Ivy Bridge Delayed

Intel's next upcoming processor, code named Ivy Bridge, was not exactly a well guarded secret.  Last year when the current generation of chips was released, the so called Sandy Bridge parts, they also announced that Ivy bridge would be out around a year later.  As I had no pressing processor needs, I decided to sit tight and wait for the Ivy, that promised higher performance with less energy, and better graphics.

The part was expected for 4/8/12, but that is on hold.  Apparently, through a variety of factors, the Ivy Bridge chips won't be out till late summer is the current thinking, if not early Fall.  What is frustrating is that the reason for the delay is not that the chip is not ready to go, or cannot be made in quantity.  Rather, it is that the manufacturers don't want to be stuck with the current chips.  Sales have been weak, and with nobody buying the supply chain is backed up.  On top of that, Windows 8 looms on the horizon and is expected to debut officially in the Fall, which should spur sales.  Finally, add in that AMD has not released a new part in a while, taking pressure off of Intel to bring new parts to market.

Well, I still think that patience will be rewarded, and would wait for the Ivy Bridge parts to be available.  There is still a small chance that this is just rumor, and the situation is not as dire as they are making it.  At any rate, I would love to see the Sandy Bridge parts pile up at this point if they are manipulating the market to avoid this.

PC Perspective

-Jonas

Kodak Exits Stage Left

Kodak has announced that they will be getting out of the camera business. This once American icon, recently filed for bankruptcy, and is giving up on one of their core businesses. I can't say I am disappointed.

Kodak never really made a successful transition from film to digital. Their competitor in the film market, Fuji I thought did this much better. Before we lament them, let us look at this objectively.

It has been eons since Kodak made any camera that anyone wanted. They have been 2nd to 3rd tier products, you know, the stuff that was sold in a blister pack at the pharmacy that I think of more as an impulse buy than a serious purchase. Where was their flagship DSLR? Where was any camera that had anything innovative?

Just like when HP left the camera market, nobody really missed them, Kodak will be the same. I see them ending up like Polaroid. Another American icon, that had their name left, and little else, that can slap it on random products, all made overseas. Too bad Kodak ended up this way, but over the last decade, this kind of was inevitable.

Jonas

Linksys PLSK400: Powerline AV 4-Port Network Adapter Kit

There are basically 3 ways to connect a computer to your internet modem:

1- Wired with CAT 5e cable

2- Wirelessly via a WiFi router

3- Wired via a Powerline adaptor

As you build out your home network there are multiple considerations, including the ease of which dedicated Ethernet cabling can be run, the wireless coverage, the location of the modem, and the bandwidth requirements. A decade ago, when most of us had one computer connected directly to their modem, this was much less of an issue than it is today with mutiple connected devices, and the bandwidth required to transmit HD video (which is around 4 to 8 megabits per second in case you were wondering).

While a WiFi router is commonly the central hub of most home networks, there are still times when a wired solution is best. These include situations when the wireless coverage is spotty, there is interference from neighbor's networks, and when bandwidth requirements are high, such as with video or gaming. Depending on the situation, this involves turning to Ethernet cable or a Powerline solution. While the Ethernet cable is affordable, the electrician to install it too often is not, and for those looking for professional appearing results without opening up wall boards and fishing wires, Powerline networking starts looking attractive.

This is the technology that involves sending network information through the home's wiring. There can be issues when the data has to cross a circuit breaker. Early on this technique was slow and proprietary, but with established standards, it is a viable alternative for a simple network setup, or as a supplement to a wireless system. If you are worried about security, quite simply don't as there is 128 bit encryption built into the standard, and your data won't transmit beyond your homes wiring.

Linksys provided their "Linksys PLSK400: Powerline AV 4-Port Network Adapter Kit." It consisted of two Powerline adapters, a basic instruction manual, and two Ethernet cables. Of note, one adapter has one Ethernet port, and the other has 4 ports. The idea is that the single port one gets plugged into the router, and then the 4 port one is plugged into the destination making this ideal for plugging in several devices, such as in a home media setup. There are 3 LED's, with pics that correspond to power, link and Ethernet.

Setup is a breeze with no software to install, and the pair of adapters with the same key out of the box. Additional ones can be added, and there is a small button to sync the keys. This is much better than the last time I played with Powerline networking as it took me an hour to get the keys in sync. For this pair of Linksys adapters, it was truly plug and play.

Here's a word about my setup. My internet comes into the house in the basement, and it is Optimum 15/2 with the modem positioned next to the wireless router. The router is a Linksys E4200 with WPA2 security (that is their top of the line WiFi router for those keeping score). The test system is one floor up, and a Windows 7 Phenom II 945 system; WiFi connectivity is via a draft-N USB adapter and the 10/100 Ethernet port is via the motherboard. The electrical outlets for the Powerline adapters are on different circuit breakers, not on power surge strips.  To keep this fair, there are plenty of wireless obstructions including metal ductwork in the way. This is real world testing, and not some idealized lab setup.

The Powerline adapters connected easily and the computer connected online with no issues. Subjectively, internet surfing was just like it normally was, and online videos played without a hitch. However, I decided to throw it a few tests, and a set of older (circa 2008) Powerline gear from a competitor, the Actiontec MegaPlug AV, that also claimed a 200 Mbps speed.

First test is Speedtest.net. This is a test of the internet connection, and all testing was done on the different adapters on the same day. While it is a test of internet speed more than network, if the home network is slow, it can be the bottleneck.  The chart shows the results:

The results show that the Linksys PLSK400 kit was just as fast for internet speeds as the E4200 wireless router, and the limit is the internet speed itself.  I have to admit I was a bit surprised that the Actiontec gear was so much slower, but it shows how Powerline gear has progressed in the last few years.

 The next test uses the USB port built into the wireless router, to which a USB flash drive is attached.  I use it a "Poor man's network attached storage," and is quite convenient for accessing files between different computers without the need of plugging in a flash drive directly.  It can also be accessed non-wirelessly as well.  Hence, I decided to upload a 188 MB file (LibreOffice 3.4 installation file), and then calculating a transfer speed.

 In the transfer test, the Linksys PLSK400 hits a speedy 287 kb/sec which is leaps better than the older Actiontec Powerline gear which stuck at a pokey 13 kb/sec.  However, the E4200 WiFi did live up to its reputation for speed, and averaged 1070 kb/sec.

The Linksys PLSK400 is available for $119.  It is a viable solution for those seeking an alternative to WiFi and in need of a wired network, or to supplement wireless due to dead spots.  It was ideal for internet speeds, but slower for sustained uploads, although much better than what was available a couple of years back.  With the ease of setup, the built in security, and the potential for expansion, it makes this product a recommended purchase.

More info

Panasonic DMC-ZS9

 After my frustration with Canon, I moved on to a new Panasonic, at least partly because it wasn't a Canon, it had manual controls even though it is a point and shoot, and the lens is made by Leica.  Well, going from an 8 MP 4x zoom, to a 14 MP 16x zoom was a big move up.  While not technically a superzoom, and still able to fit into a large pocket, the lens is equivalent to a 24 mm to 384 mm in the optical range.

Below is an example of what a current point and shoot can do.  Both were taken with auto controls, from the same spot.  In the top image, I faintly circled the area in the center that I zoomed in on, and this is presented with the zoom at the max of what it can do in the bottom one, with the antishake on.  All I can say is this is awesome.

Next Gen WiFi

WiFi has been stuck for a while, as the standard went from "b" to "g" (with a detour to "a"), then seemingly endless "pre-n," and most recently "n."  Because it took so long to go from "pre-n" to "n," I think it made the true "n" somewhat anticlimactic.  The current "n" gear is certainly solid and stable (I use a Linksys E4200 these days), but it hardly feels next generation a year after it came into the house.

Hopefully, this should be changing soon.  The latest standard is designated as 802.11ac.  It operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz portions of the spectrum, and is designed to prioritize streaming video.  While future iterations will offer faster speeds, Trendnet is debuting their new router, the TEW-800MB, that can hit a speedy 1.3 Gbps.  For the record, this handily trounces the current 802.11n gear that maxes out at 450 Mbps.

The product is expected in the Fall of 2012, for around $200.

[Tech PowerUp]

Canon PowerShot A590IS

I have had the Canon PowerShot A590IS since January 2008.  It is an 8 MP point and shoot, and the two things that attracted me to it were the manual controls, and that the power source is 2 AA batteries.  I have used NiMH's in it, but for the last year, the thing simply eats batteries.

After a full charge, the thing goes dead in a few hours- at best.  There are fixes out that that may have helped some folks, by adjusting the contacts, but no such luck for me.  It is annoying that this seems to be effecting the majority of users, yet Canon did not recall this camera.

I probably held on too long, as I did like the quality of the images for the size of the device.  I don't necessarily find point & shoots all that exciting, and was willing to put up with the issue, and supplement with the consistently mediocre smartphone pics.

At any rate, enough is enough, and to the trash it will go.  So long Canon A590IS, and guess what camera brand I won't be buying again...

Amazon Text Fail

So, I order a new TV on Amazon.  There is an option to have them text me updates as the set makes it way to my house.  This would be great, as I would like to know when it is coming so I can be home and ready to sign for it.

Yesterday, I go to the Amazon site and figure out that the set has shipped from the Amazon warehouse in Indianapolis.  Wow, the set is coming sooner than I thought.  However... no text.

Today, on Amazon, the set is indicated out for delivery, and still no text.  I am figuring that the text service is not quite working.

And after the set is in my house, I finally get my one and only text from Amazon that the TV has been successfully delivered.  Well, I could have texted myself that one!  All in all, this was a bit of a fail...

Jonas

Amazon Kindle Thoughts

Today was the big day that Amazon announced the latest crop of their Kindle line.  A recurring theme of Bezos is that Amazon is building premium products at non-premium prices.

This is a fine strategy, and unlike some others, I believe that they are following the economy where folks want cheap and value above all else.  They have been slowly cutting the prices of their readers for years, and much attention got focused on the Kindle Fire, a $199 iPad competitor that features a 7" color display and a new browser.

However, I think that equal attention should be paid to the other eInk offerings, that sans bells & whistles offer an even better deal.  Specifically, the new Amazon Touch, and Amazon Kindle.  The new Kindle will go for a mere $79, which makes this accessible to most consumers.  In addition, the Amazon Touch has a new touchscreen interface, and still comes in at $99.

At the end of the day, I am not sure if I will be parting with cash to purchase any of this, but I am glad to see that Amazon is driving the price down of eReaders.

[Engadget]

Amazon Basics Flash Cards

While I have a drawer full of flash cards, it seems like I can always use one more.  Especially as memory becomes less expensive, they do seem like a bargain.

I spotted today that Amazon has a line of their own branded flash cards, and like most things Amazon they are quite cheap.  They are SD cards, available in the 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB sizes.  Their are Class 4, which are standard speed, and Class 10, which are suited for more rigorous devices such as digital cameras.  They also have microSD cards in the same capacities as well.

The current "sweet spot"  would be the Class 4, 16 GB card that can be had for $18.99, with free shipping.  This type of item is also useful to fill the order up to the $25 threshold to get the free shipping on another item, and will likely get more use that the eraser I bought once to complete the box.

AmazonBasics 16 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card

Ultrabook: Size Does Matter

For quite a while, I simply don't get why the standard screen size for a notebook is 15.6", as I find that it is simply too large, and it becomes more of a desktop that folds, rather than a mobile computing device.  For the record, I currently use an 11.6", a 12.1", a 14" and a 15.6" notebook.

Care to guess which one gets the most use?  For a while, the 14 incher has by far gotten the most use.  I find that it has most of the real estate of the larger 15.6", and at the same time is considerably more portable.  I have recommended the 14" size to several folks and they invariably love it, and wonder why there are not more models made at that size.

So now, Intel has been pushing the ultrabooks, which promise a thinner, more portable notebook computer, and which will hopefully compete better with tablet computers, especially the iPad.  The news item for today is that it looks like all the ultrabooks on the drawing board are either the 13.3" or the 14.1" size.

However, let us hope that they also do make an ultrabook in an 11.6" size.  I have a CULV in that exact size, and it is ideally portable to the point that I traveled with it cross country, and would do it again without a second thought.  The smaller sizes are also usually less expensive, and the major stumbling block so far to the ultrabook has been that they will probably command too much of a premium.

See the models to be introduced here

Windows 8 Developer Preview

There have some miscellaneous glimpses at the next version of Windows, so far dubbed Windows 8.  It is currently in Developer Preview, and can be downloaded, although this is not for the faint as it will not be stable at this point.

There are several new features to it, but overall it looks to me like it was designed from the groundup for tablet computing.  It nicely integrates into the cloud as well.They have also relegated a more traditional style of the Windows Desktop to just another app.

I have to wonder if there will be much point to upgrading a Win 7 desktop to 8, as most of this depends on a touchscreen interface.  There is also no official release date so no rush either.

Keynote at This Is My Next
Download here

Asus Eee PC X101 MeeGo Netbook

Announced at CES last year, Asus' cheap inexpensive netbook is coming to market.  It is available at select retailers for the sub-$200 price point, although Amazon is currently at $226.

The high points are a "slim is in' thickness of a svelte 0.69".  Another high point is that the drive is a solid state one.

However, there are definitely compromises at this price, such as the single core Atom N435 chip that is unlikely to win any benchmark races, even with processors from years, no make that eons ago.  The OS, to drive the price down is the quite obscure MeeGo Linux, which is unfamiliar to all but the geekiest Linux fans.  And that solid state drive is a mere 8 GB's, not to mention the 3 cell battery.  They even cut corners on the USB ports, with a mere 2 when most netbooks have 3 in this space.

Rounding out the package is the standard netbook fare, including 1 GB of RAM, a 10.1" display (1024 x 600), and the usual wired and wireless connections.

Before we write this model off, I will say at this price point it does become an almost disposable piece of electronics, and a 2 pound Linux machine.  We'll see what the market decides on this one.

Liliputing

Windows 8 Boot Time

I always turn my computers off when I am done with them, so a faster boot time would be something I would appreciate.  I have been pleased how Windows 7 boots much faster than Vista, and would like to see that trend continue.

Wondering what that phrase at the end of the video means that she can't wait for us all to get this soon...

MaximumPC

Samsung Cannot Be Fixed

So, I brought my HDTV in for service, and on the 800 number from Samsung, they did tell me that this sounded quite like a capacitor issue.  I was also promised that it would be done at no cost to me.  Well, not so much...

I brought the set in, and I was then told that there was a $25 bench fee for diagnosis, and of course, this was not covered.  Well, I did want this fixed, so I went along with it.  The folks kept my TV for days, and kept telling me they had not gotten to it.  You can probably guess where this is going...

After almost a week, I am told that this is definitely not a capacitor issue, and probably the powerboards.  I ask them nicely to humor me and replace the capacitors, but they tell me no, and that the problem is intermittent and they are having issues replicating it.  I remind them that the startup issue only happens when the set is cold, and that I will be by to pick it up.

I had them demonstrate that the set worked at the shop, and they commented how good the picture was... duh.  Maybe they were trying to convince me to put some green into this.  At any rate, when I got home and tried the set later, you will not be surprised to know that I was able to get the prolonged startup on the first try.

I am still frustrated by the idea that not much can be fixed these days.  I also join the chorus of those that will never buy another Samsung product again.  Those companies that do not want to stand behind their junk, will simply not get my cash.

ViewPad For Peorder On Amazon

Well, it looks like 7" is the new 10" as I am expecting to see more 7" tablet devices in the coming months.  I have to say that it makes sense to me as when I used a 10" iPad, the thing always felt too close in size to a small notebook, yet without as much functionality.  I think the 7" size should be a better niche for the tablet space, with an extended battery life as well.

At any rate, the ViewPad is up for preorder at Amazon.  With the recent demand for the HP webOS device at $99, the preorder price of $199 should attract some consumer interest, even at the higher price point.  The OS is Android 2.3, better known as "Gingerbread."  Even at this price point, the specs are decent, including 4 GB of RAM, and a microSD expansion slot.

Tom's Guide

Amazon