Gadget Gumbo

RDX QuikStor and Data— a Match Made in Heaven

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:55:06 -0500

Storage is personal – says a report from the techno-gurus at IDC in its “2007 Personal Storage Survey.” That’s personal data storage – not the storage in your walk-in closet.

“Personal storage is a fast-growing product category and has become important in the portfolio of many global storage vendors,” said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, Removable Storage, at IDC.

According to the IDC survey, the backup storage device most often used is still the CD or DVD writer, with almost 31% of business users and over 45% of consumers citing this as their top choice. The second most used device by all respondents is the USB flash drive at 17.3%, followed by the external hard drive at 15.6%. Network storage, floppies, tape, and secondary internal hard drives all finished in single-digit percentages.

Interestingly, the survey also states that the storage needs of consumers and small businesses are now very similar to those of larger enterprises. Conversely, however, the survey purports the storage solutions must be completely different.

Microsoft's first update to Windows Home Server

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:42:10 -0500

Today, Microsoft will release a first update to Windows Home Server via Windows Update, providing enhancements to the product usability and out-of-box experience for customers. Updates to Windows Home Server will be delivered throughout the lifecycle of the product. Microsoft has provided this update to its hardware and distribution partners and, as previously stated, HP will incorporate this update in the HP MediaSmart Server. Customers already using the system builder version of Windows Home Server will automatically receive the enhancements through Windows Update.

Planar and Wyse Introduce Thin Client Network Displays

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:31:02 -0500

Planar Systems, a provider in specialty display solutions, today announced a partnership with Wyse Technology, the global leader in thin computing, to deliver the next generation of integrated thin client network displays. Planar’s entry into the thin client market demonstrates its strategic commitment to deliver display offerings that address specific challenges, such as the need within the enterprise to protect sensitive information, centralize applications and streamline thin client installation.

Portable Desk for Notebooks-Safety First

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:11:20 -0500

A little over a month ago, I received a product by LapWorks, the Laptop Desk Futura. The product is designed to improve laptop cooling and provide an ergonomically sound workspace across the lap. It also folds into a wedge-shaped stand for desk use.
When I first looked at the contraption, my first thoughts were another useless piece of plastic that offers no real value to the real world. Let me be the first to apologize to the company, and say I use the device practically every day. I love it! I endure a daily hour and a half train ride home, one way, might I add, and without it, I probably would get no work done and most likely be sterile by now.

HP's new MediaSmart Server from a Retailer's Perspective

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:03:50 -0500

A misconception surrounding HP's new MediaSmart Server is that it is aimed at the greenhorn. That's mainly because the server ships with Microsoft's Windows Home Server, an application the software giant is marketing to non-technical users, leaving HP guilty by association.

Microsoft and Quintum Technologies Partner Up

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:31:30 -0500

An enormous challenge facing the world of telephony is convergence. The world of telephony is very different than the world of data communications, and while the transition is inevitable, the simple facts are that IT professionals need a solution that integrates both voice and data into one easy deployment.
Microsoft and Quintum Technologies have recently launched a significant Unified Communications initiative; offering a single platform for both voice and data. Quintum and Microsoft’s initiative provides a VoIP solution that simplifies connecting Office Communications Server 2007 to legacy analog telephony devices and the PSTN.

Storage Devices Galore

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:06:37 -0500

RAID based storage devices have always been a sought after product especially in instances where business critical data cannot afford to have any downtime. While that still applies, the importance of RAID based storage has now filtered into NLE (non-linear editing) and content creation applications.

Microsoft, a Master of Trickery

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:39:35 -0500

Microsoft is Houdini when it comes to creating an illusion. Who else but Microsoft could create a buzz for a product that already exists and has existed for many years in a market which is already oversaturated with products of the same kind? Who else but Microsoft could convince an entire digital generation that without their newest application, Windows Home Server (WHS), they will fail to fulfill their digital home experience?

No Honor among Thieves

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:30:49 -0500

Bandwidth utilization has always been sort of an honor code system. What I mean when I say that, is businesses seek out a service provider to provide X-amount of bandwidth; the service provider fulfills their request, and the company pays X-amount of dollars for that allotted bandwidth.
The idea seems pretty rudimentary, but the dirty secret is that more times than not, folks are paying for X-amount of bandwidth, and are just not getting what they are paying for.
The reason may lie within the service itself and/or the service provider, but what usually occurs nine times out of ten is congestion and bottlenecks on the network. This prohibits the network from operating at its optimal performance level. No matter how you slice it, companies are not getting what they pay for--and that is just not right!

Adobe Wonderland

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:56:42 -0500

I know I’ve been on a non-liner kick lately. I’ve been looking into different solutions for a friend of mine. We are trying to figure out what the best solution is for her. She is a video and photo editor and needs a lot of tools at her fingertips. It is tough for me to gauge their functionality since I only use the application(s) as a hobbyist rather than part of my daily routine.
Since I am doing the research on the applications, I figured I can offer you some of my recent findings. The vendor in this story is Adobe and the next few graphs are a cornucopia of some interesting tidbits-I recently found out.

Avid Raises the Bar

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:16:42 -0500

Avid Technology announced a couple of short months ago the worldwide availability of Media Composer 2.7 and Xpress Pro 5.7, new versions of its digital video editing systems, now with native support for Intel-based Macs. While it took me some time, adjusting to the new applications, I thought it may be time to report on them.

Storage, Who Needs It?

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:59:18 -0500

Storage seekers now have a multitude of reliable, secure storage solutions to choose from. Whether for work, business or pleasure, everyone needs reliable backup protection. Two storage options on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of size, functionality, and price are Western Digital’s Passport USB Portable Hard Drive and LaCie’s 500GB d2 Quadra Hard Drive. Both are proven names in the industry and will offer significant value.

Two Monitors Definitely Worth a Look

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:11:43 -0500

Not too long ago, widescreen displays were considered luxury items. Now they are a necessity, due to the growing number of multimedia applications available to consumers and professionals alike. With all the different LCDs available, I thought you could use some help in choosing the right one.

This Ain't No Joke!

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:22:04 -0500

As the industry continues to be oversaturated with products of comparative technology, pedestrian is a word that can never be associated with Apple products. The company excels at raising the bar above mediocrity while piecing together some of the highest performing professional devices on the market.
One product that has surpassed all consumers’ expectations is the Mac Pro Desktop Computer Workstation.

Sony's VAIO is Vivacious (Corny, I know)

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:02:59 -0500

Sony's VAIO family of notebooks has long been touted as one of the true multimedia units on the planet. The vendor’s latest offering, the VGN-FZ140E/B notebook, continues down the path of its predecessors—this lightning-fast, super-powerful PC is ultra-thin, lightweight, and packed with entertainment features.