Automatic loaders whether for distribution or printing, offline or online, are a lifesaver for businesses. They are important, in the cases mentioned in this writing, for those who need to ship or print product regularly with special care and needs. Automatic loading systems work well to improve order processing and operating efficiencies within what is typically called parts distribution or printing processes. Some of the many benefits of automatic loading systems include the minimization of contamination through human intervention in offline and online situations. Product is processed and distributed faster and equipment availability is increased compared to manual loading. At the same time, operating costs are decreased.

Some offline distribution auto loaders for distribution can even navigate where and in ways that manual loading could not occur. These are called intelligent free-roaming navigation systems. Examples of both offline distribution auto loaders are in use for printing by PriscoDigital and for online (software) to augment ordering and distribution by 1-800 Courier.

For example, PriscoDigital is the exclusive distributor in the United States and Canada for Hostert Automatic Loader. The HAL is designed just for the HP Scitex FB7600/7500 industrial printers. Each printer is 10.5 x 5.6 x 1.6 meters or 34.5 x 18.4 x 5.2 feet (W x D x H) and in weight, 5000 kg (11,024 pounds) with the vacuum unit. On the other hand, 1-800 Courier, a same-day delivery, messenger and transportation services company, offers BMW parts distribution auto loader via an application online for daily pick-ups.

The auto loading system designed by 1-800 Courier is actually accessible online via their website. It is more of a special ordering application or software. Atlanta, Georgia area BMW automobile dealerships and other automobile repair partner locations are indexed in the system. These are updated on a daily basis in the 1-800 Courier auto loading system. Courier experts can manipulate the parts distribution auto loader tool. Daily multiple-stop route “pick up drivers” can report via telephone to all BMW locations that require a pick up service. The geo points are chosen. The system automatically loads each individual pick up into the integrated electronic courier delivery software. Orders are created automatically and available to all parties involved.

On the other hand, the Hostert Automatic Loader, is a physical auto loader and not an online auto loader. 1-800Courier’s auto loader and the Hostert Auto Loader are quite different in description and use and target. The HAL was developed by Hostert Pro for the HP Scitex FB7500 and FB 7600. It enables businesses to reduce production costs, decrease output time schedules, and generate an automatic work environment with batch-to-batch operation. The Automatic Loader assists massive print production process to be much more flexible so that actual time on the task of work is used where and when it is needed, cutting labor cost and wear and tear. The Automatic Loader can handle a variety of media in size 25mm thick and 20 Kg in weight, type, and weight: compressed cardboard, corrugated carton, foam PVC, and very thick paper can be loaded automatically. The HAL can even double-side print.

Companies such as 1-800 Courier report operating efficiency improvement as a result of their new pick up auto loader for their BMW parts distribution program. Normally multiple “pick ups” are required with daily data-entry. With the auto loader, 1-800 Courier inputs all parts distribution pick ups with one click of a specific pick up location. Again, like the HAL for the HP industrial printers, 1-800 Courier auto loader saves time for their personnel such as drivers, accounting representatives and other company specialists. For more information about automatic and auto loaders, check Wikipedia, 1-800 Courier and Hostert Automatic Loader sites.

The is latest in Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GF 3line of compact interchangeable lens cameras, and the smallest camera of its type in the world (for now, at least). The design of the GF-series has changed over the years, though not necessarily for the better. The original GF1 had traditional rangefinder styling and plenty of switches and dials. Last year’s GF2 took away many of those dials and added a touchscreen to make up the difference.

The DMC-GF3 is a very different animal. First off, it’s tiny — almost 17% smaller than its predecessor, and 16% lighter. It bears more of a resemblance to one of Panasonic’s compact cameras than it does a rangefinder camera. It has even fewer buttons and dials, a weaker flash — and the hot shoe, stereo microphone, and accessory port from the G2 are all gone, as well. As a GF1 owner, I can’t help but be a little disappointed with the direction Panasonic has taken with the GF3, but apparently smaller is what people want these days.

The biggest changes on the GF3, besides the very noticeable drop in bulk, is the improvement in both autofocus and continuous performance.You have your choice of two lenses with the DMC-GF3. The less expensive option is to get the camera with the 14 – 42 mm lens, which has optical image stabilization built in. This lens has decent build quality (though the lens mount is plastic) and low corner blurring and purple fringing, though overall sharpness could be better. I first used the F2.5, 14 mm pancake lens with the DMC-GF2, and was not impressed. While this lens is compact (and has a metal mount), it suffers from noticeable corner blurring and vignetting.

As with all D-SLRs and interchangeable lens cameras, the DMC-GF3 does not have any built-in memory, nor does it come with a memory card. Thus, you’ll need to pick up an SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory card right away, unless you happen to have one already (as I figure most folks do). If you’ll be taking mostly stills, then a 4GB SDHC card is probably fine. For movie enthusiasts, you’ll want to get something like an 8GB or 16GB card instead. It’s definitely worth spending the extra dollars on a high speed card (Class 6 or higher)especially for movie recording.

Panasonic includes version 6.2 of their PhotoFunStudio HD Edition software with the Lumix DMC-GF3. This Windows-only software handles basic tasks fairly well, though the whole “wizard” system gets old quickly. On the main screen you’ll see the usual thumbnail view, and you can view photos in certain folders, or filter by things as specific as scene mode. The software can learn to recognize faces (much like the camera itself), which offers you another way to browse through your pictures. Other options on the main screen include slideshows, creating “short movies” (basically video slideshows), printing, e-mailing, or uploading to YouTube or Facebook. You can also copy photos and movies to SD cards or DVDs.

Above you can see the still photo editing screen. Here you can adjust things like brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness. Images can be changed to sepia, black and white, or “negative color”, and redeye can be removed with the click of your mouse. There’s also an auto enhancement feature, for those who want to keep things simple.

Movie editing features include the ability to trim unwanted footage from a clip, turn a video frame into a still image, or convert a video to MPEG-2 format.

Freaky. On May 5, Intel shared an announcement that the silicon transistor can be reproduced in the third dimension, not just the second. What does this mean? Intel’s “revolutionary” Tri-Gate transistor, first mentioneg by Intel in 2002, is constructed upward like a pyramid or a skycraper instead of the way other transistors, so it has the potential holding more volume or capacity.

“Intel’s scientists and engineers have once again reinvented the transistor, this time utilizing the third dimension,” said Intel chief executive Paul Otellini. “Amazing, world-shaping devices will be created from this capability as we advance Moore’s Law into new realms.”

What is Moore’s Law? It is number of transistors that can be placed rather cheaply on integrated circuit doubling approximately every two years

For the past 50 years since the silicon transistor was first invented by Texas Instruments in 1954, it is what has led to the making of netbooks, smartphones, tablets, and laptops have more power and often be less expensive while also becoming smaller, it seems, every time one blinks an eye.

The Tri-Gate transister is constructed at a 22-nanometer node which would be 1/1,000,000,000th of a meter. Some have said that this accomplishment was expected to be reached by semiconductor companies in the 2011–2012 timeframe, and this is 2011.

“The performance gains and power savings of Intel’s unique 3-D Tri-Gate transistors are like nothing we’ve seen before,” said Intel senior fellow Mark Bohr. “The low-voltage and low-power benefits far exceed what we typically see from one process generation to the next. It will give product designers the flexibility to make current devices smarter and wholly new ones possible.”

Why is the Tri-Gate transistor considered three dimensional? The switches are vertical and horizontal, but even so, the transistors are not stacked one on top of the other. The result is that the electrons can flow in three dimensions. What a highly sought dream for the microprocessor design industry! The new circuit design enables more transistors on much more minute areas is a huge move forward.

Read more on this topic at Intel’s site. Plus news about young scientists take on Hollywood!

Most homes have at least one computer device and one printer.  People rely on printers for a host of printing jobs, but we often buy this piece of equipment based on price alone without giving any consideration to our actual printing requirements. We save money at the front end but end up spending a ton of money during the ongoing life of the printer. Find out how you can avoid this by asking yourself the following questions.

Are black and white text documents the main type of printing I do?

If the answer is “Yes,” you’ll be better off getting yourself a monochrome printer rather than an inkjet. In addition, laser printers are known to be expensive to purchase to begin with, but still … over the life of the printer, a laser gives you much more value from a toner cartridge which yields up to 3000 pages per cartridge when compared to an ink jet cartridge which typically produces around 400 pages per cartridge.

What do the replacement cartridges cost so much?

This is where you find out the true cost of your printer over its lifetime. Inkjet printers are very reasonably priced so its tempting to purchase one based on that initial cost alone, but be sure to check the cost of replacement cartridges, otherwise you will find that printer is not so economical once cartridge costs are added to the equation. While you’re at it, check how many pages the cartridge is estimated to print which is detailed on the cartridge packaging.

Can the replacement cartridges be bought separately?

Another factor to check is whether you can buy each ink cartridge separately. Some printer models are manufactured in a way that replacement cartridges have to be purchased as an all in one set, color one and black one. This is an expensive way to have to buy ink cartridges, especially if there is plenty of ink in some of the colored cartridges but none in a color you use the most. Be sure to check that the printer you buy permits individual replacement cartridges to be purchased and put in the machine.

If you go over the above points prior to purchasing a printer you’re sure to find a printer that better matches your printing requirements and will give you good value over the life of the printer. For more useful advice on monochrome printers.

How about refilling print cartridges? There are pros and cons, we’ll talk about next time.

Image belongs to http://ca.gizmodo.com/tag/cartridges. Thank you, CA Gizmodo!!

Having one’s TV, PC, and Internet on 3 or more devices is just not cost effective or even accepted anymore. While these three things are all part of many people’s everyday lives, have it all in one is no longer impossible.

Why would people spend money on getting all three conveniences in separate packages, sometimes dozens?

Introducing all the movie buffs, couch potatoes and an internet adventurers’ dream coming true, wait for it… Ok here it goes, free TV on PC.

This impressive and money-making technology is similar in many ways to a mobile phone. It would seem that there is no stopping mobile TV from gaining popularity and support when it comes to business applications and convenience for consumers worldwide. It is now common among many households to have multiple computers. The Internet is also as much a part of life nowadays as H2O is essential to the body. With this way of thinking, anyone can say that the future of television is in Free TV on one’s PC. !

With the combination of hi-resolution LCD screen and hi-fidelity surround sound systems, hi-speed broadband internet connection and hi-performance personal computers, converting one’s PC into a super TV is a no-brainer. Unlike employing the services of a satellite dish, internet lines are usually not affected by bad weather and physical inconveniences of locations without any clear signals.

Unlike the cable connection, it is all prepped up for digitized TV. Also unlike conventional television, it has absolute worldwide access to thousands of stations. As an added bonus, it can be mobile if it is connected to most laptops, smart phones, netbooks or tablets!

Television functions can be installed in most of these devices using the appropriate software, hardware or a combination of both. The software option is by far most favored by many subscribers because it can be installed immediately without any hassles. It is also low-cost, and one can set it up online. (Now, cloud-computing is looking good!) Watch one’s favorite TV sports on your computer, as well as news, movies, and so many more.

There really is no need for any additional hardware to add on or the need to completely retrofit a PC. The cutting edge technology involved in this convenient and amazing function is not as expensive as most people would think.

PROBLEM: There are many software packages found on the Net today to set this system up, which are, unfortunately, mostly unreliable, virus and bug infested. There are some untrustworthy service providers online, scammers and outright fake sites that claim to have this technology perfected and ready for distribution.

When deciding to turn one’s PC into a super TV, make sure to utilize services of a website with a clean reputation and spotless track record. Want free satellite TV on PC?  Imagine all the movies, TV shows, sports, world news, to enjoy online. Transform the PC into a super cable TV. Price? No issue.

The author of this article says, “If you’re paying for your internet service, you’ve already paid for your television programming. Yes, learn to access Free TV On PC online in a few simple steps by visiting us at livetv-on-pc.com.”

But if you want even less hassle, use the following to watch your favorite sitcoms, movies, news, music concerts, sports events and more … usually free or maybe very low cost on your smart phone, netbook, laptop or tablet!

http://www.hulu.com/

http://video.tvguide.com/

http://english.aljazeera.net/video/

http://www.comedycentral.com/

http://www.youtube.com

http://www.viddler.com

http://watchsportsonlinetv.com/free-online-tv/

http://www.npr.org/

http://video.pbs.org/

http://www.netflix.com

Many thanks to Thomas Crampton for his research and photo on the topic of Internet TV.

Mapping out iPad designs doesn’t need to be done on huge hard copy chart tablets, post it notes, overhead projectors or chalk boards. It can be done with UI Stencils’ iPad erase boards … which are not even iPad accessories but work great with iPads. It is an exact replica of the way an iPad’s screen appears, with even a 20-pixel grid.

Whiteboards have always been popular because of being able to use vibrant colors and easily erase and revise with groups of people. The soft copy appears to be just as cool.

Just title the project and make your screen name. For now, choose from black and red dry erase markers to draw and write with and use “foam erasers” to delete as needed. The board is gridded and marked so you can easily keep things as symmetrical or assymetrical as you need and to “get the right perspective on your navigation headers and tab bars.”

The back of the dry erase bar features a legend (an interaction key) with iPad symbols, terminology, and descriptors for common iPad symbols and icons. There are guides for positioning the sidebar in the right the place and other alignment tools in conjunction with the dotted grid that helps you sketch pixel (erm, marker) perfect designs.

What a great idea to be able to collaborate on a whiteboard (or five at a time even) and share designs with friends and colleagues.

The iPad erase board is available at UI Stencils at $24.95. Start designing the next world renowned iPad application right away. Get more information at http://www.uistencils.com/products/ipad-dry-erase-white-board.

Techistan is looking for a video demo of how this product is used to post on this article. Please pass the word around.

• Recognizes power of solution for delivery of content to multiple devices
• Meets consumer demand for ‘any screen, anywhere’ TV viewing experience
• Multiscreen TV hot topic at IP&TV World Forum

Ericsson recently announced that the Ericsson Multiscreen TV solution has won the ‘Best Multiscreen TV Service’ category at the IP&TV Industry Awards 2011, making this the fifth consecutive year that the Ericsson team has achieved success at the awards.

Multiscreen TV was a hot topic at this week’s IP&TV World Forum in London, addressing a growing consumer desire to view content on any screen, anywhere. This presents a number of challenges to operators and Ericsson demonstrated key solutions for the management, packaging and delivery of content across multiple platforms to deliver a unified experience across devices for the multiscreen generation.

“At Ericsson we believe that a successful Multiscreen TV solution must provide the best possible experience for subscribers in conjunction with the most efficient operation for service providers,” said Staffan Pehrson, Head of Solution Area TV, Ericsson. “Consumers are looking for a solution that can offer them the freedom to choose what they want, when they want it and how they want it; the focus needs to firmly be on the user experience. As the industry continues to explore how to deliver this next generation TV experience, we’re delighted that our unified solution for the management and delivery of video services across all screens has been recognized with this award.”

The Ericsson Multiscreen TV solution addresses consumer demand for a far more enhanced range of services than ever before, such as greater control and interactivity, via its end-to-end capabilities to enable delivery of content to multiple screens and create new TV business models. From content acquisition through management, to network efficiency and multiscreen video delivery, the Ericsson Multiscreen TV solution features the industry’s broadest portfolio of solutions to enable operators (cable, satellite, telco and terrestrial), broadcasters and content owners to harness greater efficiencies, launch new services and grow revenues and provide their consumers the next generation viewing experience.

Now in their fifth year, the IP&TV Industry Awards are a symbol of recognition and respect in the industry. The awards were presented at a gala ceremony held in London on March 23rd 2011.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

A groovy gadget review by Michael Javaman Bowen, running column writer for the New Orleans NOLA newspaper and running coach for runners in Northwest Florida. DryCase, being reviewed, is at CTIA Wireless in Orlando March 22-24, 2011 in Orlando.

Through hard trial-and-error I’ve learned the painfully obvious truth; electronics and elements, like Kipling’s east and west, are best meant to be kept separate. When the two meet it can only mean less-than-happy outcomes for the electronics. I’ve seen more than my share of “OMG, just dropped/lost my ‘Crackberry’ out on the bay” Facebook status messages than I can count. Sometimes you feel bad for the victim. Other times there’s a little bit of that schadenfreude, that little bit of joy over someone else’s discomfort. Nevertheless, you kind of wonder why they would be so foolish as to take something out on the water with them without some sort of floatation or protection from the potentially damaging elements.

Do we really HAVE to take it with us all of the time?
My wife’s entire life is tied into the efficient operation of her laptop computer and its programs. So she was in a veritable panic a couple of mornings ago when I called from my office to chat about an upcoming business trip and the requisite dog care: We adopted an 85-pound retired racing greyhound not long after we got married; we’ve been able, and at times adamant with our employers, that our business travels not overlap. So far, it’s been all of one week in seven years of marriage and dog-parenthood where we’ve both been away from home.

Rubin, our hound, is the equivalent of a three-year-old child…on steroids. He clearly refuses to realize his own strength. Suzanne, my wife, had spent several hours that morning working on podcast interviews in her home office. The door was not completely secured; Rubin finally decided “mom” had worked enough and it was time for him to go for a walk around the park across the street. He burst in to the room, knocking Suzanne’s cup of coffee all over the keyboard and trackpad. Alas, he didn’t get to go for his walk then, as my wife then had to go into emergency dry mode.

She’s also had the electronic key to her company’s Mercedes-Benz short out, triggering the alarm system in the parking lot where one of our local run groups congregated after a Sunday afternoon trot around one of the residential neighborhoods. The story of the “demon-possessed” Mercedes-Benz is still talked about to this day. Rubin wasn’t to blame for that catastrophe, however. Blame that one on my highly-active sweat glands, which happen to be the marvel of coaches, friends and relatives. I’ve tried to use plastic zipper food storage bags and neoprene pouches to try and separate my sweat from things I prefer to keep (relatively) dry; most have worked with varying degrees of success, some with very little. It’s forced me to learn to exercise without the benefit (or drawback, depending on your point of view) of electronics. I learn that electronics will die sooner or later when I use them…usually sooner.

So I have to admit I was excited and a little skeptical when my wife told me about a bunch of products she encountered made by Dry Corp, a company based out of Wilmington, NC. Dry Corp’s DryCASE products let tech users take their gadgets – cell phones, MP3 players, tablet computers – out into the elements with little or no fear of water damage. I have had the privilege to road-test a few technology products in the past, and I usually get first crack at new gadgetry which lands at our front door. It’s not that I’m tech-smart as much as I’m tech-savant; if I can figure out most of the basic functions on a piece of equipment it meets the definition of “user-friendly interface.”

I’ve seen less-technical versions of products like the DryCASE, (which isn’t a true case like a hard-shell one but we’ll overlook those semantical differences) in the past; a pair of board shorts I purchased for my wife in Hawaii had a heavy-duty plastic zip-seal bag for money, identification or cell phone carriage. What makes DryCASE different is the ability to actually use your technology while it’s vacuum sealed in plastic, with or without the DryBUDS.

The DryCASE comes in two sizes; the largest ($59.99) is intended for tablet devices. The small case I tested ($39.99) is about 4.6″ x 8.5″ and made of thick plastic, and contains a sealed-in 9″ long 1/4″ headphone jack. My HTC Hero smartphone fit comfortably within the DryCASE, as did my 32GB iPod Touch. The small DryCASE can be used for non-tech, but nice-to-keep-dry-and-available stuff, like identification, drivers’ license, folding money, and credit cards, also. The top of the case is fitted with what at first appears to be a potato chip clip on steroids, but really is a very-strong dual twist knob latch. Once opened you can slide your desired “keep dry” stuff or technology into the case, and plug in the 1/4″ jack, if you plan to use headphones.

The (top) seal takes a minute or two to figure out, but there’s no doubt once you have the latches secured the odds of anything coming through the top is slim. But the seal on the DryCASE blows ordinary plastic baggies away by a long shot; a vacuum is achieved by one to two pumps of a one-way valve and bulb. DryCASE recommends waiting ten minutes after pumping to guarantee the seal will hold, but I cannot see most average users waiting that long.

The DryBUDS ($29.99) are adjustable by ear canal size (x3), and have a cord length of over 40″; probably too much cord for most runners, cyclists and definitely for swimmers. I guess if you were to wind the excess cordage up in the supplied (and very-comfortably-padded) neoprene armband you could control the chance of getting hung up in slack cord. Of course there’s a bit of a technical mismatch; the buds are good down to ten feet under water, where the case is good to one hundred. But not many of us are going down to a hundred feet any time soon, I bet.
I tried the set/seal/use process the tirst time with my HTC Hero plugged into the phone jack. The vacuum seal pulls the plastic right down onto the touch screen, so nearly all of the “finger slide” functions of the typical smartphone user interface can be used, except for the trackball. In the case of my phone, especially, the trackball was engaged. Not so good. But I could turn and off my phone and answer a call if absolutely necessary.

About 30 minutes later I decided to give the DryCASE a live run, and take my iPod Touch to the gym. I didn’t want to use the armband until I was comfortable with the screen functions. Besides I was planning on an elliptical trainer workout. The touch screen functions were perfect, but because I didn’t pay attention to where the sealed 1/4″ jack cord was in the case, it was difficult, actually, it was impossible to use the side “rocker” volume, as well as the on/off switch. Blame this on lack of attention on my part.

Rather than use the buds, I used my own music player headphones (a pair which allow ambient surrounding sound to be heard as well as the music). I’ve worn “sealed” waterproof bud phones in the past; they’re comfortable and great for keeping outside noises at bay (especially for airline travel) but when I’m doing a workout, a run, or going for a walk I want to know what’s going on around me as well as listen to my tunes. The buds are probably good for water skiiers or personal watercraft users, but I’ll neither recommend nor condemn, as I don’t know what the law says about being on the water with music blocking out other sounds.

The next morning, I took the case for a run workout at the gym. Again, I used my 32GB iPod Touch with the armband strap, which slides through a sleeve on the back side of the DryCASE. You definitely want to insert the band before sealing the player or phone; I’m not certain you’d want to try, or even be able, to insert the strap afterward. I set up the case with the 1/4″ headphone jack at the top and the entrance “clip” at the bottom. I wanted to limit the amount of loose cord by keeping the jack on top near my shoulder.

Here’s where things became interesting: The case width may be an issue for only the smallest-limbed user, but the case length is definitely too large in length for smaller users or persons whose span from the elbow to shoulder joint is 8.5″ or less. The vacuum seal did its job of joining both sides of case to each other, but if you don’t wear the “clip” side at shoulder height, the odds are very good it will flap and bang against your elbow joint, leaving a nice little (in my case, a quarter-sized bruise) reminder of my inattention to detail after a 60-minute treadmill workout.

Positives about the DryCASE? Well, the latch is not going to open on its own. The air valve is designed only for removal, so even if the cap is bumped loose the seal is going to remain intact. The armband for the DryCASE is very adjustable, padded and very comfortable neoprene. It’s probably one of the most comfortable straps I’ve worked with. For me to even give a positive mention of an arm strap is saying something, because I prefer to wear my techie stuff on a belt around my waist. There is a low-profile waist belt ($19.99), a one-size-fits-(nearly)-everybody version of the armband. The only problem would be, then, that the DryCASE’s size and clip layout would be transferred farther “south” on my body. Dry Corp may want to consider an additional sleeve/strap rotated 90-degrees for those users who like their electronic devices parallel to the ground.

Best of all, and probably the most importantly, the DryCASE does what it’s intended to do. It keeps electronics (or whatever you want to place within the case) dry. Even during a 60-minute treadmill run, with the case tucked and strapped between a wicking technical shirt and my arm, there was absolutely no evidence of sweat infiltration. None. I’ve never been able to say that about any bag, carrier or barrier device.

There are some negatives, mainly having to do with the DryCASE size and the challenge of finding what works least painfully for the individual user. And, compared to other carriers, the DryCASE is a little on the bulky and heavy side. But I’m looking at this from a weight perspective, as well as comfort and tech-friendliness. I guess you could get used to the extra weight over time, especially if it was at the waist rather than the upper arm. As a running coach I can tell the runners who train with music players strapped to their arm; they have this “buffalo wing” look to their arm carriage…very stiff and tucked up close, like they’re afraid it’s going to fly away.

Also, the DryCASE might protect from moisture, dirt or sand, but it’s no protection from shock or impact. And, should you decide to remove your gadget from the DryCASE there is no way to reseal without the vacuum bulb.

I could only imagine that if the power/USB jacks were also added to the DryCASE, you probably would never have to take the technology out of the sleeve. If you want a way to keep your technology clean and dry in all environments without worrying about spills, splashes, or loss (with the neoprene strap attached the DryCASE is buoyant), the DryCASE is probably one of the most effective methods to seal it, plug it, and enjoy it no matter where you are…

…and be able to take it home at the end of the day.

More information on DryCASE products, as well as an on-line store and retail information, can be found at http://www.drycase.com, or you can call DryCASE at (888)6000-DRY.

I wonder how many persons, like me, didn’t want to go all to an iPhone because they either didn’t care for AT&T’s stranglehold on the market (until Verizon joined the fray this year), didn’t want to spend lots of money on short-term obsolescence, or – in my case – didn’t need THAT MUCH phone?

How many of them, I wonder, might have purchased an iPod Touch as an “80-percent solution?” I was sitting at a pizza joint a couple of weeks ago and listened to two older couples talk; one of the gentlemen was talking about his new iPod Touch and all the cool things he could do with his new little gadget.

I couldn’t help but smile as he raved about the features. When I first started playing with the iPod Touch (I own a 32GB model) I smiled at the thought of the neat things I could do without having the nasty AT&T data plan…and the nasty AT&T bills which came along with it. I could check most all of my e-mail accounts, keep in contact with the rest of the world on social media sites and use my Skype account to talk, as long as I had the fancy-schmancy iPod earbuds with the microphone/switch, and was in an area with WiFi.

There lies the rub. One of many. Once I learned the few scattered places where I could get WiFi reception in my town, (your town might be different; and hopefully better than mine!) I resigned myself to the comforting thought I had – at the least – a good emergency phone…if I were stranded at the mall or downtown. And if not that I had at least one hell of a big music player.

Even when you have WiFi available, using it can suck the life out of an iPod Touch’s battery faster than my wife can kill a pint of Abita Andygator. You will have problems. Big ones. Even an after-market ($75) Mophie juice pack – which can provide up-to-75 percent additional power to a fully charged iPod – isn’t going to help if you want to use any run-related applications for the iPod Touch, like iMapMyRun: GPS plus WiFi equals not listening to any tunes while you’re running.

And, for most people, isn’t that why we carry iPods on a run?

It got to the point where I could see the battery gauge slowly sliding “to the left” while I did training runs or cross-training at the gym. What good was this piece of equipment if all I could do was play “Eye of the Tiger” for 60 minutes or so before it threatened to die on me?

Thank heavens for geeks.

One of the things I never really took a look at were some of the more arcane (and hidden) settings in my iPod. I coulld figure out a few, but I truly was at a loss for what some of the things did…or did not accomplish. Finally, I got so fed up I decided to do a Google search on “extending iPod Touch battery life.” Darned if there wasn’t several YouTube video clips from geeks for the lumpenproletariat, yes, teaching the great un-washed (at least immediately after a run!) masses what levers to pull and buttons to push so we can keep from having to continually charge or recharge our devices.

Two words will save you, iPod Touch users: Airplane Mode.

The iPhone and the iPod Touch have a setting which (I guess) was designed for the benefit of airline travelers who ostensibly wouldn’t need to make phone calls or surf the internet while on board commercial aircraft, but still wanted to be able to play with other applications, or at least iTunes. The Airplane Mode shuts off the GPS functionality and the WiFi antenna on the device; I guess the device still has some sort of stand-by mode for WiFi even when it’s off which uses battery power. Turn on Airplane Mode, and voila! The drain on the battery is minimized.

It also doesn’t hurt to not use the iPod’s graphic equalizer; why we really need something which ideally was taken care of by highly-paid audio engineers in the recording studio is beyond me.

I’ve noticed that I can now plug my iPod Touch into the after-market adapter cord for my Scion xB and not have to worry about shutting completely down during the course of a day. Even if I use the device for an evening workout at the gym I might only have to recharge once every two or three days. This should make life a lot more simple for me when I’m on the road to our next race; I’ll be less worried about having to arm-wrestle my wife in order to recharge the iPod when we hit Mississippi.

Every once in a while we runner-types need to tip our cap in the general direction of the geeks. I’d hate to think what road running would have been like without them…probably less than super, man.

By Guest Writer Michael Bowen, US government human performance technologist, adult runners’ coach in Northwest Florida and If-I=Were-Your-Coach blog writer, on the Techistan editing team. Another article on running … and a heart monitor.

CEBIT 2011 in Hannover (can also be spelled “Hanover”) had something for everyone to be inspired and actively involved. I.e., each year businessmen and women who happen to also be running enthusiasts participate in CEBIT’s RUN of anywhere between 3.5K to a 1/2 marathon. 

“The CeBIT RUN is a unique combination of sport and IT during CeBIT. The people who we want to target are often poised for action in a sporting sense, too,” explains Ernst Raue, Member of the Board at Deutsche Messe AG.

The race takes the runners right by hundreds of trade show stands, through exhibition halls and around the the exhibition grounds. With a maximum running time ceiling of two hours, a person could do the 3.5K and take a little nap at the end of each K. This year, the race was a test bed for a new timing device, but they still used chips in the shoes of the runners.

Watch for more and more business conferences to integrate sports, health and other types of activities that get participants actively involved. The resulting potential for new friendships and business development can not help but happen. During the VON 2007 show in San Jose, DIDX organized a run each morning. Dozens from BelgaCom, DIDX, MCM Telecom, Orange, AT&T … showed up at 6 AM to trek 6 miles.

Moving into a different direction of great experiences at CEBIT 2011 … CeBIT hosted Intel’s Extreme Masters League of Legends Invitational Tournament. Winners would walk away with $13,500 USD. The “Intel Extreme Masters Hall” had over 270,000 visitors last week. First place winners were Natus Vincere (Ukraine) – $35,000, Shane ‘rapha’ Hendrixson (USA) – $8,500, and 1. myRevenge (Germany) – $4,750.

Eye-controlled laptops and eye trackers? Yes, they are real. Eye-controlled laptops enable users to complete tasks on the devcies such as select, point and scroll. Even games use the technology. Play them with your eyes. Eye trackers can be used in retail store security, sports research, social interaction studies, driving/vehicle research. Give thanks to Lenovo and Tobii Technology.

Techistan’s CEO Rehan Allahwala met with some “IP and rich communications industry” friends at CEBIT 2011 for the first time such as Daniel-Constantin Mierla of Kamailio, openSER, and ASIPTO and others again such as VoIPSWITCH team including CTO Chris Oglaza and CEO Michael Bibelman. We invite you to enjoy some of the pictures taken in Hannover where CEBIT took place.

Next conferences to find us at … our Rani Wemel at 4th Mobile Commerce Summit Asia in Kuala Lumpur March 12-17 Rehan Allahwala at Eurasia com in Istanbul March 29-30;  Maria Weisnicht of CED, Kim Clark of Westower Communications, some of the guys from Overgroup, Inc., Max Glucksmann of Comtel-Networks and Suzanne Bowen of DIDX and Techistan at booth 3782 CTIA Wireless March 22-24 in Orlando … plus Yahya Sabir and Apoorve Dubey at 19th Convergence India in New Delhi.