Richard Lennox
- setting rather than resetting CSS styling: http://bit.ly/drvmMK
- does anyone know if Windows 7 starter (netbook) can use an external projector?
- Why do some e-commerce platforms get Javascript so wrong? http://bit.ly/awXZvZ from @econsultancy
Archive for the ‘On My IPod’ Category
Virgin Media Broadband Speed Testing
I am convinced I am not getting my money’s worth from Virgin Media’s broadband service! For those who don’t know, Virgin Media is a Cable provider (the only one?) in the UK. They have the adverts with Samuel L. Jackson hinting at the 50 mbps service provided using their fibre optic network! I pay for the full XL package which provides me with TV, phone and Broadband at a reasonable price for the bundle. This is their most expensive package that gets me:
- up to 20mbps braodband
- their full (non-HD) TV package and
- Unlimited anytime calls to UK landlines.
20 mbps, No way!
Ok it says up to, but what would you say is fair? 18 mbps? 15 mbps? At least over the 10 mbps on the next package down, right? Well I am certain I don’t get more than 5 mbps!
So I am going to test this an post my speed test results here for prosperity!
The setup form my test is my standard home setup for my desktop, but removing all other network traffic:
- Computer: Windows Vista Ultimate, Intel Core2Duo 6600 (2×2.40GHz) processor, 4 GB of RAM (32bit Windows only uses and recognises 3.5 the rest is utilised by the hardware!).
- Router: Netgear 54 Mbps Wirelss Router – WGR614 v6 with fully up to date firmware.
- Cable Modem: Motorola – S85100 Surfboard Cable Modem
As many Windows processes as possible have been killed without killing Windows iteself, including for this test the Firewall and Virus Protection. The wireless has been switched off and the only connections are wired and between the computer and the router and the router and the modem (which is obviously plugged into the outside world!).
Day 1 results (21:45):
www.speedtest.net – download: 4508 kbps (4.5 mbps); upload: 678 kbps.
http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/ – download: 4912 kbps (4.9 mbps); upload: 577 kbps
This isn’t very scientific but I will continue to post my results as and when I test the broadband speed. Let me know your thoughts.
3G iPhone – July 11
While unlikely to get one soon, the iPhone 3G is looking very tempting! Due on the 11 July, it will be cheaper than the original and have 3G capabilities. This makes it much more usable that the original. It will also be thinner and open to 3rd party applications, The Gmail support is
The iPhone isn't perfect, it has a maximum capacity of 16GB, which is only about half my 30GB classic! There is also no cut and paste or Multimedia Messaging (MMS) both features I would rarely use!
100 million IPods but one big design mistake.
This week sees the sale of the Apple IPod reach over 100,000,000. Yes that is 100 million. To be honest my IPod is not a statement or fashion accessory, it is a tool I use day in day out. It helps me relax and concentrate at the same time. Well, the music does that but the IPod brings it into my everyday life. Even my "bulky" 30GB Video is thin and usable, supplying me with all my music to choose from in one fell swoop.
But there are some people who rely on technology for survival, but their technology is not as aesthetically pleasing as my IPod, nor as easy to use. On her own blog Amy Tenderich has written an Open Letter to Steve Jobs (of Apple fame) asking him to address this. I will let her tell you how it is.
I believe in good technology design and, while not afflicted by any such conditions, I support her letter. Good technology and good design should not be restricted to those things that make a pile of money or that are iconic gadgets. Good design, should be applied to all technology but especially to those things that are essential. This post may be better entitled 100 million IPods but 100 million design mistakes!
Pandora
The latest addition to my Internet entertainment world is Pandora. This is Internet radio with a difference and has got many techies out there excited. Input an artist or song name into the player, and using the music genome project Pandora will create a radio station just for you based on your initial selection. Tell Pandora that you agreed with their choices and it will improve the quality of you personal "station".
While this is great, it has one slight drawback: you end up reaching for the deadly bit of plastic and buying music which you love. My iPod is going to love it, especially as it links directly to iTunes!
Note to self: I must write a post summarising my Internet entertainment suite!!
Cool Tunes
So I have a new variety of music on my IPod and although not to all tastes here are a couple I would recommend.
- Hot off the press (well iTunes!): Kate Walsh – Tim's House. This is a cool relaxed album which offers a folky, jazzy acoustic sound that is just a great little album.
- E.S.T – Viaticum. This Swedish trio (I happened to see them Sunday night past here in Edinburgh!) offer a fantastic modern jazz and some cool extras. This is another good album! Looking forward to getting my hans on their latest offering.
Ban on low-power fm transmitters looks to be lifted
It looks as if the use of my iPod may just get better. While good speakers for my iPod are expensive, the FM transmitters widely available may become legal in the UK in the coming year. It has been one of the most annoying thing is that some people do not use their discretion, everything is black and white, no grey areas. Using the low power FM transmitters (that only transmit a short distance) would currently get you a two year jail sentence – almost as long ass some rapists. Is that a joke or what. Those radio stations clammering for this to be enforced are ridiculously out of touch. These transmitters will save big bucks – no fancy set up required for the car (even a hire car) or the office, or at home. I am looking forward to finding a cheap one when it is legal.
On my IPod
I have a fairly vast and eclectic mix on my IPod. It ranges from the coolest jazz sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane through Mozart all the way to heavy rock anthems. This week I have added the Goo Goo Dolls album Let Love In.