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Chiclet Keyboards - The New Black for Writers?

by Robin on 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 design in certain gadgets manufactured in the 80’s. 

What’s the difference?
The difference between a chiclet and a standard computer keyboard key is the individual keys no longer have slanted edges, but rather straight edges.  When you take away the slant what’s left is the finger pad landing in the shape of square - a chiclet.  The square shape leaves more space between keys and more room for fingers to spread out.
 
My experience…
I’m due for a new laptop this year and so I’ve been busy testing various models.  I really like the space chiclet keyboards offer in  a laptop layout.  Although I’m not overwhelmed with the key responsiveness (kickback after compression), I find my fingers are less cramped even on a full-size laptop keyboard, and my speed and accuracy are just a tad better.  Albeit tertiary, I have to admit, the chiclet keyboard has become a feature in a litany of features I am factoring when determining my next laptop purchase.

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Tethering via BlackBerry- What exactly is it?

by Robin on August 17, 2009

So you finally bit the bullet and purchased a smartphone eh? There’s so much to learn about your new gadget and this "tethering" thing seems to be all the rave.  But what exactly is tethering?

Wikipedia defines tethering as: ‘using some type of mobile device to gain internet access on another device’.  Your smartphone (i.e. BlackBerry, iPhone, Treo, Palm Pre, etc) can access the internet via your cellphone plan, right?  You can then use that same internet connection to access the internet on your laptop by way of tethering (connecting) your smartphone to your laptop.  Got it?

Tethering isn’t new.  I’ve been tethering for about three years via the BlackBerry. For those of us who understand how to tether, the excessive cost of wireless PC cards and separate internet data plans are quickly becoming a way of the past.

Who can tether?
My guess is anyone with a laptop and a smartphone (and even non-smartphones like the LG Chocolate).  However,  it  is my understanding that there is still not a clear cut solution to tethering via AT&T and iPhone.  There are hacks and work-arounds but if you have to ask what tethering is to begin with…ya probably should wait for a "commercial" solution.  I’ve read some decent reviews about PDaNet (iPhone, Windows Mobile, Android, Palm and BlackBerry) but I haven’t personally tried this tethering software.

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