Archive for October, 2007

Netscape Favicon in Apple Store

By On October 30, 2007 In apple With Comments Off Permanent Link to Netscape Favicon in Apple StorePermalink

I recently placed an order at the Apple Store online. When I check the progress of my shipment I notice that this section of the store displays a favicon which looks like the Netscape logo. This seems pretty peculiar to me and a tad inconsistent on Apple’s part.

I know most people don’t look at favicons much, but if someone’s bookmarked this section, it’ll look odd in the list. Minute and probably not really worth mentioning, but everyone’s gone to bed and I’ve no one to talk to… not as though they’d be interested either. Time I got some sleep. I also notice that Apple haven’t updated their Timed-out screen on the store to fit in with their new look.

Chumby Store is now shipping!

By On October 28, 2007 In Blog, software With Comments Off Permanent Link to Chumby Store is now shipping!Permalink

I’d totally forgotten about these cool little gadgets until an email pinged-in this morning from the Chumby store. I remember seeing them on Diggnation probably over a year ago.

What is a chumby?
The chumby is a compact device that displays useful and entertaining information from the web: news, photos, music, celebrity gossip, weather, box scores, blogs — using your wireless internet connection. Always on, it shows — nonstop — what’s online that matters to you.

Why would i want one?
It’s just pure 24/7 gratification to be able to have the Internet on tap. Sure, you can get the same information on your computer, but why be stuck behind a keyboard to enjoy your internet addictions?

How much is a chumby?
The chumby costs under $200.

how much does it cost to access the chumby network?
Access to the Chumby Network is FREE. No subscriptions to pay, no plans to sign up for. It’s paid for by Chumby Industries and by sponsor companies who will be sending you widgets such as music, games, movie previews, customized alarm clocks, and special offers for products and prizes (called “Chumbooty” — coming soon), and who knows what else the future holds? Chumby Industries is 100% dedicated to keeping your widget channels new, intriguing, fun and FREE.

What are the features of the chumby?
Wi-fi connectivity • access to the free Chumby Network • 3.5″ LCD color touchscreen • two external USB 2.0 full-speed ports • 350 MHz ARM processor • 64 MB SDRAM • 64 MB NAND flash ROM • stereo 2W speakers • headphone output • squeeze sensor • accelerometer (motion sensor) • leather casing • AC adapter included

Wacom Bamboo Graphics Tablet

By On October 6, 2007 In design, technology With Comments Off Permanent Link to Wacom Bamboo Graphics TabletPermalink

I’m a complete newbie to the world of graphics tablets which is why I was excited to find a (fairly) new product from Wacom, called Bamboo.

I’ve always heard how good Wacom tablets are, but they’ve always been placed just outside the kind of budget where you’d buy one to see if you like it. Bamboo cost about £60 and I think this is excellent value for money for those people who, like me, are entering this ‘mouseless’ domain for the very first time.

I understand that it has its limitations, having only 512 levels of pressure sensitivity etc., compared to the higher end of the market, but I am finding it so easy to adapt to.

The one thing I did find difficult to comprehend after using a mouse for the last 20+ years, was the fact that the tablet is mapped to the display area. Unlike a mouse which you have to pick-up and reposition every now and then.

I think that I’m going to like it a lot.

Starting a new business in Cornwall

By On October 6, 2007 In business With Comments Off Permanent Link to Starting a new business in CornwallPermalink

Life throws some strange situations at you when you least expect.

Take starting a business, for example. I could have started my new business when I was young and carefree, but what did I decide to do? Wait until my first child was born. Some could see that as a bad/brave move, but what I really think is that there’s never a good time to do something, you just have to do it and make the most out of any situation that you find yourself in.

You could be dead tomorrow so do it today. My perspective and outlook on life/work changed dramatically when my young, healthy, clean-living sister died a couple of years ago from a ruptured appendix. I didn’t think that things happened like that in this day and age so it came as a great shock to all those who knew her. Anyway, this post isn’t a sob story, it’s to say that if you are thinking of starting a business and being your own boss then go for it. Do whatever you’ve always wanted to do as you’ll only regret it later in life… if you get that far.

Starting a new business in Cornwall, especially, is a scary thought. We haven’t got a huge working population. We have a very seasonal tourist industry. But even if you think of a good idea for a new business, then put a few extra hours in during your day job, work a few extra hours when everyone’s gone to bed (notice the time I’m writing this!!!) and you’ll be surprised at the amount of money you can save, as well as time spent concentrating on your new business ideas.

If you think of a service or a product that can be produced relatively cheaply, then get yourself a web site (I can do you one for £300 – all inclusive) and test the water. Print some flyers out at home with your web site address on it and do some leg work in promoting and marketing your idea. You just have to stay focussed, remember why you’re doing it and I’m sure that your new business in Cornwall could be a venture that you’ll never regret. After all; it’s better to regret something you have done than to regret something you haven’t done.