Monday, June 30, 2008

A quick rant about computer suppliers

This means you, Novatech, ebuyer, Scan, etc.

Go to the computer supplier of your choice and quickly find all motherboards that can support an Intel Quad Core, 8 GB of RAM, Crossfire (or SLI), and are micro-ATX. Can't do it.

How about computer cases? Sure I can search by size, but quickly find all micro-ATX cases that have 2 120mm fans. Can't do it.

Guys, for some product types, you need to be able to search by feature.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Blessed be Broline

So I've got an eye infection and it doth suck mightily. But 15 mins after a dose of Broline and the relief is wonderful.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Portable Grab & Go Bag

I missed this article when Kim posted it, but I'd like to suggest that those who replied are missing a fundamental point: you have to prepare for two scenarios here, not one. The first is what if you are in close proximity to and directly affected by the incident; the second is what if you aren't. The events of 7/7 are still fresh in my mind.

With regard to the first, you simply need to survive to get yourself into the hands of the emergency services ASAP. Multitool, whistle, torch, mask, and water are a bare minimum here. I like the idea of the goggles but I think a ski visor would be better, simply because it's easier to put on - less likely to get tangled in something else - and more comfortable. Let the emergency services take care of you after that.

With regard to the second, while you still may need those items from the first scenario, home may not be reachable, but mass transit will only be stopped for a day or two. People often commute long distances, so having friends nearby who can put you up is good. At a pinch, sleep at the office. People should also be aware of secondary functions of items. When you can't make a telephone call, texting may still work. My phone will operate as a radio, so I'll be able to hear news broadcasts.

With regard to the water, freeze it! It will keep you cool in the hot tube as it melts.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Yee-hah!

We've received the grant of the Court of Protection and my aunt will be safe from those who would do her ill. We're now a year behind schedule getting her home. Soon...

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

You can't have too many USB ports

Or, I want wireless!

Attached to this computer via USB are keyboard and trackball (via KVM), printer, card reader, mobile phone, floppy drive (sometimes), hard drive (well, actually three but only one at a time), joystick, wheel, drawing pad, and a UPS. And then there's the power cables, the KVM cables, the sound cables, etc. And after that there's the other computer...

Oh yes, there's a memory stick or two around as well.

My mobile's already Bluetooth-aware, but I reckon the computer itself, trackball, keyboard, joystick, wheel, UPS, and drawing pad could be added to that list.

Of course, then I'd be moaning about batteries. I can't win.