When does upgrading just get stupid?

Posted by Paul Mayson on March 14, 2008

7 Gigs of RAM. That should keep all of these open TextMate files humming along.

RAM

Could be the MetRx, but I just had to do the upgrade.  How much memory is overkill?  I think “they say” after 2 GB the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

Surge Protector with USB Charger!

Posted by Paul Mayson on March 12, 2008

Finally! A power outlet with USB ports to charge all of those USB devices. This seems like a good thing to have in every kitchen and travel bag.

belkin mini surge protector

Finally! A power outlet with USB ports to charge all of those USB devices. This seems like a good thing to have in every kitchen and travel bag.

Until USB ports are built into wall sockets, this is a good alternative.  I wonder why I haven’t seen USB ports in other powerstrips?  It seems like a natural!  Check out the “feature list”:

  • 360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking positions
  • Provides complete surge protection through all outlets
  • Offers compact, lightweight, efficient design
  • Features mini-USB cable to charge virtually any USB device—including BlackBerry® and Motorola® RAZR phones
  • Comes with Lifetime Product and $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranties

All product details here

How I spent my Friday - before & after.

Posted by Paul Mayson on March 1, 2008

I spent Friday (leap day) helping a client make the transition from the world of Windows to, well, a cleaner world of Windows (and Mac). The transition took just over six hours to clean up, set up, update, transfer, and personalize the new gear.

We started with a Sony VAIO desktop (Windows XP) with a 17″ Dell LCD, HP LaserJet 1020 Printer, Panasonic Webcam, Western Digital external hard drive (the small, self-powered model), a bunch of wires, and an alarm clock.

dybefore

This is how the day ended. A 24″ iMac with 2 gigs of RAM running Mac OS X Leopard and Windows XP Pro via Parallels, and I was able to keep the printer (thanks to the Linux foo2zjs drivers) as well as the alarm clock (phew!). There’s also a new Western Digital My Book 320 GB drive back there to take care of the Time Machine backups.

dyafter

Next we’ll hit those piles of papers and stacks of “stuff”. But the runway is cleared and it’s an awesome setup.