Company-Issued Laptops

A recent thing i've always vaguely known is that company-issued laptops, or any computer/gadget for that matter, is really the company's. Which is why, even if we use it at home surfing the web using our own internet connection, it's still the company's property. So yes, the company has a right to inspect it at will, and ban certain programs from being installed (like Yahoo Messenger). And yes, companies have the right to go berserk when they find out that you've installed programs using pirated or hacked licenses.

After all, it will be their necks on the line if they, in turn, get audited/found out.

What I have never fully appreciated though is the fact that we do put our companies at risk of security threats when we use our computers to download stuff from the net, or when we visit unsafe sites (like porn sites). After all, we might have really important files in our computers that when hacked, may be used to the detriment of the company. It could even be a way for people to get to the business performance management software you're currently developing, or use your license number to install their hacked versions.

And keeping really personal files in company-issued laptops also might result in hackers posting your incriminating pictures/video with enough details to identify you, your company and your position.

I have actually been at the receiving end of indecent proposals from people who used their company e-mail to send those, complete with their contact information. Had I been crazy, I could have gone to their bosses and gotten them in trouble.

So, treat company-issued anything as an office space, something you don't want to mix with your persnal endeavors.

Thinking of buying a DSLR

People are starting to think that DSLR cameras are the must-have cams of today, even if they're not really photography buffs. It's just that DSLRs are becoming more and more affordable and are being made with more and more preset modes.

But, here are some things you should consider before buying one:

1) The bulk. It's not just heavy, it's really bulky. And it will require a special bag.

2) A bag which will probably cost more than your laptop bag.

3) Plus, you have to choose the brand you really want because you will be investing on more accessories for that brand. Filters and lenses and service centers are must-considerations.

4) The cost might already buy you three cams, a compact one, a prosumer one (like the Canon s5 IS) and an underwater cam (that's good for about 7 feet deep).

5) DSLRs require memory investments in the form of extra memory sticks/SD or CF Cards and actual hard disk space because the files are huge. Even the lowest, grainiest setting will result in megabytes eaten up.

6) Plus, you'd also have to invest on rechargeable batteries and chargers.

7) And if you don't have any plans of reading the manual and will just use it as a point-and-shoot, then it's really a heavy toy to be lugging around.

8) And if you're used to digicams already where you don't even use the viewfinder anymore, you will have to relearn not just using that small peephole once again, but also learn adjusting the lens to focus on your subjects (again, unless you're going to use it as a point-and-shoot).


I suggest, before investing in one, master the camera you have first. That will guide you to find out the limitations you don't like, what you're really looking for in a new cam, etc.

And yes, like any other hobby (even golf, where you run away with investments on the right outfits, shoes and some Callaway golf clubs), buying a DSLR for your photography passion is only the first spending step. More is to come, which is why you should be smart about what you invest on.

Back Up Your Files

One investment you can probably make yearly, or every two years (depending really on how much electronic files you accummulate) is extra memory.

I know that MyBook offers this in terrabytes, but that might not be a wise move also since if that hard disk becomes compromised in any way, you'd have lost all your files. Be vigilant in backing-up your files and deleting unwanted ones. Where applicable, have separate hard disks for your pictures (which are the must-saves for me!), music/video, programs, etc. If you digiscrap, have a separate disk for your kits for that too. Trust me, you can never be OC enough about this especially when everything we are and do are stored in gadgets (computers or celphones).

For realy important files (like PIN numbers, policy numbers, etc.), have them all stored in a separate memory stick.

Invest in Batteries

Of course, think rechargeable.

Not only are these more environment-friendly, they are really actually cheaper in the long run. And you don't really want to keep shouldering the manufacturing costs of disposable batteries, now do you?

Now, say you just bought this new, expensive gadget. Be it a mobile phone or a camera, one other investment you can complement the purchase with is buying extra rechargeable batteries.

Why?

Because not only does it save on costs for you, but it also prolongs the battery life of your gadget's original batteries. Plus, it saves you the hassle of always having to charge your one battery pack even if it's not yet fully drained out of fear of your gadget dying on you while you're out.

So get at least one other battery pack. If you're investing on rechargeables, you may also want to get one of those turbo chargers so you need not wait a long time before all batteries are charged.

Maximize Your Phones

Don't just buy the latest model, especially if you really don't need the extra features it offers.

But if you love listening to music, get a model with great sounds. Make sure to read reviews because even 'higher' models are not necessarily better.

If you're a blogger who loves documenting things, get a phone that's high on resolution.

If an exercise buff, get something with a pedometer.

If you love travelling or are into outdoor sports like climbing or cycling, get something with GPS.

If working on the go, get a PDA phone.

This way, you minimize the gadgets you do have to always have with you, not to mention the kind of memory and accessories you'll invest in. It would also be one less charger to find.

What if you want all those things in one phone? I think that's possible and there may be already something like it in existence, but do remember that if you insist on everything, something's got to give. PDA phones are slightly bulkier, for example, and won't really be handy for the outdoorsy type.

the fuss over Asus eee

Re-posting here generally all of my hubs' post from our wedblog on the Asus eee:)

One of these toys which I have been craving for since late last year would be the Asus eee PC. An itsy-bitsy (a 9 by 5 inch laptop) little monster which really packs a big punch. This little baby can be categorized either as an Ultra-Mobile PC (which I disagree with since most of the gadgets in this category have touch screens), a Sub-Notebook (but again most of the laptops in this category are of the 9 to 12 inch screen category), or a Palm-top (which is sometimes mixed with PDAs). I wouldn’t spend much time talking about the specifications of this laptop since its website and wiki’s provide detailed information on this aspect. Nor would I attempt to give a complete technical review about this product, since by just typing the key words “asus eee pc reviews” in your search engine of choice would result to a plethora of references (well this site offers one of the most complete listings of reviews). Most if not all would say that that this little baby is a lean, mean, value for your money machine which has two flaws, the keyboard is a bit cramped and the laptop tends to be a bit warm after a while. But again these flaws are considered minor given the fact that this little baby is priced at US$400 (prices in the Manila range from Php 17, 000 – Php 20,000). What I would try to attempt is to answer my wife’s question, why I really want one of these little suckers given the fact that I am issued a Dual Core laptop with 2GB Memory at work, and have 2 desktops at home (well one actually needs reformatting), 2 pdas (both Palms), 1 media player, and 1 PDA Phone (Windows Mobile / PPC)? (aside from your 2 other phones, Baby, and the laptop I use - Wife)

Well besides the “want” factor, I am already resigned to the fact that I would not be able to justify purchasing an Asus eee PC. But I believe the main reason that fires up my butt (so to speak) about this product is that it is like owning the first batch of Apple PCs handmade by Steve Wozniak and marketed by Steve Jobs (founders of the Apple Computer and two of the founding fathers of the Personal Computer). Asus eee PC has opened the market to a whole new niche in the “techie” and non-technical consumer market, and has awaken the true meaning of what a “hacker” really is.

For the non-technical consumer market this product offers a compact and mobile machine that would serve the purpose of surfing the internet and have the basic software to do productivity tasks. The eee PC does not come pre-installed with Windows, but rather with a well thought-out and designed distribution of Linux (Xandros to be exact). The interface, icons and applications that is installed as a factory default is very easy to navigate and use, that even a non Windows user can readily use the laptop (this link would serve as a good example of what I mean). And yet for those who opt to stick it out with the most common of operating system, Windows, this laptop is certified to run on Windows XP, though as of current is not offered as a factory default.

Now for gadget-freaks / techie people like myself this wonderful gadget has brought about the following frames of thought. First and foremost, that it is indeed feasible to manufacture a cost-effective computing system at a fraction of the price. This laptop would not compare to the computing power and capacities of a high end laptop (best example would be the hard disk size, 4 gigabytes on the eee PC as compared to the 120 Gigabyte average on most of the newer laptops) and yet the fact still remains, prices for computing products can be brought down if products are well thought out, well-designed and efficiently manufactured. A second factor that tickles my fancy is the fact that since this product was introduced to the market, a vast explosion of technically inclined and talented people have so to speak “thought out of the box” in order to surpass the limitations of the base product. People had ventured out to modify this product to see the best benefit they can do with the laptop. In all true sense of this activity (creating software and hardware mods – modifications), the original essence of what a “hacker” comes about. (Overview section).

The most common modification done with this laptop is how to extend the hardisk capacity from the base 4 Gigabyte hardisk to a 20 Gigabyte or even 30 Gigabyte machine. Modifications also range from adding in the capability to connect devices via infrared or Bluetooth, to making the LCD screen into a touch screen unit. And these modifications does not stop with just the hardware, various attempts are successfully documented in the areas of installing different kinds of operating systems on the Asus eee PC. And even up to the level of creating improved video drivers for the eee. And because of the limitations of the base unit, the community of Asus eee PC users continuously test and overcome application limitations on the unit (as this forum proves: list of games you can run on the Asus eee PC). In some aspects the Asus eee PC is now being considered as the new generation “hobby pc”, a tool to exercise one’s ability to be creative and imaginative.

The last and definitely not the least of my reasons (for I know I can add in more and more reasons being the gadget freak that I am) is not much a reason to why I would like to have one of these hot item, but more why I am thankful that Asus came out with this product: To prove that with demand follows competition. I may not be able to own an Asus eee 701-4G PC but a possibility might arise that I’d get it’s leaner competitor (well this laptop comes with a 30 Gigabyte base unit) made by Everex hoping that the landed price in the Philippines would not differ much from its published price (published at US$399). Or another possibility since I would always favour owning a Tablet PC / Ultra Mobile PC over these subnotebooks / Palm Tops, is for me to wait for the LimePC line (published at US$300) to come out into the market and hope that it can also be software modified.

I’d like to own an Asus eee PC to feed my thirst to have one of the best developed “value for your money” I.T. product there is in the market to date. If tomorrow a manufacturer comes out with a US$200 9-Inched Dual Core Tablet PC with 4GB Memory and 250GB Solid State Hardisk that is as thin as the new Mac Book Air and can run the Operating System and application of my choice, then I’d acquire that in a heartbeat, but then it would also mean I’d need to wake up from my dream or wake up 50 years from now.

~ Jojo

Wii is our world

... or so we hope.

I think I only ever owned one Game & Watch in my day. They were a Nintendo offering that helped me while away afternoons under drying clothes on our balcony, while also simultaneously flirting with the odd neighbor or two.

Well, Nintendo has come a long way with their offerings... and hubs has been at me in seeking permission to invest our funds on a Wii, a gaming console (basically, a game with buttons and joysticks for interactive entertainment) that he justifies has helped many people lose weight through its Wii Sport (yup, you can play golf or tennis at home, and with the family). It's wi-fi ready and can be used to play Sims.

Unfortunately for our superficial wants, our pregnancy was a difficult and expensive one... and despite having disposable funds for the Wii, we decided we'd be happier having our son baptized instead.

Fortunately for us, there is another way of getting a Wii... friends and countrymen, may I just refer you then to Xpango.Com so you can help me get my hubs a Wii?