HP Mini has arrived

[Blog Post] HP Mini up and running

Finally I have my new HP Mini fully up and running. It took a few days to configure for running in the work environment and with wireless broadband (internal no less) and VPN but I used it for the commute home last evening and am now returning to work with it. It may cut down my reading time as it does appear easier to whip out and start using than my previous laptop. It also does not take up valuable leg room when other people are seated in front of me.

I guess I should divert for a moment and describe one of my idiosyncrasies for commuting. I always try to get a seat at the front or back of the train car where there are seats that face one another. Most of the times two people sit caddy-corner and only when the train is very full do people sit facing one another. I choose this as I feel a little claustrophobic sitting in the seats that are front to back. Since I have to commute every day I try to do things that make it a little easier to endure.

Anyhow, so far I like the new netbook. The size is great, the weight pretty light at just over 2 pounds and the screen doesn't appear too tiny. It is a high resolution screen so the images and letters are quite crisp so you don't seem to miss a larger screen. Seeing as how I wanted to minimize size and weight and maximize battery life, having the smallest screen possible was a key consideration. This one is just over 10 inches so seems to be the right choice.

Another thing I like about the Mini is the internal wireless broadband card. I have enjoyed wireless broadband service from Verizon as I can get a strong connection all the way up the Northeast Corridor from Trenton to NYC. I can even get strong connection through the tunnel where AT&T on my iPhone always fails. One thing I didn't like about wireless broadband was the card off the side. I had stayed with a PCMCIA card as it was less obtrusive than the newer USB mounted devices. Having delicate electronic devices hanging off the side of a mobile computer seemed to be asking for trouble. The internal broadband on the Mini seems to fit the bill.

I am going to close this journal entry for this morning an turn to more mundane activities like reading the new Wired magazine. I still hope for a Kindle version of that magazine soon as I would like to continue my departure from paper in most of its forms. I have broken away from Book 1.0 for the most part and have stopped reading Newspaper 1.0 favoring iPhone news services. I hope that 2010 can be the year I depart from paper in most of its forms and uses.

Thanks for listening and have a great day.

My e-Life - a Chronicle of Evolution

I have written in the past about a project that I called "My e-Life" which is an effort to get together all the technologies, tools, machines, and information sources representing work and life of a modern executive.

Today, with the acquisition and set-up of a cornerstone component of My e-Life, I will chronicle the journey forward to become more effective and efficient. I suppose also a goal to live a richer, fuller life should also be stared up-front. Enhancement of capabilities and increase in quality of life, two lofty goals I say.

To chronicle this transition I will provide some before and after bench-marking and comparison as well as where alternatives exist and pros and cons. Ultimately I will have a road map for transition from a life s it is now to an evolved e-Life but that won't be free, I'm telling you that now.

The first installment will be about one of the cornerstone devices, a HP Mini, or net-book computer. That chronicle episode will be written and posted within the next several days as I take delivery and start using it. Future episodes will present other necessary devices and software and tools that I am weaving together for My e-Life. Feel free to join in.

Good Book

In my opinion, ''Beach Music' by Pat Conroy is what literature is all about. In fact, my assessment is that is both good fiction and good lterature. Well, maybe simply good writing since I am not that qualified to tell what is good literature.

I find myself living the story in the mind and experiences of the main character, Jack McCall. While it is easy for me through the author's talent to slip into the experience, it also provides a new perspective and new thoughts that enhance my own being.

That's my testimony for now as I am about half-way through my re-read. Time very well spent, even if it is only in Book 1.0 version and not Kindle. I just received notice that Conroy's newest book, "South of Broad" is ready for me to download to Kindle from pre-order. I can't wait but will complete Beach Music first.

My advice, read this book with care.

Quote of the Day

From Beach Music by Pat Conroy.

"All sports reduced to their simplest physics become easy."

This reminds me of a softball game attended by my young sons (at the time), Dan and Steve, advised me before my at bat, "Dad just hit the ball hard and run fast."

I truly don't remember the outcome but the wisdom is there for all to benefit.

So look for the simplest physics in sports and in life.

A Heart-Shaped Tomato

Heart-shaped tomato from our garden weighing 25.4 ounces.

Garden's Bounty

and we were only away for one week...

Another Sunset

Last evening on Chincoteague...