

* ISVs can extend application
* 221 x 76 TFT screen
* User has control about what app they want to see displayed
* Data cached so access when PC in in standby or hibernate
* Example apps to be displayed: Email, Media Player (Media Player wakes PC)
* Showed PowerPoint being extended to SmartPhone for reviewing slides

Continuing with the theme of making PCs useful in more places and in more situations, Darin Fish introduces Longhorn supporting touch support. A circular, translucent widget allows simple navigation at the touch of a fingertip.
Why would hardware companies want to add touch? A top surface digitizer can help reduce cost because it does not use a kangaroo pocket, as active digitizers do. One more choice.

Bill Mitchell reiterates that more form factor choices, faster access to data, and being able to use a mobile PC more hours in a day are important goals for the team. People want PCs to be more convenient to carry. "Carry-everywhere form factor" will help enable a mobile PC per person, as will creating a richer and more natural software interaction. The converse is that larger mobile PCs become the new desktop for people.

Intel shows their similar model in their session.

Pictures from WinHEC

- by Lora On Apr 27, 2005 - 8:51 AM

Terri Stratton uploaded her photos from WinHEC.

Intel Describes Digital Office Concept Desktop

- by Lora On Apr 27, 2005 - 8:33 AM

Intel described it's Digital Office Concept Desktops at WinHEC yesterday. Intel asserts that future systems should combine thin and light notebook form factors with power and performance of traditional desktop PCs. What's the goal? Desktops to be 100% compaible with notebook so corporations can reduce the total cost of ownership by using 1 image and 1 configuration.

Intel shows 8.9" Mobile Entertainment PC slate at WinHEC

- by Lora On Apr 27, 2005 - 8:19 AM

During the Industry Viewpoint: Realizing Intel's 2006 Mobile Platform Vision WinHEC session, Intel showed off a fully functional demonstration version of future slates. Here are my notes from that session:

Mobile EPC Model
* Ship in 2006 as an "On-the-Go Entertainment PC"
* Specs

8.9" wide screen
2.5 lbs
Fanless design
Touch screen with hand-held controls
EL Panel (Electroluminescence)
Bluetooth wireless technology
Integrated popout camera
WLAN
GPS Navigation System
Detachable DVD Drive
Fingerprint sensor
This example has a red case

* This PC supports full media center experience - Detachable DVD on the back
* Full blown Sonoma platform
* Usages

On-the-Go:
Synch-and-Go - watch movies, play games, and listen to music through car stereo
Outside In - access music, photos, and personal media on your home network while away
LBS Points of interest - find restaurants, city guides, and directions
Share media - show pictures, stream video through friend's digital media adaptor

In the home:
Download media from home devices
Secondary PC

* How On-the-go digital entertainment works - synch-n-go demo
* Plug in for Media Center Edition to allow to take content on the road
* Scan local home network to find UPnP server installed

WinHEC Day 2

- by Lora On Apr 26, 2005 - 11:16 PM

WinHEC Day 2 began by listening to Bill Mitchell review the direction of Mobile PCs and ended with dinner at the Wild Ginger with Jed Rose, Jake Ludington, Frank Gocinski, Terri Stratton, Chris Pirillo, Jay Kenny, and many many others. All in all a great day. I'll post my notes tomorrow. Time to get some sleep.

The China Post article

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:30 AM

I haven't confirmed this with anyone yet, but The China Post has an article that appears to include an inaccurate interpretation of today's news about future Tablet PC hardware form factors. "Microsoft plans to bring its own tablet PC to the market." It's actually that at WinHEC Microsoft is showing design that could be used by hardware manufacturers.

The Tablet PC of Your Dreams

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:21 AM

Bill Gates is showing off a Tablet PC sometime today… It’s as thin as 10 sheets of paper, has a 6 inch screen, a battery that lasts all day, and costs just $800.

I don’t know about you but my heart sure started pitter-pattering when I saw this news… then I read further. Apparently it’s still just a concept. And it’s not expected to be available for several more years. (The Gadget Files Tech Gadget)

Gates trumpets tiny Tablet

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:18 AM

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates will unveil a concept for a next-generation mobile device later today. The 'Carry Everywhere PC' has a 6in screen, a battery that "lasts all day" and is as thin as 10 sheets of paper.

Mobile computing will be one of the main themes of Gates's opening keynote at WinHEC in Seattle, Neil Charney, product manager for the Windows Client Group, told vnunet.com.

Mobility is set to share the spotlight with Longhorn and the unveiling of 64-bit versions of Windows. (VNunet.com)

Gates to Preview Windows' Third Decade

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:16 AM

Microsoft officials previewing Gates' keynote for reporters say that in addition to launching x64, Gates is expected to focus on the increased importance of products enabling mobility, such as tablet PCs powered by Windows XP Professional Tablet PC Edition.

Gates is slated to show several new tablets, including ones that cost only $100 more than identical non-tablet products. Additionally, he's expected to show off a reference design for a post-Longhorn ultraportable that has a 9-inch screen, is no thicker than 10 sheets of paper, and will be operated by pen or voice commands. Another concept design that Longhorn will support will be a notebook with an auxiliary display on the lid, so that, for example, you could check your calendar without having to boot up the system. (PC World)

WinHEC: New Era Begins

 

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:12 AM

 

Gates, for instance, will demonstrate a "mainstream mobility" machine that is extremely thin and lightweight, sporting a 12-inch screen and integrated optical drive, said Greg Sullivan, lead product manager for the Windows client. This Kinesis device, scheduled for availability in 2006, will run Longhorn and will be "instant-on, instant-use [and] feature nonvolatile RAM," he said. The screen will slide up and down to convert from tablet to the laptop form factor easily, he added.

Microsoft also plans to demonstrate a new auxiliary display feature in Longhorn that will allow instant access to PowerPoint presentations and the ability to display e-mails and calendar info from displays embedded in these new form factors without booting up the PC.

Beyond Longhorn, Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft also will showcase a new "carry-everywhere" form-factor device weighing from 1 pound to 2 pounds Sullivan said. "This is a mockup prototype [and is] ultramobile, superthin, superlight, always-connected and will support touch input and natural language stuff." (CRN)

Microsoft dreams up low-cost mini-tablet PC

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:10 AM

Microsoft on Monday plans to show off pretty much the dream portable computer--a tiny tablet computer as thin as 10 sheets of paper with a camera, a battery that lasts all day and a price of about $800.

The only problem is that it's still several years from reality.

Microsoft commissioned the 6-inch-screen prototype, but still doesn't know exactly when it will be commercially feasible. It will probably come at least a year or two after the arrival of Longhorn, the new version of Windows set to ship at the end of next year.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will show off the mini-tablet as part of a speech highlighting plans for the third decade of Windows. The speech will kick off the company's Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in Seattle.
The software maker also plans to show off some PCs that are closer to delivery.

One is a notebook with a separate display on the outside of the laptop--good for viewing schedules or e-mails without booting the full systems. Support for such auxiliary displays is one of a number of laptop-related features that Microsoft plans to add with Longhorn.

Gates also plans to show off a next-generation tablet PC from Acer. Unlike other notebooks that swivel to switch between notebook and slate designs, the new Acer model features a keyboard that slides down.

Microsoft said it is starting to see some progress in sales of current tablets, too, following the release of a new version of the Tablet PC operating system last year. In the March-ending quarter, the company saw Tablet PC sales increase 64 percent versus the year earlier. (ZDNet)

Gates to offer up a peek at the future

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:07 AM

The most far-out machine is a small tabletlike PC about as thick as 10 sheets of paper with a 6-inch screen and weighing 1 to 2 pounds. It supports a built-in camera and, like a cellphone, runs for a full day on a single battery charge. Microsoft expects computer makers will be producing similar systems a few years after Longhorn is released.
Closer to reality are Longhorn-based laptops with an auxiliary display screen built into the cover. The idea is to display a few lines of information, such as the time or a message, similar to the small displays on some clamshell-type cellphones that show time and call information without having to open the device.

Another machine is a prototype thin Tablet PC with a sliding cover. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

Gates to offer Longhorn update, new prototypes of Tablet PCs

- by Lora On Apr 25, 2005 - 8:04 AM

Microsoft will look to show progress this week on meeting two of its toughest challenges -- gaining broader adoption of Tablet PCs and completing the next version of Windows.

Opening the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference this morning, Bill Gates is expected to describe some of the Redmond company's latest planning and work on Longhorn, the next Windows version, which is due on the market next year after a series of delays. Attendees will receive a preview version of Longhorn and get information to help them build computers for the next Windows version.

Gates also will show prototypes and products that build on the Tablet PC concept, which hasn't caught on among consumers to the degree that Microsoft and others in the computer industry once predicted. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)

Is Channel9 and blogging transparency or is it customer support?

- by Lora On Apr 24, 2005 - 5:53 PM

I've considered posting information online as a form of organizing information for multiple people to learn and improve communication about products. One result of these online transactions is transparency. Others are establishing credibility and publicly supporting technology and partners working with that technology.

Vic Gundotra shares his questions about what information to disclose publicly and what to keep private. Not surprisingly, he connects his post to the recent Steve Ballmer email that full time employees received about a local political stand and Robert Scoble's open response that that email.

Friday

- by Lora On Apr 24, 2005 - 5:02 PM

Friday afternoon was bright and sunny, so when Trevor Claiborne, Microsoft Tablet PC MVP, and Mick Stanic of The Podcast Network came to visit Building 32 we went outside to talk. We chatted about campus squirrels and ravens, podcasting, communication, and more. Have you noticed how bold the ravens and squirrels are that go in and out of the trash cans scavenging for food?

Of course, at one point it became a little too comedic. We were out front of the cafeteria, where the tables have attached seats. The table at which we were sitting had only 3 seats and originally had 4. A friend arrived and I stood up to say hello. When I popped up the table fell fell over, and tossed Trevor and Mick onto their backsides. I didn't knock the table so it must have been the weight distribution... although even one of them weighs more than I do. Trevor hit his knee, I'm sure Mick wasn't as comfortable as he said, my cell phone went flying and landed in my cup of water and rolled to the ground, and soda went all over Trevor and Mick. Oddly enough, they both said they were OK. After confirming that they weren't injured more than they were admitting, we quickly switched tables and continued our conversation. What an afternoon!

The Podcast Network's growth is encouraging. I think the success is an indication that on-demand content delivery is entering another stage of acceptance. And have you seen The Student Tablet PC Blog and Forums lately??!!! Very cool.

In defense of the company I love

- by Lora On Apr 24, 2005 - 3:03 PM

As I looked down out of the window of that plane (flying from Seatac Airport) I saw homes, police stations, hospitals, retail stores, schools and churches. On my Tablet PC was the plan for the further unveiling of the next generation of Windows (Longhorn) at our Professional Developers Conference in September.

I thought about this. I'm working on software that is going to touch virtually everything I can see out the window of this plane. Almost every home, police station, hospital, store, school and church is running our software today - and Longhorn is going to make things a lot better in a lots of ways.

My uncles, my cousins, my friends, they are running Windows today. I'm playing a part in developing, testing, and bringing to market software will affect millions. That's empowering. Just look out the window.
Are you doing work that touches so many people? I am. And I love it. (Vic Gundotra)

Microsoft, Hardware Vendors Prep for WinHEC

- by Lora On Apr 24, 2005 - 1:33 PM

Microsoft officials, from product managers to the top brass, look to be busy starting Monday with the arrival of attendees to the WinHEC (Windows Hardware Engineering Conference) in Seattle.

At the annual gathering, system and device vendors as well as a number of ISVs will look for the latest skinny on the various Windows platforms, including 64-bit support and, according to sources, a new mini Tablet/eBook hybrid form factor. (eWeek)

Reflowable Ink: Simple Reflow

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 9:01 AM

This article is the first in a series that will explore adding reflow capability to Ink. In this article I will explore the use of the InkDivider object to analyze an Ink object for the identification of paragraphs, lines, and words; calculate a new layout for the Ink, given available horizontal space; and render the Ink using this new layout.

Future articles will expand on this idea, exploring real-time reflow calculation, mechanisms for inserting writing space within a paragraph, Ink Reflow as a RealTimeStylus plug-in, a Reflow Edit control, and other topics.

Introduction

Since text was moved from hard paper into the realm of software with the advent of the word processor, users of computer applications have come to expect that text will automatically flow to the next Line when there is not adequate space for text on a Line, and that this reflow will be recalculated when the window's size is changed so text remains visible to the viewer.

In 2002, Microsoft introduced through the Tablet PC Platform a fundamental kind of information to the software world: Ink. The intended purpose of Ink varies more widely than text (drawings, tables, notes), but it is harder to make reflow behavior happen automatically in Ink-enabled applications.

There are scenarios where reflow would be useful, however, including instant messaging and handwritten prose. Ink Reflow is relevant anywhere that handwriting is to be perceived as text by the user and application. (MSDN.microsoft.com)

Media Transfer on Tablet PCs

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:54 AM

Due to my busy lifestyle I don't always get the chance to watch my TV shows live to air, so I set my MCE PC to record these shows for me. I can then watch these shows at any time I wish via the TV in my lounge. MCE has allowed me to take this experience away from the PC in my study to a more comfortable environment in the lounge. Doesn't sound too fancy yet? It get's better. How many times have you been travelling and thought to yourself, "Geez this is a waste of time...it would be much better if I could be say watching the soapie I recorded last night." My preferred portable device for watching soapies is actually my Toshiba M200 Tablet PC. With the help of the "Media Transfer" application that is a part of the "Experience Pack for Tablet PC", I can just power on my tablet select the media (TV, music, photos) I want to take with me and queue it for transfer (yes this assumes that I am wirelessly in range of my MCE PC). It doesn't get any easier than that! The M200 Tablet is also great on planes. How many times have you had the bloke in front recline their seat all the way back so that you can't get a good angle on your display. Not a problem...rotate the screen 180 degrees...and shove it into the seat pocket...adjust until you get the optimal viewing angle. (Nam's blog)

Sony, Toshiba Seek Unified DVD Format

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:48 AM

Sony and Toshiba said Thursday they are in negotiations about how to resolve their competing next-generation optical disk formats, aiming to give consumers a unified video technology.

But both sides played down a report in the business daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun Thursday that said the Japanese electronics makers were on the verge of agreeing on a compromise "hybrid" next-generation DVD format as soon as this month.

In the battle for a high-definition successor to DVDs, Tokyo-based Sony — which also has movie, music and video-game businesses — leads an international group promoting the Blu-ray Disc format. A rival group led by Toshiba is promoting the HD-DVD format. Each has the support of several big electronics makers and movie studios.

The rivalry could spur another battle between standards reminiscent of the fight in the 1980s in videocassette recorder standards, between the Sony-backed Beta and VHS, backed by Matsu****a Electric Industrial's VHS eventually won that battle. In next-generation DVDs, Matsu****a-owned Panasonic is in the same Blu-ray camp as Sony. (CRN)

The Race Is On: Eighth-graders go to college for help with vehicle design

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:46 AM

The crowd is cheering. Pennants are waving. Cars are racing toward the finish. One might confuse it with a bigtime automobile race—if not for the fact that this one involves a track a few inches wide with cars small enough to fit in one's palm.

It's Race Day at Lehigh University's Manufacturing Expo, the culmination of a collaborative project between college engineering students at Lehigh and eighth-graders from neighboring Broughal Middle School. Over the course of a school term, small groups of students—each with two eighth-graders and three Lehigh mechanical engineering students—work together to design, engineer, and build miniature vehicles.

The project began four years ago when Lehigh professors John Coulter and Herman Nied invited Broughal's Lori Cirucci and her students to take part in an annual engineering project, but without a culminating Race Day. Cirucci jumped at the chance.

"My main goal," Cirucci says, "was to expose my eighth-grade students to the computer-assisted design (CAD) software that is used by many colleges and universities." (Intel)

Tablet can be suitable sub for a mouse

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:28 AM

The Tablet PC, essentially a laptop that allows you to write or draw on the screen, is one alternative, but you don't have to invest in a new computer to have a tablet. You can buy a tablet separately and attach it to your PC or laptop.
Artists are the most common users of tablets because tablets allow natural sketching and something akin to painting digitally on screen in a way no mouse can. But growing numbers of other users are experimenting with tablets to make computing feel more natural. (Seattle Times)

House of the future... today - includes Tablet PCs

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:26 AM

Internet shopping can be done in the kitchen by scribbling on a tablet PC equipped with handwriting recognition software, while in all the bedrooms, Philips Streamium wireless media boxes plugged into hi-fis can play music stored downstairs on the living room computer.

and later

We are trying to prove that this is not complicated - and that it can fit seamlessly into people's lives now," he said. "It is becoming more and more family orientated and less and less male dominated." (Telegraph.co.uk)

Live performance software controlled with Tablet PC

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:22 AM

HiQnet allows the networking of various Harman audio components and the ability to control them from a central spot, such as a tablet PC or the Vista console. The cue list window of the console can then fire off HiQnet ‘Venue Recall’ messages that can change the settings of the attached HiQnet-based units. (ZioShow)

Improved Pen based Aircraft Log Book by ASI Entertainment

- by Lora On Apr 22, 2005 - 8:18 AM

ASI Entertainment is in the news again with its improved Aircraft Log Book system.

"Pentastic" features a Write-Over (Ink-over) mechanism that allows the user to write straight over the top of already recognized characters. "Tap-Change" is also a smart method of flipping through predefined character sets and case styles. Individual character cell block recognition ensures accuracy and speed whilst aircraft FMC-format data entry ensures that pilots adapt easily to this new technology. POP-UP customized sub forms with background data calculations and validation take standard airline documentation to a new level. A signature capture field and aviation specific block recognition libraries makes this technology really "Pentastic." (BusinessWire)

The Tablet PC Show #6 Podcast

- by Lora On Apr 21, 2005 - 9:28 AM

James continues to describe what he wants in a mini-Tablet PC: ability to run full applications and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, good docking, good connectivity, array microphone, and more.

He also goes over rumors about IBM entering the Tablet PC market and states how he thinks this is important for corporations that are "IBM only".

Toshiba has moved full force into Tablet PCs with addition of Tecra M4

- by Lora On Apr 20, 2005 - 3:34 PM

Toshiba now offers 4 Tablet PCs:

Portege M200 Tablet PC
Satellite R10 Tablet PC
Satellite R15 Tablet PC
and now the Tecra M4 Tablet PC.

Each model has it's own positive feature set, with R10 being set at a low price for home users and the Tecra M4 for those who want the best of today's technology. How much do you have to pay for the best? Tecra M4 starts at $1999.

M4-S435

The Tecra M4-S435 is packed with productivity features: Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology; 14.1" high resolution display; high speed memory, hard drive, and wireless LAN (802.11g). Did I mention the unlimited storage of a Dual Layer DVD SuperMulti drive?

Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (1.73GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet Edition
No Microsoft® Office software
nVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6200 TE 64M with dedicated 64MB DDR SDRAM
512MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz SDRAM (512MBx1)
14.1" SXGA+ Display (1400x1050)
60GB (Serial-ATA, 5400rpm)
8X DVD-SuperMulti drive (Dual Layer)
Intel PRO\Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g)
3-Yr Limited Warranty
Microsoft® Office OneNote
Microsoft Works
3-USB (2.0) ports
TV-out (S-Video) port
IEEE 1394 port
Fast Infrared port
V.92/56K modem port
10/100/1000 LAN port
Headphone jack
Microphone jack (mono)
Parallel port
RGB monitor port

The 12" display is still appealing to me, but if you like a 14" display and want the most recent in today's technology, then the Tecra M4 is now a good option for you.

More on Channel9 Wikis

- by Lora On Apr 20, 2005 - 3:22 PM

A few of you have brought the Channel9 Tablet PC Wikis up to me over IM. I'm glad you think it's a good idea to have open communication between developers and that Microsoft will actually encourage this. Now, you just need to post your ideas on the Wiki itself!!

The wiki is open to you. You add the feedback and maintain it. Here are a couple quick steps to follow, in case you've never used a wiki before:

1. Log into Channel9. You can use your .NET passport.
2. Go to the Tablet PC wiki section.
4. Navigate to the Wiki of your choice. Let's go to TabletPCFeedback, where you can add info about what tools you need or features you want.
4. On the left column, there is a way to track and make changes. Click Edit.
5. This Edit page allows you to add or remove content to the page. Remember, this is a wiki so you may update any info at any time (be respectful please). You can just type and if you want to indent or create a new section, follow the outline patterns.

Sara Lee of Tablet PCs

- by Lora On Apr 20, 2005 - 1:03 AM

I was told again tonight, "you're the Sara Lee of Tablet PCs." I'm not too sure about getting all these nick names. "First family of Tablet PCs", "Sara Lee of Tablet PCs", what's next?

Every time I hear "Sara Lee" I think of my best friend from high school. Her name is Carla Croissant and she works for HP Ireland these days. When her parents were choosing a name for her, they almost picked "Sara Lee". Yes, she would have been Sara Lee Croissant. She'd joke about how she could have said about herself, "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee Croissant", enough so that's what I associate the phrase with, and not the food brand and its popular slogan.

TEO 2.0 remains #1 download

- by Lora On Apr 20, 2005 - 12:24 AM

Last month Josh celebrated the fact that TEO 2.0 was the #1 download on TabletPCPost.com. TEO 2.0 has not only held #1 position, but also was downloaded over 1000 times in that time. Congratulations, again, Josh!

Geeky evening

- by Lora On Apr 19, 2005 - 10:16 PM

Great afternoon with Marc Orchant, Mick Stanic, and Buzz Bruggeman. This evening we all headed over to Crossroads Mall and I finally got to meet Ponzi.

The evening passed quickly as she caught me up on details surrounding Gnomedex. Gnomedex is going to be great - registration and sponsorships are right on track, and best of all it looks like many Tablet PC users are attending. So, once again, if you're attending Gnomedex and would like to help organize getting Tablet PC owners and those interested in Tablet PCs together for a couple hours, let me know.

Ponzi is so easy to talk with. We even talked about differences between working in corporations and running small businesses, which led to me going on and on about how fun it is to work with ISVs because they are creating all these new companies. I have tremendous respect of their efforts. Ponzi certainly does too.

Channel9 Wikis

- by Lora On Apr 19, 2005 - 9:32 PM

Channel9 Tablet PC Wikis were updated to include lists of Tablet PC Development tools and feedback areas for the SDK. The structure is setup. Now you can add your ideas.

Microsoft Scraps System Center

- by Layne On Apr 19, 2005 - 2:54 PM

Quote:

Microsoft announced that it plans to release major upgrades of SMS called "Version 4" and MOM dubbed "Version 3.0" in the Longhorn wave of Windows product upgrades in 2006 and 2007.

Reference
Rooney, P. (2005, April 19). Microsoft Scraps System Center. Retrieved April 19, 2005, from CRN.

Goodbye Microsoft, Hello Skype

- by Lora On Apr 19, 2005 - 12:00 AM

Lenn Pryor (Microsoft Channel9) is leaving Microsoft and joining Skype. Good luck, Lenn. It should be exciting to see Skype grow.

Intel Unveils Long-Range Wireless Technology

- by Layne On Apr 18, 2005 - 9:39 PM

Intel released details of their new wireless technology Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax).
References

Musgrove, M. (2005, April 19). Intel Unveils Long-Range Wireless Technology. Retrieved April 18, 2005, from Washington Post

MEDC Special Offer

- by Lora On Apr 18, 2005 - 9:36 PM

James Pratt says the Mobile Devices group has another special offer for MEDC

Brand New Blog Discount Code (CAATTAR)

Our last blog discount was so successful we thought we'd offer another one before the Early Bird discount expires. Currently if you register before April 20th you'll get a special price of $995 which is $200 off the standard registration fee. If you're one of the first 50 to register before April 20th with the RSVP code CAATTAR you'll get an EXTRA $100 off!

PC Magazine Links to TabletPCPost.com

- by Lora On Apr 18, 2005 - 7:37 PM

I was just flipping through TabletPCPost.com's referrer log and see that PC Magazine now links to it! Super!

Tablet PC fans helping out MSN Search

- by Lora On Apr 18, 2005 - 7:22 PM

MSN Search invited a group of people to Microsoft's campus this week to lend a little insight into the wants, needs, and ideas of users. Included in this group are Marc Orchant, Buzz Bruggeman, Chris Pirillo, and Mick Stanic. Buzz suggested noon as a good time for a few people from the Tablet PC team to stop in and say hello. So, Arin Goldberg (Tablet PC Technical Evangelist), Michelle McKelvey (Tablet and Mobile PC Technical Evangelist), Tina Snyder (Tablet PC Content Coordinator) and I crashed the lunch break. Robert Scoble arrived shortly after to pass out Channel9 guys.
We weren't over with the MSN Search Champs for a long time, but long enough to say hello and make plans for later. Marc, Mick, Buzz and possibly a few others are going to join us over in Building 32 tomorrow afternoon. Then at 7PM, several people are gathering for dinner at Crossroads. Bring your Tablet PC!

"Start Something"

- by Layne On Apr 18, 2005 - 9:42 AM

Microsoft is ready to grab your ears, eyes, and hopefully your thoughts with a new ad campaign affectionately called "Start Something." Um. Is there a hidden meaning in this campaign?

Let us see ...
Hidden Microsoft Meaning #1: Start Something. Anything ! Please. We must get excited about Something!
Hidden Microsoft Meaning #2: Start Something. Yeah. Like please start buying.
Hidden Microsoft Meaning #3: Start Something. Um. Will my computer start up again after a crash?
Hidden Microsoft Meaning #4: The first song on the Album with this name was “Last Train Home." Yikes.
Hidden Microsoft Meaning #5: The artists for the Song were "Lostprophets". See hidden meaning #2.

Quote:

The "Start Something" campaign also underscores one of Microsoft's selling points -- the large "ecosystem" of software and devices that connect to Windows. The various elements of the campaign refer to a new Web site, http://www.windows.com/, which includes information about software and devices that work in conjunction with the widely used operating system.

Now, on a positive note. The Tablet PC from Motion is prominent in the educational section of the new http://web.archive.org/web/20050422010056/http://www.windows.com/ website. Very cool !

Reference
Bishop, T. (2005, April 18). Microsoft Notebook: New ad campaign aims to 'start something' with XP. Retrieved April 18, 2005, from Seattle PI.

Adobe buys Macromedia for $3.4 billion

- by Lora On Apr 18, 2005 - 7:59 AM

Wow! This should yield an amazing company, as if both weren't already.

Taste of my own medicine with Tablet PCs

- by Lora On Apr 17, 2005 - 11:56 PM

After helping a friend try to recover data from an old Windows 98SE desktop system that was ravaged by a virus, we went shopping in the greater Seattle area for a Tablet PC. We started in Lynnwood and stopped the excursion in Bellevue, hitting many local and retail stores in that 25+ mile stretch. We found several Averatec C3500 Tablet PCs in inventory for between $999 and $1199 and a few "open box" or display Toshiba Portege M200s for between $1399 and $1599. Many places had sold out on Tablet PCs and expected more stock shortly, but didn't have "the right one" on Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.

At one point on Saturday evening, my friend decided to just get the Averatec C3500 Tablet PC. Circuit City had it in stock. It could be returned in 14-days if there happened to be a problem. An overactive possible-fraud-detection-creditcard-processing-system put a hiccup in the purchasing process, so decided it was best to wait until the morning to decide.

So today, Sunday, we checked inventory online before heading out to the stores, in search of a Toshiba Satellite R10 Tablet PC. Our online search told us that CompUSA in downtown Bellevue had the R15 in stock. Could have gone home with it today. No R10s, but at least an R15 would give my friend a good idea about the design. After a few minutes playing with the R15, my friend was sold on the design: the screen was clear, included an internal optical drive, pen was easy to use, weight was good, internal DVD with TV out port, 14" display was a little bigger than wanted, but worth the compromise.

I was pleasantly surprised by this shopping experience. I was relieved to find CompUSA after going into some of the other places. Oh, sure, we had a few good laughs, like a mock pen near one Averatec and photos of a Toshiba Tablet PC underneath another Averatec. Mainly though, this exercise certainly reinforced my want for Windows Experience Centers to help people learn more about mobile PC choices.

IBM tablet

- by mmeier On Apr 15, 2005 - 6:06 AM

look at this on the ibm website:
"This request is under consideration and we hope to announce plans for Tablet PC support some time in 2005. "
http://web.archive.org/web/20050422010056/http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:3M-474XR1cIJ:www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss%3Frs%3D463%26uid%3Dswg21106884+ibm+tablet+pc&hl=de

Active Ink Software Launches a New Family of Form Design Products

- by Lora On Apr 15, 2005 - 12:22 AM

Active Ink Software, Inc., a Microsoft Premier PC Partner announced the general availability of an entire new family of form design products for both the PC and Tablet PC platforms. The product offerings include a Standard Edition, a Professional Edition and an Enterprise Edition of their core product, the Form Designer.

The Standard Edition adds the ability to convert a scanned image or PC document into a format that accepts ink and builds intelligence into the form by creating checkboxes, drop downs, dates and signature fields. The Standard Edition also supports the ability to export data into a Microsoft Excel or Access format or upload the data to a remote server.
The Professional Edition includes all of the features of the Standard Edition plus adds support for adding lines, shapes and images to the form. To improve upon the handwriting recognition results, the Professional Edition also includes the ability to create custom input scopes.

The Enterprise Edition includes all the features of both the Standard and Professional Editions and adds the ability to create workflow processes, template libraries, and store data either locally or remotely in a relational database. User authentication, audit trails and server synchronization are also supported. -- EMediaWire

Allchin on Tablet in Longhorn

- by Lora On Apr 15, 2005 - 12:20 AM

CRN: There have been published reports of seven different versions of the Windows Longhorn client, including a starter edition, home, premium/media, professional, small business, mobility/tablet PC and some "uber" or developer edition.
ALLCHIN: I don't think we've said anything about that yet. -- CRN
---------------------------
While many details about Longhorn have been nailed down, others, including its name, are still up in the air. The company is close to deciding which different versions will be available, but it's not ready to announce that yet. It is too soon to say, for example, whether there will be separate Media Center or Tablet PC editions, Allchin said.
"We are moving features around," he said. -- ZDNet

Tablet Tales

- by Lora On Apr 14, 2005 - 11:43 PM

Mary Jo Foley usually has unique articles and her latest has peaked the interest of many people. Why? She weaves a story of a possible small form factor Tablet PC. A Tablet PC that is smaller than those built today. "The mini-Tablet, which measures about six inches by eight inches and features a digitizer, is just one of a number of new Tablet form factors expected to debut in the coming months," she writes.

Mary Jo also asserts that this new design is basically an eBook hybrid. I'm not sure what this connection to eBook means. Do you? I understand that it is a conclusion drawn from an interview of Bill Gates from February where he said:

...am meeting with our tablet people about the idea of carrying text books around. They'll have just a tablet device that they can call up the material on. That's been a dream for a long time, we're making progress there. So review of the software projects and encouraging them in terms of what they are doing well and telling them who else they need to work with. That's the primary thing on my schedule.

I assume Mary Jo is implying reduced functionality. What do you think?

Just how interested are people in this idea? What is attractive about a SFF Tablet PC? Apparently, people are interested enough to write, talk, and in some cases dream about it. Yes, people have expanded on Mary Jo's story and definitely have ideas of their own about what this product might, could, and should be.

I've been reading through articles about this mini-Tablet / eBook idea. As usual, I'll share those links with you:

[Read More]

Microsoft Tips Plans For Longhorn Embedded

- by Layne On Apr 14, 2005 - 10:17 PM

According to Alexander Wolfe, "Microsoft is expected to provide the first public details of its plans for Longhorn Embedded to developers in May at its Microsoft Mobility and Embedded DevCon in Las Vegas."
Reference
Wolfe, Al. (2005, April 14). Microsoft Tips Plans For Longhorn Embedded. Retrieved April 14, 2005, from InformationWeek.

Diagram your product ideas over on Channel9 - in ink

- by Lora On Apr 13, 2005 - 9:41 PM

Developers are scribbling with mice and pens over on Channel9 tonight. Ink has been added to forum posts.
Channel9 is using a version of Community Server based the addition of ink on the code available at ArcsOfFire.com forums. Thank you, Charles, Robert, and everyone who helped test!

Tablet Users at Gnomedex 5.0?

- by Lora On Apr 12, 2005 - 9:59 PM

Are you planning to go to Gnomedex 5.0? It would be a good place to hold a Tablet PC user meetup. Let me know if you're going or interested in organizing something.

June 23 - 25, 2005
Bell Harbor Conference Center, Seattle, WA

eWeek Awards Agilix

- by Lora On Apr 12, 2005 - 9:54 PM

The Heiny family isn't the only tech family, although we've ended up being named "The First Family of Tablet PCs". We just happen to be a large group and end up out-numbering others. (Blogs: Loren, Layne, Robert (Dad)) There are also the Leszynskis, the Allens, and I'm sure many others.

Tonight, I was reading on Paul Allen's blog that Agilix GoBinder won eWeek's Excellence Award, in the Productivity Applications category. Congratulations to Agilix! You see, Paul is Curt Allen's brother, CEO of Agilix. Paul Allen is an investor in Utah and watches the tech industry closely. His blog is a good resource for emerging companies.

Founders of Mindjet featured in BusinessWeek Online

- by Lora On Apr 12, 2005 - 9:34 PM

An interview of Mike and Bettina Jetter, founders of Mindjet, is online at BusinessWeek. They review the difficulties in starting a new company, as well as the transition now that they are assuming the role of founders as Bob Gordon steps in as CEO. I appreciate the sentiment of the last sentence, "... we know if you want to grow a business, you have to be good at everything."

Check out Mindjet's blog for company updates. It's a team blog and they've been doing a good job at keeping it current.

Arcs of Fire Terrain Builder

- by Lora On Apr 12, 2005 - 9:17 PM

3 Leaf is building a Tablet PC Game SDK and reference game, which is called Arcs of Fire. Arcs of Fire is the classic tank game, and in this case you draw lines using the Tablet PC pen to control aim. The longer the line, the more force. The steeper the angle of the line, the greater the angle. Pretty simple, right?

So, here's the twist - creating the terrain that the tanks are on. This is done through the Terrain Builder, which dynamically renders terrain based on pen strokes.

3 Leaf released the Developer Preview Edition of the Terrain Builder this week (3Leaf). You download it from ArcsofFire.com.

Gateway to unveil new notebooks

- by Lora On Apr 12, 2005 - 8:59 PM

News.com has an article reporting that Gateway is about to introduce 8 new PCs, including several notebooks:
* Gateway 6010GZ notebook - 15.4" wide-screen display; Intel Celeron M360 processor; 512MB of system memory; 60GB hard drive; CD-RW/DVD-ROM; 802.11g - $999

* Gateway 3522GZ - 14" wide-screen display; Intel Pentium M 725; 512MB system memory; 60GB HD; DVD burner - $1,199
* Gateway 7426GX - 15.4 wide-screen display; AMD mobile Athlon 64 3700+; 1GB system memory; 100GB HD; DVD burner - $1,549
* Gateway 4025GZ - 15" display; 5.5lb - $859

Mindjet Accelerator SDK now available

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 9:14 PM

Mindjet now has a development toolkit available for building Mindmanager applications, called Mindjet Accellerator SDK. An Accelerator for Salesforce.com is available, with future one for CommerceQuest.

Channel9 Video: Running Virtual PC and Virtual Machines

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 7:12 PM

For some reason, Microsoft Bob keeps popping up in conversations and I just saw a reference to it on Channel9 too. Channel9 has a new video posted: Running Virtual PC and Virtual Machines. Yes, Bob can still run via Virtual PC.

Channel9 Video: What is Indigo?

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 7:09 PM

Steve Millet is an architect on the Indigo team. What is Indigo? Millet says "Our next generation platform for doing Web services and messaging infrastructure."

Then Steve spends the next 43 minutes taking you through what Indigo was designed for, and gives you a demo of how it could be used in your own applications. (Channel9)

The Tablet PC Show #5

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 7:08 PM

James and Marc released another episode of the Tablet PC Show today. It's full of information about Chad Essley, fad phrases, tools, and more. I exchanged quick emails with James and Marc this morning, thought I was kidding around about their mention of Channel9 Tablet PC Wiki in their last episode and here they were talking about the wiki in Episode 5 too, which I hadn't even listened to yet. (I just finished listening to the show now.)

I really like how these two are working together. They've developed a nice pace and way of delivering information. Good job, once again!

Well Meaning People Spreading Incorrect Information

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 6:47 PM

I'm guilty of passing on incorrect information. Sometimes I know just enough to get me into trouble. At least I learn my limits.

I was just reading through the comments over on Engadget: Is it time to buy a Tablet PC? As I was skimming through the post and comments, I was reminded of many discussions I've had with people who are anti-web, -forum, and -blog who say these methods of communication are cesspools of ignorance. Theirs is a harsh standpoint to take. I'd prefer to look at it the spectrum of answers and view the range as an interesting sample of the depth of people's understandings and myths that still exist. Then, take that information and see how to improve the situation.

Tablet interface is better than touchpad:

In the very first comment of this Engaget post, Shane has an excellent point: "Can we finally say goodbye to the touchpad?" In his next paragraph Shane writes, "Given the dreaded track-pad alternative, it seems pretty plain to me that the touch screen interface of a tablet is vastly superior."

Shane's point is good. A touchpad is not easy for most people to use and Tablet PCs get rid of sole reliance on that technology.

Touch Screen versus Active Digitizer:
[Read More]

Talk about Toshiba Tecra M4 Tablet PC

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 10:39 AM

techSage posts that he learned about the upcoming Toshiba Tecra M4 Tablet PC from Toshiba while at FOSE:

He did, however, part with some promising tidbits or, rather, morsels about a new Tablet PC model that Toshiba would announce in the next several weeks: the Toshiba Tecra M4 Tablet PC. Here are the specs as outlined by the Toshiba Portables rep at FOSE:
Toshiba Tecra M4 Tablet PC
14.1" Screen (not outdoor optimized)
DDR2 Dual Channel DRAM
Sonoma Chipset
64 OR 128 MB nVIDIA Dedicated Graphics Card
SXGA+ (1400x1050) Resolution
Integrated Optical Drive
ETA: "In the Next Several Weeks" from 4/6/2005
Estimated MSRP/Price: $2200

(Found via Warner's blog.)

I've become a Tablet PC weight snob. The thinner and lighter the better. I want a Tablet PC the size of the NEC with the power of this new Tecra M4. It's not going to happen today though.

I do realize, however, that the majority of people still use 8lb notebooks and that to most people a 4-6 lb, "slim and light" Tablet PC is a major drop in weight. I also realize that developers and people looking ahead to Longhorn will be thrilled to see 128MB dedicated graphics memory. The 14" display size is a plus for many people too.

The M4 will be Toshiba's first Tablet PC model that uses most recent Intel Centrino platform. This platform not offers bottleneck relief with the use of DDR2 memory, SATA notebook hard drive option, and 533MHz Front Side System Bus. Watch out SFF desktops; Tablet PCs are picking up speed and you can use them in considerably more places than a fixed location system.

TabletSaver Doodle Downloads now on TabletPCPost.com

- by Lora On Apr 11, 2005 - 1:34 AM

Ever since I reformatted the Tablet PC that I use, I've been reinstalling software little by little. I reinstalled TabletSaver immediately and have been writing little notes to myself, such as "today is a good day", "meeting at 2PM", or "got Tablet?"

I still wanted to download a few cartoons my dad had drawn and a few sample screensavers Loren had sketched out. I realized that although I knew that those files were located in an old section of WhatIsNew, that most of you would have to search for a long time to find the old download section. So, I uploaded the files to TabletPCPost.com and you can share them once again. (They're all from 2003.) Free free to upload your own Doodles to share with others.

Three Flowers
String Man Cartoon - Wound Up
String Man Cartoon - Still-no-life
String Man Cartoon - Rolling Along
String Man Cartoon - Mess
String Man Cartoon - Figure It Out (Maze)
String Man Cartoon - Faith
Happy (in Mandarin)
Break Dancer

In 2004, Microsoft released Ink Screen Saver for Tablet PC Power Toy and it is available on 'Post too, if you prefer.

Two features I'd like to see in OneNote

- by Lora On Apr 10, 2005 - 9:57 PM

I use Microsoft OneNote on a daily basis. It comes in handy for extensive notes, as well as quick notes. Lately, I'm trying to do a few things with it that I haven't figured out how to do. In particular I'd like to be able to:

1.) Assign a hyperlink to particular text or ink words.

I can insert a hyperlink perfectly well, by copy pasting from the IE toolbar or just entering http://www.... However, I do not see a way to create a link from words.

2.) Create hyperlink to sections or tabs.

Where do I want my links to go? To other sections and tabs, of course!

Anyone know how to do these? Or maybe these can be considered for future versions.

Will the Next Version of Windows Be Worth the Wait?

- by Layne On Apr 10, 2005 - 7:54 AM

Randall Stross writes an excellent overview of the opinions ciruclating about Longhorn. His last four paragraphs provide the greatest sting, concluding with the story told by Mark Lucovsky, a former Microsoft software engineer. Mr. Lucovsky compares the slow process of creating an operating system at Microsoft versus replacing bits of an Amazon bug in one day.

If Microsoft could do one thing to increase their production time on operating systems it would be to cancel all meetings. In a technology based world, there is no reason for people to waste time in meetings. Instead, let the juices flow. Any information can be passed through the intranet and hallways. Better yet, tear the walls down and get everyone talking outside of meetings.

Reference

Stross, R. (2005, April 10). Will the Next Version of Windows Be Worth the Wait? Retrieved April 10, 2005, from theledger.com

Click-Fraud

- by Layne On Apr 09, 2005 - 10:19 PM

Yahoo Inc and Google Inc are defendants against a "click-fraud" lawsuit. Matt Hicks suggests "If it (the lawsuit) moves forward, all advertisers who have purchased pay-per-click ads could become part of the plaintiff class."

Quote:

Click fraud refers to a practice of purposefully clicking on sponsored listings that appear alongside search results or in the context of content pages in order to rig advertiser auctions and increase revenues.

Reference

Hicks, M. (2005, April 8). Will Click-Fraud Suits Hobble Search?. Retrieved April 9, 2005, from eWeek.

MSDN Product Feedback Center

- by Layne On Apr 09, 2005 - 9:48 PM

Microsoft has made available a Product Feedback Center for posting bugs and issues you experience with their products.

Windows Experience Locations

- by Lora On Apr 06, 2005 - 8:23 AM

I agree with Joe Wilcox that Tablet PC Experience Locations are necessary. I quickly touched on the idea in a few previous posts, and the more I think about it the more I see how it can come together as a true benefit to future owners and even current owners.

Here are just a few considerations:

Location - I still see the Experience Center as located in a major city for several weeks at a time, and then changing cities. If it works at a pilot location, then it could be expanded to three or four major cities. Start with San Francisco. Then pick New York, Las Vegas, and maybe Orlando, Philadelphia, Atlanta or Boston. Why do I say Philly, Atlanta and Boston? Because they have a great mix of business and higher education. I can picture one in Center City, Philly now.
These are temporary, roaming locations. Right across the street from convention centers.

Experience the Home and Office of Today - Mobile PCs change the way people can use computer technology. Period. There is no doubt about the irrestistable urge to sit on the couch with a Tablet PC and watch a sitcom. Put a Sahara i213 Tablet PC in front of someone and they're going to head for a cozy chair, stretch out on the floor, or even wander outside. The untethered life is attractive once people can do it, it's just a matter of helping people see what is possible.

Just say no to sales people - It's not a store. Manufacturers can choose to have their Tablet PCs represented. They can have automated demos to show how their product is unique. They can have "Buy" buttons that go to the webpage where someone can order. It can be a center for picking up that inventory purchased online.

Instead of sales people, I suggest learning helpers that can answer questions, hold training sessions (private and group). Help is really what people need. It can be the center where people can meet MVPs, influentials, have that user group meeting, and even companies can send people over for training.

Experience Pack for Tablet PC released & Channel9 Video

- by Lora On Apr 05, 2005 - 12:16 AM

Dustin Hubbard shows off the new Experience Pack for Tablet PC in a Channel9 video. The pack is a free download, available from Microsoft.
If you're curious about who is talking about the pack and what they have to say then check out the list on my spaces blog - 35 articles or posts and counting. Fantastic!

Project Progress

- by Lora On Apr 04, 2005 - 12:35 AM

Evan Feldman, of Microsoft Mobile and Tablet PC teams, updated his blog. As expected, his offers a sampling of what he's doing without actually saying what he is doing. Maybe you can figure out what he's describing.

In other news, the moment of truth came and went... I was part of a small group of people who had a concept presented at the Executive Retreat a couple of weeks ago. The feedback that we got from the execs was to go ahead and build it. So this upcoming week a few people will be shopping around the concept to the OEMs and if one of them (or more decides to build it) we've got a new and interesting product to put together. For all those amateur detectives out there, read my blog and maybe you'll puzzle out what the concept is or maybe not. At least it's as entertaining as keeping up with what ever the latest Apple rumors are :-)

Review: Xhifi XDC-1 Satellite Speakers

- by Lora On Apr 03, 2005 - 8:55 PM

Billed as the worlds best desktop Audio System, the XDC-1 gives you "BIG" sound in a small footprint. In fact the sound produced by these slim cylinders is nothing short of amazing. breakthrough XD1 Satellite speaker, incorporating Radial Ribbon technology, utilizes cabinet and driver design that changes the expectations as to how small speakers should both sound and look.*

It doesn't take long to realize what you have been missing when you hear them. The sound is crisp and clean, there is no lack of depth or bass and if you get up and walk away from them or stand behind them the sound quality isn't lost. In fact no mater where you sit or stand in the room the sound is excellent. For those pf us who ten to move around when were in our offices this is a very feature. (TabletPC2.com)

Neowin Review : Toshiba M200 Tablet PC

- by Lora On Apr 03, 2005 - 8:49 PM

Tom Graham posted a review of the Toshiba Portege M200 Tablet PC on Neowin. The review includes fundamental information about Tablet PCs and even demostrates to readers how to flip the display around to put it in slate mode and screenshots of the TIP, Journal, and OneNote.

Either way, I was still amazed at how good, and more to the point, how useful the ink technology was. Asides from being a great tool inside Word documents, it functions well as a mouse on the screen. As we’ve already mentioned, the technology that tracks the pen across the screen is very advanced and was a pleasure to use. This feature proved particularly useful with the next feature we look at.

Tom included quotes from some familiar people: Rob Bushway, Warner Crocker, Marc Orchant, and James Kendrick. Fun to read.

So, what did Tom decide? He gave the Toshiba Portege M200 a 9 out of 10.

So, to conclude : The Tablet PC is truly coming of age. Toshiba with Microsoft's Software are presenting an excellent example of practical, usable and useful technology. Neowin can't help but give it a high rating : 9/10.

We hope this will be the first of many Tablet PC reviews at Neowin; we feel it’s a fantastic new emerging technology that we’d love to inform our readers about more.

Do you still use the word "laptop"?

- by Lora On Apr 02, 2005 - 8:45 PM

I have my Feedster and PubSub subscriptions set up to track uses of the word "laptop". Most of the results are Craigslist or some other sort of used laptop and accessory sale.

How often do you use the word "laptop"? Is it to describe something new or old?

When I hear people people speak the word, they are usually referring to an 8 or 9lb PC from 5 years ago or more. No wonder they appreciate Tablet PCs for their slimness and low weight first!

Integrating Tablet Note-Taking With InfiNotes

- by Lora On Apr 01, 2005 - 11:38 PM

Larry O'Brien has a new article on DevX about Agilix InfiNotes.

The double-edged sword of Microsoft's Tablet PC SDK is its leanness. You can gain access to a powerful new system-level capability just by adding a reference to a managed assembly or dragging-and-dropping an InkPicture control onto your form. On the other hand, it would take months, if not years, to recreate the type of note-taking functionality that you might consider "standard"—something comparable to what Windows Journal provides. Even creating a basic set of pen-selection controls takes a minimum of a few hours.

W2Knews Tablet PC: First Impressions

- by Lora On Apr 01, 2005 - 10:42 PM

You are free to roam about the house or relax on the couch when you use a Tablet PC. W2Knews is using a Motion Computing and learning how to login with a fingerprint scanner, use the TIP and ink in OneNote -- all while sipping tea.

September 26, 2001

Back By Popular Demand: YY Mini-Towers
With Intel's release of new Pentium 4 motherboards designed in microATX form factor, we've had an increase in requests for the YY Mini-Towers we sold last year.

We are now offering two YY Mini-Tower Cases: YY-3401 and YY-3404.

Features:

2 - 5.25" exposed bays
1 - 3.5" floppy drive bay
1 - 3.5" internal drive bay (1" height)
Snap-on/off front bezel, wire free
U-shaped cover
Option: 300W ATX/ATX12V standard sized power supply

YY-3404 has mounting holes required by some Pentium 4 processor based motherboards.

New Intel Motherboard Requirements
Intel's new motherboards supporting the Pentium 4 processor, socket 478-pin have different requirements from its socket 423-pin motherboard, D850GB(C/CAL) motherboard.

Requirements for BOXD850MD, BOXD850MDL, BOXD850MV, BOXD850MVL, BOXD845HV, BOXD845HVL, BOXD845WN, BOXD845WNL:

1. These motherboards DO NOT not require a modified chassis (e.g., with additional mounting holes).

2. ATX12V power supply with 12V processor current via a 2x2 pin connector. [Some system builders may choose to use SFX12V power supplies.]

3. Chassis with sufficient ventilation. [Exhaust chassis fan suggested, as well as front fan for cross ventilation.]

Requirements for D850GBC or D850GBCAL:

1. Modified chassis to include 4 mounting posts for processor retention mechanism

2. ATX12V power supply

3. Chassis with sufficient ventilation

Intel highly recommends that you use a power supply with 1.5 to 2.0 A on the +5Vsb line.

Allocation of Intel 845 chipset boards
The following Intel 845 chipset motherboards are allocated until October 1st. After the first, availability will open up and ESC will offer these products as part of our standard product line.

KD845WNPAK10
KD845WNLPAK10
KD845HVPAK10
KD845HVLPAK10
BOXD845WNL
BOXD845WN
BOXD845HVL
BOXD845HV

September 25, 2001

Intel Xeon reaches 2 GHz
Intel's Press Release for the Intel Xeon.

September 24, 2001

New Kingston RDRAM Prices
ESC has new prices on some of Kingston's RDRAM memory. For instance, 64MB non-ECC, PC800 Rambus modules are now $27.00 each. New prices also on 256MB and 512MB modules.

Remember, add RDRAM two modules at a time.

Lekima
After Typhoon Nari, Lekima brings more rain to still recovering Taiwan.

Upcoming webvan Auction
Webvan's upcoming public auction may be useful for companies trying to rebuild in New York City. Webvan's auctions start Tuesday, October 9th. Not only are they auctioning standard office supplies, but thousands of PCs, notebooks, monitors, printers, copiers, fax machines, Cisco and Suns servers, hubs, routers, Nortel phone system, servalliance system, and more.

Visit webvansalse.com for details about the auction.

(Note: ESC is not involved with Great American Group or any part of Webvan. We just thought the items might be useful to those in need. Too bad US Bankruptcy court doesn't just require the equipment to be donated.)

New Cooler Master Cases
Take a look at Cooler Master's new ATC-110 and ATC-210 cases. These new models are now available at ESC. Both are made from aluminum, which acts as a heatsink and disperses heat.

ATC-110 Aluminum Midtower: $336.00

4 - 5.25" exposed bays
2 - 3.5" exposed bays
5 - 3.5" internal bays
Featuring aluminum door, which covers top 5.25" bays.

ATC-210 Aluminum Midtower$300.00

4 - 5.25" exposed bays
2 - 3.5" exposed bays
4 - 3.5" internal bays
Featuring color-tinted acrylic door, which covers full front of case.

ASUS T9 Comes With MP3 Player
The ASUS T9 Notebook PC models that ESC offers come with a MP3 Player. Apparently, some other companies are selling the MP3 player as a separate item. The models ESC has listed include the 64MB, removable MP3 player / voice recorder.

MP3 DJ Box:
- Detachable module box for MP3 play, voice record, and data storage
- Built-in Flash 64MB w/ Download/Upload through USB
- 6hr playback and 4.5hr recording with slim Li-Ion battery
- Audio DJ supported to play for 15hrs of MP3 music with power off
- Built-in microphone to support recording

September 23, 2001

Priority To Companies Rebuilding
Priority is given to orders for recovery efforts and companies rebuilding after damage from Sepetember 11th.

We offer our standard services of custom desktops, workstations, small servers, notebooks, and individual components. We are also extending to our ability to have computer components we do not usually offer for sale to be drop shipped to your business location (items such as printers, plotters, toner, pocket organizers, cables, etc.). If you don't see an item listed that you need, just ask and we'll do our best to find it for you. If we cannot fulfill your request, we may know of another company who may be able to assist.

Please call us to make arrangements. We recognize that communication with companies re-estabilishing at new locations is limited, so if you know of a company in need, please pass along that we will do what we can to assist in rebuilding.

Special delivery arrangements may need to be made for zip codes: 10048, 10080, 10280, 10281, 10282, 10283, 10284, 10285. UPS is offering pickup and delivery service to all other areas of New York City.

Step 1: Make a list of the manufacturer, product name / model number, and description. You will also need to provide delivery address information and billing information. Leasing may be available as an option. Step 2: Call ESC representatives at (800) 427-3726.

ESC will ask you for the product information, and can email, FAX, or return your call with prices on special order / special arrangement items.

September 19, 2001

AOpen OpenBook 1735 Notebook
AOpen entered the performance notebook market with their new OpenBook 1735. It will compete with ASUS's new line of notebooks arriving this fall.

Check out the specs for the AOpen OpenBoox 1735.

ESC is considering offering this new product. Email us at presales@esc-tech.com if you're interested in having us add this new product.

September 18, 2001

Feature Comparison of ASUS Notebook PCs
Our product comparison charts are heavily visited by shoppers. Here is a new one comparing features of ASUS Notebook PCs.

See ASUS Notebook product comparison chart now.

September 17, 2001

It's Okay, you can come out now
Gracie: All clear guys. You can come out from under the beds.
Albert: Just checking to see if anyone dropped food under here.
AJ: I was just comforting the old guy.
Gracie: Uh huh. Sure guys. It's okay. We were all nervous but it's safe. You can come out and play now.

We hope everyone was safe and healthy this weekend.

Emergency Efforts
We are extending special ordering of items required by those people and organizations aiding in emergency efforts in New York and Washington DC. Please call to make arrangements. We can have product drop shipped to you from East Coast warehouses for prompt delivery. These orders will be given priority over standard orders.

September 14, 2001

New ASUS Products To Be Released in October
ASUS has a set of new products ready for release in the United States around the first couple weeks of October. Yes, that is 2 to 3 weeks away.

ASUS A7V266 motherboard without audio, expected street price $155.00. This motherboard supports an AMD Duron or Athlon processor, operating at 200 MHz or 266 MHz FSB and DDR SDRAM.

ASUS P4B motherboard with audio, expected street price $165.00. This motherboard uses the i845 chipset, SDRAM memory, and Intel Socket 478-pin Pentium 4 processor. Board to be available next week.

ASUS B1 and B2 notebooks are expected a little later than these new motherboards. We do not have pricing on these new products yet.

Day of Rememberance
ESC Technologies joins those in remembering the many people whose lives have been touched by the events of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts and condolences are with our family, friends, and colleagues grieving over the loss of loved ones.

September 13, 2001

Delivery Schedules: UPS Update
From UPS.com

UPS AIR OPERATIONS RESUME TONIGHT
Most Delayed Packages to be Delivered by Friday

UPS said today it expected to run a "full up" air operation within the United States Thursday night and as a result, would deliver almost all of its backlog of Next Day Air� express packages by Friday morning. All other air packages will be delivered by early next week.

"UPS's integrated air and ground network allows us to clear our system of any backlog rapidly and to provide our customers the best service possible in these trying times," said UPS Chairman and CEO Jim Kelly. "We've kept most of the air packages moving via our ground network the last two days so we have a good headstart. We'll get most of our delayed express volume delivered Friday morning."

UPS's announcement followed the issuance of an order Thursday morning by Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta reopening the national air system. The company said it already had come into compliance with new security guidelines issued by the federal government.

"In addition, we have been assured by the various U.S. airports we use that they will be up and running tonight after complying with the FAA's directives," said Kelly. "So we're preparing for full operation. We're also hopeful the FAA will clear the way for international flights soon."

Ever since Tuesday's tragic terrorism attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., UPS's ground network has operated in a near normal fashion even as it expanded to handle many of the express packages that typically would move by air.

Deliveries and pickups occurred on schedule, with the exception of portions of Manhattan and Washington, and ground and air packages kept moving through the integrated transportation network. Outside the United States, the company is operating close to normal within the various regions of the world.

UPS plans to reinstate its money-back guarantees once operations return to normal.

Wednesday night, UPS was allowed to move 11 jet freighters in preparation for a full-scale reopening of its air system. Another 25-to-30 jets will be moved this afternoon.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with those people who were impacted by the tragic events in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania," Kelly concluded. "At the same time, we have been extremely proud of our employees' efforts during these trying times in keeping the flow of commerce and critical supplies moving."

On disaster relief efforts, Kelly said UPS already is working with federal and national relief organizations as well as community leaders to coordinate the movement of supplies. Individuals interested in assisting should contact those organizations, such as the American Red Cross and United Way of America.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, UPS is the world's largest express carrier and largest package delivery company, serving more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

American Express Delays
American Express is getting back on schedule with processing as quickly as possible. If you are purchasing from ESC with an American Express card, your order will be processed as soon as we can confirm your billing / delivery information with AMEX.

For information about other companies involved in the evacuations in the World Trade Center area, visit cnn.com.

September 12, 2001

Delivery Service Operations
Common carriers express their sadness over yesterday's tragedies. They also are issuing statements about how their service has been and may continue to be delayed temporarily. If you have questions about a package, please be patient while system operations are adjusting. Air service has been suspended temporarily. Many common carriers are moving packages by truck today, however, packages did not move yesterday.

Delivery circumstances beyond our control may lead to delays in processing and receiving your orders. Order fullfillment of supporting emergency response teams, insurance providers, government offices, military and other organizations directly affected by the crisis will be given priority.

UPS Statement On Terrorism

"The UPS air operation was closed overnight. The company is prepared to resume operations once the nation's air traffic control system is reactivated and its airplanes allowed to fly." --ups.com

Federal Express Statement

"All FedEx companies are operating as normally as possible given the circumstances. Due to the shutdown of the United States air traffic system, FedEx Express has been most affected. Our goal is to keep our customers� shipments moving and have secured additional trucking capacity as part of the all-trucking contingency plans for FedEx Express. It is likely that many FedEx Express shipments will be delayed a minimum of 24 to 48 hours, and the FedEx Express Money Back Guarantee will remain suspended until normal operations resume. " fedex.com

Mail Is Still Moving: Nation's Postal Employees Are Delivering

"Mail continues to flow to its destinations and POST OFFICES throughout the country ARE OPEN to serve customers. The only exceptions are the portions of New York City most severely impacted by yesterday�s events."

"Since nationwide air transportation was suspended by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an expanded ground transportation network is moving mail. Once the FAA allows commercial flights to resume and carry mail, the Postal Service will use all existing means to keep the mail moving to the American people and businesses." -- US Postal Service

Airborne Express Continues Operations Under Emergency Conditions

"Airborne Express will continue operations, including pickups and deliveries, in areas where the crisis has not precluded such activity. However, the current FAA shutdown of the national air network precludes the operation of Airborne's fleet of aircraft within the United States until further notice. We are in continuing contact with the FAA as to the status of our flight operations for today's pickups. "

"Due to the extraordinary nature of today's developments, Airborne Express cannot assure service commitments until further notice. We will continue to provide our best efforts to get customers' packages delivered within our available means." -- Airborne.com

September 10, 2001

Creative Labs Audigy MP3+ Arrived
Last week we said "soon" and it finally arrived! We received a limited supply of the new Creative Labs Audigy MP3+ sound cards.

September 7, 2001

Creative Labs Audigy Products???
Yes, Creative Labs has new sound card products called the Audigy series. These products are "past due" at distributors, and are expected in yet this month. The Live! products are still backordered.

Intel Pentium 4 Motherboards 478-pin Now Available
ESC is now offering Intel brand Pentium 4 motherboards supporting 478-pin Pentium 4 processor.

Product descriptions and prices will be available online later today. Yes, you'll even be able to order the new Pentium 4 processor 2 GHz speed.

September 6, 2001

ASUS P4T Shipment Expected
The next shipment of ASUS P4T motherboards is expected to arrive on Monday. With the last Intel Pentium 4 processor product change and August vacations at manufacturing facilities, demand increased and product supply decreased.

The new P4B motherboard, supporting socket 478-pin Pentium 4 processors, is expected to be available shortly too. We will have costs once the product is available.

Visit ASUS's online showroom for Pentium 4 processor based motherboards now.

For those of you trying to figure out how to upgrade your older Celeron or Pentium III processor based system, check out the P4B motherboard. It uses PC100 or PC133 SDRAM memory, so you can keep your memory! Plus, the board has a power supply adapter for ATX12V support, so you can keep using your existing power supply too!

P4B Features:

Supports Intel Pentium 4 socket 478 processors
Intel Pentium 4 SDRAM chipset and ICH2 chipset
3 DIMMS slots for up to 3GB of PC100/PC133 SDRAM support
AC'97 audio
SPDIF out interface
6 PCI slots
1 CNR slot
1 AGP 4X slot
ATA-100/66/33 support
4 USB ports

T9 Series Notebooks Now Shipping
Later today, you will be able to order your new ASUS T94 notebook at escstore.com.

We will offer 3 parts initially:

T94 with Pentium III 1 GHz processor, CD-RW, 256MB of memory, 30GB hard drive, MP3 player, and Windows ME

T94 with Pentium III 1 GHz processor, DVD player, 256MB of memory, 30GB hard drive, MP3 player, and Windows ME

T94 with Pentium III 900 GHz processor, CD-Rom, 256MB of memory, 30GB hard drive, MP3 player, and Windows ME

The T9 series notebooks are Bluetooth ready.

September 5, 2001

YY-A101 Pentium 4 Processor Support
YY is expecting to release a power supply with Pentium 4 processor support for the YY-A101 in October or November. We will have more information once the product is available.

July 20, 2001

• Playing Ball With The Right Parts
  Yes, AJ, a small watermellon can be tossed once or twice. However, it doesn't make a good baskeball or volleyball.

  To stretch the analogy, when you're shopping for computer components make sure you're buying product that was meant for your use.

  If you are setting up a system at home for a webcam, digital cameras, and some video conferencing and you already own your camera equipment, make sure you know which operating system your cameras require. If you're considering switching OS, make sure you have the proper drivers. Some digital cameras only work with Windows 98SE and Windows ME, and may not have drivers for Windows 2000.

  On the road and need to send your photos back to the office? Perhaps you're a realtor, appraiser, or insurance agent out on a call. Take pictures with your digital camera. Download, edit, and send them from your notebook computer back to the office. Then, you're ready to move down the road to the next location.

  What computer components can you use? ASUS M1300 notebook has a USB connector for your USB camera and an IR sensor for your PocketPC. It can come with Windows 2000 or Windows ME operating system. Check these notebooks out this weekend.

• AJ and the Watermellons
  Last summer, AJ being the young, inquisitive pup that he was, picked green and ripe tomatoes fresh off the vine. For the most part, AJ has left the tomato plants alone this summer. Instead, AJ is picking watermellons.

  Yes, AJ is picking them off the vines, carrying them over to whomever happens to walk by and he proudly drops one at their feet. Then, he does a quick play bow before dashing across the yard in his "toss it to me" prance. AJ wants to play ball.

  At first, one of kids thought AJ was being cute and tossed the watermellon to him. Hey, it was green, hard, and at just 4" in diameter it was easy to toss like a ball. Now, AJ thinks everyone should toss watermellons for him.

  The same 7 year old who tossed the watermellon for AJ said, "the cure to stopping him from picking them is to build a big wooden fence around each plant."

  Good idea. It's too late for this summer's garden. Please don't show him the zucchini and the summer squash.

July 5, 2001

• Self-Aiming Camera
  A researcher at the University of Illinois has demonstrated a self-aiming camera technology modeled on the brain. The system simulates a section of the human brain with an artificial neural network to point a camera automatically at objects of interest.

AJ: Gracie, I want one. Write me a grant. I'm hyperactive at school. The camera can attend to relevant stimuli for me. Then, I won't miss the important stuff and can just be myself! What do you think Gracie, eh, whatdoyathink, huh, huh, huh?
Gracie: Keep the thought. Maybe all of us could use one at times, AJ.
Albert: Let's watch this one. Could have potential.
AJ: Does UI stand for unlimited intelligence, like me?
Gracie: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You better focus more if you want to go there.

• Memorable Personnel Assessments
  "The psychologist told me I was OK technically, but that I'd never manage anything," said Gordon Moore.

  Three years later, in 1957, he co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor Corp, and 11 years after that he and Robert Noyce (a colleague from Fairchild) founded intel Corp. Moore served as president, CEO, chairman and chairman emeritus of Intel, which estimated 2nd quarter revenue of $6.2-6.8 billion.

  This is the same Gordon Moore who invented Moore's Law, thinks biotech is interesting, and who ran out of unaccomplished goals. (read more about GM in Mannion, P. (June 4, 2001). The world according to Gordon, EE Times, 1169, 1, 20, 22.)

• Customers' Choices
  Top Sellers:
  Barebones systems
  Intel Pentium 4 processor 1.7GHz Boxed
  Everything AMD
  Aluminum Midtower Cases with"Wow!"
  Moving Up: ASUS notebooks

July 4, 2001

• Pager Warns Hearing Impaired of Storms
  Hard of hearing? Someone in your family deaf?
  A pager system that relays storm warnings from the National Weather Service has been set up for Oklahoma's largest concentration of deaf residents, officials announced Monday. A pager system is already in place to alert government officials.
• ESC Technologies Holiday Schedule
  Take a pause today to celebrate, enjoy home made ice cream, and picnic with family. Silicon Valley parking lots emptied before yesterday.
  ESC Technologies will remain open online 24/7, including today, July 4. We will resume answering telephones on Thursday, July 5, during regular business telephone hours starting at 9AM.

July 3, 2001

• Gotta Dig it
  AJ: (Digging to the tune of 'When You're happy') Dig Dig Dig Dig ... You should show it. When You're happy ... you should dig.
  Albert: Ooooo.. When you're happy you should
  Gracie: BOYS ! Stop. You'll get us in trouble.
  AJ (with dirty face) Huh? But it's fun. Can't get in trouble for having fun.
  Gracie: There are limits boys.
  AJ: Well (clearing throat, mud dripping off chin) I use Moore's Law for determining the amount of fun. For every 18 hours that I'm awake, I get to have fun.
  Albert: Back to digging AJ !
  AJ: When you're happy and you know it
  Albert: DIG.
  Gracie: I'll just curl up here with my new laptop. Nudge.
  Webmaster's note: Sorry, had to get something in about computers here.
  Albert: (giving subliminal message) Buy ... buy ... buy... Hmmm.. maybe that isn't so subliminal.
  AJ: Sounded Sub-lim-in-la-esc-pcs to me.
• UPS Holiday Shipping
  UPS will make regular pick ups and deliveries today, Tuesday, July 3. UPS will not make any pick ups or deliveries on Wednesday July 4. Packages shipped by UPS will not move on Wednesday, July 4. UPS will resume its normal pick up and delivery schedule on Thursday, July 5.

  So, AJ, that means your new notebook will either arrive today or Thursday.

• Temporary Phone Service
  Our telephone service will be disrupted this afternoon for a little while. We hope to have everything back up and running later today, or at least when we return on Thursday. If you have questions, just send us an email note at:

Website questions: webmaster@esc-tech.com

Sales questions: presales@esc-tech.com

Technical questions: techsupport@esc-tech.com

Go ahead and place your orders online. We will confirm with an email message.

July 2, 2001

• Willa Cather
  Read about American writer Willa Cather. She found her characteristic themes-the spirit and courage of the frontier she had known in her youth in a place where she did not want to live. One of Ours (1922, Pulitzer Prize) and A Lost Lady (1923) mourned the passing of the pioneer spirit.
• Intel Pentium 4 2GHz
  Intel Corp. introduced its two fastest chips, running at 1.6 billion and 1.8 billion cycles per second, and said that the company would offer a 2 gigahertz chip later this quarter. Watch for them in the general PC channel later. Intel intends Pentium 4 chips for business users that run the latest data-intensive software programs and for consumer PC users who run demanding digital video and audio and three-dimensional graphics used in advanced video games.
• CI-6606 Super Mid-Tower Case, Plain and Simple
  Now's a good time to change PC cases.

  If you're building an Intel Pentium 4 processor based system, then the CI-6606 has ATX12V connectors on the power supply and mounting holes for processor retention too.

  Your new AMD Athlon 1400 MHz processor requires a special power supply, such as HEC's HEC-350LD 350W ATX power supply in the CI-6606 case.

  For either system, CI-6606 Super Mid-Tower has the space you need for your drives and the right power supply. Perhaps you want yours tomorrow?

• Mapping Software for RVers
  For your traveling convenience, try these with your new ASUS notebook.

  DeLorme has released two new mapping software titles for active RVers.

  Topo USA 3.0 will show you the lay of the land, whether you're headed outside to go just walking in the woods, hiking, biking, hunting, or fishing. Also, compatible with GPS receivers for use in the field.

  AAA Map'n'Go 7.0 is tailored for any travel planning anywhere in North America.

  You can purchase directly at www.delorme.com or from DeLorme customer service at (800) 452-5931.

May 8, 2001

• Can the Web Remain Free?
  Do you think the Web can remain free?

  "No. No, I don't think so. Not if it's to achieve or realize its ultimate destiny as the global interactive marketplace that it can be," said AOL's Time-Warner's Richard Parsons, Co-Chief Operating Officer.

• Rolling Blackouts Continue in California
  According to our electricity provider, we may loose power in a rolling blackout today. Power is expected to be out for 1 hour. Our websites should stay available for your use. It will be our warehouse and office facilities that will be effected.

  Last time we took our turn, we lost telephone service at a different time because our telephone company is on a different power grid.

  We apologize for any inconvenience. Drop us a note or give us a call if you have any questions.

• Boxed Pentium 4 processor 1.7 GHz No RDRAM bundled
  Intel bundles 2 pieces of 64MB RDRAM or 128MB RDRAM with Boxed Pentium 4 processors. Most motherboards have 4 slots, and you have to add RDRAM in pairs. If you want to add more than 256MB to your Pentium 4 processor based system, what do you do?

  But the processor only! Intel part number BX80528JK170G is the Pentium 4 processor 1.7GHz (Boxed).

  Last week Intel released a Boxed Pentium 4 processor 1.7GHz without memory -- just like their Boxed processors usually are.

  Behind the scenes, though, it took a while to confirm that these processors were actually part of the Intel Product Dealer program or if they were just tray processors. The part numbers in the system said BX80528JK170G. However, a rumor spread that the warehouse said it was just a tray processor. Apparently, a couple of the sales people at Intel distribution warehouses were confused. We accepted their confusion, ordered anyway, and are happy to report that the processors are indeed Boxed processors and not just tray. We received our shipment this morning.

  Why does this rumor matter to you? As consumers, we realize that the same or similar products are frequently packaged and marked in multiple ways. Intel's Boxed versus tray is just one of the subtle marketing differences you have to face. We recognize that it takes a little time to sort out differences between products, so if you have questions, ask us! We'd be glad to help you. Just click on the "Ask for assistance" or "Talk to ESC" buttons at the top of the page.

• Cooler Master ATC101 Available
  Cooler Master's ATC101 mid-tower case is now available for purchase online at www.escdirect.com.

May 7, 2001

• Lower Iiyama LCD monitor prices
  We lowered your costs on Iiyama LCD monitors from now till the end of May.

  IIyama is offering us a $20 to $50 rebate on select monitors for May. In turn, we're passing the savings on to you. Order online. Iiyama monitors ship from mutiple locations across the US. Delivery cost on our online system may be adjusted to offer you even greater savings.

• Iiyama Monitor Inventory Update
  Here is an update on Iiyama Monitor availability:

15" CRT

S500M1: Discontinued

17" CRT

S700J1: Available