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Sunday, August 7, 2011
"Falling Skies" 2 Hour Season Finale Tonight!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tablet Q&A
I have received a couple of questions pertaining to tablets. So I figured there has to be more than one or two people out there who are curious, so here we go.
1- Can you replace the hard drive in a tablet?
A- Currently and officially, no. With that being said, I know there are sites out there that do offer some maintenance on tablets and similar devices (like iPod Touches and iPhones). So chances are you MAY be able to find someone who could do the work, but be forewarned chances are good it will void any kind of waranty or coverage you may have on your device. Most tablets offer a slot for a MicroSD Card to enhance the amount of storage on your device which is the method of "upgrading storage capacity" for most tablet devices.
2- Can you replace the battery in most tablets?
A- Currently, not in most of the tablets available on the market. Toshiba recently released the Thrive Tablet line which does feature a User Replaceable battery. Which in my opinion is an extremely nice feature. But as far as I am aware, that is the first tablet to offer this feature. In the past Apple has been known to be able to service iPod's and iPod Touches when it comes to battery replacements, so I am assuming they will offer a similar service for the iPad. However, they usually charge a handsome sum for this service.
3- Can you print from a tablet?
A- Natively, nope. However there are apps available both in Apple's App Store and the Android Market that allow printing through a wifi connection to either a printer with Wifi capabilities or through a computer with a shared printer. One thing I like to do is use DropBox to sync important documents with my PC for printing later. Or you can even use Google Docs and print from a PC when you get near one.
Now I know out of these three key questions the answer for all 3 happened to be NO. So what is a tablet good for? Tablets are designed for computing on the go. Even more so than a laptop. Surfing the web, media playback (movies and music), email access, communication, etc. If you're looking for the ability to replace a failed hard drive, swap battery packs out on the fly, or the stipulation of having the option to print to a local USB based printer, than perhaps a laptop is better suited for your needs.
If you're looking to play games on the go, watch a tv show while sitting in an airport, read a book at lunch, and check your stocks all from the same device. Than a tablet may be right down you're alley.
1- Can you replace the hard drive in a tablet?
A- Currently and officially, no. With that being said, I know there are sites out there that do offer some maintenance on tablets and similar devices (like iPod Touches and iPhones). So chances are you MAY be able to find someone who could do the work, but be forewarned chances are good it will void any kind of waranty or coverage you may have on your device. Most tablets offer a slot for a MicroSD Card to enhance the amount of storage on your device which is the method of "upgrading storage capacity" for most tablet devices.
2- Can you replace the battery in most tablets?
A- Currently, not in most of the tablets available on the market. Toshiba recently released the Thrive Tablet line which does feature a User Replaceable battery. Which in my opinion is an extremely nice feature. But as far as I am aware, that is the first tablet to offer this feature. In the past Apple has been known to be able to service iPod's and iPod Touches when it comes to battery replacements, so I am assuming they will offer a similar service for the iPad. However, they usually charge a handsome sum for this service.
3- Can you print from a tablet?
A- Natively, nope. However there are apps available both in Apple's App Store and the Android Market that allow printing through a wifi connection to either a printer with Wifi capabilities or through a computer with a shared printer. One thing I like to do is use DropBox to sync important documents with my PC for printing later. Or you can even use Google Docs and print from a PC when you get near one.
Now I know out of these three key questions the answer for all 3 happened to be NO. So what is a tablet good for? Tablets are designed for computing on the go. Even more so than a laptop. Surfing the web, media playback (movies and music), email access, communication, etc. If you're looking for the ability to replace a failed hard drive, swap battery packs out on the fly, or the stipulation of having the option to print to a local USB based printer, than perhaps a laptop is better suited for your needs.
If you're looking to play games on the go, watch a tv show while sitting in an airport, read a book at lunch, and check your stocks all from the same device. Than a tablet may be right down you're alley.
Gaming Deals of The Week: OnLive Specials!
Though I am not currently a customer of the gaming service known as OnLive. I do have some friends who use the services (and are extremely happy with it). I do get their newsletters in my inbox every week. And this week there are several deals that look pretty awesome if you're in the market. And with several hours of today still to go, you have plenty of time to swing by and check it out.
Today's Special: Darksiders for $5.00. If you're looking for a reason to romp around as on of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, this is a great reason to take up your sword for only $5.
If you're looking for a pretty freakin' affordable way to play games, you might want to check into the PlayPack subscription through OnLive. You get unlimited play of over 70 titles for only $10.00 a month. If my internet was any faster, I'd jump all over this service.
Today's Special: Darksiders for $5.00. If you're looking for a reason to romp around as on of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, this is a great reason to take up your sword for only $5.
If you're looking for a pretty freakin' affordable way to play games, you might want to check into the PlayPack subscription through OnLive. You get unlimited play of over 70 titles for only $10.00 a month. If my internet was any faster, I'd jump all over this service.
Computer Certification Training
This is a little outside of my normal post. Most of my posts are aimed at your everyday user/gamer/or nerds like me. However, I'm currently trying to work on some training for the CompTIA A+ certification for work; and thought I'd share a like for other's who may be looking for a good place to start. Swing by:
Professor Messor's Free Training at: http://da60dbbd.tinylinks.co
His site is chock full of free training videos and materials to help aid in your study time. I'm currently working through the A Plus information and I have found this site to be an extremely valuable aid to assist with my study time.
Happy Surfing!
Professor Messor's Free Training at: http://da60dbbd.tinylinks.co
His site is chock full of free training videos and materials to help aid in your study time. I'm currently working through the A Plus information and I have found this site to be an extremely valuable aid to assist with my study time.
Happy Surfing!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Acer Iconia a500 Tablet = An Awesome Art Tool!
I have always had an affinity for art. I love to draw, sketch, and when I have time I like to paint. However, there has always been several determining factors in when I get to take part of this little hobby. Supplies are big factor, whether or not I have a spare sketch pad or paper laying around to use. Painting can be rather messy and get out of control pretty quick. And a lot of times, there just isn't enough time in the day to setup an easel break out the paints and go at it. I live a pretty busy life.
So here's my solution (and my art fix). I use my Acer Iconia a500 android tablet. Why not? I used to have a Wacom Bamboo Tablet for my PC that was awesome, but required me to stay at the computer to use it. So I started trying out some of the more Art-centric Android apps in the Google Android Market. What did I find?
I found 2 apps that really stood out and 1 app that is nice for a quick time wasting doodle. See below for information on all 3.
The first app I tried was Fresco Lite. For free you have access to 2 layers, 2 filters, and 3 brushes. You can export your drawings into the .PSD format for use in Gimp or Photoshop. It's a lot of fun to use and with a little skill could be used to make some cool art. If you like it you can always purchase the full version to unlock about 30 brushes and more layers.
The second option I found was called dscribble Tablet. It's functionality is somewhat limited. However, one neat aspect of this app is that you can post your scribble to their site for others to checkout from within the app. You can even view other people's scribbles with an in-app viewer. For a little quick inspiration and the social aspect, dscribble is a neat app. Plus, it's free.
Finally, the last app I tried out has been the one where I have spend most of my doodling time as of late. Simply because it is awesome. Both dscribble and Fresco Lite has the own unique points making them both fun art apps but both bring about the experience in a little different way. Fresco Lite captures more of a painting aspect. While dscribble is more like the napkin from lunch that you doodle on during a conference call.
But the app that has become my art-go-to or my tablet's almost equivalent of Photoshop or Gimp is: AutoDesk's SketchBook Mobile Express. AutoDesk is an industry leader with software such as AutoCad, 3DSMax, Inventor, Maya and SketchBook Pro for the PC/Mac. So why is SketchBook Mobile Express awesome? Easy, it allows for multiple layers, has an outstanding amount of usable brushes. The input tracking is pretty responsive, so depending on your device's specs you should have a pretty smooth experience with it. The brush effects are so fluid you'll swear you were actually using a pencil and a sketchpad by the time your done with your first "masterpiece". lol
There is the capability to do freehand or mirrored drawing. You can use an onscreen ruler for measuring, not to mention the control over opacity and color picking is awesome. They have managed to streamline the UI for the app by hiding it altogether. There is a small button at the bottom center of the screen. When you tap that button it will open the user interface and a nice selection wheel will pop up. You can use this selection wheel to quickly switch brushes, brush sizes, and several other options.
After finding SketchBook Mobile Express in the Android Market I was sold after playing around for just a few minutes. So I decided to buy the full version, since SketchBook Mobile Express is free. The full version will set you back $4.99, but in my opinion is well worth it.
After you pick the drawing/sketching/doodling app of your choice, you could always go one more step. I found drawing with my finger tip just didn't feel right to me. I wanted to hold something while drawing. So I picked up a Targus Stylus Pen from Walmart (Best Buy carries them too). It set me about about $12.00 or so (they are $14.99 at Best Buy). This completed my drawing toolkit on my Android Tablet. Plus, I now have a full drawing studio wherever I take my tablet. Sure beats lugging around a sketchpad and a box of pencils everywhere. Plus it's a lot of fun even if you're like me and just like to doodle.
Enjoy!
So here's my solution (and my art fix). I use my Acer Iconia a500 android tablet. Why not? I used to have a Wacom Bamboo Tablet for my PC that was awesome, but required me to stay at the computer to use it. So I started trying out some of the more Art-centric Android apps in the Google Android Market. What did I find?
I found 2 apps that really stood out and 1 app that is nice for a quick time wasting doodle. See below for information on all 3.
 |
| 2 min. paint of my dog in Fresco Lite |
The first app I tried was Fresco Lite. For free you have access to 2 layers, 2 filters, and 3 brushes. You can export your drawings into the .PSD format for use in Gimp or Photoshop. It's a lot of fun to use and with a little skill could be used to make some cool art. If you like it you can always purchase the full version to unlock about 30 brushes and more layers.
Finally, the last app I tried out has been the one where I have spend most of my doodling time as of late. Simply because it is awesome. Both dscribble and Fresco Lite has the own unique points making them both fun art apps but both bring about the experience in a little different way. Fresco Lite captures more of a painting aspect. While dscribble is more like the napkin from lunch that you doodle on during a conference call.
But the app that has become my art-go-to or my tablet's almost equivalent of Photoshop or Gimp is: AutoDesk's SketchBook Mobile Express. AutoDesk is an industry leader with software such as AutoCad, 3DSMax, Inventor, Maya and SketchBook Pro for the PC/Mac. So why is SketchBook Mobile Express awesome? Easy, it allows for multiple layers, has an outstanding amount of usable brushes. The input tracking is pretty responsive, so depending on your device's specs you should have a pretty smooth experience with it. The brush effects are so fluid you'll swear you were actually using a pencil and a sketchpad by the time your done with your first "masterpiece". lol
There is the capability to do freehand or mirrored drawing. You can use an onscreen ruler for measuring, not to mention the control over opacity and color picking is awesome. They have managed to streamline the UI for the app by hiding it altogether. There is a small button at the bottom center of the screen. When you tap that button it will open the user interface and a nice selection wheel will pop up. You can use this selection wheel to quickly switch brushes, brush sizes, and several other options.
After finding SketchBook Mobile Express in the Android Market I was sold after playing around for just a few minutes. So I decided to buy the full version, since SketchBook Mobile Express is free. The full version will set you back $4.99, but in my opinion is well worth it.
 |
| My quick doodle in SketchBookPro |
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Other Linux...
I am an avid Linux fan. And whenever I speak with someone about Linux, one word always seems to pop up during the first part of the conversation. That word is: Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a wonderful Linux distribution; especially for those looking to get their first taste of Linux. Why? Simple, Ubuntu pretty much works out of the box with most common hardware. If there is a need for a restricted driver, it will usually prompt you about it and make it fairly easy to fix.
Software is easy to come by and install via the Ubuntu Software Center. And it has managed to keep a lot of the on-screen clutter away by default. Nothing looks quite as snazzy as a fresh Ubuntu install. However, with the introduction of Unity within the latest official release of Ubuntu 11.04 'Naty Narwhal' seemed to rub a lot of long time fans the wrong way.
I have been using Ubuntu for several years. I usually give the newest releases a test spin and see how they work. I must admit, I'm not much of a fan of Unity. I know there are those out there that absolutely love Unity. Personally, it doesn't quite do it for me. That's just my taste. I feel that Unity would be better aptly suited for a tablet or touch optimized implementation. On the desktop, it gives me a cluttered feel.
So with Unity making it's debut (I know 11.04 came out several months ago, so I'm a little behind); I wanted to call attention to several other Linux Distributions that are more than competent distributions, just without Unity.
Linux Mint 11 'Katya' is the most current release of Mint (as of this writing). Linux Mint is based on the Ubuntu distribution so you get a familiar backbone for the system, but without Unity.
What does Linux Mint do that makes it so special? Easy, it's goal is to provide media codecs, DVD playback, and browser plugins out of the box. Whereas with other Distributions you have to manually install these yourself.
The only drawback for me when it comes to Linux Mint, is the amount of the color green they tend to color everything with. However, functionality wise; Mint is an outstanding distribution of choice. And currently ranks 2nd in the list on Distrowatch's chart of Linux Distributions (second only to Ubuntu which is presently in first place).
If you're looking for another Ubuntu-based distribution, than Zorin OS may be the way to go. Where Zorin OS excels is being a smooth transition maker from Windows to the Linux world. Plus they feature some nice add-ons from their 'Look Changer' to the Splash Screen Manager to make your OS look unique to you. I personally I haven't had much hands on with Zorin OS, but it comes highly recommended from the gentleman who got me into Linux several years ago.
OpenSUSE 11.4 is an RPM based Linux distribution in the vein of the old RedHat operating system. You'll notice it seems to be aimed more at business use; however, it is a tight operating system even for the home user. It is currently a community effort sponsored by Novell. It also comes in GNOME and KDE versions.
If you're looking for a rock solid Linux OS, than please at least consider this one.
When in doubt, why not go all the way back to where great distributions got started and jump into Debian (not to mention Ubuntu). Debian has been the basis of so many different Linux distributions throughout the years, it is a great operating system. With a lot of customization able to be accomplished, you get the familiarity of systems like Ubuntu, but grants a little more tinkering if you like to play with configuration files.
And with modest system requirements, Debian will run on even older hardware that you need to resurrect for other purposes.
I know there are plenty of other Linux Distributions floating around out there. And some may even be more popular than the few I've listed here. But if this article doesn't do anything other than remind you that there are other versions of Linux out there other than Ubuntu, than I have succeeded. So if you're looking to jump into Linux for the first time, or even just looking for something fresh to play around with. Swing by Distrowatch.com for a rather large list, and a great reference for Linux Distros.
Happy Surfing!
Make Money Selling Your Diablo 3 loot?
Well, word of the digital street is that Diablo III will feature a sort of auction house. Not that big of a deal right? Hold on tight, what if those auction houses provided a means for your to sell your items (crafted or looted) for real world money? In other words, hock your high level loot for cash.
Isn't this the type of thing Blizzard has been fighting for years within WoW? People selling items/gold and in some cases the game accounts for real world cash via eBay and forum meetups? So why are they embracing the activity now? Well, it looks as though Blizzard will charge a fee for cash transactions and will process via a third party to handle to transactions.
Among other Diablo III knews, Blizzard has confirmed that players will have to run an active internet connection while playing the game (when it's finally released). This is a form of DRM; which as we know, DRM actually hurts the people who spend their hard earned cash and usually doesn't even affect pirates who can find ways to bypass it in the end anyways. So as hot as Diablo III is, Blizzard better be careful not to ward off any long time fans.
Isn't this the type of thing Blizzard has been fighting for years within WoW? People selling items/gold and in some cases the game accounts for real world cash via eBay and forum meetups? So why are they embracing the activity now? Well, it looks as though Blizzard will charge a fee for cash transactions and will process via a third party to handle to transactions.
Among other Diablo III knews, Blizzard has confirmed that players will have to run an active internet connection while playing the game (when it's finally released). This is a form of DRM; which as we know, DRM actually hurts the people who spend their hard earned cash and usually doesn't even affect pirates who can find ways to bypass it in the end anyways. So as hot as Diablo III is, Blizzard better be careful not to ward off any long time fans.
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