Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Auraslate 1026

So my mom had to have a tablet. I did the research, and for the money ($200 USD) this seems like the best value. Its now $180 ($20 cheaper). But you may also want to consider a $200 Chromebook (laptop). UPDATE: I recently purchased this tablet for $150 - a better option than the Auraslate.

With the Auraslate, you will probably feel left out in the cold if you have questions about the unit. Sure, they have a user forum - but it doesnt look like anyone responds.

I immediately had a problem with them unit, and thought it was defective. When I got it, I turned it on, tried to connect it to the wifi, and it went black. It was showing over 90% battery when it went black and wouldnt reboot. I tried hitting the power button, charging it, etc. But nothing seemed to work until I stuck a paperclip point into the reset button hole. I then hit the power button and it immediately powered up.

It comes with many applications installed, including a couple of handy marketplaces to be able to download apps. I did put some apps and music on the device that I thought would be handy: TuneIn Radio Pro, mxplayer, Weather HD, netflix, vimeo, stitcher, sketchbook, skype, and more. I also recommend a case (my mom just used an old cosmetics vinyl bag), a scratch protection coating, and a 16gb SD card.


My main issue with the device is that I cannot view flash objects on the device. Ive tried several installs - but nothing seems to work. Ive done some research on the unit -n the auraslate 1026 is similar to Digma iDx10. So that may help in some ways. The links below may help:

INSTALLING FLASH

Android 4.0 flash player v11.1.115.20
>> http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/guides-tips-tricks/23948-how-get-best-browser-experience-your-tablet.html
>> http://www.careace.net/2012/10/03/how-to-manually-install-flash-on-your-samsung-android-device/
Flash versions: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html
latest mozilla browser w/flash build (OCT 28 2012)
>> http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/926559
install flash on 4.1 jellybean
>> http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-install-Adobe-Flash-on-Android-4.1-Jelly-Bean_id32682


Other browsers to consider:
dolphin, chrome, opera

MISC
cyanogenmod 10 auraslate clockwork mod

>> http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-clockworkmod-recovery-and-how-to-use-it-on-android-complete-guide/

Other marketplaces:
>> http://www.netalien.biz/2012/04/top-ten-android-apk-file-download.html
>> http://www.gizchina.com/2012/08/14/20-ways-to-get-free-android-apps-downloads/pandaapp
>> http://download.pandaapp.com/android-app/pandaapp-for-android1.3-id10895.html
>> http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/download-fireplace-market-apk-bazaar-cydia-like-alternative-android-app-store/
>> http://openappmkt.com/

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

tablets (just fancy gadgets?)


For the power user (and value) for $200, either get the Nexus 7/Galaxy Tab 2 tablet, or wait for new lower priced and smaller version of the ipad to be released in October. But you must first ask yourself, why do you NEED a tablet. If you just WANT a tablet - then stop reading and just go buy one.





The next question is: why wouldn't you just buy a swivel laptop instead?
http://tablet-pc-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://shopap.lenovo.com/in/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series-tablet
($$$ need example from Kasey here)

Best comparison charts:
http://www.theverge.com/products/compare/5831/2506/3767/5147/
http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/spec-comparison-new-ipad-v.-nexus-7-v.-kindle-fire-hd-7-8.9
http://www.pcworld.com/article/258508/nexus_7_tablet_vs_kindle_fire_vs_the_rest_spec_smackdown_chart.html



Some 'power user' things to consider in tablets:
- 3G/4G option for internet use on the road
- Nexus 7 has NFC support
- does it have the full OS experience (iOS/Android)?
- Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (faster on Fire HD?)
- usb or proprietary connection?, sd card slot?
- No GPS, Accelerometer, Magnetometer/Compass, Gyroscope on Kindle Fire HD?
- Nexus 7 has no video out capabilities?
- does it have dual cameras (front and back)?
- app store - The Amazon app store is greatly limited compared to Android or Apple

>> Great article on Amazon and their Kindle Fire HD

A similar question is: do you WANT the iphone5, or do you NEED it?
Overwhelmingly, I'm sure that most of us could not justify needing it.

Succcess = constant motivation and enthusiasm

Success is the ability to move from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill  

I think the caveat to that quote is that you need to be excited about and believe in what you are doing (what you are working towards (your goals)).

Don't just do it, do it differently (or at least differently every so often).
Stop doing the same thing, especially if you are bored or have any doubts in what you are currently doing. Actually, we should constantly 'switch it up'. It provides 'off the beaten path' opportunities, as well as a much more interesting story (just keep your morals/ethics handy along the way).

Something that I think ties in to this line of thinking is that the devil is in the details.
whats another way to say that?
The point is that every decision, thought, movement, purchase, thing we say shapes the world around us. Move carefully down the path of life, but efficiently.

I think the above video and the direction Amazon is promoting - shows their motivation, enthusiasm, and excitement about doing something different.

>> Great article on Amazon and their Kindle Fire HD

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Purchased a Treadmill


We are looking for a treadmill to run on. Atleast 2.5HP motor, adjustable incline, foldable, heart rate monitor, and not above $400. Big question: What is the HP of the motor? We want at least 2.5HP, and anything over 3.0 is also unnecessary. Craigslist currently has several gyms that are selling their equipment.

Sure it can be an expensive purchase, but like with most things - if you dont buy it new, you will save a lot more money. The other thing you have to think about is - that this is an investment in your health. So you want to get something that meets your needs. The other big part about exercise - is motivation. Unfortunately, I didnt find a place to purchase that ;-). Music really helps with motivation when it comes to exercise.

Low Country Fitness seems like a high possibility. They refresh their stock every week and have updates on WED/THURS. Good prices on NEW equip. http://www.lowcountryfitness.net

Ratings by model
http://www.treadmillreviews.net/treadmill-model-reviews/

Asher Appliances
https://plus.google.com/114708046696480438100/about?gl=us&hl=en
4677 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA
(404) 288-8476

They sell mattresses, refigerators and more. We bought our treadmill fully assembled in Feb 2012 at Asher for $600 ($1200 online new) on my VISA card as a scratch and dent. They had several treadmills listed on craigslist.

Their location had a junkyard/warehouse feel to it. The main guy and all the employees were friendly and helpful. Especially needed their help to get it into the truck. I had 2 friends help me get it into the back door of our house at a wierd angle. I will probably pay to have it moved next time. It is 250lbs and wierd shaped so it is not easy to move - unless you are rolling it on the floor (it has weels).

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Apple vs Samsung & Ethics?


I too agree with what is said to be Pablo Picassos’ quote “Good artists borrow, Great artists steal.” Which is why Apple nor Samsung, or any other company should be concerned with copying or patents of their products.
Withholding information or knowledge can only stifle or slow the rate of innovation/improvements/advancement.


Companies should not keep their intellectual property in secret. If they are truly interested in advancing civilization, they should share information openly.

This directly relates to patents. There should not be any such thing as a patent.

If a company truly believes that their service/product/offering is valuable, companies should provide direct comparisons to other similar services/products/offerings from their competitors.

As in nature, it should be survival of the fittest. The big difference is that we have knowledge that we should share openly to solve problems to better the world, environment, and humanity.

Update 092012: Mark Twain on Plagiarism and Originality: “All Ideas Are Second-Hand”
Update 091012:
Why knockoffs are good for the fashion industry.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

New glasses on the cheap!


My boss recommended Zinni, but he said to make sure you double-check all your measurements and prescription details before ordering.
>> http://www.zennioptical.com
Always search for a full review (several is better)
>> http://www.moneycrashers.com/zenni-optical-review/
Always look for coupons when purchasing an item online.
>> http://coupons.answers.com/zenni-optical-coupons
Always look for recent customer reviews.
>> http://itzmitz.blogspot.com/2012/02/zenni-optical.html
Then you can make an educated decision.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

PRIVACY


I dont think that collusion blocks any tracking. I think the tool only shows you who is (and its a good tool).
Other ways to block tracking your browsing is (ranked in order of success):
- https://www.torproject.org
- use Google Chrome and browse with an 'incognito window' (firefox may have a similar option)
- using a tool like collusion to find out who is tracking, and block them. a good way to do this is via the hosts file: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_(file)

Monday, March 12, 2012

Truth in Advertising is long gone...


AT&T false advertising? Using the word UNLIMITED in their marketing, when its not even remotely close to the definition of the word. Maybe we should outlaw using the word MARKETING, since it really means LIES. Im glad my wifes cellphone contract finally expired. She was paying over $90mo for her 3GS cellphone bill. With MySimpleMobile (off of the Tmobile backbone), she says she has better service, unlimited data, texting and calling for only $40mo!
>> ATT clarifies limitations
>> ATT / Apple LIE
>> ATT gets dirty

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Personal challenge/DARE/COMPETITION


Email me with your challenge - and an offer ($25 minimum), and I will either accept, or engage you in a discussion on the challenge you have submitted (to talk about final options/rules/etc). You may suggest it to be a competition (where I match your bet) - winner takes all.
Challenges will be documented, video/photos links will be posted on my blog/Facebook/Twitter/Youtube/Vimeo/etc.

Some ideas for challenge submissions:
-do tough mudder (10-12 mile obstacle challenge)
-no alcohol for 30 days
-no foul language for 30 days
-how many pushups in 60secs
-writing one hour a day or diary for 30 days
-cooking a new dish for every dinner for 30 days
-one piece of art, or sketch every day for 30 days
-raw fruits/veggies only for 30 days
-24 hrs as homeless in shelter in downtown Atlanta
-homeless/no wallet every weekend? fri-sun? for 30 days
-Polyphasic/biphasic Sleep for 30 days
-sell 30 items on ebay (get rid of stuff)
-take a self portrait - http://kottke.org/11/03/everyday-iphone-app
-sing a different song outloud in public or video posted on internet for 30 days
-comment on a different website for 30 days
-learn to play a song on an instrument in 30 days
-consume a gallon of milk in 1 hour
-try not to say or think any negative thoughts for 30 days
The underlying goal here is for betterment, or self improvement. Hoping to avoid shock value or the reality show path of mostly showing people breeding negativity.

This was inspired by: TED - 30days / Morgan Spurlock
http://www.ted.com/speakers/morgan_spurlock.html
TED - Trying something new for 30 days / Matt Cutts

http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html

I Bet You Will began as a popular Internet webcast of five-minute episodes featuring ordinary people doing disgusting, unusual, or embarrassing stunts in exchange for money. Examples include eating a full jar of mayonnaise ($235USD), eating a "worm burrito" ($265USD), and taking shots of corn oilPepto-Bismollemon juicehot sauce, cold chicken broth, and cod liver oil ($450USD for all nine shots). The webcast was a success, with over a million hits in the first five days.[citation needed] The show was later bought and aired by MTV. Some example videos: video 01, video 02

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The End of the World (as we know it) is Nigh


FYI - the industry(as we know it) is dead. Something better is out there. Im sure that todays industries dont want you to know about it. These radical changes give new life to the old saying "if you build it, they will come". The catch is, you just cant put out typical stuff and expect people to flock to it.

FARMING / FOOD
- http://www.podponics.com

CURRENCY EXCHANGE SYSTEM
- Forget China, 'System D' Is World's Second Largest Economy
- DWOLLA
- BITCOIN
- This 28-Year-Old's Startup Is Moving $350 Million And Wants To Completely Kill Credit Cards

GLOBAL TRADE

- http://www.alibaba.com
- http://www.ebay.com

LOANS / FUNDING
- http://www.kickstarter.com

OUTSOURCING
- https://www.elance.com
- https://www.odesk.com
- http://www.poptent.net

MANUFACTURING
- http://www.makerbot.com

CHARITY
- http://www.kiva.org

TELECOMMUNICATIONS (is now VOIP)
- http://www.skype.com
- https://www.google.com/voice/

THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
- NISSAN LEAF
- TESLA MOTORS
- TOYOTA PRIUS
- HISTORY

HIGHER EDUCATION
- http://www.khanacademy.org
- MIT OPEN COURSEWARE
- Making Universities Obselete

TV / MPAA (motion picture association of america)
- BITTORRENT
- http://www.netflix.com
- http://www.hulu.com
http://www.youtube.com

RIAA (recording industry association of america)
- Louis CK makes $1 million in 12 days, proves that DRM-free content is valued (2012)
- RIP -A remix manifesto (watch full movie free here) (2007)
- Radiohead / Trent Reznor against the industry (2007)

NEWS/JOURNALISM
Is now websites, blogs, search engines (Google, Bing, etc)

POLITICS/CAPITALISM
- ANONYMOUS
- THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT
- Online activism

DRUGS
- Silk Road
- Underground Website Lets You Buy Any Drug Imaginable


I think my message is this:
The people of this world expect more. We are not entitled to it. We simply believe that we all should be working towards higher goals. Not how much profit we can make/GREED (Wall St.). Not about how much we can produce for the cheapest price (WALMART/Alibaba.com). We are interested in what is right. The right thing to do. For us, for the environment, for future generations.