Project management software

An office project could never be completed by only one person. The tasks are just overwhelming for a single person and the chances of a substandard project are high. On the other hand, getting a good number of people to work on a project is not a walk in the park either. Each person has their preferences which might not be part of the project. Worst, everyone might have a unique idea of the project that nothing would be done in the process. It's just a waste of time and resources.

That is why a project management software is essential for businesses. Originally intended for software developers, project management software will outline the task and goals of every member of the group. The time frame for executing every step of the plan is also indicated which also comes with specific reminders that a task should have been started or completed.

Streamlining Operations

The main role of project management software is to streamline business operations. Project management is not just a one time job but a continuous challenge that business managers have to consider. Through the project management software, managers can be alerted of the task at hand and provide their employees with a "gentle reminder" on what should be done by now.

Dedication Required

Businesses have to ensure that the project management software will be used accordingly. Everyone should have the knowledge on how use this type of software. The success of the adoption of the project management software is based on widespread use as well as consistent following of the software's demands.

Office networking tips

Local Area Networking or LAN is implemented in most businesses in order for internet connection, files, folders, printer and other devices could be shared. Before a business is even set-up and started, LAN should be properly implemented.

Avoiding clutter

One thing that you should make sure when you are implementing LAN is to avoid clutters. Plan everything before starting in your project. You should know where to place the computers, the router and every other gadget so that you should be able to gauge the wires that you need. Clutters will make LAN problems difficult to diagnose and fix.

Wired or wireless

There are companies that opted to go wireless. WLAN however is an option if the speed you want and could get is limited. Through WLAN, you can usually have up to 10mpbs in speed in file sharing within the local network. LAN however, could get you up to 100mpbs of connection.

Installing a firewall

Firewall is very important since it will provide protection for your computers against small attacks. There are additional security measures that you should also do but it is highly recommended to make it local or per gadget. A firewall will provide you the security you need but you might also consider a more powerful firewall.

The best router

The gadget that will suggest the speed and reliability of the network is the router. Always get something that should be able to handle the number of gadgets that will connect to the network. As much as possible; purchase a router with a printer port for easy sharing.

Must Have USB Powered Devices

There are hundreds of USB gadgets that could be used for fun and productivity. But only a handful is actually useful in the office. Here are the following devices that you should consider in your office for improved productivity.

USB Storage Device or Thumb Drive – if you still don’t have one, better get one fast. You can store your office files and even applications so that you don’t have to drag your laptop on the road. Just insert the Thumb Drive and transform another PC into your PC.

USB Hub – not only USB geeks should have this but practically everyone. As most of the small gadgets could be charged and powered through the USB, an extra slot for the USB could be very helpful.

Fly Fusion Pentop Computer – developed by toymaker LeapFrog, this USB pen will record everything you write and upload them in your computer. Most perceive this as a kid’s toy but if you are in places without a computer, this gadget could save your thoughts which could be read later.

Wireless USB Remote – don’t get stuck in front of your laptop during office presentation. The wireless USB remote let’s you control media player applications in your laptop and your PowerPoint presentation.

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – don’t get stuck with too many wires in your cubicle. The wireless keyboard and mouse lets you operate to as far as 1 meter away from your computer or laptop. Although you will still end up in front of your computer, you will significantly reduce wire clutters

Tips in selecting a photocopier

The right photocopier is always a must for every office. As businesses have to be consistently budget conscious, only the right photocopier should be purchased to cater to the need of the office without overspending.

Knowing the Need

Before considering the brand and type, it is always important to know the office requirements from their photocopier. There are photocopiers who can print up to 100 copies per minute while there are photocopiers that are only intended for black and white printing. Add-ons or special features such as color printing, speed of printing and even networking capabilities have to be evaluated as these features would fetch considerable price increase.

Types of Photocopiers

There are practically three types of photocopiers: the portable, desktop and floor standing. The smallest of the three is the portable photocopier which is perfect for companies or small businesses that is expecting to reprint less than 1000 pages per month. The desktop photocopier is a relatively larger photocopier which usually has advanced image editing features. The floor standing is the most expensive type of photocopier. This type of photocopier could send and receive fax, print, edit images and has networking capability for multiple users.

Overhead Costs

Aside from the purchasing price of the photocopier, the overhead cost of the photocopier should also be calculated. Some photocopiers will require less ink while others will require a brand new cartridge of ink every time the ink is replaced. Durability should also be considered as repairs for this type of office electronic equipment could be very pricey.

Surviving office demands on the road

Office workers are not just confined in their cubicles all day. There are times where work demands for employees to be outside the office. So they bring the usual things - laptops, mobile phones, GPS for travelling. Although these are very essential, they could cause more trouble that good.

Battery life - Because you're unplugged most of the time

Employees should remember that they are only as good as their gadgets. If their gadgets are not running, then they might not be able to update sales numbers in real time, talk to their boss or supervisor and help their officemates while on the road. Every employee should aim for a device that will last for more than three hours. Laptops should have 6-cell batteries which ensures constant use of laptops for at least six hours. Mobile phones usually won't have any problem but if you are constantly using the Bluetooth and Wifi capabilities of your phone, you might only have a device that will last for three to four hours.

Security is always the first order of business

Doing your work in Starbucks, in a client's office or in other areas with free wifi would seem nice and refreshing but you may be exposing the company secrets. There are hackers who pose as providers of free wifi but they will use that service to access your laptop. Before you access their free wifi, disable the sharing options in your shared folders. That way, your folders will not be accessed by anyone.

Being on the road will be very confusing that you may leave behind your important gadgets and documents. Before you hit the road, write everything that you have brought and double check the list.

The good, the bad and the ugly in online office applications

The Good

Virtually Free
Online office applications from Google and Zoho are virtually free for basic tasks in office productivity. Applications installed in local computers come with a licensing fee and would place a dent in terms of office budgeting especially for small companies.

Real Time Collaboration

Developing programs and writing/editing documents is now faster as collaboration in real time. Users can work on documents at the same time and see the updates in real time. Everyone who has permission to make some changes on the application can do it anytime, anywhere.

No Lost Files

You can virtually burn down your building and expect all your files to be protected. Since all your files are now online, you don’t need to worry about a broken (or burned) laptop.

The Bad

Lay-Out Problems

The online applications may not be compatible with the applications in the local computer. The downloaded file may not be same when read in the local computer.

Lesser Features

Developers of online applications have to sacrifice a little bit in efficiency to improve speed of their online application. Certain tools could be lacking and may not provide the needed output of the user.

The Ugly

Relying on Internet Connectivity

All work could be done only when there’s a strong internet connection. Anything below DSL speed would not work for online office applications. It would be worst if there’s no internet connection since no work could be done.

Security Problems

Since these are free applications, users can’t demand security and functionality. When one computer in your workgroup has been attacked by spyware or virus, everyone else could be infected in no time.

Internet Media Tablet of the day

For those who are always in search of entertainment the good news is that they have now Internet, TV and media in their palms. Internet Media Tablet will be their entertainment daily tablet and there are already 3 of them: ARCHOS 5, ARCHOS 7, ARCHOS 5g.

The sizes of these tablets may be reduced, but the producer does not compromise when it comes to quality. For example on ARCHOS 5 people can surf the web as if they are using their PCs – reading and sending emails and attachments or surfing various web pages due to its Adobe Flash 9 video support.

The tablet has a very high capacity internal hard drive from 60 to 250 GB. This enables you to download your favourite music and videos from a selection of partners in the Media Club. You can also play your favourite movies in HD or DVD format.

What ARCHOS 7 has different is a bigger hard drive - from 160 GB to 320 GB, in rest the web surfing is as smooth as with the previous tablet and the TV experience on the go is just as wonderful – in the office or everywhere.

Computers get greener and “Wyser”

In this polluted and eco-suffering world, obsessed by slimming and slenderness, there are also thin computers offered by Wyse which run from a single central server and consume less energy. Thin computers use servers running a choice of UNIX/Linux, HTML applications, Microsoft Windows Terminal Services, Citrix Applications Delivery, or VMware VDI .

They also replace PCV with a Thin or Zero Client, doing an easier job for the IT because they can manage user desktops by moving their complexity to the data center.

A thin computer works just like a PC (to the person who uses it). All the familiar softwares and user interface are there, but data, operating system, and applications all reside back on the server. And they cost less to own and operate.


What is appealing is that thin computers consume about 90 percent less energy than a PC. The producer guarantees that its computers will last for 7 (I would say – apocalyptic) years.


The facts about using thin computers are:
For 1,000 normal PCs there are 70.51 kilowatts consumed per hour and 146, 660 Kw consumed per year; costing $13.111 per year.For 1,000 thin computers there are 7.14 kw consumed per hour; 14,851 kw per year and $1,327 energy cost per year.

What is an IP phone exactly?

IP phones are very common nowadays in office environments. What are they really though?

An IP phone merely uses voice over IP technology identical to the very well-known Skype software. The technology enables the end user to forward calls over the internet rather than the usual public switched telephone network (PSTN). The phone devices implement protocoles like Session Initiation and Skinny Client for which further information are either completely useless for the end user or too complicated to understand, so I will move on.

So, lets just say very simply that IP phones are phone devices – and not telephones – with additional features facilitated by installed software. Those extra features may very well include from the standard caller id recognition, call history similar mobile phone's, corporate directories for quick access to numbers and numerous other application depending from the model and your companies agreement.

Although you might end up using all the additional gizmos on your phone very rarely, the conference and multiparty call options regularly prove handy while holding and transferring the odd sales call to your “beloved” colleague has been considerably simplified.

The principal motivation for every sizeable company to adopt an IP phone system is, of course, the usual suspect cost. It is simple really. As your voice is transmitted over IP, the charge associated with implementing the technology is directly related with the prearranged and fixed cost for internet bandwidth.

So, all you cold callers out there, don’t believe the billing your manager flashes every week next to your spins number. He is so full of rubbish!

Space saver, mind blower, Virtual Keyboard

Just imagine an empty desk with a screen, a wireless mouse and pretty lights projected onto your desk. That is what your desk will look like if you have the Zippo sized Virtual Laser Keyboard, a device that projects a keyboard onto any flat surface and uses optical movement recognition technology to pick out what letters you are typing.

If you are constantly using you iPhone or Blackberry on the go, if your desk space is limited, or if you just like as few things as is possible on your desk, then this little gadget will work ideally for you. I purchased one as a gift for a friend last year, mostly for the novelty value, but checked with him recently and found out that he still uses it regularly with his Tablet PC. Apparently, apart from impressing everyone in the office with the pretty lights it works without a hitch.

But what attracts me the most, as I write this on a keyboard used by other people, is the cleanliness factor. Who knows what people touch before they check their emails on your laptop really quickly, and who wants to imagine for that matter. For all you clean freaks out there, this is one way to clean your keyboard without risk of short circuiting everything.

Plug it in, start using it, change your settings and parameters to suit your typing style and you’re off!

A relaxed way to work out in the office

Your one hour lunch break, if you are lucky enough to take a full hour for your lunch break, is not always enough for you to snack and do a little working out. And if you are one of us, working in an office all day, mouse in hand, you will be needing some relief for your aching wrist or cramping hand.

This is where the Powerball comes in. Powerball suppliers call the device a “a dynamic hand powered gyroscope”, in plain English a ball inside a ball that spins really fast if you twist your wrist. You hold the ball and rotate your wrist to increase the speed at which the internal ball spins. Within a few seconds this simple movement starts to exert a surprising amount of force on your entire arm, giving you a full arm workout. No need to change into shorts and rush off to the gym. When your wrist starts tingling after sending off emails all day just lean back for a minute or two and give the Powerball a go.

Furthermore, it improves your grip, helping in a whole range of sports and outdoor activities, from rock climbing to badminton and has been recommended by chiropractors as a good tool for the rehabilitation of various arm injuries that can be suffered in the office, such as carpal tunnel.

Apparently, these little gadgets cause quite the competition around the office during breaks, as they record the highest rpms (up to 15000!) and display them as a kind of high score. Just a little pointer: You might want to let the boss win.

Features

• Generates 40 lbs of force
• Built in speedometer
• Six program functions
• Internal window displays and records your achieved RPM
• Auto power shut-off
• Batteries included*
• Achieves speeds of up to 15,000 RPM
• Glows neon blue when spinning
• Great for sports training
• Improve your grip for when you're next hanging from a cliff edge in cool shades with a smug smile on your face. Or of course for tennis, golf, squash, archery, fencing, etc
• Size: 7.5cm x 6.5cm

*Requires x 2 Watch style Batteries in the speedometer

Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro for Web Conferencing

Amongst the crowd of software companies forcing with obscure ways their users to purchase their software products, one exists which actually addresses kindly specific market needs with pioneering solutions.

Adobe attracted a lot of attention with the release of Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro targeting the declining market of business events, conferences, forums, summits and symposiums with a simple, user-friendly web solution promoting communication security and cost efficiency.

The Acrobat Connect Pro incorporates two already well-established software; the Adobe Acrobat and Macromedia Connect. The technology utilized in the Macromedia Connect was acquired by Adobe a couple of years ago, along with the whole company, in a strategic acquisition which brought Adobe a step higher on the global software ranking, currently holding solid ground on position 5.

Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro is a supreme software solution setting an outstanding benchmark in web conferencing and eLearning.

Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse

The Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Laser mouse for notebooks is a superior companion for full on laptop users, combining the best desktop mice features while it is small and glossy, even if it fits in a tiny wireless receiver. Going beyond its impressive design, you sense the design's ergonomic qualities like the soft-touch rubber grips. It is a bit disappointing it is only available in a right-hand version.

VX Revolution introduces exciting new features with an actual purpose, in a very shy in terms of innovations market, thus it isn’t the cheaper option in the market. If you are a believer of paying a bit more for investing on a best-of-class product, the VX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse will not disappoint. The whole concept follows a rather minimal but functional approach, making the “nearly frictionless” scroll wheels its star feature.

The Zoom button and a couple of other fancy functions didn’t affect VX Revolution in terms of size or weight. The 4.2 ounces (130 grams) mouse is marginally bigger than its laptop cousins but it is definitely prettier and still smaller than the desktop ones.

VX Revolution might come across as “racist” to left-hands users but it sticks with social trends like “going green” thus, its receiver switches off when not used to save power. Plus, it is so comfortable and technologically advanced that you get used to its features instantly and most probably it will be a challenge not to use it as your primary mouse; either using a desktop or a laptop.

Mobile Phones - The new health threat

Today’s post might not be a pleasant one, yet it is as serious as cancer is. Throughout history humanity seems to have been striving to survive various threats. Romans were dying from their lead-made cutlery, then it was plague’s turn to take its toll upon humanity, the yellow fever, the atomic bomb, smoking and even a deadly flu spread by birds!! The most recent one is a beloved friend and companion, a device equally adored as it is despised.

Studies conducted by neurosurgeons reveal growing evidence showing that excessive, long-term mobile use appears to be connected with specific types of brain tumours. Publications in medical and scientific literature, based on increased evidence supporting the theory, suggest an almost certain link. More specifically, the evidence indicate that there is an increased risk of developing a brain tumour on the preferred side for mobile use. I may not know what acoustic neuroma and astrocytoma exactly are but they don’t sound very jolly, and note that those two types of brain tumours do develop on the side of brain coming more in contact with mobile devices.

I am sure that many of you are already familiar with the theory, as it emerged few years ago. Back then studies and research proved no correlation between mobile technology and brain tumours. Unfortunately few individuals' raising voices that tumours develop over a period of 10 years were quickly silenced by mobile manufacturers. Unfortunately though, 10 years or more is actually the probable time length a tumour needs to develop, and mobile technology was introduced to the wide public around 10 years ago. The meaning is simple; effects on public health started to emerge recently and will reach maturity around year 2012.

I just hope the same voices which rise today screaming for caution when it comes to children using mobile phones, will not be silenced easily.

No keyboard or mouse, just brains

First came Nintendo Wii to amaze gamers with its pioneering technology, then it was Guitar Hero exploring new kinds of kinetic interface. In the meantime in our work environments we are stuck with technology like the QWERTY keyboard and the computer mouse dating back 134 years and 45 years respectively.

Few steps are taken in order to revolutionize office technology, and it is the usual suspect Microsoft who is already busy developing Surface, an alternative to keyboard and mouse. This move will probably signify the beginning of a new era in the consumer electronics world. Kristin Alexander, head of research and planning for Microsoft Surface, claims that interfaces will, in the longer term, move beyond table top screens to other spaces. "That's why we called it Surface and not table", she said while Microsoft still remaines committed to the mouse.

But if that’s Microsoft’s ambitious plan they may have a bit of catching up to do. Cynergy Systems is a company that already presented a showcase of a home made "Minority Report" style gesture-interface. The system utilizes Nintendo Wii controller, a gutted computer mouse, and a pair of baseball gloves dotted with infra-red LED's bringing the cost to around $150. According to early feedback, regardless of the device’s homebrew-feel, the results were impressive.



Currently Microsoft Surface costs thousand of dollars while Cynergy’s system could be much cheaper and quite similar but without the surface.

The latest development though called Emotiv actually remind of that old spy film on which Clint Eastwood was operating a Russian Aircraft’s weapons with his mind. Similarly Emotiv utilizes electrical activity in the brain to control computer systems and is regarded as the most promising next generation development.


Amazing sci-fi stuff, isn’t it?

Access Internet and Mobile Everywhere

By next year, Londoners will be using their phones on the tube. London mayor Ken Livingstone has announced plans to install transmitters that will also allow access to wireless internet and digital radio.

Some London cabs are already fitted with special pockets which have chargers for every type of mobile plus iPods and laptops for use on your journey. How long will it be before these appear everywhere from shops to cafes?

But some people feel this is unnecessary, given the risk it will bring from terrorists who could use a mobile to detonate a bomb on the tube by calling the mobile-cum-detonator from overground.

If your book has turned boring and you fancy reading a new one then you won't need to wait for a bookshop. A couple of clicks on your big-screen mobile and entire novels can be delivered to your phone to read at your convenience.

Pretty soon you will be able to make and receive calls on your mobile when you are 35,000 feet high in a plane. (Bet you can't wait to be surrounded by fellow passengers shouting "I'm on the plane"). Australia has already issued a licence to operate in-flight mobile services, though the earliest that services could be available from UK registered airlines is 2008, subject to approval by the aviation authorities. Of course it's up to individual airlines to choose whether they permit use of the system but it's hard to imagine any of them missing such a commercial opportunity. So you can expect to either pay a premium to be seated in a 'mobile-ready' area or pay even more to be seated in a 'quiet zone'. You have to be careful what you wish for.

Logitech Squeezebox Wireless Music Streaming

Two days ago, I made a promise to my beloved Rita through my post and I am not the kind of guy who would break a promise. So, cutting to the chase, by now it should be perfectly clear how easy it has become to stream music in your house with a wireless music system. We actually went through Sonos Multi-Room system, realizing why it has received enthusiastic reviews and how it became the best product in its class upon its release.

Sonos is being challenged by the new Squeezebox Duet from Logitech. I usually prefer to start from something more creative than price but the difference here is massive. Thus, the question inspiring this post is “how does the new $400 Squeezebox Duet stand up against the $999 Sonos Multi-Room Music System?

Their basic concept is the same, both coming with a remote control and a box which accesses wirelessly music in your computer and feeds it to a sound system. It is a standard for both systems, being wirelessly online, that you have access to online radio and music services, such as Pandora and Rhapsody.

Basically, the Squeezebox remote control is a redesign of the Sonos’ control and several features are if not the same then quite similar. For some strange reason though, when comparing the two Squeezebox’s control is more complicated and less user friendly. And it is definitely slow; there is literally a delay of one or two seconds between command and execution, while reports of consecutive crashes put Logitech on an uneasy situation. 1 point given to Sonos.

The Squeezebox comes with one receiver less than the Sonos, so its only one, giving you the option to connect to the Internet and your home network with a cable or through Wi-Fi. Using the remote, the setup works exactly like on your PC. Select network, enter password and you are connected in no time, though, Logitech announced performance drops when more devices access the network. No points earned here.

Additionally, a very handy feature appearing only on Sonos system is the built in amplifier allowing you to bypass stereo equipment and plug directly into your speakers.

Summing up, the Squeezebox might be more compact and sleeker with glossy and matte black finishes matching most high-definition TVs and stereos. Sonos is a white and gray case that would go with pretty much nothing, maybe with an antique Nintendo NES. And yes Sonos's receivers are significantly larger than the Squeezebox ones, but bear in mind that the two systems are almost 2 years afar from each other. BUT, Sonos is more intuitive in terms of technology and software, is supporting up to 32 rooms, while the Squeezebox can handle between 6 and 10 rooms and if you're playing the same track in different rooms you will not notice any synchronization problems as with the Squeezebox. Of course Sonos does carry a huge near-$600 premium over the new Squeezebox... But isn’t it worth it really?

Sonos Wireless Music Streaming

There has been a lot of progress in the field of electricity since Benjamin Franklin’s experiments with the kite, the thunder and the key. Today humanity already counts more almost 3 centuries mastering the "thunder god" and we still use pretty much the same means of transferring electric power. Wires still resemble a lot their ancestors and let’s face it, they are everywhere. And just because Rita hates wires and extensions I decided to devote two posts to a new technology doing baby steps along with devices like Wii.

Obviously there are plenty of wireless music systems already competing in the home entertainment arena, but lets start with Sonos which is more than one year old by now. Sonos is a wireless DJ music system conceived from Logitech that managed to incorporate excellent technology and functionality on a sensible price. The device, comprised from a remote control and a box for transferring music from your computer, is very slick as the remote control features a clickable scroll wheel. Yet, the LCD, though functional, fails to complement the design.

Sonos is coming with StreamPoint, a software compatible with popular jukeboxes like iTunes, Windows Media Player and Musicmatch, using a 2.4GHz wireless technology for streaming digitally your tracks to the included Music Receiver. The Sonos controller is quite intuitive, and responsive with the menus and buttons simply laid out based on practicality and common sense. The system includes two receivers, called ZonePlayers but the setup requires at least to be pluged in to your computer's cable modem, DSL modem or router with an Ethernet cable. In that sense, ZonePlayer becomes a wireless base station connected to other ZonePlayers in the house.

With this setup, Sonos obviously creates a seperate network to the existing Wi-Fi, making the system more reliable with fast and flawless connection. It’s a given that you can tune in to Internet radio and online music services, the likes of Pandora (only in the US, damn it) and Rhapsody, needless of your computer, while Napster and Sirius Satellite Radio are supported as well.

Unfortunately, Sonos cannot play copy-protected songs purchased from Apple Inc.'s iTunes because only Apple's products can play such tracks. Now, coming at around $1000 does it really worth its money? Well, I have one more contestant for the next post where we will proclaim the winner. Ideas and feedback are welcome.

iPhone I Love your new Stylus

Gossip and fuss, so much publicity and unending rumours around probably the most anticipated hi-tech gadget the last few years and finally costumers managed to lay their hands upon the touch screen technological miracle for an iPhone from our favourite Apple.

The issue we will cover today is a simple one, emerged by Apple’s persistence upon style rather than practicality. iPhone’s touch screen interface might be the most sophisticated and accurate I have ever used but still Apple refused to release any sort of stylus device (a small pen shaped tool for allowing easier use of the touch screen technology) claiming that the interface combined with the size of the screen allowed sufficient precision and mobility using only your fingers. The use of a stylus would probably affect the stylish and user friendly phone and definitely the advertisements wouldn’t look so cool.

Nevertheless, out there in this world there are a few individuals with chunkier, bigger fingers who love technology despite of their anatomic differences to nowadays slim geeks. Pogo is a company who is totally beyond racism and is trying to unite all hi-tech well built funs and slim geeks under their loving arms. Their latest product which is a soft tipped stylus and the product pack includes a discreet clip to keep the stylus handy at all times. It is specifically designed to be compatible with Apple’s iPod touch and iPhone offering easier selection of on-screen items that can be used without harming your favourite “toys” as it is made from soft materials.

So, if you are experiencing problems with screen touching Pogo stylus could be your solution, or maybe its is a bunch of worthless crap?

Adidas and Samsung miCoach

We saw yesterday how Nike + iPod revolutionized gym entertainment technology by actually creating a brand new market difficult to be disregarded by competitors. So, its was time for Adidas and Samsung to team up and claim their market share by announcing the release of miCoach, a new system aiming to assist people who work out by providing feedback, data and monitoring their heart rate, very much alike Nike + iPod. The release of miCoach obviously puts the rival companies head to head.

The entire system includes the Samsung miCoach phone, heart rate monitor, Adidas apparel, the stride sensor for Adidas running shoes, as well accessibility to the miCoach interface. Adidas and Samsung advertise the new system as having your own personal trainer with you constantly when training.

The actual Samsung miCoach phone is a Samsung quad-band slide phone with a very handy music-listening and data storage set up. Even the phone itself is very impressive with features that include a 2-megapixel camera, 1GB MP3 player, microSD card slot, Bluetooth 2.0, and quad-band connectivity. Unfortunately, there is a compatibility issue here as users cannot take advantage of this software on any other Samsung phones and Samsung has announced no plans or intention to deal with that in the near future. Still, it’s an interesting fitness tool with good potential so any of you gym looking to invest a few pounds and get your hands on it, get ready its being released in April.

Nike+iPod go Cardio

Nike and Apple teamed up a couple of years ago in order to produce the Nike+iPod Sports Kit targeting the outdoor sports funs who enjoy few hi-tech gym gadgets. The integrated technology combines standard iPod Nano functions with an accelerometer attached to or embedded in a Nike shoe, providing and recording distance information, pace, workout history and calories burned.

After a couple of years, Nike and Apple needed to freshen up, so they teamed up with major gym equipment makers Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym, to make cardio equipment Nike + iPod friendly and they are moving fast. The cardio equipment, like treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, will allow the uploading all of workouts to http://www.nikeplus.nike.com/ being the software database used to access and manage all the "sweaty" information you gathered.

“The Nike + iPod experience revolutionized running. Now we’re revolutionizing the gym cardio experience,” said Trevor Edwards, Vice President of Global Brand and Category Management for Nike. “We’re enabling people who go to the gym an opportunity to set goals, track progress, and compete in challenges with their friends and with other members of Nike+. It’s a groundbreaking tool for people who want to maximize their workouts.”

The data upload to the Nike’s website will be derived from the work out reports, the actual reports from the machines as users will be able to attach their iPod Nano directly to many machines, using the same tracking offered by the standard Nike + iPod set-up.

Toshiba Profit Loss Crowns Sony Blu-ray Winner

On an earlier post we went deep into the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD format war which saw the Japanese colossus Sony making a great marketing and technological comeback. Sony won the rematch on the high definition format ring.

Toshiba, initially backing up HD DVD technology players, admitted their defeat by Sony-backed rival Blu-ray in February. The Final blows where given after Warner Bros complied with fellow companies like Sony Pictures, Walt Disney and Twentieth Century Fox opted for Blu-ray as their movie standard since the beginning of the "battle".

Toshiba announce the discontinuation of HD DVD technology, a move which will bring a bitter financial impact on the company's bottom line. The cost will climb up to $666m (£330m) and obviously affect its 2007 profits. Unfortunately, the falling price of flash memory chips will hurt further the Japanese giant, whose next move is very much anticipated globally.

Microsoft Trackball Anatomic mouse

If the experience of painful hand cramps after a hard day’s job on your work PC has become an every day necessary evil, then you are unaware of the Trackball devices. Trackball devices have become a must have, can’t leave without favourites for those suffering hand cramps caused by conventional mouse use.

Microsoft, being a company despising to be left behind in new technology, has long now released two new right-hand trackballs, Microsoft Trackball Optical for $45, Microsoft Trackball Explorer $75. The devices rely on optical tracking technology of course, lacking internal moving parts and equipped with an optical sensor taking "snapshots" of the trackball at 2000 images per second provide users with accurate cursor control. The device actually remains stationary on your work station and you “work out” only your fingers.

Trackball Explorer and the Trackball Optical are differentiated from each other on the placement of the trackball itself and where the customizable buttons are positioned. Personally, I failed to see how the device’s logistics affect the bottom price.

The Trackball Optical has the ball on the left side for the thumb to operate, leaving the scroll wheel and left and right buttons in a more conventional location on top for easier clicking. Two customizable subordinate buttons are also located on top, but since they will call for your pinkie’s maneuvers you will need time to adapt to it.

The Trackball Explorer's large red ball sits on top of device, with the wheel and the left and right buttons situated where your thumb naturally rests. The two customizable buttons – is this some kind of trademark – are on the right of the trackball and rely again on your pinkie and ring fingers for operation.

Both trackballs are good devices differing only in comfort options, coming down to the individual user, which is right for him. Do give them a try before you choose one, though personally I thought Explorer is unjustifiably overpriced. The Optical offers better value, as there are basically the same.

Full Spectrum Light-Reading in Daylight

We have all heard someone saying “you will strain your eyes reading”. This could actually be true under specific circumstances. People bigger amounts of light for sufficient reading as they grow older. That’s why some of you may remember your mother yelling to you about reading in the dark. Back then it wasn’t back for you. Tests actually show that a 60 year old person needs twice the amount of light he did when he or she was 30.

When reading, is beneficial for your sight to follow a few rules, which will prove to be a treasure as years go by. It is important not to over shadow your reading material so position your source of light properly, so place it behind you and ideally your left shoulder if you are right handed and the other way round.

To avoid fatiguing glare make sure no light is reflected from the reading pages into your eyes. Also, you can try to combine general light with a more direct source. Obviously, the last advice should be applied when the light is not annoying someone else, maybe a second person in bed. This combination will protect your eyes from straining trying to adjust from darkness to light.

The best light for reading is the full spectrum light, which is designed to resemble daylight and provides the perfect contrast for reading with higher definition color matching. This technology achieves the day light imitation by providing the "full" or "natural" light spectrum to your eye. Typical light bulbs produce light only from the "warmer" red, yellow and orange parts of the visual spectrum, completely lacking the "cooler" blues. I would recommend it, it actually makes a great difference when reading and it creates a “cleaner”, crispier atmosphere in the room.

My Vibrating Mouse-Logitech

The need for easier, more precise and anatomic mouse technology has been troubling manufacturers who find it difficult to innovate further after the optical mouse release. Few of the major producers though, have actually interesting and practical solutions to suggest.

Lets take Logitech today for example. The company suggests the $40 IFeel Mouse, just $10 more expensive than a standard mouse, and the $60 IFeel MouseMan which can be found at http://www.logitech.com. I agree they do look a bit conventional, detaining myself from saying cheap. However, the new technology they offer might come in handy to devoted Internet surfers. The mouse actually vibrates in your palm giving you a physical signal when your cursor moves over icons, menus, hyperlinks, and bookmarks.

As though unneseccary as it may sounds, its functionality is better displayed on busy Internet pages, clutered with advertisments and survey requests where pointing exactly to the place you want to click becomes complicated. On tests on a variety of Web sites and busy Windows desktops the IFeel Mouse range actually aids users with their... clicking. Unfortunately, the IFeel software necessary to load the drivers may be incompatible with many touchpad devices on some notebooks. If Logitech works a bit on the looks and software compatability I can see vibrating mice on our desks from now on.

Office Feng-Shui

Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of harmonizing Heaven and Earth in order to improve ones Qi. The actually meaning of the words 'feng shui' is "wind-water".Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.

Nowadays the practice and teaching of feng-shui is focusing mainly on placing objects and furniture in an environment to achieve energy flow and harmony. Applications in choosing a place to live, burial site, or agriculture are not for a joke, though a tiny bit farfetched. Advocates claim feng-shui affect health, wealth and personal relationships while critics consider it a pseudoscience.

If you belong to the later group you confuse me why you keep on reading these lines, but if you are or want to become a believer I have a few easy and interesting tips on how to create a balanced working environment which if you believe it strongly enough you may actually lay your hands on the promotion you so eagerly trying to get.

So lets get busy. Start by obtaining a clear view of the office entrance creating a sense of security and enabling concentration. A clear view of the door will also help you spot career opportunities that you'd otherwise miss. Now, if that appears to be problematic there are ways to deal with it like mirrors reflecting the entrance or pictures of roads and rivers but in practise they sound ridiculous. Just try not to face a wall, as it could result in a dead-end job and you will be allright.
Avoid piling up things on the floor, they will keep you stuck in the past and will make meeting targets and deadlines or finishing projects more difficult. Clutter will bring dangerous disruption to the Qi flow so be ware!!! Keep it tidy, store regularly used supplies in your reach and short your papers out frequently getting rid of unnecessary staff.

Get started with the above and when you hit that promotion I will update you further in order to "nick" your Managing Director's position. Down the bottom though, don't those tips sound a bit like your mother's advice on how to keep your room tidy?

Robotic Mobile Talking

You are thinking of giving her a call but you aren’t sure, you don’t know what to do so you just fiddling with your mobile phone. A digital wink and an electronic voice saying “g o – o n – g i v e – h e r – a – c a l l” talks you in to it. Nonsense? Nope, not really. It is well known Japanese mobile technology has pioneered mobile phone functions non of us could imagine when using their Ericsson 768 few years ago. It is also common ground them being the undisputed leaders in robotic technology. I know I have started making sense gradually. Just imagine the two technology sectors “married up” and their offspring would like this obscure robomob in slick silver or shinny black.

Next mont Softbank Mobile Corp Japan, will release the Phonebraver a brand new mobile technology with robotic technical characteristics and even features. The phone – yes it is still a phone – can’t move, at least not yet but it shows off its learning abilities by responding to the user’s repeated actions. Producing default sound messages the development of a simple conversation will actually be possible. The device's level of communication capability hasn't yet been decided and neither is the price. Just be patient for a month..

BlackBerry Use or Corporate Addiction

You are in your department’s meeting, fully aware of everything happening around you, from unnoticeable nods from your colleagues, smirks or even sweat drops. You are alert and ready to answer, contribute, and learn. Yet you always have time to take a pick on you faithful companion for new mail notification. Not this time? Well give it a minute and check again.

Blackberries have become so much of a habit that for a few out there its use has developed to compulsion. In some occasions users need psychological treatment similar for drug addiction, in order to control the use and maintain it within “normal boundaries”. Studies in Rutgers University, New Jersey explained how and why Blackberry overuse leads to a new short of corporate addiction. Unfortunate individuals hooked up on emailing and Internet browsing fail to ignore their inbox for more than a few minutes. The fast paced working environments many of us are used to work in produce "a level of mental and physical stimulation" signifying a potential addiction.

It may sound irrational, but how is checking your e-mail inbox at 3.30am you woke up to use the toilet very quickly sound to you? Or ignoring those around you in social gatherings, isolating yourself from conversations and finally becoming a weirdo who sometimes talks to himself?

Several suggestions can be made to the blackberry addicts, but lets face it, it all comes down to rational use of a device supposed to save you time and certainly not take over your life. If by reading the above you feel you might fit the blackberry addiction standards, give yourself a simple test. Switch it off, lets say at 22.00 tonight and switch it back on when you leave your house next morning. Sounds dreadful?

HD DVD vs. Blu-Ray – Sony triumph over rematch

Many say history, like life, goes in circles. Overstated as it may sound in the hi-tech arena this is undisputedly valid. Back in the 70’s western world witnessed the videotape format war, a civil Japanese “cold war” era of agonizing competition over dominance in the videocassette recorder (VCR) market. On the red corner, Sony’s new home entertainment success Betamax, challenged by its rival on the blue corner, the very much promising, JVC’s representative, VHS. A new chapter of technological competition in the marketing history.

3 decades later Sony is in the ring again with the 25GB capacity Blu-ray disks, against the lighter 15GB capacity HD DVD discs backed up by Toshiba. Sony was counting to win the odds mainly upon capacity while cost – they are coming short in value for money – has been utterly forsaken. Strangely though, despite other advantages for each of the two new formats, the companies backing them up have been unable to decide upon a single standard.

But where manufacturers and consumers failed to compromise on either technologies, retailers decided to take action… and there is one retailer, with the power to call the winner. Wal-Mart, the U.S. $350 billion retailer, announced more than a year ago the shelving only of HD DVD type recorders. Sony received a major blow under the belt dreading history, like life, does go in circles. Justification in Wal-mart’s strategy lied upon acknoledgment of the movie market and the downloading reality. Since Wal-Mart has launched its own movie download service, selling recording equipment served simply as a mean to generate in store traffic, making more sence to promote the cheap HD DVD .

Nevertheless, consumers favoured performance over cheap cost. Sony empowered their position in the market with aggressive marketing supported by big technological improvement blows and finally won the rematch. Toshiba is announcing them dropping the HD DVD technology and Wal-Mart announced on Friday they exclusive support on Blu-ray. Personally, I am thrilled quality thrived over quantity; I am just curious what’s going to be the next battle after 3 decade… hard to imagine, isn’t it?

From now on... office love is "banned"

While love is in the air the Valentine's Day, that love would be better not polluting the office air for a third of US companies.

It may sound weird but 1/3 of US companies apply policies against office romances, although 38 percent of employees working in office positions claim to have met their better half at work. Normally, that 38% were not all come from those companies that ''ban'' office romances, but the survey revealed that 4 out of 10 people say they simply ignore their company's ''love ban''.

You can understand how things can end up if an office romance goes bad. But even if it does not go bad, many of those romances can make things complicated for many more than just the 2 ''lovers'' involved.

However, I cannot see how companies can ban romance in the working environment. Day-to-day practice has shown that when people get banned from doing something considered as ''bad'', they feel more forced to do it. Therefore, all that this policy will do is force workers to try and hide it more.

Besides, it is said that a good employee is a happy employee, right? But what does make an employee happier than love?

Anyone seen my new laptop?

We live in an age where flying business class means you can get a power socket to plug in your laptop and work away at 30,000 feet.

However, airports are full of lost and unclaimed laptops. It is also widely known that there are many laptops which have been lost in airports and they never turn up. This kind of security risk concerns thefts and external risks.

There is also another type of risk- security related- that makes most IT managers to admit their hatred of laptops. They get countless calls about why laptops don't work, constant demand for the best and the latest products and they have to cope with the cost of replacements when a machine crashes.

They are called by their CEO's to find the cheapest and most effective laptops for employees so as to save money for the company. On the other hand, companies have addressed this need offering cheap, high-tech, functional and effective laptops for companies and individuals.

With the prices set to be extremely low, laptop purchase has become a quick and easy decision.

Business cards win impressions!

While looking for random things few days ago, I stumbled upon a picture that caused me a lot of awe. Once more I blessed the creativity in some people's mind as well as how they use it to make money.

If you contemplate how much of creativity can be used in designing a business card you will probably come up with the answer ''limited''. Well if you look carefully at the picture above you can see that this is a business card of a person working in a security company. The break-out lock picking kit combined with the metallic material that the card is made by, is drawing lots people's attention who want to give a second closer look at this work of imagination.

The key thing of this business card is not the profession neither the card holder's name displayed onto the card but the design and creativity put into to make it.

Undoubtedly, business card is one of the most important first contact points that win people's impression. Thus, a card holder should have a business card suitable to his/her profession and profile as well.

There are many stores that specialize in designing and selling business cards tailored to your needs and your professional profile so as to win impressions just before going for perceptions.

Work from home(ffice)!

A few years ago, the claim of owing a ''home-based'' business would definitely raise some eyebrows. Moreover, people often chose to refer to them as...''bogus'' companies. And I am sure there are still many people out there, who believe that if you don't put on a dress, a suit, or any other type of ''work uniform'', have proper offices- even if your business doesn't really need one- and generally, adjust your behaviour and appearance your peers, you are definitely NOT running a ''real'' business.

However, nowadays I daily come across people who run successful- sometimes even international- business, and they are not ashamed of admitting that they work from home. Possibly, mass media has played a vital role in making it possible for someone not only to work from home, but also manage and run a healthy company. As a result, home-based companies are gaining more and more respect even by more conventional companies, who do not believe that the model- although different to theirs- lacks in business substance.

And because it is normal for people to think that if they work from home, they might not be as successful- which is true, in some occasions-, here's a list of things to reconsider in case you ever have an offer to work from home...

- No boss, no board of directors or shareholders. Your only boss is your customers.
- You are free to set up your own priorities and therefore to be accountable to yourself to meeting them. You are also accountable to people you have chosen to be and not random people who got a promotion ahead of you.
- Healthier living. You can get to the gym or a lovely swimming pool whenever you like, in ten minutes or less.
- One of the latest technology advances, you can now work from home anywhere in the world with free local and international telephony via Voip. All you need is a laptop!

Put on your pyjamas and get to work.

Office wine tasting party

Want to organize a mini party at the office after work? a wine tasting party is always elegant and if organized well in advance it will ensure a pleasant time for all of your colleagues.

What you need though in oreder everything to run smoothly is drinking equipment and an assortment of wines. You don't need to hire a wine expert to take the group to the sanctuary of wine flavours. If any of your colleagues is considered more wine experienced and willing to help ask him or her to lead the group.

You can also prepare some cheese plates using different kind of cheese just to accompany the new flavours of wine. For the wine selection, there is no need of asking everyone to bring a bottle of wine. There are online stores that offer great assortments of wines in good prices delivered straight to your office. You can split the cost and spend a great ''wine'' afternoon at the office.

Vintage style in offices with attitude

A ''new'' trend in decoration and in lifestyle has launched lately that although pre-existing, people seem like just dug it out and brought back in fashion. Vintage art has been always a sophisticated form of art used in decoration and lifestyle or even in way of living and thinking.

What impresses me though about this trend is the wide adoption by people who choose stylish pieces of vintage art to decorate their offices. I have recently happened to drop by an office of a company that was decorated with posters of vintage art hanging on the walls. The overall outcome was really positive as the pieces used had given a sophisticated tone to the office's atmosphere as well as an elegant look to the person working in.

For those who are ignorant of the term, vintage style used to be a trend 25 years ago mainly in garment industry and considered as a reaction to the loss of social values. In other words, there was a strong connection between lifestyle and attitude towards real values.

Overall, vintage art, as said above, comprises a sophisticated form of art that can be expressed in many ways depending on the use you prefer it for. You can find posters and decoration items in specific real or online stores. You don't need to have special decorating skills to give your place an elegant look;just keep it simple.

Flowers improve work performance!

Recent survey has revealed that flowers scent can affect people's mood in a positive way. Considered to be true, people have already started taking advantage of this theory and make use of flowers not just for decoration purposes but as influential factor on people's performance in work.

Most employees regard their working environment as a depressing place to work in. People strongly believe that an impersonal and uncoloured office make those who work in moody and less productive. There are many ways though to improve the bad office image and therefore to amend their mood and performance in terms of productivity.

One of those that is being already applied by many companies is placing bunches of flowers in several points around the offices in work. There are businesses that specialize in office stuff including delivering bunches of flowers to your place of work. A good example of such business is Euroffice company that offers a range of different bunches options categorizing by price, colour, occasion, season and sentiment.

Even if you work at home, Euroffice can always deliver the flowers of your preference to the place of your choice.

Specializing in Paperwork

How many times did you catch yourself saying ''I would pay to see this paperwork to rights''. Well, if you think you are the only one, you are fooled.

I was searching for random things when I stumbled upon a site that specializes in ''tidying up paperwork''. My first thought was that those people might have foreseen potential profit in activities that are just too boring and time consuming for common people to do and therefore it's very likely to pay for. Apparently, Office Stuff's existence signals that this is the case.

Additionally, the company mainly targets attracting businesses but also provides support for individuals. Their long experience in administration, book keeping and many other ''tidying up'' services in conjunction with the appealing pricing strategy gives a general impression that these people know what they are doing.