Gear Diary » Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com Everyone can understand technology; sometimes it just takes a little translating. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Review: Soda Stream Penguin Starter Kithttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/28/review-soda-stream-penguin-starter-kit/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/28/review-soda-stream-penguin-starter-kit/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/?p=50301 SodaMaker The Soda Stream Penguin Soda Maker Starter Kit

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/28/review-soda-stream-penguin-starter-kit/feed/ 1 Winner Announced – Win an ioSafe 500GB External Hard Drivehttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/25/winner-announced-win-an-iosafe-500gb-external-hard-drive/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/25/winner-announced-win-an-iosafe-500gb-external-hard-drive/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:53:48 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/?p=50019 ioSafe Slogan Contest, and I am happy to announce that we do have a winner to one of the most successful contests ever run here on Gear Diary! After a great deal of consideration to over the 100 responses (some with MULTIPLE entries), I am pleased to announce the winning slogan to the ioSafe 500GB External Hard Drive Slogan Contest: Its not safe unless its ioSafe

The writer of the slogan, uzziah0, has been contacted earlier tonight, AND he quickly responded to our e-mail with his shipping address. Honorable mention was awarded to the following Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/25/winner-announced-win-an-iosafe-500gb-external-hard-drive/feed/ 5 Opinion – How Realistic is a Sprint with T-Mobile Merger?http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/23/opinion-how-realistic-is-a-sprint-with-t-mobile-merger/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/23/opinion-how-realistic-is-a-sprint-with-t-mobile-merger/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:19:52 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/?p=49557 sprinttmobile

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/23/opinion-how-realistic-is-a-sprint-with-t-mobile-merger/feed/ 6 Shh! Its an SeV Secret Sale!http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/22/shh-its-an-sev-secret-sale/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/22/shh-its-an-sev-secret-sale/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:45:56 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/?p=49524 2009 Clearance Sale! So stop what you’re doing right now, and go check this out – SEV’s latest and greatest stuff is on sale up to 40% off.  40%!  You can’t beat that with a stick. Directly from Scott -
Enjoy HUGE savings on our remaining stock of Explorer Jackets (only Smalls remain) and the older version of our Men’s Travel Vests and Women’s Travel Vests. All three of the items are on Closeout for only $40 each!!! (The Explorer was originally $200 and the Travel Vests $100). Because of the huge savings, All Sale Are Final—No Returns or Exchanges. The Travel Vests are the older version, with 2-way main zippers and no clear touch pockets. Click here to see a video about the differences between them and our current Travel Vests.

SEV_Sale Details on all of the goodies, and the special coupon code, can be found after the break.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/22/shh-its-an-sev-secret-sale/feed/ 4 Hurry! Only a Couple of Hours Left To Win An ioSafehttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/22/hurry-only-a-couple-of-hours-left/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/22/hurry-only-a-couple-of-hours-left/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:39:04 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/?p=49534 ioSafe USB Hard Drive contest, then you need to stop, check out Larry’s truly awesome video review, and then head over to the contest page and write a slogan for ioSafe.  The contest ends shortly after midnight tonight, Central Time. (Entries logged after midnight Central Time will not be considered.)

burnt_drive

Again, the winner will receive a 500GB ioSafe with 3 year warranty and 1 year of data recovery. The winner be announced here on Gear Diary on Friday, 25-Sep-09 : we’ll post when the email has been sent out, and the winner will have 24 Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/22/hurry-only-a-couple-of-hours-left/feed/ 1 Contest – Write a Slogan, Win a 500GB ioSafe External Hard Drivehttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/16/contest-write-a-slogan-win-a-500gb-iosafe-external-hard-drive/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/16/contest-write-a-slogan-win-a-500gb-iosafe-external-hard-drive/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/?p=48242 AWESOME streaming video review on a nearly indestructible backup device from ioSafe. We were so impressed with the drive, that when they offered to sponsor a contest on Gear Diary we couldn't wait to take them up on it.

DSC_0025

Now, you can win your very own ioSafe! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/09/16/contest-write-a-slogan-win-a-500gb-iosafe-external-hard-drive/feed/ 108 Samsung Jack Reviewed at Mobile Jawhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/28/samsung-jack-reviewed-at-mobile-jaw/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/28/samsung-jack-reviewed-at-mobile-jaw/#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:45:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/28/samsung-jack-reviewed-at-mobile-jaw/ review of the AT&T Samsung Jack over at Mobile Jaw that you really need to take a look at.  The Samsung Jack was originally thought to be called the Blackjack 3, before it was officially announced and released on AT&T, here in the States. Says Brother Temporale in his review:
It may not be called BlackJack, but the new Samsung Jack is the third release in the popular BlackJack series of smartphones. The original BlackJack and BlackJack II devices both reached the million plus sales mark.  Can Samsung repeat that success with this new phone? If first impressions are any indication, then the new Jack should easily live
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/28/samsung-jack-reviewed-at-mobile-jaw/feed/ 2 Apple Releases Remote Desktop Client Updatehttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/22/apple-releases-remote-desktop-client-update/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/22/apple-releases-remote-desktop-client-update/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/22/apple-releases-remote-desktop-client-update/ Picture 1

It seems that Apple has been busy lately with the software updates.  They’ve released yet another update to another OS component before they release their newest OS, Snow Leopard. I got notification from Software Update that Remote Desktop Client Update 3.3.1 was released. The package contains two update packages: This article describes Apple Remote Desktop version 3.3, which includes two update packages:
  • * Apple Remote Desktop Client 3.3.1 updates the software that facilitates Remote Management (enabled in Sharing preferences, in System Preferences). * Apple Remote Desktop Admin 3.3 updates the Remote Desktop application, which can be used to remotely
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/22/apple-releases-remote-desktop-client-update/feed/ 0 Interview With Mobile Designer Jason Surguine. Part 1 | Just Another Mobile Mondayhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/20/interview-with-mobile-designer-jason-surguine-part-1-just-another-mobile-monday/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/20/interview-with-mobile-designer-jason-surguine-part-1-just-another-mobile-monday/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:45:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/20/interview-with-mobile-designer-jason-surguine-part-1-just-another-mobile-monday/ Jason Surguine

My good buddies over at Just Another Mobile Monday have gotten an awesome opportunities to interview Jason Surguine from PDAMill. This multipart series is a must read for all PDA/gadget gamers! The interview is very insightful, and gives you the unique opportunity to look into the mind of a game designer.  Stop what you're doing and check it out!! Interview With Mobile Designer Jason Surguine. Part 1 | Just Another Mobile Monday Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/20/interview-with-mobile-designer-jason-surguine-part-1-just-another-mobile-monday/feed/ 1 Posterous – A Blog for Everyonehttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/19/posterous-a-blog-for-everyone/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/19/posterous-a-blog-for-everyone/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/19/posterous-a-blog-for-everyone/ Posterous allows everyone to blog; and you don’t have to be a geek to do it. It not only posts your information, but it also auto-posts your blogs to a number of different social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and WordPress (among others).

posterous

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/19/posterous-a-blog-for-everyone/feed/ 2 Apple Releases iPhoto 8.1http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/18/apple-releases-iphoto-8-1/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/18/apple-releases-iphoto-8-1/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/18/apple-releases-iphoto-8-1/ Picture 2

I am a Software Update junkie. I constantly boot my machines and always either check Windows Update, Software Update or Update Manager (Linux).  I don’t know why, but I’m really obsessive when it comes to insuring that I’ve got the latest system software. Today, Apple released yet another update, iPhoto 8.1. While not mission critical, the update adds 3 distinctive features to Apples digital photo editing package.  This update is recommended for all users of iPhoto ‘09:
What’s New in this Version This update adds several new print product options to iPhoto “09: - Hardcover books can now be ordered in a new extra-large (10" x13")
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/18/apple-releases-iphoto-8-1/feed/ 3 Snow Leopard Shipping Soon??http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/17/snow-leopard-shipping-soon/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/17/snow-leopard-shipping-soon/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:00:02 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/17/snow-leopard-shipping-soon/ SL Order

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/17/snow-leopard-shipping-soon/feed/ 6 Office 2010 for Mac will Include Outlook for Machttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/office-2010-for-mac-will-include-outlook-for-mac/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/office-2010-for-mac-will-include-outlook-for-mac/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/office-2010-for-mac-will-include-outlook-for-mac/ Office2010

Two words – THANK GOODNESS! I have been saying for years how horrible Entourage is.  Its awkward, clunky, bloated, and so NOT compatible with Outlook for Windows. However, that layer of pain for those of us needing/wanting some kind of (more) Outlook-for-Windows-like app for Mac will soon be at an end…hopefully. I just saw on Apple Insider that Microsoft Office 2010 for Mac, scheduled to be available by the 2010 Holidays will include a newly built from the ground up version of Outlook.
Eric Wilfrid, general manager of MacBU, Microsoft's Mac Business Unit, announced the new application during a conference call Thursday morning. Outlook will rely on a new database
Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/office-2010-for-mac-will-include-outlook-for-mac/feed/ 5 Comparing MacBooks – Mine is Better than Yourshttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/comparing-macbooks-mine-is-better-than-yours/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/comparing-macbooks-mine-is-better-than-yours/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/11/comparing-macbooks-mine-is-better-than-yours/ P8010839 The contents of my Gear Bag My Gear Bag holds just about everything that I might need in my portable office.  I have my 13” Unibody MacBook, my MSI Wind, a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate Windows Vista Business, Office 2007 Ultimate, various other CD’s, miscellaneous paperwork, a 320GB USB hard drive and charging bricks and cables for all of the above. The bag weighs near 40 pounds. This weight is the major reason why, when I considered a new computer purchase, I decided on the 13” unibody MacBook. The 13” MB is a full pound lighter than its 15" counterpart. That is a big difference in day-to-day use. I got mine and love it. But I'm not the only MacBook owner in the family. Nope. there are currently three of us. And each of our notebooks are just the slightest bit different. I spent some time with all three and it gave me a rather unique perspective on Apple's current notebook offerings.  Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/08/13/comparing-macbooks-mine-is-better-than-yours/feed/ 5 The UI challenge: Windows 7 vs. Mac OSXhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/the-ui-challenge-windows-7-vs-mac-osx/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/the-ui-challenge-windows-7-vs-mac-osx/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:44:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/the-ui-challenge-windows-7-vs-mac-osx/ ITWorld has an interesting article comparing Windows 7 to OSX that’s worth a read.  While it is definitely a one sided comparison (the way its written at least), it compares 10 different UI points.  I can’t say that I disagree with the conclusions or the UI points chosen for comparison. The items compared include:

  • Startup
  • File Window
  • The Taskbar
  • Gadgets
  • Control Panels
  • etc.

If you haven’t tried Windows 7 yet, and are curious about how it compares to OSX, then this will give you a decent idea of how things line up.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/the-ui-challenge-windows-7-vs-mac-osx/feed/ 0 Brilliant but Doomed Technologyhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/brilliant-but-doomed-technology/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/brilliant-but-doomed-technology/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:02:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/brilliant-but-doomed-technology/ Firefox1

The Technologizer has an article on cool and innovative, but ultimately doomed, technology over at their site.  Its definitely worth a read, especially if you like trips down the road to yesteryear. While you might think this includes things like the Newton and Sony Betamax, it doesn’t, it specifically avoids them.
For this article, I intentionally skipped some of the most legendary magnificent failures, such as the Apple Newton, Commodore Amiga, and Sony Betamax–they’ve been celebrated more or less continuously since their untimely passings, and I wanted to devote more space to lesser-known contenders. I figure you’re going to reminisce about your own favorites in the comments anyhow.
There are some pretty Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/29/brilliant-but-doomed-technology/feed/ 0 WebOS 1.1 Revives iTunes Synchttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/24/webos-1-1-revives-itunes-sync/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/24/webos-1-1-revives-itunes-sync/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/24/webos-1-1-revives-itunes-sync/ For those with Palm Pre’s, you’ll remember that Apple recently released iTunes 8.2.1 that disabled the Pre’s abiltiy to sync with your iTunes library.  This latest update appears to be a direct response to last week’s iTunes 8.2.1 Update.

Apple Insider is reporting that Palm’s Blog announced the update yesterday. The update should appear as an OTA (over the air) update, expected to hit Pre’s around the country over the next few days.

Palm declined to detail how they worked around Apple’s latest update, and for now, Pre users can again enjoy iTunes content on the go.  However, I’m not certain how Apple will (and you KNOW they will) respond; but I would anticipate downloading & installing iTunes 8.2.37 some time within the next

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/24/webos-1-1-revives-itunes-sync/feed/ 1 Devotec Announces Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakerhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/21/devotec-announces-solar-powered-bluetooth-speaker/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/21/devotec-announces-solar-powered-bluetooth-speaker/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/21/devotec-announces-solar-powered-bluetooth-speaker/ solar powered Bluetooth speaker for BT enabled music players and phones.
The Devotec Industries Solar Sound Bluetooth Speakers are light and portable while still being able to produce a deep, clear sound. With integrated bluetooth, they can be connected wirelessly to most of the latest phones, including the iPhone (with use of the iPhone 3.0 software update). The Solar Sound speakers have an integrated solar panel for charging in sunny areas, and a 3.5mm connector for use with music sources that do not have bluetooth (cable supplied).
Weighing in at $99.99 USD, the device seems pretty cool, especially since it doesn’t require any power adapter or user replaceable batteries to operate. It also acts as a hands free device when your BT powered phone rings, allowing you to take a call.

iphone_with_solar_sound

The device specifications and the full press release can be found after the break Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/21/devotec-announces-solar-powered-bluetooth-speaker/feed/ 2 Make your Own Soda Pophttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/15/make-your-own-soda-pop/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/15/make-your-own-soda-pop/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:25:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/15/make-your-own-soda-pop/ SodaStream Fountain Jet Starter Kit. It allows you to make your own soda from your own tap water.  I’m not entirely certain how well Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/15/make-your-own-soda-pop/feed/ 2 LG Crystal GD900 Review at Phone Arenahttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/13/lg-crystal-gd900-review-at-phone-arena/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/13/lg-crystal-gd900-review-at-phone-arena/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/13/lg-crystal-gd900-review-at-phone-arena/ showimage

You really HAVE to see this phone. It is soooo cool.  While I wasn’t impressed so much with this OS and such (its the hardware that’s the thing here), the keypad is freakin’ awesome.  Its completely transparent! You just have to check out the cool review of the LG Crystal GD900 at Phone Arena Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/13/lg-crystal-gd900-review-at-phone-arena/feed/ 0 Apple Releases Safari 4.0.2http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/09/apple-releases-safari-4-0-2/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/09/apple-releases-safari-4-0-2/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:05:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/09/apple-releases-safari-4-0-2/ Picture 2

Those of the Apple or Mac persuasion should take note of this.  Safari 4.0.2 was released for OSX (and I would guess Windows, but I don’t use Safari on Windows).  This update weighs in at just over 40MB, and is a stability fix for the Nitro JavaScript engine.  It also contains compatibility and security updates. I was surprised to see this, this morning; but I always check for updates when I boot into an OS, just in case something sneaks in.  The update can be obtained via Software Update or directly, here.  Specific information about the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/09/apple-releases-safari-4-0-2/feed/ 5 Vito Technology Releases FunContact 3xhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/08/vito-technology-releases-funcontact-3x/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/08/vito-technology-releases-funcontact-3x/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:38:52 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/08/vito-technology-releases-funcontact-3x/ FunContacts 3x

If you’ve got a lot of contacts, like me…I have over 1300, then finding the right tool for  working with them can sometimes be difficult.  That’s where tools like Vito Technology’s FunContact 3x comes in. Straight from Vito Technology: Fun Contact 3x gives a whole new experience in managing your contacts with its new and exciting features:
  • Categories support
  • New Favorites with photos: grid and list
  • Start calling or enter contact card from Favorites
  • Call history editing: filter or delete
  • Individual call history: filter or delete
  • Full-screen Dialer
  • Quick keypad contact search
  • 3 skins available: Dark, Clear and Bright
The app looks pretty cool, and has some nice features. If WM Contacts isn’t enough for you and you need something more, then you might want to give this a long hard look. The full press release, with additional screen shots, can be found after the break. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/08/vito-technology-releases-funcontact-3x/feed/ 2 AOL – Secret Billing (Police)?http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/06/aol-secret-billing-police/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/06/aol-secret-billing-police/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:30:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/06/aol-secret-billing-police/ AOL_floppy

Straight from the Cold War files comes a strange story I saw today from Boing-Boing. It seems that WSJ’s Jason Zweig is being charged $103.60 for use of a FREE AOL e-mail account he was given (again, free of charge) for being a Time-Warner employee. It seems that AOL is "secretly" charging some users for use of their service.  These users often aren’t aware of the charges, the billing activity, and aren’t informed until the account is forwarded to a collection agency.  When Jason asked the agency contacting him regarding the delinquent account, dating back to 2008, for a copy of the bill so he Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/07/06/aol-secret-billing-police/feed/ 2 iPhoto Update Available via Software Downloadhttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/30/iphoto-update-available-via-software-download/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/30/iphoto-update-available-via-software-download/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:22:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/30/iphoto-update-available-via-software-download/ Picture 2

For those running Macs, you might want to check Software Update.  I noticed that Apple released a nice iPhoto update tonight, downloaded it and installed it.  However, in classic Apple tradition, there’s little to no information on this update.  Clicking the KB Link (noted in the Software Update dialog box) just says you need to update to iPhoto 8.0.4, with a link back to the KB Page. I do love circular references... However, it does make reference to a problem with sudden app quitting in version 8.0.3.

However, this should make the app more stable, so if you use iPhoto, then you definitely need

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/30/iphoto-update-available-via-software-download/feed/ 0 June 2009 15” MacBook Pro Unboxinghttp://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/23/june-2009-15-macbook-pro-unboxing/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/23/june-2009-15-macbook-pro-unboxing/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:29:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/23/june-2009-15-macbook-pro-unboxing/
  • 3.06gHz Core2Duo Processor
    • Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]>     http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/23/june-2009-15-macbook-pro-unboxing/feed/ 0     Mac Blog Clients – The Search is Over..?http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/22/mac-blog-clients-the-search-is-over/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/22/mac-blog-clients-the-search-is-over/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:30:39 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/27/mac-blog-clients-the-search-is-over/ I've been writing for Gear Diary for a long time now. In fact, one of my very first, BIG reviews was on a "new" (in 2006)computer I had just purchased - my 15" MacBook Pro. It was pretty cool; but I had sworn off becoming a switcher for a couple of reasons.  One, was the introduction of Windows Live Writer, and its ability to post to WordPress blogs like Gear Diary, and to Windows Live Spaces where I have my blog, Pocket PC Guru.

    Honestly, while blogging directly in either WordPress or Live Spaces is cool, sometimes the tools just aren't enough; and then there's the whole computing in the cloud thing that just doesn't sit well with me (those that compute in the cloud can lose data to the cloud.  Just ask Judie; but then duck and cover, as the rant about a site crash is both raw and legendary for EVERYONE here at GD...) So, enter Windows Live Writer. It blogs to both WLS and WordPress, allowing me to use WYSIWYG tools for all of my posts on both sites. Very nice.  Oh, and yeah... it saves data locally, so you're not banking on the cloud (though, you have to insure that you back up your local data, too). But what to do on the Mac side..? I've found a couple of cool apps that just might help. Let's take a quick look...

    wlw

    Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]>     http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/22/mac-blog-clients-the-search-is-over/feed/ 1     5 Years of Free Internet Left?http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/16/5-years-of-free-internet-left/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/16/5-years-of-free-internet-left/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:03:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/16/5-years-of-free-internet-left/ this the other day on ZDNet and wanted to say a couple of things. I promise to make this short and not ramble on too much.  I’ve been cooking this response for the past couple of days, and it may still not be fully there yet... At the Advertising 2.0 conference, Barry Diller, Chairman and CEO of the IAC, an interactive services company raking in over $1.5 billion dollars in revenue a year, stated that the free internet would soon be a thing of the past.

    diller-20-300x251 Picture from ZDNet.

    Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]>     http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/16/5-years-of-free-internet-left/feed/ 4     Upgraded iPod for Dad? You Bet!http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/02/upgraded-ipod-for-dad-you-bet/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/02/upgraded-ipod-for-dad-you-bet/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/02/upgraded-ipod-for-dad-you-bet/ With Father’s Day right around the corner many people are banging their head against the wall trying to find an original gift, something other than a tie or tool set. Rapid Repair has the perfect solution- an upgraded iPod. This 240GB Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/02/upgraded-ipod-for-dad-you-bet/feed/ 1 Ilium Software Turns 12!http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/01/ilium-software-turns-12/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/01/ilium-software-turns-12/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:26:00 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/31/ilium-software-turns-12/ Twelve years is a long time to be doing anything.  I’ve been writing for just over 13, so I know how this is. Its a big deal; and its a LONG time to be doing anything of any real value (to you or to someone else).

    Case in point – Ilium Software makers of such great applications like eWallet, ListPro, NewsBreak and Keep Track, is turning 12 years old! To help celebrate this huge milestone, Ilium Software is throwing a huge birthday bash.  Direct from Julie Van De Water, my great friend at Ilium,

    A BIG five-day sale on all our software through our direct online store (for Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm OS, Windows PC). eWallet for the iPhone will

    Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]>     http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/01/ilium-software-turns-12/feed/ 1     Gear Diary gets Touched – Touch Pro 2 Review is Pending!http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/31/gear-diary-gets-touched-touch-pro-2-review-is-pending/ http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/31/gear-diary-gets-touched-touch-pro-2-review-is-pending/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:36:48 +0000 Christopher Spera http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/31/gear-diary-gets-touched-touch-pro-2-review-is-pending/ Touch Pro 2. Thankfully, we’re getting a review unit, and Judie should be putting this thing through its paces and posting such exciting things as an unboxing, first impressions, and eventually her review. Stay tuned, y’all… things are about to get really cool around here..! TouchPro2 Can't wait??  You can also catch a really cool review by our good friend Mark Briggeman (WM MVP) and colleague at mobilityminded.com.  Mark  has written an extensive review about the HTC Touch Pro2 Continue reading on Gear Diary ...]]> http://www.geardiary.com/2009/05/31/gear-diary-gets-touched-touch-pro-2-review-is-pending/feed/ 0