2009-6
23

The search for a long battery life netbook / laptop

Category: Technical Reviews | 1 Comment

Just when I thought I found a netbook I liked, along comes another.

Asus’s new released 1005HA includes some of the newer specs that we’ve seen with the new MSI Wind U115 and Toshiba’s newest entry NB 205.

What I liked about Toshiba’s NB 205 is the sheek slim look, the keyboard is fabulous and the touchpad is one of the largest I’ve seen in a netbook.  What I didn’t like about the netbook, No Wireless N for greater range not sure why they would of skipped this, seems to be an oversight.  The next is where the power button is, when the lid is closed, the power button appears to still be exposed risking the chance that it could turn on by accident.  Minor issue, is no muti-touch pad.  At $400, not a bad netbook at all though.

What I liked about the newest Asus Eee Netbook 1005HA is it does include Wireless N, Multi-touch pad and slightly cheaper at $389.  Otherwise, they both sport the newer processors N280 and LED monitor which is probably why we are seeing longer battery life, not to mention larger capacity 6 cell batteries.  Note: Best Buy has the Asus model 1005HAB that has N270 Processor instead of the N280, no bluetooth and appears to be a smaller capacity battery rated at 4.5 hrs, but only $299.

Also one additional note on the MSI Wind U115, it appears Microsoft is not going to allow MSI to continue selling Win XP with the Hybrid disk setup.  In fact, MSI no longer sells this.  You can still get one though at this link if interested at least for now.  Although 8 GB SSD is too small, you can purchase a 16 SSD module for around $60.  This though will void your warrenty though.  It’s unclear if the higher battery life is due to the hybrid technology or just the fact it’s a 9 cell vs. 6 cell battery since they all seem to have the same processor and LED display.

Personally, I’m looking for one with the following requirements:

Light and compact
Little or no Heat
Long Battery Life
Large Touch Pad (Muti-touch would be nice)
Large Keyboard (Backlit would be ideal)
Instant On technology would be nice as well (See Splashtop | Presto | Hyperspace)

Using it for internet and email, as an ebook reader, video and IM chatting, flexible enough to do basic office work that may involve some presentations, hence network, wireless and VGA external monitor port a must which all netbooks seem to have.

2009-6
19

18 Hr Netbook Hybrid Released

Category: Technical Reviews | No Comments

The MSI Wind U115 is the first Netbook Hybrid that uses both a 8GB SSD for the OS and a standard HD for storage.  What makes it unique is that the user can power down the HD to save battery life and just use the SSD.  In extreme power save mode with the included 9 cell battery, users have reportedly gotten 25 hrs of run time.  MSI touts 15-18 hrs of actual use, but hey you have to sleep at some time don’t you?  Unlike the recently posted Touch Book, you do have a webcam, external video monitor, and network port.  What you don’t get is instant on and tablet functionality.  There have been reports that MSI winds have been successfully loaded with Mac OS X, it would be interesting to see if this model could also handle the Mac OS.  Not that I’m advocating that.

Here’s the link to the product page.  You can also google MSI wind U115 for user reviews.

2009-6
17

Camera Shopping Tips

Category: Photography | No Comments

I find it best to go to a camera store to try the actual camera out in your hands and to make sure the navigation makes sense to you.  Then I go online and do my research once I’ve narrowed down my choices.  I recommend DPReview.com

I currently use the TZ3 as my compact camera: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmctz3.asp

And the FZ30 for more robust photo shoots (Discontinued): http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcfz30.asp

The newest Panasonic model that would replace the FZ30 in my mind would be the soon to be released GH1, not to be confused with the G1: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcgh1.asp

As far as compactness, I probably will be replacing mine with the newer version ZS3: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmczs3.asp

The bulk of the compact makes it a bit easier actually to hold as oppose to some of the real slim cameras.

Here’s a comparison of the “compact zooms”: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/

Here’s a compromise between compact and DSLR: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=panasonic_dmcfz28

18x optical Zoom (always look for optical, not digital).

For Ruggedness/Waterproof: Panasonic TS1: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcts1.asp image quality isn’t as good as is with any of the “rugged” cameras but it will go where you probably would not want your other cameras to go.  (Although, I have dropped both existing cameras and gotten them wet (Not underwater) and they still work after 3-4 + years.  It’s their first stab at a rugged camera, so perhaps the next one will be better.

Yes, I’m a bit partial to Panasonic.

Panasonic uses Standard SDHC (SD High Capacity Cards) which are about standard in every laptop and desktop computers without the need of an additional card reader as well as other devices.  For example, if you have a Nintendo Wii and you get a camera that uses SD cards, you can just plug the card into your game console and watch the videos and pics right off the card.

Olympus camera uses xD cards which you won’t find any use for in any other device, but I do like the ruggedized version that can go underwater.  Which I may get for those water / beach shots.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Olympus/oly_stylustough8000.asp

Pentax also has a ruggedized one as well W60: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Pentax/pentax_optiow60.asp

Both Olympus and Pentax seem to get mixed warranty support issues with their “rugged” cameras.  Sounds like it’s hit or miss if you get one that is truly rugged.

2009-6
16

Cross Over for Linux or Mac Users. Run Window programs without Windows

Category: Technical Reviews | No Comments

Just came across this application for those using Linux or Mac OS X that are looking for a way to run Window Aps without installing windows.

2009-6
16

Ceedo, Take your programs with you.

Category: Technical Reviews | No Comments

Well you may have heard of U3 Apps and Portable Apps for USB thumb drives.  What you might not realize though is you are dependant on someone revising their programs to run off of these platforms.  Came across Ceedo.  Yes, there are programs designed for the platform, but what makes it interesting, is it also includes a program called Argo in which you can load any 32 bit windows program to run on the thumb drive.  They also have for an extra charge a Back up and restore add on to create restore points should a program install corrupt your thumb drive somehow or if you get a large drive.  I’m going to try it for TechSmith’s SnagIT program and Camtasia.  If this works, I will be able to use this on different computers without relying on additional licensures, installs, settings etc.   Probably try loading my MT4 platform as well so I can use it on other computers along with my custom settings.

One note, Ceedo’s support did respond to my question that it currently doesn’t have a 64 bit version yet, but I’m on the mailing list to be notified when they do come out with it.  It’s currently being developed.

2009-6
14

Touch Book – A Netbook, A Color E-Reader, A Tablet, A Photo Frame, Battery Life up to 15 hrs! Less than a Kindle DX.

Category: Technical Reviews | 1 Comment

Well, I’ve been looking at E-Readers to be able to carry all my PDF manuals and books I’ve collected.  At the same time if I’m shelling out $489 for say a Kindle DX, I would like it to do more. This new product, soon to be released, promises to do this.  Color E-Reader for my PDF’s.  Netbook to be able to surf the web, read email, view photos, edit documents, 15 Hrs of run time, no fan, no noise, Expanded memory, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in, Instant on.  Can’t wait to get a hold of one of these.  Worse case scenerio, it’s just a color e-reader which I’d rather have than a Kindle.  At least I will be able to do alot more for LESS money.

This will play videos and games as well.  You can also load Windows CE, Google’s Android, Linux OS.  Unsure if it will support Windows 7.  Will NOT support Vista or XP.  I can see this may take time and trial and error if you want to customize it, but out of the box, should be functional for basic Netbook related tasks.

One downside I saw is it doesn’t appear to have a webcam for video conferencing.  Perhaps an external USB cam will work.  Also unclear as to if this will support an external video device to hook up a projector or external monitor and if it has a network jack for hardwire connection.

View Tech 2009 Conference Video where they unveil the Touch Book.

Product by Always Innovating.  More Videos.

2009-6
12

Reviews about Don Steinitz

Category: Forex | 4 Comments

Well, I’ve been researching Don’s other Products, but there seems to be alot of negativity posted about his EAs and his demeanor.  I’ve only had a few correspondences with him and I can see where people get rubbed the wrong way.  I’m guessing he gets tired of answering the same questions.  His indicator takes some understanding and it’s not as easy as one may think, but it does give you an idea of what’s going on.  As my previous notes mention, the Xmeter which he didn’t design, but includes is a helpful aid to determine which currencies to look at.  Attached is my google search | search 2, I’ll let you be the judge.  From what I can gather, his EA has serious drawdowns and there appears to be some questionable ethical issues as to his results posted.  Of course this is just from reading feedback from others.  My conclusion, I’d probably stay away from the EA or at least until you have alot of equity to withstand large draw downs, but then you still risk margin call since there’s no SL.

Hey I think I found the code for the xMeter Don uses.  I haven’t tried it, but for those that are interested here’s the link to the code.

2009-6
11

Triad Indicators Reviewed

Category: Forex | No Comments

Using the combination of Triad Trading Indicators and Steinz Fractal Indicator, I’m getting better with identifying trends and breakouts.  You still need to validate the indicators, but it’s allowing me to be more accurate.  Due to decreased capital, I’m being alot more conservative with my setups.  Also I’ve been using an additional indicator called Point and Figure which shows money movement vs. time focused.  Additional indicator that has been helpful to narrow which pairs to trade is the xMeter indicator that comes with Steinitz Fractal Indicator.  This shows the strength of the major currency pairs.

So even though the inital triad launch webinars had technical issues, the overall package and indicators is very well designed.  The additional plus is Jason provides a website that includes all his materials electronically as well as his webinars and updates.  Still evaluating as there’s alot of material, but first impressions are good.

2009-5
30

More Trading Updates

Category: Forex | 1 Comment

Well another week using The Fractal Indicator which gives some sense of what the market is doing.  It isn’t as clear and obvious as to when to place a trade, there are very important rules that you need to follow.  On top of that, I’ve noticed that sometimes trade arrow indicators will disappear which doesn’t install confidence.  On the good side, I like the xmeter that gives you an overall impression on how the market currencies are doing.  Although it’s unclear to me what time frame it’s reviewing and how it determines it, ie. based only on the charts you have open?  Of course these are just my observations, I could be wrong. Attached though is what I created as a flow process for opening up a trade for using this indicator.  As you will note, it’s alot to decide, but after understanding, you can make your decisions quickly.  If you deviate though, like I did at times, you risk your money.

I received the Triad Package finally after almost 3 weeks.  Logged onto the members only website and was very impressed on the organization and information posted.  Loaded the indicators, theory seems almost too simple.  This has very high potential.  We’ll see though.  I will update this as I learn more.  Still have to review the videos.  Here’s a sneak preview of Triad’s Indicators and how to setup trades in less than 10 minutes.

The downside, this week I took a very large hit and am now down to ~$700 profit, which will take alot of time to recover without investing additional funds.

The Beta EA labeled Trading From Home did great in the beginning of the week turning 1500 to almost 2500.  Because this was just a beta, it could only manage sells, not buys, so when the market direction changed, the account went down to $4.00.  Yep that’s $4.00 so luckly it was only a demo account.  The theory is sound, just waiting for the new Beta release to try more testing which will do both sell and buy to hopefully address this type of market move.

2009-5
20

New EA Demos Posted

Category: Forex | No Comments

Here are some links to 2 updated AE Demos

FapTurbo 47 (New version)

Trading From Home EA (Beta)

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