HowTo Twitter

There are a lot of guides out there. I am publishing this so I can point friends to some site on the web they can check to follow the steps.

First step is to sign up for a Twitter account. There's a good guide over at this blog : The Cyberprince Chronicles. It contains screenshots to boot. The thing you really need to set-up is the device updates. You only need to send an SMS to the UK number once. It will send you SMS updates free-ever-after if your Twitter preferences are set right.

Now the boon of Twitter wouldn't be the same without the ability to send updates from your mobile phone. But how to do that without breaking the bank? Sending SMS to the UK number will set you back 10-15 pesos per, depending on your cell subscription. You can send updates through to a local number accessible through the Globe or Sun networks. You can find instructions on how to use that gateway here: Pinoy Twittters.

Well what about Smart users, you say? Fear not, your kababayans have you covered. Go over to The Pinoy Twitters SMS Portal, register to participate in the forums and follow the instructions on how you can send to a local number that posts to Twitter. It only costs a peso, but if your a heavy-duty Twitter I'd suggest using something like the ALLTxtPlus for trigger-happy texting. I personally use phTwitters sparingly so it doesn't get overloaded. It's something that the maintainers are spending money on and are providing for free to the Twittering public. One way to run it to the ground would be to Twitter every 3 minutes about how boring your commute is. Never do that.

Once you're done, follow me :-) My page is at http://www.twitter.com/daysleeper_ed. Happy Twittering :-D

Via Sends Out Isaiah Samples

I've written about my anticipation of Via's Isaiah and Intel's Atom processors in the past. The two have a huge potential when it comes to reducing power-consumption of everyday machines if the chips crossover to the desktop space. And I believe they will. In time, that is. But right now, I believe the focus is to get them to the UMPC market. So I was glad to read that Via is already sending production samples to manufacturers. That's a foot in the door. I'm eager for news of these gadgets coming to market soon.

I'm Done

So, how do you like the design? I personally think it looks better, with the 3-pane design and all. Place a comment to send in your thoughts and suggestions. :-)

Pardon The Dust

Fixing up the site's design. Please excuse the dust :-)

All a-Twitter

Just wanted everyone to know you'll find two new widgets on my sidebar, one for Twitter and one for Meebo. After months and months of hearing about Twitter over and over again, I relented and signed up for an account. Check out the widget or my page at www.twitter.com/daysleeper_ed. Add me, if you're Twittering as well. Meebo is just another way to chat with me. If you're here on my page, IM me from the Meebo widget :-)

Intel's Atom

A few weeks back, Intel let the cat out of the bag and officially announced the branding of their Diamondville and Silverthorne chips. You can read more info about the Intel Atom here. Intel's strategy for marketing this chip seems to be twofold. First is to supply the chip for a new segment of the tech market, the niche that Asus was able to maximize when it brought the Eee PC to market -- the niche between laptops and PDA/smartphones. A lot of buzz around blogosphere has the Atom competing with Via's Isaiah for a place in devices like the second version of the Everex Cloudbook, Asus Eee PC 900 and the HP 2133.

Now the second purpose (and I'm guessing this will come much later) would be to market it in Asian countries where cost is the number one consideration. Intel certainly explored that segment in Asian markets when it released the D201GLY board to Asia. This product would appeal to those seeking a cheaper computing platform to build devices from. It will also appeal to those who require low-powered devices. The Atom processors are touted to consume only half a watt. Another thing going for this platform is the fact that Intel has already announced that they are already developing the dual-core version of the Atom. So investing on the platform would make sense for those looking for a steady upgrade path. In contrast, Via's Isaiah is compatible with the current hardware of the C7 (codenamed: Esther), it's previous generation of low-wattage chips.

Looking at developments in the last few months, I am quite glad I'm still waiting it out before I upgrade. The next few months will bring more "green" computer hardware to market, all geared around the platforms of these low-voltage processors. Whether its Via or Intel, it will all come down to price and availability. That being said, Intel may have an upper hand in countries like the Philippines where they already have an established distribution network.

Now, all I need to do is wait for the sweet spot.

A Pragmatic Approach to Mobile Computing

I have always been reluctant to call myself a geek. The popular definition sees geeks as technically adept people working in highly specialized fields. I would have less reluctance to call myself one given today's emerging definition of a geek. Geeks are people who are fans of a particular interest and they carry out their devotion with a passion. So I am a geek by that standard. I hold a particular interest in computer hardware, open source technology and volunteer work. I'm not particularly savvy at any of those fields of interest, but I talk about them with a fervor that can only be matched by street preacher.

One thing that particularly interests me is making technology work for the layman. Living in a country like the Philippines, most people do not have access to the latest in gadgetry or computer parts. I take a more pragmatic approach by making the most of what is available and focusing on cost versus utility. Let me draw a comparison. In the US, mobile computing would mean having a decently spec'd laptop with a powerful processor or a PDA-phone at the least. A broadband wireless connection is also necessary to keep you connected wherever you may roam. All three are available in the country today. However, the cost would be prohibitive save for executives and businessmen. It isn't really worth your money to spend that much when your budget or your needs don't justify it. So I tell friends they can have the same mobility for less.

With internet shops situated in just about any street or corner of the city, I find it much more cost effective to just carry a thumb drive. USB thumb drives go for around 700 to 900 pesos for one that can hold 4 gigabytes worth of files. To make it more useful, load it up with the open source software package called Portable Apps. Portable Apps comes with a browser, email client, IM client, office suite, anti-virus and a bevy of smaller apps that extend its usability. The advantage of Portable Apps is in the way it behaves. All the apps are self-contained and will work off the USB drive without the need to install it in the host machine. That means plug it in to any Windows machine and it'll run. When your done just pull it out and walk away. All your settings and files will be preserved on the drive. It beats having to lug around a 7-pound laptop any day.

The next cheapest option is already in your pocket - your phone. Think about it. You carry it around. You never leave home without it. You can connect to the internet with it. The challenge is choosing a phone that will let you do browse, email and IM. One of the cheapest options is the LG KU250 with a street price of around 6,000 pesos. It's a 3-G phone that can be quite usable if your willing to exert a little effort. Installing the Opera Mini browser will make viewing sites not optimized for phones easier. If you have a Google Mail (Gmail) account, you can download an app that allows you to access your email directly without a browser. IM on this phone is a little limited though. You'll have to access your IM accounts through web-based services like Meebo. The only downside to using a phone is the small keypad. This isn't a deal-breaker for you folks who can type 30++ words per minute on your phones though.

If you're still looking for the full functionality of a PC in a small package, then consider the miniature wonder that is the Asus Eee PC. It's a tiny 7-inch laptop that's equipped with wifi. Calling it tiny may be a bit of an understatement. This thing weighs a little more than a pound. Given its svelte proportions, its small screen will require some squinting and its small keyboard can be difficult to type on. No worries for those of you who have LCD monitors, keyboards and mice waiting at your desks. The Eee PC can output to a monitor and has USB ports for connecting your keyboard and mice. Away from your desk, you'll have to make do typing with your index fingers. It's most useful for typing up short documents and emailing on the go. As with most PCs nowadays, it already comes with a browser, email client and an office suite pre-installed. The Eee PC price ranges from 17,000 to 19,000 pesos, depending on where you buy it.

When all is said and done, there is a solution for everyone's budget. Pick a solution that suits your needs and hopefully it won't kill your wallet.

Ads Are Welcome

If you would like to place an ad on my blog, please leave your contact email in comments. My comments are moderated, so if you prefer that your email remain private it won't be published (please request for this).

I'm offering 125x125 space (that you see on my sidebar) and text links. Prices are extremely affordable.

Tekzilla, Finally!

Dang! I finally got in a viewer comment in Tekzilla. I feel a semi-almost-famous buzz around me head. :-)

Mine was the first viewer comment in the video below:



I was also quoted on the show notes! Coolness :-D