AbsoluteWindows

I’m in Los Angeles for Microsoft PDC 2009

2009-11-16T16:14:00.001-08:00

I am in the beauuuutiful City of Angels, Los Angeles, California for the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, or PDC2009.

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Browser OEMs complain louder to the EU

2009-11-09T06:51:00.001-08:00

I simply cannot grokk these browser yobs. Really cannot.

First off, Opera whines to the desmids at the EU Directorate for Quashing American Inventiveness about Windows 7 shipping with an included browser.

As usual, they are granted an audience by those numbskulls who immediately try to harm Microsoft.

Resources used

Common sense.

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The SmallBizWindows Verbatim InSight Portable Hard Drive Review

2009-11-09T06:44:00.001-08:00

In the past year, Verbatim has gone on a tear, solidifying their hold on several market segments, and moving boldly into new ones.

A market segment that Verbatim obviously views as important is the portable hard drive space.

The Verbatim InSight 500 GB portable hard drive is one innovation the company has brought to market recently.

This is a nicely styled, fast, and extremely quiet portable hard drive. It came in a well-padded retail box, with a USB-to-mini-USB cable – the drive has a mini-USB interface, and a quick start guide. Nero BackItUp soft was pre-installed on the hard drive.

Apart from the very sleek styling, the InSight has an always-on LCD display that gives you notification of the drive name and remaining free space on the drive – whether the drive is powered or not.

Backups, backups, Backups!

Resources used

Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2
HP z400 Personal Workstation
HP z800 Personal Workstation
HP IQ518 TouchSmart PC
HP ProLiant M110 G5

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The SmallBizWindows Epson WorkForce 610 Review

2009-11-09T06:38:00.001-08:00

About a year ago, we reviewed the Epson WorkForce 600 MFC printer and deemed it business ready.

A few months ago, we were given the opportunity to review the latest iteration of that printer, and accepted.

The new Epson WorkForce 610 printer is virtually the same as the old 600, but for better and faster connections to networks.

(read more)

Resources used

Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2
HP tx2 TouchSmart Tablet PC
HP z800 Personal Workstation
HP ProLiant ML350 G5
Toshiba Tecra M7

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HP delivers key pieces of Converged Infrastructure vision

2009-11-04T22:50:00.001-08:00

Over the past year, we have heard of HP’s Converged Infrastructure vision.

Today, HP has opened the kimono just a little bit wider, and laid some cards on the table for all to see.

What is HP Converged Infrastructure?
HP Converged Infrastructure calls for the end-to-end virtualization of resources in the data center and unification under common management. With HP Virtual Resource Pools, modular standards-based technology assets can be quickly assigned or repurposed to support any workload or application need from enterprise, to cloud and high performance computing applications.

(read more)

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iPhone bug keeps Safari humming, and your costs running up…

2009-11-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

…well, only if you’re not on the AT&T not-always-3G network in the US!

AppleSpot, of Estonia, has discovered a bug in the iPhone Safari that could keep Safari running in the background if you open a motion-jpeg file, and then close iPhone Safari…read more

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OSX.Loosemaque: malware just for OS X

2009-11-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

Say what you may about the open source types, but they generally come across as intelligent types. Misguided, yes; but intelligent, nonetheless.

Contrast that with the herd that is known somewhat affectionately as Macaholics.

With their incredibly insular view of the world at large, they seem to live as much as possible to the ideals espoused by those I’m a PC, You’re a Mac ads…(read more)

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China has a lunar mission planned for 2020?

2009-11-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

And where are we?

The fact that they have a lunar mission on the books is galling enough.

The fact that we do not, is beyond the pale.

(read more)

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MySQL founder’s seller’s remorse

2009-11-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

What is it with these smart people selling out for a lot of moola, pulling the ripcord and ejecting when the new owners of their respective ‘babies’ start ignoring them, then whining about how they would like to buy their ‘baby’ back? The Skype babies come to mind….

Also check out MySQL.

(read more)

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Shiny new thing: HP StorageWorks Data Vault x510

2009-11-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

At The Orbiting O’Odua today, I received a new HP StorageWorks Data Vault x510 for review.

Running the Windows Home Server Operating system, but optimized for business, the Data Vault x510 represents the second WHS-based device being reviewed here at the O’Odua. The other device is an Acer Aspire A340 Windows Home Server. The Aspire A340 is a home device.

(read more)

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The SmallBizWindows HP Mini 1000 MIe Windows 7 Review

2009-11-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Netbooks are all the rage nowadays. They are cheap, accessible, and seemingly everywhere

However, until the release of Windows 7, most of these devices have come with Windows XP based on the heavy resource requirements if Windows Vista™.

Well, now there is Windows 7.

In January 2009, I received an HP Mini 1000 Mie Edition for review as part of a social media program run by Ivy Worldwide (formerly known as BuzzCorps).

This was the least-powered version of the Mini 1000 series. It was equipped with a 1 GHz Intel Atom processor, integrated graphics, 1 GB of RAM, and a 16 GB SSD (solid state disk). The unit came with a customized Ubuntu Linux.

To be fair, I decided to give Linux a go. I used Ubuntu for a few weeks until driver issues forced me to return to the Light. Of Windows, that is…(read more)

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The SmallBizWindows MotionDSP vReveal Review

2009-11-02T18:08:00.001-08:00

One of the guilty pleasures most of us enjoy nowadays is that of being armature photographers, armed with our cellphone cameras, looking for the next doofus who would make our production the next viral hit on the Internet.

(read more)

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Torrents contain malware? Who knew?

2009-11-02T18:07:00.001-08:00

Psst! Would you like some malware with that illegal torrent download?

Microsoft researchers, in analyzing data, have found out that illegal downloads from torrents have become a particularly effective malware distribution channel

(read more)

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Office 2010 public beta due this month

2009-11-02T18:06:00.001-08:00

The Microsoft Office Team has sent out notifications about the close of the Office 2010 Technical Preview, and its transition into a public beta.

From the notice:

(read more)

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Microsoft Office Accounting bites the dust

2009-11-02T18:05:00.001-08:00

Who didn’t see this coming?

If you’ve ever tried to use Office Accounting, you would have seen the end nearing fast.

Why did it fail?

(read more)

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Microsoft Security Essentials voted best (free) antivirus software

2009-11-02T14:03:00.001-08:00

AV-Comparatives has looked into the current crop of free antivirus programs, and crowned Microsoft’s new Security Essentials the best of the lot.

That is pretty remarkable for a product that is new, and from a company generally regarded by stalwarts in that sector as a abecedarian.

(read more)

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Rampant shark-jumping by Apple Fanbois

2009-10-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Quick question: what version of Windows would you position against the just-announced Apple Leopard Server?

If you answered Microsoft Windows Home Server, you would be right.

(read more)

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Connectify turns a Windows 7 device into a hotspot

2009-10-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Apparently, an undocumented feature in Windows 7, the software router, is the ability to turn the wi-fi functionality of your system into a hotspot.

Since Microsoft didn’t develop it further, an enterprising company called Nomadio had taken a further step, and created an end user app for it.

(read more)

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The SmallBizWindows Epson WorkForce 310 Printer Review

2009-10-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

While it is very good to have a crazy-big, wicked-fast color laser printer such as the HP Color LaserJet CP6015 or the award winning CM6040f, most smaller businesses would only have the resources for a desktop multifunction device (MFC), also known as all-in-ones (AIO).

For those smaller companies or needs, Epson has the WorkForce line of MFCs. At AbsolutelyWindows, we have three of these devices in our review inventory: the WorkForce 310, WorkForce 600, and WorkForce 610 all-in-ones.

We are reviewing the WorkForce 310 here.

The Epson WorkForce 310 is a small MFC created for businesses. Part of the WorkForce line, the 310 is, in Epson terminology, a 4-in-1 printer, giving the user print, copy, scan, and fax functionality.

(read more)

Resources used in this review:

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, x64
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Small Business
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview
HP Compaq C700 Notebook Computer
HP tx2 TouchSmart Tablet PC
Toshiba Tecra M7, MedikLabs
HP ProLiant ML110 G5
HP ProLiant ML350 G5

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Microsoft USB/DVD Download Tool

2009-10-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

With netbooks everywhere, potential upgraders have found out that their path to Windows 7 bliss is blocked by the lack of an optical drive.

(read more)

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The SmallBizWindows Verbatim 250 GB Premier Edition Hard Drive Review

2009-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

In this day and age, backups, of any kind, are a must. With the advent of Windows 7 into our computing lives, backups are even more important.

Based on that, I decided to ask for, and I received three portable hard drives from Verbatim for review here at AbsolutelyWindows: a 250 GB Verbatim Premier Edition portable hard drive, a 500 GB Verbatim InSight portable hard drive, and a 1 TB Verbatim Quad-interface Professional hard drive. We are reviewing the 250 GB Premier Edition Portable Hard Drive here.

(Read More)

Resources used in this review:

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, x64
Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview, x64
Microsoft SyncToy v2.0, x64
HP tx2 Tablet PC
HP dv2 Notebook computer
HP z400 Personal Workstation
HP z800 Personal Workstation
Toshiba Tecra M7, MedikLabs
HP ProLiant ML110 G5
HP ProLiant ML350 G5, MedikLabs

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NASA Ares I-X users in a new stage in space transportation

2009-10-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

With NASA about to sunset all Space Shuttle missions, the ‘replacement’ for the Shuttle, the Ares rocket took to the skies yesterday in a planned launch.

While I for one, is not pleased with the replacement of a manned vehicle with a rocket – manned or unmanned, I am pleased that NASA is showing some signs of life.

(read more)

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Microsoft gifts the World the Outlook .pst format

2009-10-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

Why?

Seriously though, this is ‘A Good Thing’ as there should be more interoperability between the myriad numbers of email clients out there.

(read more)

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Boeing jilts Seattle for $170 million

2009-10-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

This was a surprise!

(Read more)

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Xerox innovates with printed circuits

2009-10-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

Xerox is one of those companies that continually confounds me.

They are very innovative and creative, yet as a company, they take falling asleep at the wheel to be some sort of sacred mantra when it comes to corporate strategy*.

(read more)

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Joe Davidson Designs makes me look good

2009-10-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

Joe Davidson Designs, of Ontario, Canada, is the designer of all logos, artwork, and other graphics used by Logikworx, and all associated and affiliated companies.

Joe is very good at what he does, and goes beyond the task by constantly refining the designs, sometimes for weeks after the ‘final’ product was delivered. (I know, that part costs money, re-doing the documents.)

A few friends had asked about the new AbsolutelyWindows, SmallBizWindows, and Logikworx logos, so I asked the normally shy Joe to provide a bio.

(read more)

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The SmallBizWindows HP Color LaserJet CP6015 Review

2009-10-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

For the past several months, we have had an HP Color LaserJet CP6015, both in CP6015dn and CP6015xh versions for review here at SmallBizWindows.

As with the award-winning HP CM6040f MFC, the CP6015 is one big, heavy machine, weighing in at approximately 285lbs just by itself (without the booklet maker accessory).

Based on its capabilities (and girth), I decided to conduct the review at MedikLabs, a fully-functioning pediatric practice in Northern Colorado.

(read more)

Resources used in this review:

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, x64
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Small Business
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview
HP Compaq C700 Notebook Computer
HP tx2 TouchSmart Tablet PC
Toshiba Tecra M7, MedikLabs
HP ProLiant ML110 G5
HP ProLiant ML350 G5

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Microsoft cancels ‘The Family Guy’ ad placement deal

2009-10-26T17:36:00.001-07:00

Microsoft is a rarity these days.

Not just as a hugely successful and profitable software company, but as a company that employs some of the most brilliant people on Terra; from the actual foot soldiers (the Microserfs) to the wonks at Microsoft Research.

Unfortunately, this penchant for hiring brainiacs seemingly does not extend to their marketing types…(read more)

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How I designed Windows 7, Part Deux

2009-10-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I listed my Microsoft Wish List for 2008.

Earlier today, I was sent a private message about a blog I posted back in July 2008 titled, 10 Steps to a Successful Windows 7.

Re-reading the article, I realized my contribution was greater than I thought!

From the article:…(read more)

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I, John Obeto, designed Windows 7!

2009-10-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

You did what?

I was the one who designed Windows 7!

I listed 23 things I wanted Microsoft to accomplish in order to make Windows Vista a success…(read more)

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Windows 7 Launched Today!

2009-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Earlier on today, Microsoft released Windows 7 into general availability*.

I was at the Windows 7 Launch Party in New York City**, and it was a departure from the past Windows launch because of the palpable confidence of Microserfs.

Led by the always effusive Steve Ballmer, Microsoft wowed the crowd…(read more)

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How to Kill a Brand 101: the Microsoft Sidekick Fiasco

2009-10-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

For a company that prides itself on doing the right thing at the right time – witness their seeming acquiescence for over three years, to the totally inaccurate I’m a PC, I’m a Mac ads from Apple, Microsoft sure fubar’d this incident.

What went wrong?

For the past week, I have watched and listened as absolutely no Microsoft C-level executive stepped up to the plate, and owned the meltdown, on behalf of Microsoft, the company…(read more)

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Forgive me but why all the love for Zune HD?

2009-09-14T21:20:00.001-07:00

I mean, it this the best that Microsoft could do in this space?

Forgive me but why all the love for Zune HD?

In a vacuum, the decision to release Zune HD would have been brilliant.

However, it is very disconcerting to see people going gaga over this device IMO, shamelessly.

(read more)

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Do numbskulls sometimes run Microsoft?

2009-09-14T20:31:00.001-07:00

Last week, I advised a friend to switch to Microsoft Online Services from Office Live, due to my concerns about data security and retention.

She agreed.

However, this tech-savvy woman ran into issues with migrating her current Hotmail-based emails to Exchange online.

Unable to reach me over the weekend, she contacted Microsoft Online Services for assistance.

(read more)

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Microsoft at Best Buy: more whining.

2009-09-08T20:52:00.001-07:00

According to this article, Microsoft is ‘indoctrinating’ Best Buy droids with the Windows 7 message.

A little backgrounder: a finance ‘reporter’ from AOHELL goes into Best Buy looking to purchase a Linux Netbook.

(read more)

Previous/Related

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Russia’s FAS drops antitrust action against Microsoft

2009-09-08T13:35:00.001-07:00

When prosecutorial overreach is corrected, it is always a beautiful thing.

Case in point is the dropping, on September 7, of antitrust action related to Windows XP by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service, FAS.

(read more)

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Ladies, Gentlemen: please patch your new Snow Leopard install

2009-09-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

‘Absolutely secure’; complete security; a ‘bulletproof operating system’; ‘no need for malware’.

Remember those trite platitudes from the “You’re a PC, I’m a Mac” ads?

(read more)

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Run Curt, run!

2009-09-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one wishing that Curt Schilling would go ahead and really run for the open Senate seat in Massachusetts?

Curt, baby, run!

Please!

(read more)

Previously
Can Curt shut up?

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Policeman shoots fire chief in court over tickets

2009-09-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Let me repeat that:

A cop shoots a fire fire chief in a courtroom over tickets

(read more)

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Yesterday’s Gmail outage: how prepared were you?

2009-09-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

One of the little lessons lost in yesterday’s Gmail meltdown, was that as nice, and as trendy as the digerati make Gmail out to be; you know the ‘Next Big Thing’, Gmail is so NOT ready for Prime Time!

(read more)

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40 percent growth for netbooks? Enter Google Chrome OS

2009-09-01T13:26:00.001-07:00

By any metric, a 40% year-over-year growth rate is impressive.

For the netbook market, that number has enabled it to zoom to 22% market share in a very short period of time.

(read more)

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HP dx9000 TouchSmart Business PC Giveaway

2009-08-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

Last month, we introduced the HP TouchSmart dx9000 giveaway to a lucky winner who develops a great business-ready application. This baby is up for grabs—it could be all yours! All you need to do create a touch app that businesses can use.

(read more)

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Swiss government listens in on VOIP

2009-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

Not content to be the bankers for the world’s dictators, and other bad people, the Swiss government has added VOIP snooping to their list of tasks.

(read more)

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Diskeeper invents new defragmentation scheme

2009-08-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

If the claims in this Computerworld story are true, Diskeeper is poised to deliver some serious $$$ to stakeholders!

(read more)

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Snow Leopard: upgrade pricing done right!

2009-08-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

While is is not like me to give props to the loops at #1, Infinite Loop, in Cupertino, I have to give them mungo props for having an impressive connection to their consumers.

Take the upgrade price for the recently-released Mac OS X, known as Snow Leper: $30 USD.

(read more)

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Windows 7 Sins?

2009-08-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

Really!

(read more)

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Boeing 787 should fly sometime this year

2009-08-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry, if I’m not “feelin’ it”, as they say in the ‘hood.

(Read More)

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OS X has, em, malware?

2009-08-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just caught this tidbit on the blogosphere: that OS X 10.6 (Snow Leper) will come with anti-malware software out of the box!

(Read more)

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Understanding Microsoft Virtualization Solutions – free ebook

2009-08-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Press is offering all the eBook above completely free.

(read more)

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Another open source vendor joins the continuum

2009-08-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

So, come to find out that despite the bleating of the open source types, some companies are being realistic, and ~~kissing Microsoft’s ring~~ signing protection agreements with Microsoft.

(read more)

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SCO really is Lazarus!!!

2009-08-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Do you remember in the old, campy horror flicks, where the hero/heroine uses a sharpened silver implement, usually of the improvised type, to continually stab the evil zombie fiend, while insanely chanting, die, die, die?

(read more)

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Nokia Booklet 3G Netbook – this is BIG!

2009-08-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

When Microsoft announced an alliance with Nokia two weeks ago today, I was left, well, completely underwhelmed.

To me, what was necessary, was for Microsoft and Nokia to form an alliance centered around operating systems.

Since it was Nokia, I assumed, and wanted such an OS alliance to be centered around cellular telephones.

I was shortsighted.

(read more)

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Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard to ship on Friday

2009-08-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a very long time, I am torn between performing a cursory look at the forthcoming Apple Mac OS X v10.6, aka ‘Snow Leper’, and performing an in-depth review.

I have sent out an email to all business owner clients to gauge their interest in such a review.

Let’s see how it goes….

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4 ways to make HP Gabble more relevant

2009-08-23T14:11:00.001-07:00

HP Gabble is an intriguing concept: video calls anywhere, using HP transportation and technology.

However, the implementation is less than optimal.

Four modifications to Gabble should mitigate that. (read more)

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The Redbox onslaught: was Blockbuster asleep?

2009-08-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

The current flap initiated by the movie studios over Redbox has me wondering where ~~Blockbuster~~ the sleeping giant is, and when it would awaken.

Can someone tell me why Blockbuster didn’t see this? (read more)

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iPhone GPS app for $100? Hello, anybody home?

2009-08-17T20:33:00.001-07:00

One of the greatest shows out there for a long time, was The Twilight Zone. Crazy stuff happening that you could sorta explain, and mostly couldn’t.

Fast forward to today, and you have TomTom selling an iPhone GPS application for $100….(read more)

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The SmallBizWindows HP z400 Personal Workstation Review

2009-08-15T21:07:00.001-07:00

Last year, HP led all comers in ISA workstations with their xw8600 personal workstation, one of which was reviewed by yours truly.

We were so impressed by the xw8600 that we gave it the very first SmallBizWindows Absolute Best Award, with it going on to win the Product of the Year Award 2008 from our editorial board.

In March this year, HP dropped another bombshell: they weren’t sitting still, and they announced, and shipped the new HP Z-series workstations, a very worthy replacement for the xw-series…(read more)

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Stardock & Windows Customizations

2009-08-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most intrepid companies out there in the Windows space is Stardock, with the impressive range of customization products that allow for personalization of Windows to the nth degree…(read more)

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Microsoft & Nokia, sitting in a tree….

2009-08-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, Microsoft and Nokia informed the Earth of their latest agreement, one that allows for the development and delivery of Microsoft’s Office Mobile to Nokia’s line of smartphones.

In a vacuum, it would be giddy news…(read more)

Related
Mary Jo Foley
Joe Wilcox

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Verbatim moves in, starts redefining the USB Flash drive space

2009-08-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

For a long while now, the USB flash drive space has been commoditized, with lackluster, piecemeal improvements in the sector.

No more…(read more)

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The 787, Boeing, and hubris

2009-08-11T13:17:00.001-07:00

Last year, flush with profits, Boeing executives decided to completely lose their minds, and, rather than negotiate with its unions, the dolts decided to allow a strike.

Whomever came up with that adage, “If you ever want to hear God laugh, make a plan” is a bonafide genius...(Read more)

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Go Google all the way? Nyet!!

2009-08-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

I hear that Google has been advertizing that people disconnect from their current productivity applications, and catch the (Google) Wave.

Erh, I don’t think so…(read more)

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Windows 7 RTM migrations are on!

2009-08-11T08:33:00.001-07:00

Since August 6, Microsoft has allowed downloads of Windows 7 RTM to IT professionals and invited beta testers, through the MSDN, TechNet, and Microsoft Connect portals…(read more)

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Verbatim 1TB quad-interface portable hard drive.

2009-08-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

I have received a Verbatim Quad-Interface Portable Hard Drive in the Orbiting O’Odua.

eSATA II, USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and FireWire 800, this drive aims to do it all.

We are up to tasking it, what with our Windows 7 migrations taking place.

More to come.

Throwing WinMo a lifeline by porting iPhone Apps to 6.5

2009-08-03T21:27:00.001-07:00

This is an absolutely genius idea.

Especially if WinMo is to gain traction off the bat.

In fact, Microsoft…(read more)

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Motorola: 2 Android phones by Christmas

2009-08-03T21:26:00.001-07:00

Really?

Not one, but two Android phones?… (read more)

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Infra Dig: Apple to Microsoft: Our feelings are hurt!

2009-07-26T21:00:00.001-07:00

While I was not privy to the phone call fielded by Kevin Turner, I’m going to assume it took place as follows (the Apple side of the conversation only):

Hello Microsoft,

We would like you to pull your ‘Laptop Hunter’ ads because, well, they are hurting our feelings.

(Read more)

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This article previously appeared in the July 2009 issue of The Interlocutor.

The Kindle Kerfuffle: Just rent a book?

2009-07-26T20:56:00.001-07:00

One of the more distressing issues raised by the total recall of those books by Amazon.com was not the fact that they could do what they did – anyone who thought that purchasing wirelessly, and requiring a sync ever so often, was without a ‘red destruct button’, is a blithering idiot - but the fact that every book you purchased from them was rented…..(read more)

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Innovation: HP Tech Forum & Expo 2009

2009-07-23T00:09:00.001-07:00

As befits an $118 billion plus company, Hewlett-Packard Corporation, or HP, holds a Technology Forum every year, this year in beautiful Las Vegas Nevada.

I had the privilege of being invited as a member of the Social Media to this year’s event….(read more)

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This article previously appeared in the July 2009 issue of The Interlocutor.

Microsoft Windows 7 has RTM’d

2009-07-23T00:05:00.001-07:00

The developers signed off on it, Steve Sinofsky likes it, Ballmer is doing cartwheels, and Bill Gates must be pleased.

Ladies and gentlemen, the best ever versions of the Microsoft Windows client, known as Microsoft Windows 7…(read more)

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Innovation: Symantec’s Norton Security Team

2009-07-20T22:46:00.001-07:00

Prior to the release of Norton Internet Security 2009 in September of last year, and the subsequent release of the Norton 360 Suite, Symantec’s Norton products had such a reputation for bloat, resource hungriness, and being a general factor in system disorder, that most IT professionals had stopped recommending them for their consumer and SMB clients….(read more)

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This article previously appeared in the July 2009 issue of The Interlocutor.

Does Innovation Matter?

2009-07-20T22:04:00.001-07:00

One of the most distressing things about the banking– and Wall Street-induced financial meltdown of the past year has been the perception that companies can reduce manpower indiscriminately, and automagically get themselves back to readiness for the forthcoming upturn.

That is a really crazy notion….(Read more)

The SmallBizWindows Verbatim Bluetooth Mouse Review

2009-07-20T21:54:00.001-07:00

As notebook/laptops/netbooks get smaller, the usability of the trackpad goes down. Furthermore, some actions are just not as easily performed using a trackpad, for example playing Spider Solitaire. As a result, there has been a very good market in notebook mice, as evidenced by the sheer numbers of devices out there….(Read more)

Chrome OS? O oh, early success of Bing has Google running scared!!!

2009-07-08T22:33:00.001-07:00

Being me is not easy!

In my blog post here, Bing: Be Afraid Google. Be very Afraid, I went against the grain and declared that the nonsensical and trite platitudes being mouthed by the Googlians was nothing more than fear.

In it, I posted one cool nugget: Google until now, has been able to distract Microsoft from coming after their cash cow, web search.

(read more)

*Battlefield Earth: you know the saying: It only took a billion monkeys thumping away at a billion typewriters a billion years to come up with that drivel. Which describes Microsoft’s web search strategy before Bing™.

AbsoluteWindows is giving away an HP dx9000 TouchSmart PC

2009-06-30T13:21:00.001-07:00

In conjunction with two other sites, AbsoluteWindows will be giving away a brand new HP dx9000, the TouchSmart of business PCs.

What do you have to do to get this baby?…(read more)

Stay tuned, or follow me on Twitter.

Ivy Worldwide wins the HP Circle Award!

2009-06-26T16:00:00.001-07:00

Right off the bat, Ivy Worldwide is already garnering kudos!

The HP Circle award is an award created by HP to celebrate marketing and design excellence at the company.

Guess who won in 2009?

Ivy Worldwide, formerly known as BuzzCorps. (read more)

Et tu, Mark Sanford?

2009-06-24T19:32:00.001-07:00

Now, we find out that where Mark ‘the righteous’ Sanford was: committing adultery!

Wow!

St. Mark violated one of the Top 10? (read more)

OpenSauce World walks the talk

2009-06-11T17:08:00.001-07:00

Gotta give these yobs props for this.

In one of the online fishwraps, I just read the OpenSauce World (yeah, intentional misspelling; then again that’s what I think of them,), the event formerly known as LinuxWorld, is going, well, the open source way, by giving away entry to the event for free to ‘qualified’ professionals…(read on)

Follow me on Twitter

The SmallBizWindows HP ScanJet 7000 Review

2009-06-11T16:20:00.001-07:00

Prior to the start of MedikLabs, my only interaction with scanners were of the personal desktop kind, since I left all the heavy lifting to the pros at FedEx Kinko’s or their peers.

However, the healthcare industry, as constituted in these United States in the year of our Lord 2009, has NEVER heard of conservation. Resultantly, that entire industry generates a ton of paper. Worst of all, the crazy amount of paper create d is only reduced by a smidgen if an electronic medical records software suite, or EMR, is used!

(Read on)

Tech Data will NOT carry Linux netbooks

2009-06-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sanity reigns supreme in technology distribution!

This Computerworld article will have those freaks all a twitter…(read on)

Ivy Worldwide’s $2500 Logo Design Contest ends Friday

2009-06-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

We are down to the final days of the Ivy Worldwide Logo Design Contest.

The prize?

$2500 USD.

Details at www.ivyworldwide.com

It’s a Windows netbook world after all!

2009-06-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

“You will not be able to download any distro, freetard.
You will not be able to use plug-n-play, just turn on the system, and get it to work.
You will not be able to lose yourself in movies streamed from Netflix, and skip,
Skip out for Jolt, or any other energy drink during downloading from torrents.
Because the Linux revolution will not be televised”

With the greatest respect to Gil Scott-Heron*.

Sometimes, it is hard to be humble!

In the nascent days of this market, spurred on by the research and development by Nicky and his crew at the OLPC, this subcategory of the laptop space in PCs was seen by the savior by the freetards. (read more)

Send less spam or unsubscribe me?

2009-05-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

A certain store chain* specializing in boudoir outfits hit is on the nail with their customer-forward thinking when you hit the unsubscribe key: ask if you want to unsubscribe completely, or reduce their spam to one spam piece per week.

While not optimal...(read more)

Android harlots: Android to surpass iPhone

2009-05-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

Will this nonsense ever stop?

Now you have some dimwits proclaiming the ascent of Android….over the iPhone!

Wha???

For goodness sakes, it would NEVER happen!

Even if you look past the desirability of the iPhone*, how do you get past the Linux underpinnings...(read more)

Ivy Worldwide

2009-05-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

BuzzCorps is changing to Ivy Worldwide, reflecting an expanded mission, and new capabilities to be added to their offerings.

However, to start, Ivy Worldwide needs a new logo.

To get your creative juices flowing, the pot is primed with $2500 for the winner...(read more)

Bing!

2009-05-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today, Microsoft unveiled Bing, it’s new search service.

I am looking forward to testing the service against Google and other search engines for relevance....(read more)

Microsoft limits netbook sizes: no story here!

2009-05-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you gotta wonder!

Over this past weekend, the blogosphere has been all a-twitter, pun intended, about a leaked* Microsoft document limiting the sizes of systems shipping with Windows 7. (read more)

Excellent choice: General Charles F Bolden, Jr, USMC, (Rtd)

2009-05-24T19:21:00.001-07:00

In what is IMHO, the best pick yet by this administration, President Obama picked retired US Marine Corps General and 4-mission Shuttle astronaut, Charles F. Bolden, Jr. to lead NASA. (read on)

Linux lovers only deploy 20%

2009-05-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Even I cannot make this stuff up!

For all the braying of the Linuxhead sheep about the advent of Linux, (read on)

The Intel Antitrust Saga Part II: The EU Cash & IP Grab

2009-05-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

One of the unheralded fallout from the IMO illegal EU hobbling of Microsoft, is the requirement that Microsoft publicly release, for IMO, a mere pittance, communications and other protocols to, ostensibly the world, but to EU companies in particular. (Read on)

SCO Trustee wants Chapter 7 for it

2009-05-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

I just knew this was going to end badly! (read on)

The Intel Antitrust Saga Part1: Intel is a monopoly?

2009-05-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Who knew?

(Read on)

Windows 7 Little Things: ‘Aero Glass’

2009-05-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

One of the little tricks I used in the Windows Vista Era, was manually activating ‘Aero Glass’ on lowly systems, due to the heavy GPU power requirements of that OS. (Read on)

Upcoming Reviews at AbsoluteWindows

2009-05-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

We have the following products up for review at SmallBizWindows & AbsoluteWindows:

Quite a full plate, eh?

Windows Vista SP2

2009-05-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

We have given ourselves a 60-day deadline to migrate all managed systems to Windows Vista SP2 from SP1. (Read On)

AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro Giveaway by AbsoluteWindows

2009-05-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s your turn to win a brand, spanking new AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro coupled with a $100 AT&T Gift Card.

What do you have to do to win this?

Just send me an email at matrixpro@absolutevista.com....(read more)

The SmallBizWindows HP Compaq dc7900 Review

2009-05-05T23:19:00.000-07:00

I have been using the HP Compaq dc7900 Ultra-Slim Desktop PC for the past three months as part of a long-term review.

This is one nice PC.

Unboxing
The dc7900 came in a fairly largish box, which was surprising until I opened it, and remembered that it...(read more)

2 Weeks with Windows 7 Release Candidate

2009-05-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

I have been using Windows 7 Release Candidate, or RC, for the past two weeks, both in x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions.

This release is an upgrade for me, since I have been using Windows 7 as my primary operating system since PDC2008, last October...(read more)

In Jim Goldman’s Bizzaro World, a PC costs $1500!

2009-04-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

“I pity the fool”, used to be a phrase spat out in derision by the fictional character Sergeant Bosco Albert ‘B.A.’ Baracus on the 1980’s TV show, The A-Team.

In these current days, the fools in question are those who take the opinions of ignorant and...(read more)

O Oh, here comes the Javinal, again!

2009-04-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

First it was Sun.

Then Sun and IBM.

Now, it is ORCL and Sun!

Larry Ellison, my favorite Hedonist, is out there waxing prophetic about the prospects for Solaris
and Java.

Then it hit me: Larry Ellison. Network Computer. Java.

The horror!

The Java Terminal...(read more)