Category: Technology

I have been running again since this summer. So, Karen gave me a Nike+Kit for my birthday in August. I don’t have Nike+ shoes, but that is not a problem. The device works great with the pouch that Karen made for the sensor.

I have only one complaint about the device and associated software. If your iPod needs to be reset, you will lose all of your runs from your iPod. The online site will still have the runs, but your totals in iTunes and on the iPod will only be for your runs after the reset. You can backup the iPod’s hidden files to save the data, but it is not a perfect solution.

Another Tips: Pressing the center button on the iPod while running will mark your speed and distance, which will be reported with your run. The standard is to only report every mile and at the half way point. I use this feature to check my speed during key parts of my course.

I have tried the Treo 650 for about a week, but I have decided to return the phone and cancel service with Cingular.

I decided to return the phone, because I know the 700 series Treo is due any day. The 650 has only 32MB of memory and from what I have read on the Internet this is a big limitation. I would really like a smaller phone. The Treo 650 weights twice as much as my Sony Ericcson T68i. The Treo 650 is too big to fit in a pair of jeans. Also, the phone was getting unlocked in my pocket.

The phone automatically locks and requires a two key method to unlock it. Appearently, it is very easy to press the two keys. You will be walking along and hear the phone activate.

I was able to get the data connection working with the laptop after some trial and error. I managed to get a speed of 100 kbps to 160kbps depending of signal strength in the Huntsville, Alabama area.

I just hope something better come along soon, because I am ready to switch away from T-Mobile.

Well, I have finally made the leap into trying another mobile phone carrier. I have been dealing with T-Mobile for years, but they have not had any phones that meet what I have been looking for in term of capabilities.

I have been wanting a phone that would support a faster data connection like EDGE, it should have bluetooth for connectivity to a Macintosh, and it should be able to sync to a Macintosh.

I have been using Sony Ericcson's T68i, which is a great phone. But, I want the faster data connections.

T-Mobile is lacking in coverage compared to Cingular and Verizon.

I am playing around with the Treo 650 and I like the faster EDGE connection. I have seen speeds as fast as 164kbps on the phone, but I want to confirm it with my PowerBook.

The Treo 650 has two big downsides: weight and age. The weight of the Treo 650 is over twice the weight of the T68i. The Treo 650 is about to be replaced by Palm with something in the 700 family, which will increase the memory and fix many other issues with the 650.

My plan is to try it for 30 days so I have not stopped my T-Mobile service.

Karen and I have put her original iBook up for sell on eBay.

If you are looking, I should you click over to eBay to take a look at it.

It works great, but the battery doesn't hold a charge. (But, you can buy a new battery for it.) We have included all the original equipment plus we have a matching blueberry carrying case and airplane power adapter.

The power adapter works in cars, too.

Well, the bidding got exciting today as the auction came to a close on our Garmin GPSMAP 60cs. During the last twenty minutes, the price ran up another $40 to close at $305 excluding shipping.

I had only expected a closing price around $275. So, this all goes to lower the cost of our new GPS which is on already being shipped as I type this entry.

I am looking forward to trying out the new GPS which is a Garmin GPSMAP 60csx.

Well, Karen and I are upgrading our GPS Unit to the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Handheld GPS. This GPS can hold MicroSD Cards so that you can load more maps into the GPS. We travel frequently and we take our GPS with us. Our current GPS is can only hold about 56MBs worth of maps. So, we have to load and unload maps.

So, we have put our old GPS on eBay for sale. If you are looking for a GPS, you can bid on our Garmin GPSMAP 60cs.

I am thinking about added my AOL IM status to my web site.

This icon gives some idea as to if I am online.

Brian Allen

You can click it and it will open your AIM client and start a chat session with me.

I am ordering Apple's new Intel based Mac Mini to integrate with Plextor's ConvertX DVR. I will be able to record television shows directly to my computer for viewing later on trips or for burn onto DVDs.

But, the Mac Mini's internal hard drive is too small so I going to purchase LaCie's 250 GB Mini External Hard Drive with FireWire Interface which should give me days of recording time. I have learned from experience that bigger is better. I have gone out of town to learn that my current DVR has filled up and is now deleting older recordings. Bummer!

I am going to use Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mouse so that we can work the system from across the room.

Karen has made the big leap into the world of video chat. We drop down some cash and ordered her an iSight camera for her PowerBook.

If you AIM, you will be able to find us both online. You can find me at BrianAllen.

If you got a video camera and don’t have the software, you can get it here for a PC. Macintosh don’t need to download any software.

The new server storage should arrive today. That means one thing.

Everything is getting backed up tonight.