:Microcomputers and Applications Fall 2007

This mainly applies to the Business and Ultimate version of Windows Vista, the general discontempt with the product is still apparent. Owners of these versions are now being allowed to “downgrade” to Windows XP, and it’s being said that this will help out small businesses a lot. HP, Gateway and a few other machines still sell computers with XP available instead of Vista. The demand for it is still so high that in April, Dell brought it back as well as an option. Microsoft is obviously worried about this, and has made a drastic move by announcing that as of January 31st, large PC companies have to stop selling systems with XP.

The XP alternative for Vista PCs

Chelsea Speer

2 Comments

Cellphone messages are starting to replace toll-free calls and the Web as the easy way to buy clothing and more. Already common in Korea and Japan text-buying is expected to take off in the U.S. also.  If you happen to be at the mall and there is a long line at the Gap, you can text the code and the item is delivered to your house.  Urban Outfitters launched UO TXT in June to alert regular customers to pre-sales and new items.  Personally, I would rather be at the store to see what I am buying, even if the lines are long!

Louise Tillstrom

1 Comment

The article I chose to write about is about ergonomics, and how back problems aside from colds keep the most people out of work.  Galen Cranz’s book says that we have to reinvent the way we think when it comes to chairs and that we need to get away from the typical 90 degree angle chair and sit behind a table mentality. The way we sit cause erosion on the disks in our back and can eventually deform our spine and cause severe back problems for the rest of your life. The article then goes into how third world countries sit and why it is so hard for us to sit on the ground upright and blames it on the use of chairs and back support. The rest of the article goes into how to correct this problem. http://www.zafu.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CMD&Category_Code=newsletter

Mark Prince

No Comments

Hewlett-Packard is now selling the TouchSmart IQ770, which is made to be stationed in the kitchen.  The current price at Circuit City is around $1699 (yikes!) and serves as more than just a regular PC.  Instead of using that old calender on the refrigerator, you can now use your kitchen companion; the TouchSmart has an interactive calendar where you can type important dates, events, and notes with a keyboard, or you can write directly on the screen with your finger or a stylus.  This allows owners to choose which way they want to input information– even when playing games or surfing the web, you can use the TouchScreen rather than the mouse and since its made for the kitchen, the monitor is durable and easily cleaned with Windex.   The TouchSmart also has a HDTV reciever, and has a DVD player built in.  Basically, its like having a home entertainment system in you kitchen!  While the idea of a kitchen computer is in no way a new idea, the recent advanaces in internet capabilities and speed have made it a popular one! For the news article click here. 

 John Goldner

No Comments

NBC is now offering its popular shows online. People will now be able to download the show of their choice and watch them on their computers. People will be able to subscribe to shows they like also. The article states, “The programs will initially be downloadable only to PCs with the Windows operating system, but NBC said it planned to make the service available to Mac computers and iPods later.” This article is located on Newyorktimes.com under the Business section.  It is titled NBC to Offer Downloads of Its Shows, by Bill Carter on September 20, 2007.

1 Comment

    A new concept design has come out recently for a new OLED screen dvd player the that can be twist and turned to give a better view of the screen. Too bad it wont be coming out anytime soon :-\

Portable DVD with OLED 

No Comments

Microsoft has lost its appeal against a record 497m euro (£343m; $690m) fine imposed by the European Commission in a long-running competition dispute. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6998272.stm

Cody Wayt

No Comments

Apple is offering a $100 credit to the early adopters who purchased the iPhone before the recent price drop.  Check out the article from the CNN technology page.   What are your thoughts about buying new technology products as soon as they are released?

4 Comments

A new high definition satellite for Google Earth, named WorldView I, which cost $500 million to create, is going to be launched Tuesday, September 18th.  You can now zoom in on objects/houses etc. way more than before, up to ten feet away from them.  It’s supposedly a way clearer image now, which sounds like to me, is almost getting to the point where it’s an invasion of privacy.

No Comments

I read an article about television’s switchover to digital entirely which will cause the old TV’s to be obsolete. By February 18, 2009 the old analog channels will be shut off. The Government is auctioning the analog channels to other communication services. Older TV sets will not work unless hooked up to cable and satellite systems or add-on digital tuner.

There is a major concern for the public’s lack of awareness and the fact that Americans without TV can be very disgruntled. Moreover, there is still the option of buying the older models of TV’s so consumers might fall easily into a trap becuase they think they are getting a deal.

Furthermore, people living off of fixed incomes, such as senior citizens, might not be capable of buying a new TV. Besides enrage consumers being a consequence, there is a concern that people won’t know what to do.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709150311

No Comments