Apple Sub-Notebooks

Mac Rumors has confirmation from AppleInsider that Apple is releasing a "sub-notebook" or ultraportable Macbook which is smaller and skinnier than the current 13" models. These would make great laptops for carrying around campus and for taking notes inconspicuously during class. Check out the links to get more information.

Get Up Already!

TechEBlog has a list of geeky alarm clocks, like NES controllers, USB air purifiers, and my personal favorite - the Timesphere. Surf on over to see the different (and downright strange) alternatives to your normal morning beeps.

Smart Phones for Smart Students Part II: T-Mobile

For part two of my four part series entitled “Smart Phones for Smart Students,” I focus on the popular wireless carrier, T-Mobile. I used T-Mobile for awhile and I had some issues with them concerning coverage in my area and, let’s just say we didn’t end on "amicable" terms. Nonetheless, I will not be biased in my analysis of the company because aside from their poor coverage in my area and less-than-good customer service, this carrier has some really cool phones and some of the best plans I’ve ever seen.

And so, without further ado, I present our fighters: the T-Mobile Sidekick 3, T-Mobile Dash, and the T-Mobile MDA.

T-Mobile Sidekick 3: Like it’s predecessor, aptly named “Sidekick II,” the Sidekick 3 truly does become your sidekick. It possesses a swivel screen, just like the II, and a full QWERTY keyboard underneath. The interface hasn’t changed much, so users of the previous versions of this phone should have no trouble adapting to the glossier layout. This device, however, does have some new features that put it in the same league as the other players like the Blackberry and the Q. Here are some of the specs on the Sidekick 3:
a. Bluetooth wireless
b. Web browser
c. AIM, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN messenger
d. SD card slot
e. 1.3 MP camera
f. MP3 Player
As you can see, if you’ve ever owned or used one of the previous Sidekicks, this phone packs a lot more in than its ancestors. The call quality is similar to the II, which means it’s decent and clear most of the time.

Pros:
a. Lots of features, including Bluetooth!
b. Slimmer than the original and a little less weighty.
c. QWERTY keyboard is spaced nicely for comfortable texting and IMing
d. Same interface means less of a learning curve for those who’ve used a Sidekick before, although it’s not hard to figure out after about five minutes with the device
e. Customizable with different skins. The phone can also be purchased in the Dwyane Wade NBA style.
f. Comes with starter SD card, USB cable, and wrist strap

Cons:
a. The phone feels cheaper and less sturdy than the Sidekick II. The II had some meat on its bones and felt like it could stand a beating, but this Sidekick, with its flimsy swivel screen and cheap-o plastic keys feels like it could break if you sneeze the wrong way.
b. The slimmer design is nice for slipping in your pocket, but it makes it a bit harder to hold onto
c. Even with the slimmer design, this phone isn’t small by any means. It’s about 5” tall, which may not fit in most pants pockets or sit so flush against a belt.
d. The camera is still bad – even for photo IDs

This phone is great for the constant texter or IMer. Obviously, the Sidekick’s target market is the urban youth, so even though the device has an organizer and calendar built in, that’s not its primary use. This is a communication device with a capital C.

T-Mobile Dash: This is a new one for T-Mobile because this smart phone packs a deluge of features within a slim shell and runs it all on Windows Mobile. It’s a little smaller and thinner than the Sidekick 3 and has such wonderful highlights like:
a. Full QWERTY keyboard
b. WiFi and EDGE enabled
c. Micro SD card slot
d. Real web browsing
e. Ability to sync with Microsoft Outlook
f. 1.3 MP camera
g. Windows Media Player
h. Good call quality

This phone sounds like a business phone, but with 3 different IM clients and a fun form factor, the Dash could prove to be the Blackberry for the 18-25 crowd.

Cons:
a. Small keyboard means hitting the wrong keys sometimes
b. No touch screen
c. Camera isn’t great for regular shots – for photo IDs, though, it’s fine
d. Doesn’t come with a starter SD card

These issues are minor when compared to the big picture. This phone is definitely a step up from the Sidekick, with its WiFi and Windows Mobile technology. Right now, this phone has taken the lead, but let’s see what the MDA can do.

T-Mobile MDA: The MDA is made by HTC, the same people who produce the Cingular 8525. This phone is similar to the others that HTC makes due to the slide out QWERTY keyboard and touch screen interface. Other features include:

a. Bluetooth wireless
b. GPRS/EDGE/WiFi connectivity
c. Windows Mobile
d. Speakerphone
e. PC Synchronization
f. Pocket Office apps
g. 1.3 MP camera
h. Video playback
i. AIM, Yahoo, and MSN messengers
j. HTML web browsing – means real web browsing experience, not “made for mobile” site adaptations


The Pros:
a. Spacious keyboard
b. Expandable SD card slot
c. Slick looks (about the same size and shape as the 8525)
d. Everything mentioned above

The Cons:
a. Camera sucks for regular shots, but for photo IDs is fine
b. Call quality is not that good

Overall, this phone has true potential, but the bad call quality brings it way down. After all, these things are still phones and if we can’t make decent calls on them, then what good are they anyway?

My choice for number 1 would have to be the T-Mobile Dash. I loved my old Sidekick II, but when they added a lot to the new model, they took away a lot that was good from the old. For more information, check out T-Mobile and Amazon. At Amazon, you can read customer reviews and find deals on these phones you can’t find anywhere else (not even at T-Mobile!).

Old School Notes. Upscale Style.

Some say paper is dead. Some swear by it and only use a computer because their professors tell them to. I love using both mediums where applicable, but there is something about a new notebook, its pages untarnished by ink or graphite and pure as a fresh snowfall, that makes me feel warm inside. You might call me crazy (you wouldn’t be the first), but it’s not just any notebook that makes me this giddy. The Moleskine Notebook from Modo & Modo is truly a work of art. The oilcloth-wrapped cardboard cover, the elastic band to keep it closed, the ribbon bookmark and the smooth cream-colored paper all make this little notebook something to behold. But the most important (and neatest feature) of all is the pocket at the back of the notebook where you can store little scraps of paper, coupons, or a spare $20 in case of emergencies.

The Moleskine comes in a variety of styles and sizes, but the classic pocket-lined hardcover will always be my favorite. Most art supply stores, Barnes and Nobles, and Borders Book Stores carry Moleskines in their various forms. The most common are:

a. Pocket and large size ruled pages
b. Pocket and large size unruled pages
c. Pocket and large size square (graph paper) pages
d. Pocket and large size sketchbook
e. Pocket and large size cahiers (paperback, thinner versions of the regular notebook. Ideal for slipping into a back pocket or coat pocket.)

There are City Notebooks (with maps and tourist destinations listed for most major metropolitan areas like London and New York), Van Gogh style (specially colored and patterned covers based on Van Gogh’s works), and so many more. Find the one that works for you and use it anywhere, like at class, the lounge, the beach, or in your bedroom. The average price for the pocket notebooks about $9, while the average price for the large notebooks is around $15. Remember, the computer is a wonderful tool, but don’t underestimate the power of the written word.

The best place on the web to find more on the little book with the cult following is Moleskinerie, a blog where Moleskine users everywhere can unite and profess their love for the tiny notebook that made paper cool again.

Laptop Buying Guide

Many students today are shying away from desktop computers and moving towards a more portable alternative. Laptops are quickly gaining ground as the primary computer for many individuals and there’s no question as to why because the answer is simple. People move and they want their information to move with them. This is why 60% of Apple’s computer sales for the first fiscal quarter of 2007 were laptops and more stores and companies are advertising better deals on laptops every week. There are questions, however, that people may have about what kind of laptop they should purchase. How much RAM do I need? What kind of processor should it have? How much hard drive space do I need? To answer these questions, I need to know – what are you using it for? Gamers will either need an Alienware, a high end Dell, or they may just get a desktop (or build one). For the purpose of this article, I’m going to focus on the average user who may be into music and movies. This may sound broad, but if you think about it, that is what most people use their computers for: watching movies, listening to music, surfing the internet, writing papers, and playing the occasional game now and then.

Processor: Look for a dual-core processor, either from Intel or AMD. These processors are found not only in laptops, but even new desktops, so they can handle any task you throw at them (within reason) and they’re pretty standard now. The technology has been out for awhile, so they aren’t that expensive anymore. Right now, the big processor on the scene is the Core 2 Duo from Intel.

Memory: 1GB is plenty for the average user. Gamers and audio/video editors may want to up it to at least 2GB of RAM, but 1GB is perfect for everybody else. 1GB of RAM can easily handle the Core 2 Duo processor.

Hard drive: Most laptops come with at least 60 GB of space, but if you really want to take your DVD collection with you, then I suggest you up it to at least 100 – 160 GB. The alternative is getting an external hard drive which will stay on your desk, but can hold much more than current laptop hard drives. The cap for a laptop drive right now is 200 GB, but you can get an external drive that will hold 1 TB (1 Terabyte = 1000 Gigabytes) or more. Most 500 GB hard drives can be found for under $200.

Graphics Card: You don't need anything too major and if the system is loaded with Vista and is running the full Aero interface, then the laptop can handle most games.

CD/DVD drives: CD/DVD readers are standard, and even CD writers are standard now, too, but if you want to burn the latest episode of Heroes from your TiVo, then look for the models that offer DVD burners. Speed doesn’t matter much to me, only because I always burn at the lowest speed in order to ensure a properly written disc.

Operating System: Mac vs. PC, the age old debate. Personally, I use the Mac OS because in my experience, Windows never worked properly for me. Many schools don’t care what you use, but if you are going into a certain field that requires you to install specific programs then you may be stuck with Windows anyway. The beauty of the new Macs, though, is that because they are running on Intel processors, you are able to install Windows XP or Vista with the help of Bootcamp. Bootcamp is an Apple program that makes it possible to run a full version of Windows XP/Vista on a Mac (usually faster than most PCs run them.) My one issue with Vista is that because it’s so new, there are many security and compatibility issues with it. Certain peripherals (like printers, mice, keyboards, etc…) don’t function properly, many games don’t run on Vista, and there are several major security holes that could leave your computer vulnerable to attacks. If you are going to buy a PC laptop, buy one with Vista already installed on it, so that you know everything works properly. Don’t buy a laptop with XP and then upgrade to Vista, otherwise you run the risk of some components ceasing to work. If you go Mac, the Apple store does offer student discounts on most Apple products, laptops included. On a regular Macbook, you can look at shaving off about $50 from the unit, then another $60 or so off Applecare (the extended warranty program). In an upcoming article, I will go through the pros and cons of each OS to help make your decision a bit easier.

Possible Choices: Here are three possible choices from three different companies: HP, Dell, and Apple.

HP Pavilion DV6245US: Of the many features this laptop possesses, the main ones are:
a. 1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5200 processor (don’t think that the low number means slow speeds. A 3 GHz Pentium and a 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo are completely different. The Core is faster.)
b. 160 GB hard drive
c. 1 GB RAM
d. Dual layer DVD drive – you’ll be able to write twice as much data on a DVD – about 8.5 GB
e. Windows Vista Premium w/Media Center capabilities – this laptop is designed for the movie/TV enthusiast

Dell Inspiron E1505: This one is a bit less expensive, but also loses some features that the HP has:
a. 1.73 GHz Intel Core Duo processor (NOTICE: Not Core 2 Duo, so this will run a bit slower than the HP unless you customize it with a 1.83 GHz Core 2 Duo processor for an extra $101.)
b. 120 GB hard drive
c. 1 GB RAM
d. Dual layer DVD optical drive
e. FREE upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium

Apple MacBook: This is the one I have, except mine is the regular Core Duo:
a. 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
b. 120 GB hard drive
c. 1 GB RAM
d. 6x CD/DVD Superdrive (Dual-Layer)
e. Ability to Run Mac OS X and/or Windows XP/Vista

Click on the images to see the specs, then decide which one suits your needs best. The choice is yours. I made mine and I’m perfectly happy with it, but you need to see what will work best for where you are and which system will give you the features and performance you require to get all of your tasks completed.

Smart Phones for Smart Students Part I: ATT/Cingular

This will be the first of four articles on smart phones for the younger, but still mature crowd. Today, I’m focusing on the wireless carrier, ATT/Cingular, but to keep things easy, I’ll just refer to them as ATT. What ATT has to offer are phones that, while still retaining the professional look and feel, can easily cater to the needs of a student. I’m going to discuss three different phones for each provider, giving both the pros and the cons of each and eventually deciding on a winner. Now, on to the contestants!

1. Samsung BlackJack: The Samsung BlackJack is a slick phone. At 4.4” x 2.3” by .5”, it’s skinny like the Motorola Q, but that’s where the comparisons stop. The BlackJack offers a lot more than the Q, like:
a. 3G network access
b. 5 ½ hours of talk time
c. 264 hours of standby time (11 days
d. the ability to connect up to 6 devices via Bluetooth 2.0 simultaneously.
e. SD slot for videos, music and pictures
f. QWERTY keyboard
g. Price: with plan and after rebates, this phone can average about $199 or less, depending on where you buy it.
The phone runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 and is able to open MS Office documents like Excel spreadsheets and Word documents. The device also runs pocket versions of Microsoft Office applications. This all sounds well and good, but the PDA phone has some major issues, like:
a. WiFi – 3G is nice, but I’d really like to access the net at broadband speeds
b. Touchscreen – I want to be able to access anything on the screen by touching it with my finger or a stylus, not scrolling through a menu to get to the document or application I need.
c. Keyboard: the keyboard is small and cramped. For someone like me with big thumbs, this will make hitting the wrong key very easy and frustrating.
Overall, this is a very nice addition to the ATT line and a worthy opponent of the next phone, the Palm Treo 750.

2. Palm Treo 750: The Palm Treo 750 is a little fatter than the BlackJack, but packs just as much, if not more punch than its competitor – after all, size isn’t everything.
a. Touch screen phone/PDA
b. Windows Mobile 5.0 – open and edit MS Office documents
c. 3G access – plus an internal antenna!
d. Bluetooth
e. Simultaneous voice and data capabilities
f. 1.3 MP camera with 2x zoom and video capabilities
g. Direct push technology – get your email and messages in real-time without having to refresh the client everytime you want to get your new mail.

The disadvantages are very similar to the BlackJack, though:
a. Keyboard – small and cramped.
b. Price – even with a plan, it can get to be $400, which could be out of the question for most students.
The Treo and the Blackjack seem pretty even if you factor in certain factors against others, but the final smart phone may just take the cake.

3. Cingular 8525: This is what smart phones should be. This device has it all and if there was room for the kitchen sink, it would be in here.
a. Full touch screen
b. Slide-away, backlit QWERTY keyboard
c. WiFi!!!!!
d. Windows Mobile 5.0 w/ Mobile MS Office
e. Bluetooth capabilities for multiple devices at once
f. 3G access
g. Direct push email
h. 2MP camera w/video
i. Windows Media Player 10 Mobile
j. 400 MHz processor
k. MANY MORE…

While the disadvantages are few, they are fairly important:
a. Price: just like the Treo, this will be about $400 after plan and rebates, but there are places to get it cheaper with a plan. On the right is a link to Amazon where you can get it for a reasonable price after plan activation and rebates.
b. Size: this puppy is kind of a brick. At 4.43” x 2.28” x 0.86”, it won’t slip easily into a pocket, but if you want the PDA phone that can do it all, then this is it.

The winner: Although the price isn’t exactly right, the Cingular 8525 is definitely my choice for the perfect student phone. Always get your email no matter where you are. Open, edit and create Office documents on the fly, play games, watch movies, listen to music, text and IM till your thumbs bleed. With this monster phone, you can do anything. Check out Cingular.com for more info.

The Perfect Dorm Theater

Just because you have negative space to work with and the roommate from hell, doesn't mean you can't enjoy your TV shows and DVDs (and probably piss off your roommate, too). The following components will allow you to create a great dorm "home" theater system that will accommodate your needs.

1. TV: It doesn't have to be a 42-in. plasma or a 51-in. LCD HD monster from your local Circuit City. Some campuses actually put a TV in the dorm, and the for the ones that don't, I'm sure you can find a 13"-15" basic cable television to put on top of your dresser. If you want to purchase an HDTV, that's more than fine and will benefit you greatly, but for the purposes of this article, I'm going to keep it as cheap as possible, so that cost won't be factored in. If you want to get that HD feeling, buy an HD LCD computer monitor and a converter. The monitors tend to be cheaper than the TVs and can be used as either a TV or as a regular computer monitor.

2. TiVo: The age of the VCR is dead...long live the TiVo. I took advantage of one of their many web deals and got my 80-hour Series 2 DVR for free by signing up for a year of service at $12.95 a month. This offer has expired, however, they do have a Series 2 Dual-Tuner DVR (which will let you record two shows at once, or record and watch two different shows at the same time) for $49.99 with one year of service at $12.95/month. The box is factory-renewed, which means it's used, but I got mine factory-renewed and it works perfectly. The beauty of the TiVo is that it can be used for so much more than recording TV. With the free TiVo desktop program, you can beam the shows on your DVR box right to your PC and then convert them for use with the iPod, PSP, or you can burn them to DVD. You can also access your iTunes playlists and play them through the DVR over your new Surround Sound system (listed below). In the long run, you'll be spending more on VHS tapes if you use a VCR and if you wait to download them, you run the risk of not only doing something illegal (if you use P2P software), but also having to wait until someone puts it up online, or spending $1.99 on an episode everytime you miss a show when it first airs. Whether it's legal bills or iTunes bills, it all adds up eventually and TiVo can eliminate both of those hassles.

3. Logitech X-530 5.1 5-Piece Surround Sound System with Subwoofer: These speakers are perfect for dorm use. I bought myself a set and they are great for watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game. They are technically computer speakers, but they come with an adapter for use with a television or game system. The subwoofer is powerful, but not so powerful that it will upset your RA or the people who live below you. I only use them when I'm watching a movie. For normal TV, I just use the built in TV speakers.
For a price, check out PriceGrabber to find the best deal. They calculate shipping and tax based on your zip code and find you the best price available on the web. The average price for these speakers is about $49.99.

4. DVD player: Amazon has the Coby DVD-224 Compact DVD player for $28.99 + tax & shipping. You might think that for such a low price it can't be that good, but companies like Coby and GPX are making compact DVD players for $30 or less that are excellent and last quite awhile. I have a GPX compact DVD player and I love it. it's small, serves its purpose, and hasn't let me down yet.

So, for under $150.00 before tax and shipping, you can have your own home theater right in your dorm room. Look for great deals online through websites like SlickDeals.net, MyBargainBuddy.com, and TechBargains.com for coupon codes, limited time offers and much more. If you're reading this a few months or even a year from now, remember that not only does technology progress, but it also gets cheaper every month. You may be able to find a set of speakers that have 150 more watts than the Logitech speakers I mentioned for the same price a month or two from now. Remember, these are just suggestions and if you can find better deals or equipment, then by all means, go for it!

Here's a tip: if you use a laptop, set up your system on your desk. You'll have more room to place the speakers for optimal surround sound and the TV will be at eye level so you won't strain your neck if the dresser is too high. Then, you can sit in your bed and transfer your TiVo-ed shows right to your laptop while you're comfy and warm.

Good luck with your new system and have fun!

Dorm Warfare

Why is this important?: Because your roommate never saw it coming.

For just $39.99, you too can own your very own weapon of mass...er miniscule destruction. ThinkGeek.com has the USB Missile Launcher, complete with software (Windows XP only right now, but according to ThinkGeek, there is 3rd party software available for Mac/Linux). Laugh maniacally as you push the "Big Red Button" and punish your loud, disrespectful roommate for leaving her 8000 watt desk lamp on all night while you were trying to sleep. Become the dorm room dictator by clicking on the link above - that'll take you to the black mark-um, ThinkGeek.com.