What is it?

The Amazon Kindle is an e-book reader that allows its users to download new content without the need of a computer. E-book readers have been around for years, but they never quite took off with consumers. However, what sets the Kindle apart from Sony’s e-book readers is the built in Sprint EVDO.  This allows the device to not only surf the web, but download all kinds of books, newspapers and magazines off of Amazon’s online store.

The Story

Several months back, online retail giant Amazon.com released the Amazon Kindle as their first e-book reader. It sold quickly as people thought it was great to be able to not only store hundreds of books, but also to be able to download those books wirelessly. The Kindle has been on the market since November, and has been in many ways, a huge hit for Amazon.

The Good

To start off, the screen is absolutely amazing. My eyes never strain, and it almost feels as if you are really reading from a paperback book. When you need to purchase a book, you simply enable the EVDO and browse the usual online Amazon store until you find something to your liking. There are thousands upon thousands of books, newspapers and magazines to choose from, and they download directly to the Kindle without the need of your Mac or PC. However, if you are ever outside of the US, you will have to connect the Kindle to your computer.  The reason being that you can’t tap onto any CDMA networks.

The Bad

The design is pathetic. Amazon really needs to rethink where they placed some of the buttons. I constantly find myself pressing the “next page” button on accident, which is rather annoying. Once you do push the next button, it takes just over a second to refresh the screen. However, I do praise Amazon for putting in a home button. The black and white screen is amazing for books, but it looks awful when browsing web pages and reading blogs. The power and the wireless switch are located behind the unit, and are very incontinent to access when the Kindle is in its included case.

The Verdict

What sets the Kindle apart from other e-book readers is the fact that you can download new content on the go; whether you are near a wifi hotspot or not. Its screen is a definite plus when it comes to reading novels on the device, and subscribing to newspapers is just $14 a month. I would love to see the Kindle drop below $250, and I would adore some sort of subscription book service. But if you can afford the hefty price tag, learn the odd UI, and use hundreds of books in your bag, then the Amazon Kindle is just what you ordered.

For awhile now Apple has been trying to go green. They have started making more of their computers aluminum, so that they can be more easily recycled.  If the rumors are correct, then the up and coming Macbook will be all aluminum, adding to the already aluminum Macbook Air and Macbook Pro.

Chemicals

The iPhone is known to contain a few harmful chemicals. Greenpeace has been after Apple to get the chemicals out of the iPhone for our own safety. Brominated compounds make up 10% of the weight of the circuit board, which when burned can create dioxin.  Also found were chlorine and toxic phthalate. The toxic phthalate can interfere with sexual development in mammals. It is a banned chemical in most of Europe, although not in America. The headphones are covered with the hazardous chemical. Hopefully, Apple has taken care of this problem when addressing manufacturing of the iPhone 3G.

Of course, the iPhone is not alone when it comes to harmful chemicals.  However, Apple has made it apparent that they are aware of these issues.  In June of last year, Apple moved its 15″ Macbook Pro to LED back lit screens in an effort to eliminate the use of Mercury.

Patents

Macrumors constantly has information about Apple patenting new technologies which promise to make Apple more environmentally friendly. Two examples of such patents are the latest of Apple putting solar cells on their products, or having a chip that can convert heat from a device into electricity.

Steve Jobs has written a list of problems he is going to try to fix. At the moment I don’t think much about the chemicals in any device. I know that there are chemicals all around me and I have grown used to it.  I would however be more comfortable if I knew there was nothing to worry about.

Recycling

Many of Apple’s products are made of aluminum.  Aluminum, along with polycarbonate and glass (used for Macbook enclosures and iMac display covers) are valued for their highly recyclable qualities.  Using these materials helps to encourage recycling, thus minimizing waste.  As you can see, Apple is trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible.  Or maybe Jonathan Ive likes aluminum…just kidding :)

Do you recycle your old computers?  Why? Why not?

Over the past several months, both Canon and Nikon introduced new entry-level Digital SLRs to their lineups. Both brands offer many new features, and better image quality. Boy, these cameras are sweet. Their light, portable, offer stunning image quality, and they are a huge step up from the previous version. It’s a Smackdown!

Round 1: Design

Both the Canon and the Nikon have wonderful design. The XSi features a huge 3 inch screen, while the D60 sports a 2.5 inch display. Being that the Canon uses Live View technology that allows you to see the image on the screen before you press the shutter button, I love the larger screen. Both the XSi, and the D60 feel almost natural to use. The buttons fall right where you would expect them to be, however, being a hardcore EOS 40D user for nearly a year now, I would love to see the addition of a “Quick Control Dial.” The D60 has the shutter button, preset modes, power switch, and command dial all at your index finger, allowing it to be almost identical to its 6.1 megapixel predecessor, the Nikon D40.

Winner: Both camera bring excellent design to the DSLR table. They both have many of the buttons placed on the right side of the unit, allowing your thumb and index fingers to do most of the controlling, without moving your left hand off the lens, making it feel almost natural to use. Canon’s XSi and Nikon’s D60 both get a 9 this round.

Round 2: Features

When comparing both brands to their predecessors, you are blown away with some of the new features. The XSi now features a 12 megapixel sensor, and Live View. The D60 is now equipped with 10.2 megapixels, and Nikon’s “Integrated Dust Reduction System” which presents several ways to rid the dust from the image sensor. Both cameras are a giant step up from their predecessor, however the Canon XSi simply has more features. The screen is absolutely breathtaking, and the shots don’t disappoint. 

Winner: Canon’s XSi has plenty of features that will last you for years to come, and are easy to access and use. Don’t get me wrong- The D60 is an excellent camera, it’s just it doesn’t bring enough punch to compete with the XSi. The D60 gets a 7 this round, and the XSi gets a perfect 10.

The XSi features a 12.2 megapixel sensor, and a DIGIC III image processor allowing for excellent images. The Nikon, on the otherhand, features a 10.2 megapixel sensor. Both cameras offer great image quality, that will last you for years to come. However, the Canon XSi seems to add a bit better color quality, and sharpness to each photo. The Nikon D60 gets a 8, while the XSi gets yet another 10.

Round 3: Performance

Both the Nikon and the Canon start up immediately after you flip the power switch, allowing for you to capture the shot you want, when you want. The autofocus is wonderful on both cameras, as well. The XSi is quick to autofocus on the subject, while on the D60, it seems you wait just a tad more for the camera to focus completely. The Nikon gets a 4, while the Canon gets a 5.

Round 4: Value

Boy - these cameras have value. They are both stuffed to the brim with features, compared to their predecessor, and will have enough power to supply you for years and years to come. The Canon XSi retails for $899 with a 18-55mm lens whereas the Nikon D60 retails $150 cheaper at a mere $750 with a 18-55mm lens. In my eyes, if you have the money, spend the extra money and get the XSi, which features a larger LCD, LiveView, greater megapixel count, and frames per second (FPS), just to name a few.

Winner:

The Canon XSi scored a 34, and the Nikon D60 came in with a 28.

Obviously, the Canon is a better built camera all around, and I’d recommend spending the extra $150 on a camera that packs a bunch more features. Don’t get me wrong- the D60 is an excellent step up from the D40, but it just seems Canon brought more to the table this time. XSi Wins!

Whilst the casing design won’t appeal to everybody, HP never intentioned the dv2840tx Artist Edition notebook to appeal to the everyday consumer. This notebook is designed to swing a younger crowd into the HP stable - and perhaps even draw some graphic designers away from their MacBooks and into the world of Windows.

The actual casing was designed by Joao Oliviera from Portugal, as part of HP and MTV’s 2007 notebook-design competition. Although thousands of stunning illustrations were sent in, HP has chosen a highly distinctive, and even thought-provoking variant.

The highlights continue under the lid, with the entire screen surrounds and keyboard layout painted a deep brown. In bright lighting this turns a rich chocolate, whilst in a more natural light it is almost black. The keyboard, having a ‘painted’ finish, can feel quite worn at times, but it is very comfortable to use, even during extended typing periods. It is also really well put together, with none of the keys bending and no difference in feel after a real keyboard bashing.

The touchpad is lacquered in a golden bronze finish and although it feels very ’sticky’ at first, especially coming from a MacBook Pro user, it is very functional and accurate for when you are not using an external mouse.The palm rests provide decent grip and do not grow too hot over extended use. They are decorated in a similar fashion to the lid of the notebook.

Feature set

The dv2840tx Artist Edition, like its other dv2000 series stablemates, ships with Windows Vista Home Premium. HP probably should have included Vista Ultimate for the premium market that this notebookwill appeal to, if simply for Samba server integration (which alarmingly is not part of Home Premium).

HP does include some ‘bloatware’ with the notebook but we were very pleased to see that this does not clog the desktop with icons of free trials by default; all included ‘crapware’ is hidden away in the start menu and can be removed fairly easily.

Otherwise, apart from some full-version HP image editing software, the Artist Edition features a fairly vanilla Vista software set. Because it is not weighed down by unnecessary programs, the 2.4GHz processor, of the new ‘Penryn’ type from Intel can perform to its full capability.

In terms of expansion and external ports, the Artist Edition is pretty well set. Disappointingly you only get two USB ports, and they’re side by side, which can be a squeeze, but the laptop more than makes up for that lack by integrating three video out solutions - S-Video, VGA, and outstandingly - HDMI. You also get a solitary FireWire port, 100mbit Ethernet, a media card reader, 56k modem port, DVD read/write drive, and a special holder-port for the bundled Media Centre remote.

On the front edge of the notebook are three audio ports - one microphone in, but two headphone out ports. This is great, as that one time that you need to share audio with your friends, or are on a long flight, you’ll be able to plug two sets in.

Wirelessly, you can connect to the net via 802.11g spec WiFi or to peripherals via Bluetooth 2.0. Unfortunately we were not able to share any files between a MacBook Pro and the Artist Edition, but this may have been a niggly glitch with the loaner.

Performance

The Artist Edition is definitely quick, due to its 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ‘Penryn’ processor. As already stated, it really shines right out of the box, and even under very heavy pressure from two or three Adobe CS3 applications running together.

For designers who may have a Mac Pro, or possibly a strong Windows desktop at the office, the Artist Edition can and will satisfy their needs for a portable Adobe app powerhouse. Photoshop CS3 was a standout on the Artist Edition, opening quickly and processing large edits faster than a base MacBook, which was a surprise.

The dedicated 128mb NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS graphics card works pretty well for some light gaming, too. In highly intensive and immersive games it stumbled a bit but generally framerates of 25+ were achievable on most games with medium-high graphics settings.

Cold booting to the login screen took less than average lengths of time, too, usually taking around 45-60 seconds to achieve this.

Bottom line

The HP Pavilion dv2840tx Artist Edition is a great notebook. If you are an artist, or designer of some sort, than I am sure you would find this to be a reliable, fast, stylish portable powerhouse for on-the-go editing. However, if you really want the best of power and looks for your laptop, you’re still better with an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro.

Whilst that may be, though, if you are after a Windows laptop for below A$2000, then the Artist Edition, or its slightly more conservative ‘Thrive’ sibling, and its decent feature list, above average performance and sheer comfort when working for extended periods should appeal to you.The HP dv2840tx is too good to look over.

Tom Baker

By now most people are aware of what multi-touch is. The uber-popular iPhone has put multi-touch in the everyday consumer market. With different companies vying for their share of the lucrative technology, it becomes more and more pertinent in every day life.

I’m sure most of Desktop Vibes readers will remember the popular video on youtube, where Jeff Han demonstrated the early prototypes of his multi-touch concept. The video is still incredibly impressive, regardless of its age, and Jeff hasn’t stopped there. He now runs Perceptive Pixel, which focuses on his multi-touch software. Seriously, check it out. You’ll be amazed.

Mainstream Use

This is all great but how will it affect the future? I don’t think I need to outline the incredible uses for multi-touch units, but this could make for some major advancements in a plethora of different fields. Most recently: CNN used Jeff Han’s multi-touch technology to explain the elections. The already popular concept has now reached prime time TV. There’s no denying this is the future.

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the cow-sized Microsoft Surface. This obviously puts Microsoft in the bid for dominating the competition, but it won’t be easy. Simply put, the device is too big, too expensive and will only make it into the hands of mainstream businesses with a lot of cash to drop on new technology. This leaves the consumer market hanging.

Apple’s Part

Apple arguably sparked and controls the multi-touch market with the launch of the iPhone. On release, Apple set off a chain reaction of bad imitators and crappy phones. By using the already successful OS X and a revolutionary phone, Apple set foot into something that even they might not have realized.

To be honest, I think Apple is fully aware of what they have on their hands…the key to putting multi-touch devices into the hands of the every day consumer. They’ve already made the first steps with the iPhone and iPod touch, along with the multi-touch trackpads on its laptop line. With how polished and capable the Leopard operating system is, Apple has an incredible foundation for a multi-touch computer.

The Future

Apple has a choice to make: how to go about changing the way computers are used. The tried and true method of mouse and keyboard is accepted worldwide, and there will be plenty who will oppose multi-touch. But why let go of something so tactile? To put it plainly, I’m game.

Imagine what a university could accomplish with Xserve and multi-touch capable Macs. Graphs in math could be drawn and manipulated by hand, atoms could be observed in labs, medical students could play with virtual body parts, all done on multi-touch displays. I could continue for hours; the possibilities really are endless. Not to mention, Apple already has its foot in the door with many universities. Don’t get me started on what it could do for the entertainment industry.

However, what I truly want to see is a multi-touch Mac. While the idea is still in the distant future, I can see it been an incredible possibility. For anyone who has used a Mac and/or iPhone, you know why the idea of combining them is exciting indeed.

Computing has come a long way since it really kicked off back in the ’70s. We’ve come from giant, ugly boxes of circuitry that could do very little, to slim, elegant machines of style that can do a whole lot more. And in all that time, the mouse has pretty much been the standard method of user interface navigation. But now - as with most things technological, things are starting to change.

Little things called Graphics tablets are starting to creep their way in to day-to-day use. The first home computer tablet was introduced in 1984 - called the KoalaPad, it was originally designed for the Apple II but later spread to other compatible machines. Even then, the main idea behind it was all to do with drawing. In today’s world, that original idea remains, with a few added extras.

But which is better for day-to-day use?

Being a hopelessly addicted tech addict, I love new things. I decided that, after receiving some money for my birthday, I’d buy something. After I eventually narrowed it down, the choice was between and external hard drive and a graphics tablet. The sensible option, of course, would be the hard drive. I never back up, and I should. But where’s the fun in the hard drive? I went for the tablet - it looked ‘cool’ and I was sure that I’d find some use for it. The tablet I chose was the highly popular Wacom Bamboo - not only is Wacom a brilliant make (the industry leader, I think we can safely say) but it was the cheapest one that I could find that looked decent. At £45 (or $57 in the US) there really was nothing (much) to lose.

Getting used to the tablet is hard. The Bamboo uses absolute positioning (any point on the tablet surface relates to that same point on the screen). Once you’ve mastered that, you’re all set to go. General navigation is in my opinion is slightly sped up, as you can go directly where you want to go in one tap, although I do find myself dragging my hand all the way, like you would with a mouse. You also don’t get the surface problems like you would with a mouse, as, rather obviously, the tablet is its own surface. The field where the advantages of the tablet shine most is image editing. In Photoshop, using the extract tool and lasso tool (to take two examples) is much easier as you’re drawing in a much more natural style. Skitch also becomes twice as fun when you add a tablet into the equation. If you’re the adventurous type, you could even give handwriting recognition a go, but for the 10 minutes I played around with it, the keyboard wins hands down.

A problem that I have had frequently with my graphics tablet is the pen. Misplacing it is so easy. I do honestly think that Wacom, or any tablet manufacturer, should make the pens a bright yellow so they never get lost. Places my pen have ended up include on the floor, in the bathroom, under the bed, in the wardrobe and even in my bowl of cereal. And it’s still going strong.

And if you’re a “I’m-not-clicking-anything” kinda guy, most tablets come with buttons on them for functions that you can set, although I hardly ever use mine.

So where am I trying to get with all this? Well, if you are the casual internet surfing, iTunes listening computer user, you will probably be fine with a good mouse. For those of you with Photoshop on your computer (or indeed Pixelmator) a cheap tablet such as the Wacom Bamboo is something that it’s probably worth investing in. And even me, the casual use, have never plugged my mouse back in in the whole time I’ve had this (except from when people use my computer and don’t know how to use the tablet) and I feel it does help reduce the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury and helps with your hand-eye coordination.

The Bose SoundDock Portable is the original Bose SoundDock on steroids. It’s odd because the SoundDock Portable really isn’t portable at all. Its both heavier and taller than its predecessor, and its a pain to tote around. Aside from the grip handle, swiveling dock, and rechargeable battery, it really isn’t portable at all. Don’t get me wrong, It just seems more deserving of the name SoundDock II. But honestly, this is the greatest iPod speaker system I’ve ever owned, and the sound doesn’t disappoint.

Portable?

Not really - the Portability aspect of the SoundDock Portable simply doesn’t shine. Sure the handle, swiveling dock, and battery are nice, but it just doesn’t make any sense why it’s taller and heavier than the original SoundDock. I would only bring this product with me for the sound it produces. The sound is by far the absolute best I’ve yet experienced with any set of portable iPod speakers.

Control Me

The remote is of much better quality compared to its predecessor. It’s covered in soft rubber which makes it great to both hold and use. A playlist button has been added so you can skip between them, and change songs within the playlist. As I love playlists, I thoroughly enjoy this feature. There’s also your typical volume up and down keys, along with the skip track buttons and power switch. The remote gets great reception so I’ve never had to hit a button more than once - a lack of frustration is always a good thing.

Sound

This sound system never fails to blow me away every time I turn it on. Providing absolutely stunning sound for a portable player. Compared to the original SoundDock, the sound is much more crisp and clean. The base is much more defined, and there’s no annoying squeal like the older SoundDock.

Odds & Ends

The auxiliary input is key. Being that the older SoundDock didn’t feature an AUX input, I’m stoked to see one on the newer model.

The battery life is exceptional. I get about 3 hours at full volume, but Bose claims you can squeeze “much more” life at a lower volume. This is phenomenal for a product of this class.

As portable as it claims to be, the power supply is obnoxious. It’s about half the size of the Xbox 360 brick and is just about the size of a Cinema Display adapter. However for a portable product there shouldn’t be a power supply to carry around.

The Verdict

I truly love this product. From its design, to its added battery, it all adds up. It makes a great replacement to the original SoundDock, and its sure to last at least a few years. Compared to the iPod Hi-Fi it replaces, it packs the same sound, in a much smaller package. But one thing is for sure: It’s definitely not portable. The SoundDock 2 would be a much more suited label for the system.

Dion Tavenier’s Office: Consisting Of

Mac Pro 3GHz // 8GB RAM // 4x 750GB/32MB // X1900 XT // Blu-Ray // 30″ ACD // Airport Extreme // iPhone 8GB // Pacemaker // Logitech Z-5500 Sound System // Phillips Living Colour // Wacom Tablet //

// Samsung 40″ Full HD TV // Xbox 360 Elite // Playstation 3 //

About The Workspace

I’m using my Mac Pro most for (web)design. I’m currently a starter and do this next to my job as assistant shop manager at a local Apple-retailer. I also use the machine for encoding HD-movies for personal use on the 360 or PS3, not professionally, just for my own collection. The desk is the Galant-series from IKEA.

The gaming corner isn’t used that much for gaming. I mostly use it for streaming my music and movies. I’m really a Full HD-fan. Once you go 1080p..

Tonium’s Pacemaker is a new gadget we also sell in our shop. I haven’t spend much time with the Pacemaker yet, but I can already tell that once you’ve used this device you’ll see it as your new iPod. The idea of mixing and saving on the go is great! The Philips Colour lamp was a gift of my dad which you can adjust the LED-light to suit your mood. It’s really nice.

Planning ahead I’d like to add a top of the line 17″ MacBook Pro to the desk in the near future. Handy to use between work and home.

More Views

It’s something which we’re constantly told to do, but something very few of us ever actually take action on. What are we talking about? Backing up your precious data.

It was made immensely easier when Apple integrated Time Machine into every copy of OSX Leopard, but now there’s a new kid on the wireless block which makes backing up all the Macs in your house a simple un-daunting task.

Not only does the Time Capsule backup wirelessly but it also doubles as a 802.11n router, which allows 5X faster network speeds and twice the range of a traditional .11g router. Not to mention, when you plug in a printer to the USB port on the back of the unit, it also can be used as wireless print server with over 50 Macs or PCs on your network. Now we’re talking.

Design

Time Capsule looks strikingly similar to the Airport Extreme, with its sleek Apple-like design and sheer sexiness. If you were to place both the Airport Extreme and Time Capsule next to one another, you would notice that Time Capsule has a chrome Apple logo and is slightly thicker due to the integrated hard drive and cooling system.

It looks phenomenal on my desk, next to my iMac and my MacBook Pro.

Setup

Setup was extremely easy both on a Mac and a PC. On a Mac, you simply install the Airport Utility which you use to manage all wireless connections around your house. Once you get the utility up and running you answer a few simple questions, follow several steps, and before you know it, your connected.

It’s just as easy using a Windows machine. Setting up Time Machine for wireless backup was also a snap. Simply click on Time Machine, slide the switch to the on position, and then select your Time Capsule to begin your first backup, which depending on how much data you have, can take some time for the initial backup. From there, the incremental backups should be brief and painless for the network.

Life with Time Capsule

I have a 1TB Time Capsule that my MacBook Pro and my iMac share. Over the past several months I have been quite pleased with it, except for when I have occasional printer troubles, which can become very aggravating. The wireless printing feature hasn’t worked in weeks - although this could be a problem with my network settings.

It’s super quiet except for the occasional spin of the hard-drive when it’s backing up. Quite honestly, I would have never backed up if it wasn’t for this product. I recommend it to anyone who has a MacBook Air, or any Mac portable for that matter. After all, who wants to be tied down for hours at a time while your computer backs up, or worse off, lose data from not backing up at all? Errr, not me.

Although they’ve been in public knowledge since CES 2008 in January, the first I heard of Monster’s latest audio product “Beats” with the backing of superstar Rap producer Dr Dre was just yesterday.

Retailing for $399, they’re supposedly tuned by the former N.W.A. member and Death Row founder himself (along with a little help from ‘Head Monster’ Noel Lee), and boast “rich, deep bass” which promises to keep your head ringin’

The black headphones come complete with a beautifully designed carrying case with anti-microbial cleaning cloths, a special Monster headphone cable, a mini-stereo to ¼-inch stereo cable adapter, as well as Monster’s iSonitalk, a microphone/headphone adapter for iPhones.

“When I’m making a track I’m trying to capture the sound that makes me go ‘now that’s the shit! And I want that reaction from everybody who hears it,” said Dr. Dre. “I spend a lot of time in the studio listening to my music through headphones…with Beats, people are finally going to hear it the way they should: the way I do.”

While I’ve been stuck using the stock standard iPod headphones for the last three years, I feel it’s time to move forward and look for something more satisfying to get the most out of my listening experience.

I’m eager for Beats to arrive in store later this year so I can take a close look at them. The sleek design has already caught my eye, all that needs proving to now is my ears. Not too much longer to wait.