The Kindle…3

by Robin on July 29, 2010

Kindle released its 3rd generation e-Reader today. Even cheaper than its predecessors, you have a choice of two radio options: $139 with WiFi and $189 with 3G access through AT&T.  Pre-orders start tomorrow with deliveries rolling in by August 27th. Some of the new features include a faster refresh rate and better E Ink contrast.  Internal storage has doubled to 4GB allowing for up to 3,500 books, yet the form factor is smaller and lighter, leaving in tact the 6 inch screen size.  Battery life still lasts up to one month with WiFi off and 10 days with it on.   

As I stated before, I definitely see a niche for e-readers, but hey remind me of cell phones vs smartphones.    If you're just wanting to read (or talk, in the case of a cell phone) and you want a gadget that helps you do "that" very well, then an e-Reader is a definite solution.  If you want to do more than just read (or talk and multi-task in the case of a smartphone), and your prefer a device that offers quick access to the internet and a hundred applications, then an iPad is a better solution.  

There's also hesitation in going "literary-digital" amongst library lovers, in particular home libraries, which offer a visual display of all your literary consumption both past, present and future.  I get that.  Thank goodness purchasing an e-Reader like the Kindle isn't one of those all or nothing decisions.  Keep your old books, by new books AND try an e-Reader.  

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

{ 0 comments }

iPad Printing

by Robin on June 29, 2010

The first edition of the iPad offers a small challenge when it comes to printing.  Thanks to 3rd party developers the task has become quite simple. Use this article only as a reference point as I am not advocating the quality of any of the apps described below.   

Print-n-Share - allows you to store and print emails, attachments, docs, files, photos and web pages.   Print direct to Wi-Fi or shared printers.  USB and Bluetooth printers can be used after downloading the free print server software.  You can also print remotely via 3G/EDGE. Only $6.99 at MacWorld.com.

PrintCentral – goes a little further than most print apps.  It offers a central location for housing all of your print materials and has full iPad integration.  You can open and print files directly into PrintCentral from any other app that supports the "Open in…" file sharing, including attachments from Apple Mail.  Transfer docs and files via iTunes on your laptop or desktop, or files stored in the cloud (iDisk)  into PrintCentral.  Print direct to Wi-Fi printers.  USB and Bluetooth printers can be used with free print server software and you can also print remotely via 3G/EDGE. Only $9.99 at MacWorld.com

[click to continue…]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

{ 0 comments }

Orbino Padova – A Luxury iPad Case

April 27, 2010

I can understand why some writers prefer the nostalgic look and a milieu that smells of leather and stogies.  It’s distinguishing in this day and age.  And while I won’t recommend you take up cigar smoking, I will suggest you take a look at the new Orbino Padova Case to protect that iPad you’ve been [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Classic Gift for a Writer

April 26, 2010

  Encourage your writer-friend to get out of the house and write amongst the living – let life be their inspiration.  Their next great character could come from the bald guy with the red glasses who sits in the same spot everyday and makes those weird grinding noises with his teeth in the cafe across [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Asus – Eee Keyboard

April 22, 2010

  I’m not endorsing this product or concept for writers, but I can’t help but admire ingenuity and technology.  You’ve heard of computers inside monitors and even inside automobile dashboards, however Asus has built a computer around a keyboard.  The Asus Eee Keyboard is actually a netbook built inside a full size keyboard. Running the [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Penzu – Keep a Journal in the Cloud

April 14, 2010

If you keep a paper journal you may want to consider the benefits of writing "in-the-cloud" with Penzu. At penzu.com you’ll find a secure place to litter your brain droppings.  We’re all familiar with a day-to-day diary/journaling – It rained all day so I stayed indoors yada yada yada…   But have you ever considered specific-event [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Typing Champion Crowned – 163 WPM!

March 30, 2010

Share and Enjoy:

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

iVisor AG – Matte Screen for Glossy Macs

March 18, 2010

I’m not a fan of the latest trend toward glossy laptop displays.  Computer manufactures have adopted the glossy screen because it enhances the look of pictures and videos which appeals to your average consumer. For writers and heavy text users…not so much!  Like most writers who stare at a computer screen for hours on end, [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Writing Room (Video) – A.K.A. “Manspace”

March 9, 2010

Browsing one of my favorite websites, TED.com, I came across author Sam Martin discussing how the building of his backyard writing space sparked his interest in “manspaces” nationwide. I’m uncertain as to how the term “manspace” applies, as my experiences have shown the need for personal space is independent of gender. Nonetheless, I found the [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Screenwriting Fuel?

March 3, 2010

If you’ve seen Kung Fu Panda you know that the key to the "secret ingredient" is just to believe there’s a secret ingredient.  So if you’re going to have your morning cup of java or tea, why not transform it into "screenwriting fuel" with this cup from Zazzle.com.  Let it be a constant reminder of [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Ergohuman Ergonomic Chair

February 27, 2010

The Ergohuman is considered by many ergonomic chair experts to offer the biggest bang-for-the-buck in terms of ergonomic benefits. This chair competes directly with the Aeron by Herman Miller. Although one of the key features of the Ergohuman is the lower lumbar support, its “executive style” also fulfills my sole complaint of the Aeron which [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Logitech’s Lapdesk N315

February 19, 2010

The one component most lapdesks are missing is a platform for the mouse to function.  Granted, many laptop users navigate via the onboard mouse/touchpad and don’t require such, however for those of you who prefer an external mouse, Logitech has created a very accommodating lapdesk that not only keeps your legs cool, but has room for [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Elizabeth Gilbert – Nurturing Creativity (Video)

February 10, 2010

I came across this video a while ago but it just occurred to me to share it with the readers of the Founders’ Blog. If you’ve ever been afraid to write, or do any sort of creative thing for fear of what people may think or how you’ll be compared, watch Elizabeth Gilbert break it [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Memory Foam Slippers – Like Writing on Air

February 8, 2010

So there you are nestled behind your desk, wearing your favorite roomy t-shirt and sweats, all the while pecking away at your keyboard. Your back feels great in that new ergonomic chair, the extended monitor is candy-for-your-eyes and your keyboard and mouse setup feel like an extension of your body. But what about your feet? [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

OfficePOD – A Mobilehome Away from Home for Writers

February 1, 2010

  The folks at OfficePOD believe the ability to work from home is a trend that’s here to stay.  I think their product is ideal for writers with a backyard and who are in need of "space" to write.  You wouldn’t think twice about a shed for housing the lawn tools, a greenhouse, or playhouse [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Chiclet Keyboards – The New Black for Writers?

January 27, 2010

QWERTY computer keyboards have been accessible by consumers since the dawn of PCs (personal computers).  Sure, desktop keyboards have become more ergonomic and sleeker, but the shape of the keys has remained consistent until  now.  Well…sort of.  The new chiclet keyboard is mimicking fashion - meaning you have to go way way back to find the [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Extended Monitor – Resizing Two Application Windows to Fit a Single Screen

January 19, 2010

  The Founders’ Blog has written in-depth about the advantages for writers of multiple monitors or even just an extended monitor.  Remember the goal with having large extended monitors is not to expand a single window 24" (or however big your monitor), but rather to open multiple windows inside of the allotted space.  This dynamic [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Herman Miller – Ergonomic Envelop Desk

January 13, 2010

Herman Miller never ceases to be innovative, focusing most of their ergonomic design on chairs (i.e. Embody Chair, Aeron). However, recently the company has embarked on a new ergonomic quest – the desk.  Introducing the Envelop – aptly named because of its sliding, flexible support surface called the "infield".  This area of the desk slides [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Bathroom Blogger T-Shirt – Great Gift for a Blogger

December 30, 2009

  Someone sent me the link to this product at www.zazzle.com and I laughed out loud.  The best thing about the shirt is it’s customizable.  Think about it… if you happened to be standing behind someone in line with their blog printed across their back, wouldn’t you be curious to know what they write about?  [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →

Vintage Pencil Sharpeners

December 28, 2009

Remember the pencil sharpener attached to the edge of the chalkboard in your 2nd grade classroom? Probably not, but X-Acto, the company most likely responsible for that product is seventy-five years old and still going strong. For those of you who like to kick it old-school, you can still get a brand new vintage-looking pencil [...]

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
Read the full article →