So I found an easy way to root the device (z4root.apk). This was the first step in essentially doing anything beyond factory authorized installs and customizations. It is akin to “jailbreaking” an iPhone, but in this case it is far easier than the current ‘untethered’ jailbreaks for the current version of the iPhone on 4.2.1.

The next step was a big one for a ‘noobie’ like me in the Android world. I can’t tell you how many hours I searched, read, and searched some more for information. Of course, “information” isn’t a problem, but it is the sorting, sifting, and filtering of pertinent and then determining what is reliable and verifiable. That is the tough part!

I decided that instead of trying to “roll my own” I would go with what seemed to be a highly recommended way to easily install customized ROMs for the Milestone/Droid. Luckily, the CDMA Milestone that is offered by Alaska Communications is almost exactly like the Verizon Droid.

This means so much more is available for the device. That includes what Motorola said would not be available for the A854; that being Froyo 2.2 (and beyond.) I was pleased to see that the the device from ACS was running 2.1-update1, but there are some really neat, useful features of 2.2+.

Some of those features include being able to work around the RAM limitation of the device and load apps to your SD (transflash) memory expansion card. This is critical, especially for apps such as Flash. In general you can load most apps to a special partition on your SD card and free up base machine memory. If for no other reason, this is the reason to upgrade.

But, there are other reasons… Currently I’m running a pretty cool Matrix animated wallpaper. This is just one of hundred (thousands???) An easy way to impress those Blackberry users in the crowd.

I decided to try the Bugless Beast (0.6.2.1) ROM to start. It installed without issue and allows me to start to explore the 2.2.1 firmware. Cool features, 800MHz overclocking, and other features included in the base ROM. I hear Cyanogen is another very popular ROM. I think I might load that one to try it out, too…

In all, the large free selection in the Android Market, the ability to customize the device, and the relative ease of doing so, make this first venture into the world of Android a pleasant experience.

In the end, do I think I will I give up my iOS devices…? Ahhhh, NO!

So I set out to investigate printing from my iPads. I tried several no-cost options and was reluctant to spend money on an app that may, or may not, work. I tried the CUPS mods from Terminal, the free AirPrint Activator (and even the former AirPrint Hacktivator) but none worked with my wireless (not physically connected to a Mac, or PC) WF600.

I did have success, albeit limited, with PrintJinni. At least I knew it was possible to print from the iPad to my WF600. But the limited ability, and the need to print via an attachment to an IMAP email account wasn’t palatable. Sure, if I could get nothing else to work, it would be better than nothing. But what about printing in the office and elsewhere…?

Then I came across a site that reviewed several options to allow the printing that Apple stifled (for whatever reason.) It seemed there was good press and user reviews for PrintCentral. While researching that app, I discovered PrintBureau. Now I was on to something!!! And, from what I could tell, it really did seem to work!

Of course, for the price ($12.99!), I was still reluctant to give it a try. My lack of success with CUPS printing was in the back of my mind. Sure PrintJinni worked, but what if PrintCentral or PrintBureau didn’t work any better than that free app?

Upon further research, I saw a comparison between PrintCentral and the EuroSmartz PrintBureau. I liked that direct comparison between the different versions of similar software. I saw the major differences were nullified with an in-app purchase. However, it seemed to make more sense to just purchase PrintBureau from the start. I’m glad I did!

The app does take quite a bit of time to configure and explore. It certainly provides $12.99 worth of extra value, and bells and whistles. The ability to write directly to a PDF on the device, by itself easily makes the extra $3 over PrintCentral a smart buy, at least in my opinion.

Just a bit of frustration was involved when I tried to setup my wireless Epson WF600. The app “discovered” my wireless printer. Great! Then, when attempting to do the “test” prints, all I could accomplish successfully was the plain text printing. Graphics, in any mode, were non-existent… That is, until I pressed the “More” button. It was then that I saw the first choice in selecting my printer – Epson specific was at the top of the list. Several other printer manufacturers were listed as well. Once I selected “Epson” (in my case) all the printing issues went away.

All in all, I highly recommend this app, if for nothing but the ability to print to ALL printers (in some fashion) and create PDFs. The additional features are almost overwhelming, and I am sorry to say I haven’t explored them fully. But accessing the iPad as an external “drive”, the links to the cloud, etc., all add more than enough value to justify the price, even if you only scratch the surface.

In summary, this is what I envisioned printing to be on the iPad. (And, I guess it works on the iPhone as well, although IMHO, that is a stretch.) The $12.99 price tag is almost outrageous, but it does what it says, and there doesn’t seem to be anything close to matching it’s capabilities at this time.

– Posted from my iPad…

I just received an invite to this early limited release, but so far it is an interesting blend of features and functionality. It allows you to not only share information, but to stay current with your friends, too. A sidebar feature also appear to learn your most visited sites and provide a quick link. However, it is more than just a simple bookmark, and seems to add functionality, depending on the “feed.”

I was also pleased to see that it works well, having been built on top of the Google Chrome browser. There doesn’t seem to be any (or, only barely perceptible, at most) hit on browser performance. It is still quite snappy.

The downside to this is that it requires an Intel processor in your Mac. I guess I still lament that life is passing by my “old” Dual 2.5GHz G5 PPC “Big Mac”. It is still quite serviceable, and does well even considering it is from December 2004, which is eons in computing terms. (Just how many Windows PCs can make that claim, it they are even still functioning at all.) But, that said, thanks to my 17″ MacBook Pro 2.53GHz C2D, I can play in the brave new world, with cool apps such as RockMelt.

There is still plenty of features to try. I’m yet not certain of the fine line between “sharing” and privacy concerns, but that aside for the moment, I’ll continue exploring RockMelt. It’s looks promising, especially for those wanting to stay connected.

Check out a few screen shots of RockMelt in action: Screen shots on FaceBook

I’ve been adding some albums each night this week. The next day, iTunes was back where it started. Hey, what happened to my new tracks?!?!

I started to suspect my backup routine had gotten screwed up in the SoftRAID debacle. Today, I decided to really dig in to this. Well, while not directly attributable to the SoftRAID “mess”, I did have issues from when I moved my library to the “new” SoftRAID.

In the end, I found that numerous aliases I had created were pointing to the wrong drives and directories. Slowly, one by one, I fixed them as I uncovered them. When I did, I made sure to fire up SuperDuper and run backups.

I now believe I have everything corrected. I added a few albums to iTunes and they seems to have remained, even after a reboot.

Time will tell, but I certainly hope I am over this “mess”.

The device has a swivel on the male USB plug. This allows you to utilize in a variety of positions and situations. For example, on my 17″ MBP, you would use the configuration as shown, when using the primary USB port on the right side of the laptop. However if you wish to use one of the ports on the left side, the swivel allow you to rotate 180 degrees and stay away from the power plug.

Another unique feature is that the center port (of the three on the side) is articulated. This would allow you to plug in a create more space in case a larger device (such as a ‘monster’ flash drive was occupying one of the adjacent ports. This feature, along with the 180 degree swivel was very well thought out.

The only complaint, on my device I was able to swivel the male USB connector 180 degrees and try it on the left and right sides of my MBP. However, I was unable to swivel it back. At that point, I could only move it approximately 90 degrees, which in my case would not allow use on the right side (primary) USB port on the MBP.

I noticed a small Phillips head screw, near the swivel, and visible in the photo. I loosened it slightly, and whatever was preventing the connector from moving, was freed. Now the plug rotates freely, without binding.

This hub looks to be the answer to connecting several devices, portable hard drives, iPhone/iPod, etc. It does this in a nice, compact, streamlined package. I would recommend, especially after testing on my MacBook Pro.

Downsides, if any… Well, the device is not “powered” if that makes a difference in your application. For me, I don’t seem to have a problem with flash drives, the iPhone, etc. I did notice my Canon TX1 was not recognized, but I don’t believe this to be a problem of the hub. (It was not recognized when plugged in to a direct port on the left side of the machine, either.)

iHome offers a limited lifetime warranty. There is a web site, and 877 number for technical support. It works with Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Windows XP and Vista. (I would be surprised if it doesn’t work with Windows 7, as well.)

iHome IH-U550FB 4-Port Hub

First, in the original post, it was really hard to tell “just how big is the Kindle 2?” Hopefully these two photos will give a better sense of the size. The first shows a comparison with the iPhone 3G, and a ‘standard’ size paperback book.

This one also shows my new clip-on book light I got for $7.99 at Border’s the other day. This certainly solved the problem with reading in the dark, here in Alaska on the long winter nights. It was inexpensive, light weight, clips securely to the Kindle (and has little soft rubber “bumpers” on the inside of the clip to provide a mar-free grip), with a pair of CR2032 batteries powering the two LEDs. I’ll see how this performs, with the only concern being the batteries. At $1.50 – 2.50 each, it may be less expensive in the long run to go with a light that operates on AAA batteries. The downside is the size of the clip, but there is always a trade-off.

Kindle 2 Size Comparison

The second photo shows the profile, again compared to the same paperback. As you can see, it is quite thin; hardly more than the thickness of a standard magazine.

Side view compared with a paperback

On the other front, I’ve been exploring “calibre.” This doesn’t play well with Snow Leopard, but seems to run fine on 10.5.8. That almost makes more sense than running on my MBP anyhow, since that machine is on all the time and can download and process the feeds day or night on schedule and then deliver as appropriate. It’s not perfect, but sure seems to be a way to avoid the ‘high’ cost of the blogs and news feeds from Amazon. More on this will follow…

However, I always went back to the Kindle, and started looking at the Kindle 2 and DX.  From what I can tell the DX is super, but at a ‘super size’ and thus I ruled it out.  Maybe someday, however…

I focused on the pros and cons of a few readers, and narrowed it down to the Kindle and the Sony Reader Pocket Edition, and the new Touch Edition.  The touch looks like a great device, but the lack of wireless (at least for me) put it out of the running.  Sure, folks will say it isn’t necessary, and just drains the battery.  I can agree with the battery life argument but for total flexibility, convenience, and just the cool factor of another wireless device the Kindle is the winner.

Since I had made up my mind, I tried the Kindle app on the iPhone and looked for free ebooks to try.  I did several Google searches which revealed literally tens of thousands of free books.  I downloaded several directly from Amazon to try that channel, as well as a few others to check compatibility and ease of getting them on the device.  This all worked flawlessly and whetted my appetite for more.  Not only “more”, but more screen space to make the reading experience more like a book, as well as easier on the eyes.

The next search I did was to see if there are any hacks available.  Just as with other electronics, especially computer related devices, you can almost be sure someone wants to tweak and get more out of the hardware.  The Kindle community didn’t disappoint in this respect.  Even if for nothing other than tips and tricks, hints and how-to’s, a little bit of time invested in Google pays big dividends.

I couldn’t wait any longer.  I ordered the Kindle 2 and a Patagonia case, along with an extra power adapter on Monday.  It arrived on Tuesday and I was off and running.

The first thing that struck me was the weight of the reader.  I don’t know what I had in mind, but it was heavier than I imagined.  Now, it’s not “heavy” but had a solid feel and is not uncomfortable to hold for long periods.

The metal / brushed aluminum back is a bit slick, and doesn’t have the non-slip rubberized “grip” that was found on the Kindle 1.  The button placement is logical and allows for a comfortable grip on the device.

I don’t own a Kindle 1, and only have a 10-15 minutes with one.  I can’t give a fair or complete comparison, but a couple of quick first thoughts.

Without a side by side look, the screen is about the same, although the 16-bit graphics of the K2 have a visible edge over Kindle 1.  I do like the scroll wheel navigation device of the K1 over the 5-way of the K2.  Again, don’t have a lot of time with either device, but out of the box, the K1 wins this category in my opinion.  (I guess with time I will get used to the 5-way.)

Been playing with the wireless delivery, conversion via email, and even a few web sites that do conversions for books and blogs / RSS feeds.  All methods, both free and paid (via Amazon’s conversion and wireless delivery) work well.  Been impressed with the few conversions of Word docs, as well as PDFs.

I did a quick copy and paste of some web site tips and tricks to a Word doc, converted that, and then sent to my Kindle email address.  Sure, it cost me $0.15, but worked well and can be a viable way to get content to the device.

I looked at the “Experimental” section on the Menu.  All I had available was the web browser.  Uploaded a few MP3s from iTunes and they played fine.  Whether in the background, or just through the speakers (or headphones) the Kindle will work fine in a pinch, or as intended, background music while you read.  Of course, you can’t have MP3s play while Text-to-Speech is active, but to me that is common sense.

Installed a hack to allow personal graphics and photos to be used as the Kindle ‘screen saver’.  Sure e-ink doesn’t need a screen saver, but cool to prove the concept.  Downloaded several graphics / photos, and gave it a try.  Even took some to Photoshop CS4 and added my own “Jim’s Kindle” stamp.  I guess, from reading, they don’t really support customization in this area as did the K1, but it works fine for me.

Been trying all sorts of hacks and conversions.  As above, the screen saver hack works great.  Also trying native formats other than .azw.  The .prc files I have loaded work fine.  I am still trying to get success from the ePub conversion.  I got errors at first, now nothing, so must be something I’ve done.  Still need to investigate, especially since Google has seemed to embrace this format with their “1,000,000 free books.”

In the end, I really do like the device.  Sure it’s new, it’s new (to me) technology.  But I’ve started reading more, and that’s what it’s all about.

UPDATED – 2009-09-06:

Something I forgot to mention… Since living in Alaska, we deal with a lot of darkness through the winter months.  We are well in to autumn now, and the days continue to get noticeably shorter, losing over five minutes of daylight each day.

That said, one of the things I miss with the Kindle (or any e-reader I believe) is the backlight of the iPhone or iPod.  Granted that would certainly impact the quality of the display, and more importantly the battery life on the Kindle, but I realized last night how much I lie in bed, in the dark, and read.  With the iPhone/iPod, the ‘natural light’ was provided in the form of a backlit screen.

So, for now, the light on the night stand will be illuminated, but I think I might check out one of the book lights that are available.  In any event, that is a small consolation for the convenience and benefits of the Kindle.

Powered by Qumana

I suppose I could / should have done a full erase and clean install, and can always do that if I experience problems.  But I took the easy (read that, lazy) way out and just inserted the Install DVD and went to work.

It took just a bit over an hour.  Of course, on the surface I don’t see anything different, but will poke around and check out the subtle differences (if there is much to find.)

Bottom line, I started with an ‘older’ Developer Preview build; 10A421a.  I hadn’t applied the last couple of upgrades since that version was running fine.  The only other thing I checked was Safari, to see if there had been much (or any) change.  Before the installation, Safari reported 4.0.3, build 6531.7; after the install, build 6531.9.

Upon reboot, SnapzPro had an update available.  I also installed (my sorely missed) Server Admin Tools for 10.6.  I was pleasantly surprised to see there were no compatibility issues with the tools and my OS X Server,  a PPC running Server 10.5.8.  I had read a few articles where often the new tools don’t work with the “old” server operating system but that isn’t the case.

I’ll go through the rest of my installed software and check to see if anything else has a release to coincide with Snow Leopard.  To sum it up, Snow Leopard is an affordable upgrade ($29USD) and in addition to taking a considerably smaller footprint (about 3GB less) than Leopard 10.5, it is quite snappy and several new features under the hood.

Snow Leopard pre-order announcement

Ok, what we die hard Mac fans have been waiting for, the next release of OS X!  There was a reported leak on the UK Apple Store the other day that indicated Snow Leopard would be available, ahead of the announced “sometime in September” timeframe we had been hearing.  They pulled that, but it was spot on.

Today I received two emails, one directly from Apple this morning (Alaska time) and this afternoon from MacMall.  Both announced ‘pre-order now’ to get your copy on Friday the 28th.  Of course, I plopped down the $29 to Apple (which included shipping.)

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve been running the Developer Preview for a while on my 17″ MBP.  It works great and I haven’t suffered too many issues with the beta.  For the most part, all my software runs fine.  There is the new release of Remote Desktop, and with the anticipated release of Server Admin Tools for 10.6, I will be all set.

Icing on the cake, in my small world, was the addition of the beta build of VMware.  I had been selected, but to date, hadn’t installed it.  Since the release version of Fusion doesn’t run with the 64-bit OS X kernel, I decided to see if this is addressed in the beta.  Sure enough, I started up VMware beta and it works great!  I loaded all my images, including 32 and 64-bit versions of XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Ubuntu.  Updated all the VM Tools and things are running stable.

So, run, don’t walk and pre-order your copy of 10.6.

A quick note here, the Tekkeon is an small rechargeable, external lithium polymer battery. It goes hand in hand with the Cradlepoint routers, but can power other 5V devices, with its 25.9 Wh output power.

This past week, I decided I was going to check it out. In preparation, I placed the unit(s) on charge overnight. When I got to work on Friday, I attached the PHS300 to the TekCharge and powered up the router. I noted the time at 08:51. I admit the unit got somewhat light usage through the day, and when I powered it off at 14:52, the battery indicator on the Tekkeon had only dropped a couple of bars / lights.

After I got home, I fired it up again. That was at 17:37. I used the unit to continue to power the PHS300 and Franklin Wireless CDU-680 combo. My 17″ MBP was the only device using the wireless, but had more moderate usage while I surfed, ran some speedtests, sent some emails, and other general internet activities.

I hadn’t paid close enough attention, but somewhere later in the evening, I had exhausted the Tekkeon battery and the PHS300 was running on internal power. I turned the PHS300 off at 23:42, and disconnected it from the Tekkion in order to recharge the battery pack over night.

At 08:23 this morning, I once again powered up the PHS300. I left it disconnected from the Tekkeon to try and get an idea of overall total battery run time. The unit finally shut off at 09:39. This was after heavy use running Remote Desktop, performing server admin “stuff”, and other general internet activities.

All in all, it adds up like this:

This is a whopping 15 hours and 21 minutes of total use! That far exceeds what is advertised, and in my opinion might not be a true test, but it was realistic. I didn’t use the unit continuously, but in real world scenarios, this may be typical. For example, in a power outage, or for portable use, you likely wouldn’t be running continuously anyway. A larger issue would probably be your laptop battery giving up the ghost long before the Tekkeon/PHS300 combo.

The other item that may be different than your situation is my generally excellent RSSI. In the office, it varies, but is around -70dBm. However, here at home, I currently enjoy about -57 to as good as -51dBm. I also can achieve almost 2.7Mbps downloads with the CDU-680, that gives my 3Mbps DSL connection a run for its money. So the stronger signal, I’m sure, helps by requiring less power, and thus increases battery life.

All in all, I am thoroughly impressed with the performance. I’ll be looking to give the battery powered router another test, under less ideal conditions.  I’ll also devote some time to try and do a continuous run from power on to exhausting both the Tekkeon and the internal PHS300 batteries.

Certainly stay tuned for future updates.

Tekkeon MP2250, PHS300, CDU-680 combo

.