Computers | The Raging Tech

iPod Touch: To Jailbreak, or Not to Jailbreak

August 13th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Apple, computers, iPhone, iPod

Because of a bank hold, I’m not going to be able to access my inheritance until August 20th. One of the big things I do plan to spend some of it on is an iPod Touch. I’ll probably do some sort of an auction or raffle to win my existing 5th generation 30gb iPod video.

I’ve been reading a lot about all the cool things you can do with an iPod touch, and my old roommate had Jailbroken his iPod Touch. The new apps store makes that not completely necessary, and some of the apps are free, even. However, there are still some apps on the iPod Touch that can only be had through Jailbreaking.

(For those of you not familiar, Jailbreaking your iPod Touch or iPhone is a way to load custom third-party applications by “hacking” the phone’s firmware. Everytime Apple releases a new firmware for the device, the Jailbreaking has to be re-done, and usually you have to wait until someone updates the Jailbreaking software to work with the update.)

So my question is simple: When I get my iPod Touch, should I Jailbreak, or not? What apps are absolutely essential to you that can only be had from Jailbreaking your iPod? Let me know your opinions in the comments.

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Tags: Apple, iPod Touch, Jail Break, JailBreak

Add iGoogle Widgets to Active Desktop

August 8th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Google, Microsoft, Technology, Tidbits, computers

Website ThirdError.com has a great post on how to add widgets from Google Homepage, or iGoogle, onto your Windows XP desktop using oft-forgotten Windows feature Active Desktop. Active Desktop is the feature in Windows that lets you put offline web pages embedded into your desktop wallpaper.

Some people found the item useful, but for the most part it was just a dud. Most web pages you’d use with it would end up launching an Internet Explorer window anyway, so interacting with a web site on your desktop was impractical.

Now with iGoogle Widgets able to keep you abreast of practical information, combining this idea with Active Desktop is genius. In the example on the link above, Third Error uses to-do list web app Remember The Milk, and imbeds the iGoogle Widget for RTM on a Windows XP desktop.

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Tags: Active Desktop, Apps, Remember the Milk, Windows

New Venture: ‘Tech Jaws’ Technology News Site

May 13th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Blog, Bloggy Goodness, Business, Gadgets, Startup, Technology, Web 2.0, accessories, computers, consumer tips, websites

As I’ve been hinting at the last few days, and those of you following me on Twitter already know, I’m working with Frank J on a new tech news web site, Tech Jaws. It’s got an aggressive tone with a focus on the bleeding-edge of technology reviews, news, and tips.

This morning I posted an article reviewing the Logitech Harmony One universal remote control. This remote is simply awesome! Head on over to Tech Jaws and check out my review - complete with screenshots of the software and photos of the remote itself.

Also, feel free to comment - and when you do, mention you came there from my blog!

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Tags: Blog, tech jaws, Technology, venture, web site

Hotel Free Wi-Fi: Luxury or Standard?

May 11th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Business, accessories, computers, consumer tips, hotel, vacation

This weekend I stayed in two different hotels, a Holiday Inn Express and Embassy Suites Hotel. The differences are staggering as far as the quality of your stay. The Holiday Inn Express is somewhere that strikes me as an economical solution if you are with a family or on a budget. It’s not a bad place to stay at all. But the Embassy Suites trumps it in almost every facet. Except one - the Holiday Inn Express has free, unsecured wireless internet access.

Unsecured Wireless is not safe, so be sure to secure your own system if you get on it. However, this seems to be the most hassle-free way to get people connected who are unfamiliar with wireless internet technology.

The Embassy Suites? They have a pay service where you purchase blocks of time on the wireless internet access. This seems utterly ridiculous for an upscale hotel. They did have a business center, but due to the size and location of the hotel, it was always in use. Not to mention the few times I walked by and saw someone else using it, it looked like it was loading slow.

Do you expect to receive free wireless access in the hotels you stay in, or do you consider it more of a luxury that you don’t mind paying for a few hours of access? Tell us your opinion in the comments!

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Tags: amenities, hotels, internet, wireless

Put Your Ugly Mug on Anything

April 23rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Blog, Bloggy Goodness, Business, Clothing, Decor, Entrepreneurship, Income, Lifestyle, accessories, computers, free stuff

That’s right. You can put your ugly mug on anything, even an ugly mug! Or a t-shirt, or a mouse pad [Note: despite popular opinion, mouse pads are not feminine protection for mice], or a calendar, or just about anything else that can be printed on.

What’s even better is you don’t have to sacrifice quality to get them cheap! The last two or three times I’ve needed business cards for several enterprising ventures of mine, I’ve had them printed up with VistaPrint. If you’re a first time customer, they can give you some basic cards for free (you just pay shipping). You can also get other free stuff as a way to try out their services.

If you’re a regular customer, they send you e-mails with huge discounts on stationary, calendars, business cards, and other cool print items and personalized office accessories. If you haven’t heard of them before, be sure and check them out for just about any of your print needs. You can even order checks with your design on it! Shipping is fast and inexpensive, and their packaging is unique! My cards always come in a white box that can be easily folded back and used as a display holder for my desk. I’ve also purchased a cool metal business card holder, so my cards don’t get all bended in my wallet or pocket.

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