Techcraver.com | Craving tech, craving life!

Now that the gift-giving holiday is over - what did you all get?

What I already got:

A buddy of mine gave me two great software packages for my Mac - OmniGraffle and OmniOutliner Pro.  Look for a full review in the coming weeks!

What I am getting soon:

As I stated before, I’m getting a TV soon.  In addition, I’ve settled on a camera.  I’m going to either get a SD700 or an SD800 - depending on price.  I almost bought one about 2 weeks ago but the prices have gone up!  I’m hoping the prices drop during a post-holiday sale or something.

So, what’d y’all get?

so with the new Intel-based Macs, you can do what is called virtualization.  Which is a fancy word that means you can run Windows on a mac or some other OS (like linux).  There are two main routes - Parallels Desktop for Mac and this VMWare app.

Anyone have any thoughts/experiences to share?

Parallels desktop for mac

VMWare

TUAW Link 

I’ve been holding out on buying a new TV for news exactly like this.  Vizio is going to soon release a 47″ sub-$2000 LCD.  Hold on while I wipe the druel from my chin.

OK I’m back.

Anyways - I was looking at the GV42L but this new mystery box might be right up my alley.

Here’s a pic:

Post from Engadget HD 

I’m an avid mac user.  I use iPhoto to organize and catalog all my digital photos - too often I want to send a photo in an email.  iPhoto, natively, wants you to use Apple Mail to send a photo email if you choose to do so.

Well what if you use gmail (like the techcraver)?  there’s a great plug-in for iPhoto called iPhoto2Gmail.  Simply click export and iPhoto does the rest…very slick!  Drop them a line!

iPhoto2Gmail link

ooh now this would be nice.  Ever get a work assignment you don’t want or have a co-worker that drives you nuts?  Time to get out some frustration with one of these babies!  A USB powered airsoft BB gun.

AND it’s only $19

When does our addiction to tech and our need to stay connected go too far? When your kids grow to resent your actions.

The Wall Street Journal recently profiled children of parents who own BlackBerrys and other devices (such as Treos). These kids feel neglected and put-off by their parents who are constantly emailing and text messaging their co-workers. One young child flushed his Mom’s crackberry down the toilet! Classic.

Even though we love tech, sometimes it’s best to put off the fascination and enjoy the rest of our lives! Do it for the children!

The Bargainist has an article about Blockbuster’s new program - basically you take a Netflix envelope in and BB will give you a free movie rental.

As my Dad would say “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”.  Netflix peeps - watch out!  There are a few strings attached.  You’re basically giving BB your info as a Netflix subscriber (including your address) - prepare for junk mail encouraging you to join BB’s online service.

So this company called MetroFi started launching free wireless access in Portland.

I’m not sure how I feel about this.  If it’s 100% ad supported and $0.00 public money was spent on it, I’m all for it.  However I’m not up for municipalities putting up free wi-fi for freeloaders to use. 

Is this a service governments should be providing at public expense?  when I think of essential government services - I think of public safety (cops and firefighters), transportation (roads) and such - not free Internet access.

Believe me, I’m all for free wi-fi - but projects such as Personal Telco are the way to go, in my humble opinion.

I heard a guy on the radio say “I’m all for free wi-fi.  I used to feel obligated to pay a coffee shop for a coffee to use their wi-fi.  Now I can just log on to the free stuff.”  That’s exactly my point.

Anyways.

Anyone own a smart phone? I’ve been looking hard at the Blackberry Pearl, pictured below. But I’m stuck with Verizon (read: their phones aren’t as cool). The other bad thing is that Verizon charges $60/month for data access…something I’m not too sure about. It’d be great to be able to email/text people whenever I want, but $60/month for that luxury? heh no thanks.

but the new phones do look purdy