Friday, November 30, 2007

Podcasts in Microsoft Zune!

When you hear about podcasts one would think that it has something to do with iPods right? I was surprised to see "Podcasts" as a main menu item in Microsoft Zune! Weird isn't it?? May be not?? Am I wrong when I think about podcasts has something to do with iPods - "the" rival of Zune. So as any geek would do these days I went to Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia podcasts has everything to do with iPods when it started back in 2004, but now the term podcast is used more loosely to refer any digital media distributed over the net using syndicated feeds.

But I think its still odd so see "Podcasts" in Zune! In any case, I love this feature in my Zune. Here are some of the podcasts that I subscribe to:
  1. Anderson Cooper 360° Daily
  2. CNN Business Update
  3. Real Time with Bill Mahar (HBO)
  4. BBC World Service
Happy subscribing!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Google in your backberry

If you own a Blackberry and have a plan with data access here is tool that is really useful - Google Application for Blackberry Smartphones. Once downloaded and installed you'll find a useful search application and the great Google maps application. I like both, and they work great!

The maps application is very useful when you are on the road and want to get directions, local business etc. It gives you turn-by-turn directions from point A to point B. One of the coolest features that I use a lot is their one-click call option when you are searching local businesses.

It also supports bluetooth based GPS devices connected to the backberry. I dont have a such a device so I am not sure.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Portable Audio System for iPod

If you have an iPod, this is one of the best accessories that you can buy. Simply plug it in, put the iPod on the dock and there you go! You got a decent boombox!

I got it from Buy.com for $99 + free shipping.

Here are some of the features I like:
  • Exceptional sound quality for the price and size
  • Built-in rechargeable battery so you can have a take it with you. I did take it along for couple of my outdoor parties and it was awesome! Played for more than couple of hours.
  • Multiple input sources - iPod, FM (it has a built-in tuner with presets), AUX. I use the AUX in my kitchen tv for better sound!
  • Small little remote control which come very handy especially in my case where I am using this to enhance the sound quality of my kitchen tv!
  • Compact size - The dock part of it folds inside to make it easier to pack and carry around!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Upgrading your system memory

I consider myself as a geed (hence the name of the blog :) ) and even I took a while to figure out which memory to buy when it came to upgrade by notebook. So I thought I'll write about my experience.

As any geek would do now-a-days I turned to Google - no surprise there? After few minutes of 'googling' here is what I came up with:

Step 1. Find the memory specifications. The easiest thing to do is to go to Kingston.com and use their "Memory Search" tool. I liked Crucial.com also, but I later found out that when it comes to deals in Amazon, Buy.com etc, they are not that great.

Step 2. Once Kingston shows you the part number, copy that go to your favorite online shopping site and search for that part. I tried Amazon.com and Buy.com and ended up buying from Buy.com.

Step 3. Installing the memory is a tricky thing and varies by manufacturer of your systems. So I recommend going back to your user manual.

Happy upgrading!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Zune for $99 + free shipping!!!

I got this great deal from Buy.com which I already made use of - Zune (brown) for $99 + free shipping. I was trying to avoid this "Zune" thing for some time, but this was unbelievable! So went for it! Got it last week and I am very happy with it. The Zune software is not as cool as iTunes, but it works.