Lexus has two new hybrids coming out. I was very excited about the RX400h, a hybrid SUV. Normally I think SUV is an energy waster, but the hybrid setup makes ie worth while. They are going to unveil the car and pricing very soon. More exciting news, however, is that there will also be an hybrid GS 460 according to Forbes. That will make the GS more desirable, since that line is always wedged between the cheaper ES and the more expensive LS with not much to justify the product line. I own one because I got a good deal on it and I wanted a mid sized car. Otherwise it is not a very existing car. They hybrid version (and there is a AWD version as well) will change all that.
2005 is The Year of Languages
Go learn a second or third language ! See Year of Languages, and see how Learning languages 'boosts brain'.
Move to Top
Finally, Netflix added a "move to top" button on their rental queue. No more typing in numbers to re-arrange the queue. A very small UI change that does a lot for the user!
Eight to One, Windows vs Mac, Comcast cable
I helped my Dad installed cable modem at his house today. He picked Comcast. I use RCN myself, so I am not familiar with the Comcast setup. The documentation said it requires a sign-up process when connected for the first time. So I called their tech support. While he is walking me through what needs to be done, and was waiting between steps (windows IS slow) I asked him what's the ratio of Windows vs Mac OS call to the tech support line. He said eight to one. Not bad -- there are macs out there !
Oh -- if you are interested in how Comcast's cable service works, during "installation", I have to connect out via a proxy server. The proxy server asked for a one time signup identification, which is the account number and the last nine digit of the account number. After the initial setup you can switch off the proxy. The tech said the information is "recorded on the cable modem". I am not sure about this, maybe a flag is set? I am not sure. But good news is you don't have to install software to do the installation/registration.
Once the account is setup, I moved the modem to a wireless AP + router and everything is all set to go.
Organizing
I like to keep things organized. Two great resources:
Email Addresses
An observation -- for people who use the "mass" email provider like AOL, yahoo, or even gmail. Chances are, unless you are really creative, you ended up with email addresses like john_smith102@... . Not exactly easy to say or remember. Are there solutions to this problem? I don't think so. Most people would not like their email to be publicly listed in a directory. Maybe the "phone number" is a good idea. A meaningless string of digits, but at least it is of fixed length and easy to say. How about email addresses in the form of phone numbers?
web finds
Very funny "comics", an original idea, wonderful, go check out A Softer World.
Free Calculus Text
This is from an old Slashdot review post, summarized the links here:
Starbucks the Office
As I am sitting at Starbucks working on my blog via their t-mobile wifi service, I start to wonder -- Why shouldn't they start selling Starbucks branded laptop and wifi related gadgets? A Starbucks thumbdrive, laptop screen cleaner, mouse, USB cables, laptop bag?
Cable Organization
A place for everything - Cable Organizer.
ORAC
Either you know what that means, or you don't. If you do, look at this PC Case Mode.
Cellphones with Strange keypads
I used to think that all the new cellphones with non standard keypads are stupid. Are all the phone users very familier with the standard 3x3 numeric keypads and would be screaming trying to use the non square or other variation of keypads from the likes of Nokia and Sony? I changed my mind. Looking at the new Siemens SX1, or the Sony S700, or the Nokia 7210, they all do not have a "usable" keypad. Nowever how often do I myself use the numeric keypad? Not very often.
For answering key, hit a function/menu button. For calling out, either use voice dial or the recently called list. On my Sony Ericsson Z600 or my T610, the recently called list is one menu click away.
So the conclusion is -- get rid of the keypad to make room for the screen is a great idea. The S700 maybe a winner. Which means I have to upgrade my phone, again!
Extra Day
Today is, Feb 29th, leap day. Won't happen for another four years. And, it's Sunday, and Oscar day, and.... Enjoy !!
Robosapien Robot
Who does not want one ??!! Watch the videos and pre-order one.
wifi reception
After switching from my old Thinkpad to the new X31 which has built in WiFi, I get much better reception. Just proved the point at one of the AA lounge. I used to get horrible reception, namely cannot stay connected. Now I get full strength signal.
More Lofts Development in Boston
I dropped by the local MicroCenter computer super store yesterday. They have revemped their hardware parts section to include a huge selection of DIY parts for case modding, motherboards, even Shuttle XPCs. If the local superstore is supporting the DYI'er, it must be a growing market.
In the same day I watched the Steve Job's keynote address at MacWorld. I am not an Apple user so this is the first time I got a review/preview of iLife 04. What an application suite !! It will really help the average consumer organize their pictures, music, burn DVDs with pictures and home video, and make music. While I just bought another Windows machine, the IBM Thinkpad X31, I really wished I could have bought an Powerbook.
It occured to me that there are two different cultures and segments out there for computer end users. The Windows and Intel people are turning to hardware -- modding their PC case, super clocking their CPUs. Computer for computer sake. Meanwhile the Mac people will be focusing on using their computers to enrich their family lifes. Being creative, making movies, making music. Isn't that what computers are suppose to do for us? At the end of 2002 I said I need to stretch more, read more, program more, travel more, and I left 2002 with a giant cliff hanger -- my Loft project. 2003 ended up being a year of major changes. The Loft project is phase one completed. Moving from the burbs to downtown, selling a house that I was quite fond of in a tricky real estate market, shedding 2/3 of my possession, are major changes indeed.
While on the subject of materialism, I finally gave up on the Germans, or at least on the German cars. The Audi has been giving me silly trouble and expensive and long repairs. I switched back to the Japanese. Great value, great service. ...more to come... Happy New Year ! Car makers have added cup holders, sun glasses holders, coin holders, and nick nack holders to car cabin. Why can't they add a trash bin in the cabin somewhere in the front seat? A small covered bin that is easily accessible, more deep then wide, removable for cleaning, would sell more cars then you think. Firstly, I finished all my Christmas and change of address cards this weekend. I have been using my own photograph and printing Christmas Cards at Ofoto. Secondly, I did all my Christmas present shopping at Amazon. Everything. Not a single trip to the mall! Finally, not quite a commercialization issue, but I finally, FINALLY, used up all my old 34 cents US Postal stamps for Christmas cards. Whew...
Hot-rodders vs. Musicians
Year End Review 2003
Trash Bin in Cars
Commercialization of Christmas