Best Innovative Software in 2005

Here are some very innovative software applications worth checking out.

Maxthon
If you are looking for the perfect browser, this baby has it all. Tabbed buttons, mouse gestures, script blocking, rss feeds, and much much more. It's really an addon or enhancement to the already developed but not perfected Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Sure there are other alternatives then Microsoft's IE, such as Opera, Mozilla, and Netscape. But those alternatives often require installation of additional plugin applications to see Flash, view movies, and other things. It's a mess to have to download all the patches to make the browser do what it is supposed to do. Besides, IE is pre-installed with Windows XP, so it's already there. And with Maxthon it transforms IE into the browser that it should be already - safe, secure, and flexible. It's well worth a try and free too!

VMWare
Truly the future of operating systems and computer platforms. This special software will allow you to run multiple operating systems SIMULTANEOUSLY! Boot to XP and then start Windows 95 in a window, within the XP system. Though the older operating systems may be quite obsolete and unnecessary to use in today's world, it is the actually the technology that vmware offers that is so fascinating. Check it out. Oh, and it's not free but there is an evaluation version to try. Make sure you have a ton of time to read through all the documentation, it can be tricky to install and setup.

Bart PE Builder
With this interesting application you can boot to Windows XP right from a CD! Great to have in the case you need to access your computer and it will not boot. But this technology has greater potential then just a troubleshooting tool. Imagine running your entire computer not from a hard drive, but a CD. The opportunities are incredible!

Wallwatcher
If you have a router attached to your broadband connection than it is quite possible that you experienced an outside attack that may have been "blocked" from the router. It is common to have random Internet "broadcasts" that send popups and or viruses to unprotected computers. Well the router can act as a natural firewall to prevent such attacks. With this free program you can actually see the outgoing and incoming traffic going through your router. For those who like detailed statistics this great tool is a must for your local network.

PalmMame
If you own a Palm then this is the ultimate free application! Remember the old Atari 2600 video games? What about the classic arcade games you used to play? They actually used a 5 mhz processor with about 128k of memory. That's pretty small compared to the speed computers run at now a days. Well now you can now get these classic games right in the palm of our hand. Just last month they released a new Palm OS game emulator stemming from the original MAME for Windows. When properly installed, Palm MAME will allow to play thousands of old arcade games, for hours of enjoyment. Technically it is not legal to download or install a game that you do not have the rights to own. There are many sites to get the games at like romnation, ect, or you can try your favorite peer to peer application. Aside from the legal issues this application is amazing to see developed. Imagine now you can actually have the original Pacman arcade game in a handheld version. And no coin slot either!

will add some more apps soon....
also, will add links to the above mentioned programs, so check back.

Blogger got SPAMMED!

I created a few articles here, only to find a week later 20 people posted "COMMENTS" about a great BLOG, ect... Well all the comments were SPAM, since each included a link to their web site. How stupid!

Palm T3 Dead PDA Theory - Why it won't turn on

This is about the Palm Tungsten T3 problem where the screen goes out and it won't turn on. If you do not own one, then you probably don't care, but if you do then read on.

If you own a Palm Tunsten T3 and the screen has ever went blank and the unit would not power up, it can be a real frustrating experience. Knowing whether or not to send it in for repairs is a good question, since Palm charges like $150 to fix any problem on PDA's.

It might be safe to assume it's any of these:

1) Unit has an actual failure of internal system
component(s).
2) LCD has gone bad (sometimes due to dropping unit).
3) Battery connection comes loose.
4) Battery is bad, worn out and needs replacement.

And if so, the unit will never come on, until repaired.
But chances are it is NONE OF THESE!!

In my case, my T3 has died on several occasions,
each after using for only a few minutes at 100% power,
THEN it has TURNED ON,
AFTER connecting to the charger for ONLY 15 seconds.

The most likely cause of a unit that wont power up is
A LACK OF SUFFICENT POWER.

But does that mean the unit eats battery life, the battery
is junk, or the battery life is short? Not necessarily!

Obviously, the device requires a certain amount of power to "boot up".

But the battery may not be bad at all.

SO WHAT ABOUT THIS THEORY?

Perhaps the unit (as built) has an internal communication error
between the software used (Palm OS) and the hardware (battery and charger).

What about a SYSTEM that "THINKS" the battery is dead???
when essentially it is not, so it shuts OFF!

DOES THAT EVEN MAKE SENSE???

Example:

Say, you put the unit on the cradle/charger overnite,
(leaving it showing 100% battery level)
then you use it for an hour,
then turn it off at, showing 85% on the battery meter.
Then a few hours later it WONT TURN ON?

Is it because the battery went dead that quickly?
Not necessarily!

Maybe (just maybe) in this case when you turned it off at
85%, the battery was really at 50%, (and was never fully charged to begin
with), and therefore was below the amount able to boot up by the time it was
turned back on?

In Conclusion:

There is an obvious critical ERROR in reporting and syncronization of the battery power setting in the T3 system.

First, the battery level reading is NOT always what you think it is!!
Second, in the case when it reports at 100% (incorrectly),
the unit does not get charged.

Here's a nice article about Power management, with tips
for best use:

http://www.palmzone.net/modules.php?name=Sections&artid=37

Shure vs. Audio Technica - Wireless Systems Review

Featured here is a detailed review and comparison of two high performance microphone systems, the Shure PGX 14/20 and the Audio Technica ATW 2110. Both systems are UHF frequency systems with multiple channels.

Shure PGX 14/20 system:

Components:
WH20 headset, Transmitter (beltpak), Receiver, and carry case (plastic).
Retail $618.00 / Price paid: $333.00

This is a full wireless microphone system with a headset/mic and carry case, compared to the AT which does not offer either.

Microphone Audio Quality (WH20):
The Shure PGX 14/20 system has a "dynamic" microphone headset with a 200k-10,000k frequency response. From testing, the audio quality (vocals) were adequate but did not have acceptable bass response, leaving the low end vocals with a somewhat "tinny" sound. This particular dynamic mic system may be more suitable for vocalists, since you could literally scream into it without getting distortion. Shure does offer a different headset (WH30 for $150 MSRP) that is a "condenser" mic, offering better bass response, but was untested in this situation.

Audio (Volume):
The Shure unit offered limited options for setting volume. With a 3 position switch on transmitter you can set it to instrument, 0, or mic. There is no gain setting on the receiver unit. When setting the transmitter to mic, the volume level on the connected mixer had to be turned up substantially (more than half way) in order to achieve adequate volume level.

Ease of sensing Channels:
Setting the channels on the Shure system was simple and quick! Just pull the battery door down on the transmitter and hold it up to the receiver, then press the channel scan on the receiver. It is then synced up by infrared technology.

Receiver:
The receiver has rear rubber antennas that are collapsible, but not removable. When tested, the unit had pretty good range, with no dropouts.

Transmitter:
The top button is both a mute switch and power button. Press once to mute, press and hold to turn off power. The LED on top of the unit changes color to amber when muted. This is a nice feature for someone that needs to mute quickly. The batteries are AA and easily removable (they slide out of bottom).

Headset:
The WH20 included headset is supposed to be customizable to fit any person. The instructions say to "bend the wire carefully" so that it is form fitting. However, this headset is not form fitting at all. Even after many careful attempts to mold it, it still did not fit well and the wires actually hang over your ears, which was somewhat uncomfortable. Also worth noting, you can only wear the headset one way, with the mic boom on the right side of your face.

PROS:
Includes microphone with system.
Quick and Easy to sync channels.
Convenient mute switch on transmitter.
Easy to replace transmitter batteries.

CONS:
Microphone performance less than optimal.
Limited volume (gain) adjustments.

======================================

Audio Technica ATW 2110 Wireless System

Components:
Transmitter (beltpack), Receiver, Rack adapters, (No Microphone Headset included).
Retail $499.00 / Price paid: $225.00

Though the Audio Technica did not include a carry case, it did include some custom adapters to mount the receiver in a gear rack.

Microphone Audio Quality (ATW75cW):
Again, the AT 2110 systems do not include microphones so an Audio Technica (ATW-75cw) was purchased separately for $55.00 new (retail 79.99MSRP). The audio quality was far superior compared to the Shure system, with great base response on 100-10,000khz. The mic is "condenser', which is more sensitive (however it may be more prone to feedback too).

Ease of Syncing Channels:
In order to set or change channels you have to manually turn a switch on the belt pack transmitter to the correct channel on the receiver. There is no infrared connection between the two.

Audio Volume:
There is an audio gain adjustment on both the transmitter AND receiver, offering optimal quality volume levels. After setting this, the mixer volume only had to be turned up a couple notches (opposed to half way on the Shure)

Receiver:
This receiver was intended to be out your way, hard mounted in a rack. Though Shure may make an adapter for racks to accommodate their systems, it is great to have it included with the system. There is also audio gain adjustment on the back of the receiver, making it easy to tweak the audio levels.

The antennas are on the rear of the unit and even when installed in rack they provided great performance. AT recommends keeping them in "line of site" but with this unit it didn't seem to matter much. AT does offer 2 optional kits that will allow replacement of the disconnectable antennas to hardmount on front of rack or anywhere else.

The front LED on the receiver features indicators for RF and audio volume. This is great to be able to identify possible frequency interference and set proper volume levels (Yet another feature the Shure does not offer) .

Transmitter:
The Audio Technical receiver uses what is called a "Uni-Pack" connection. This makes the compatible microphone/headset/lavalier very easy to clip on and off the belt pack. Compared to Shure it was much easier to disconnect it for storage.

There is NO mute button on this unit, but an on/off switch doubles as what AT calls a "soft mute". The downside is there is a 2-3 second delay when turning it back on before it is valuable for audio transmission. Not quick, but simple.

Unlike the Shure, there are dials under the battery cover to adjust audio gain where ever you are.

One small but notable drawback of the transmitter is that it was difficult to remove the batteries. They fit in the pack very tightly (with springs), and it takes a while to carefully remove them. In the Shure system they are easy removed by "sliding" out. However, the AT 3110 series offers a battery compartment where they slide out.

Headset (ATW75-cw):
The headset/mic used for review is the ATW75cW. This unit is very comfortable to wear with cushioned pads on both sides, and also the boom is able to be positioned on either side of the head. The retail MSRP is $79.99 which is quite affordable for a good quality microphone headset.

PROS:
Adjustable audio gain volume levels.
Quick and easy headset disconnect from transmitter (Unipack)
Includes rack mounting kit.External antenna mounts available.
Detailed front display on receiver.

PROS ATW75cW Headset (purchased separately):
Great audio sound and good low bass response (nice for speeches).
Comfortable and adjustable.

CONS:
Channels manually set with turn dial on transmitter (no infrared)
No dedicated mute key (the other AT 3110 model has it).
Hard to remove batteries (not that big of deal).
No case for transmitter and headset.
---------------------------

Summary
Both of these systems are from leading manufactures in wireless technology and pro performance gear. It seems true that with either of them you can't go wrong.

Each are however completely different systems. One uses a dynamic microphone, the other condenser. And even though the microphone used may make a difference in performance, it's easily changed.

I particularly liked the extra features and flexibility the Audio Technica system offers. There
is more ability to adjust audio the way you like, and then see visible results.

In my opinion, the Audio Technical out performed the Shure in features, easy of use, quality, and overall value.

Introduction

Welcome to the "Techie Report" Blog.

Here you will find reveiws and articles about different evolving technologies. Mobile computing, Internet Technology, Telecommunications, and more.

Thanks for visiting!