Tech Blog

I'm going to take some time off this Labour Day weekend (on my Honeymoon to be exact), and while I'm not planning on doing any work, that doesn't mean I'm going to untether completely. It isn't just that I want to stay in touch, it's also that I like to write and jot things down, so I need a certain amount of tech with me to do that. Not to mention, I'll be taking pictures, so there is that gear too. Beyond my usual "what I carry in my man-bag" stuff for just being out and about, I'm tossing in:

Okay the Apple event is over. A goodly number of people have updated to iTunes 10 and are experimenting with Ping (I'm underwhelmed), but yeah that's what we could get and use now, but what about the stuff we have towait for? What are you most anxiously awaiting?

Being the latest annual gaming extravaganza put together by Microsoft Canada and its PR team, this year’s X’10 had mostly to do with games, though it was unsurprising that the Windows Phone 7 setup was right next to the entrance inside. I managed to get a hands-on demo of Microsoft’s do-or-die new OS, and here are some of my first impressions.

Ah it's almost back to school time which not only means a slew of sales on tech items, but also (and more importantly I think) a slew of back to school tips to help students do better in school. Today I saw some great stuff from Read Write Web and Download Squad as well as that always important question: are there more Macs on campus than PCs? Read more...

Yes, I still have my increasingly bedraggled looking Blackberry Curve. Yes, I still want an iPhone 4. I know lots of you have them now, especially if the lines around stores is any indication at all. Okay not to mention several cell providers saying that they are so way sold out that it's almost best just not to ask. Sure fine. In the meantime, I caught this pretty handy post on TUAW about what to check for on your new iPhone 4 (if you are so lucky as to be able to get one):TUAW Tips: 25 ways to check the hardware on your iPhone 4. Let's take this advice a step further and talk about checking all new gadgets you buy. Read more...

A couple weeks ago I wrote about Apple's new battery charger and how I thought it was the cool thing to buy from the recent announcements—Forget other new Apple devices, I want the battery charger—and one of our respected users, XL, pointed out that he thought the Apple batteries were Sanyo Eneloop batteries. Turns out, he might have been right. Read more...

The challenge for the Flip MinoHD is for it to make the case for you to take it with you. Chances are you own a smartphone - and if you’re a Future Shop customer, it’s probably a pretty sexy smartphone with lots of GBs, a video camera app, and a data package that lets you upload stuff to YouTube. That’s a lot for the MinoHD to overcome, so the question is: should you take it with you? Read more...

Today Apple turned on Genius results for iPad apps in the App Store and like a good little fanboy I jumped right to my iPad to turn it on. Must to my surprise, and pleasure, I think the suggestions are pretty darn good. Yeah, I'm being offered a lot of games right now (probably because I've downloaded a bunch lately) and some of the apps look lame (but that's to be expected), however I'm impressed with the range of apps being offered and will make checking the Genius tab part of my regular routine (like checking for updates). Read more...

Now here's an interesting question: is an eReader a computer? There is a (hopefully small and not growing) trend for coffee places to ban computers during certain times of the day. While I feel this is heresy of the largest order, I guess having a bunch of geeks camping out in your place, taking up room and nursing a small coffee for several hours is bad for business (I always buy at least a large, btw). Today I saw a tweet by Barb Dybwad (@doctorparadox)—Twitter / barb dybwad: coffee shops banning eRead ...—pointing to a New York Times article where the author wasn't allowed to read his Kindle in a no computers allow establishment—No E-Books Allowed in This Establishment - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com. Which makes me wonder, what is the real reason a place is banning a computer, is it the loitering or something else? Also, is an iPad or Kindle really a computer in the first place? Read more...

This week, as expected, Apple announced a slew product updates including the cool looking Magic Trackpad—Apple introduces the Magic Trackpad—however, like the folks at TUAW, I think the new Apple Battery charger is the product people should run out and buy—Apple's new battery charger is deceptively cool - Apple (Canada) - Apple Battery Charger - The energy-efficient way to power your accessories.. Here's why. First at less than $30, the charger itself is a bargain. Second, it comes with six batteries! Third, the batteries are listed to be good for ten years. Finally, Apple says that its charger is the most power efficient chargers out there drawing only 30 mW compared to the industry average of 315 mW. Still not sold? Read more...

Teddy K had a great review of the Valet Home Hotspot - it's a great device for those who want an incredibly easy experience. But what about those of use who want power and control? Say hello to the Linksys E Series - a router with serious muscle to flex. Read more...

Yes, I love my iPad. No, I have no regrets, would recommend them to almost anyone, and would buy it again (and again), however while I think any competing tablet has a long row to hoe, I don't think that iPad killers are all DOA. Jonny Evans of Computer World thinks that new tablets from HP, Toshiba, and others are pretty much doomed from the get go—RIP: Why the iPad 'killers' are already dead - Computerworld Blogs—and as much as I love Apple products I don't think Apple is that good. Read more...

This cool post from Tidbits—TidBITS Problem Solving: Beware Bluetooth Keyboards with iOS Devices—reminds me of a tough lesson learned about my iPad and Bluetooth keyboards: keyboards can turn themselves on in your bag. So here's the simple trick: turn flip one of the batteries backwards when you're not using it. Huh? Why? Read more...

While last Thursday/Friday brought out an update to iOS, today brings an update to iTunes and iBooks. Part of the iTunes fix is for people who were having trouble updating their iOS devices, but together I think these mean a lot more. I think this is the first real step to iBooks becoming a full-on eTextbook, eMagazine, and Multimedia eBook device. Read more...

I had to laugh when I first saw this last week, but to me, it’s an example of a gadget idea that has all the best intentions with all the wrong implementation. In a nutshell, the TV Hat is a baseball hat that’s fully covered by this black cover falling from the brim. On the inside is a sleeve that allows you to put in an iPod, MP3 player or a smartphone that plays video. Put the hat on, and you can watch what you want undisturbed.