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Email is something that most people have or check on a daily basis. While we can be overwhelmed by shear volume (I used to get over 400 emails a day at work), why do we spend so much time going through it? Sure there are spam filters and junk mail filters, but you have to consistently check those to see that they are working properly and not dropping you wanted email in the ‘trash’.

Now some companies are trying to get rid of internal email altogether. While I find it interesting to think of no more internal emails, is it a wise course? Can Facebook type sites and Instant Messaging really replace email? My first thought was ‘Possibly’, but then I came to a resounding ‘No’. Wait… what? Why ‘No’? Well email is much like a letter that you send via snail mail (Post), it goes on its way after you send it, and then waits until the recipient opens it. Sure the recipient could just throw it in the trash without reading it, but they can also keep it for future reference. Instant Messaging is great for real-time communication, but what if you need to ask a question when they are not available to answer and what if the log is lost. Facebook type pages for each person can take care of the post a question, wait for an answer scenario, but now you have just added time to the persons day instead of freeing up time. Why? Well now, not only do they have to check their email for external communications, but they have to now go to another application (web or other wise) and look for those internal communications. Which leads to added time (or wasted time).

You could argue either way, but for now I don’t see a clear solution to getting email onto the retirement train…

Carrier IQ was outed when a developer (TrevE) started looking into what it really does. Now Carrier IQ claims that they are not collecting keystrokes (see this Media PDF for the claim), however TrevE shows (video here) that in fact the software collect each keystroke (both press and release) for each key (or button) that you press. Additionally, TrevE shows that the software collects data that should be encrypted (HTTPS) and forwards it in plain text before it gets encrypted. So any sensitive information is transmitted to where-ever Carrier IQ sees fit. It could be your carrier, one of the Carrier IQ auditing locations, or perhaps the government.

Another item that sticks out like a sore thumb, is the lack of a privacy policy or opt out option. What if I do not want to participate in their ‘research’? What if I want to keep my passwords private? Too bad is the answer.

While I understand the need to collect performance data to make better handsets, this is going to far. Having permission to hijack my phone calls, change my audio settings or bluetooth settings, and all without my knowledge or a by your leave. Pretty crass if you ask me, but not unexpected. Since the software is hidden, and rather ubiquitous, you can imagine that they have garnered quite a bit of personal data on everyone with a cell phone (and no it does not have to be active on the network). Now you no longer have to wonder how they know so much about how you live your life, they steal it.

They claim that they do not garner personal data, but the truth is already out of the bag. Now let’s see if there is a class action lawsuit for this…

This is my opinion and will not change until proven otherwise.

I purchased an Asus Transformer a while ago and have been enjoying it. I did get the keyboard dock with it not only for the keyboard, but for the extra battery time and the USB ports that it provides.

I would have to say that it was a very good purchase. While I did have the battery drain issue with the dock (which was repaired by Asus under warranty), the unit has performed in ways that I did not initially expect. Sure I can check email and access the internet, but after a bit of tweeking I can also securely access the company intranet servers. While that may not sound like much, it truly is a big deal for me and my work as I can access the needed resources to complete tasks from anywhere that wireless service exists.

I do tether my tablet to my phone when needed, and this works very well as others can attest to. The USB ports allow me to attach a USB wireless mouse which I use when I am remotely connected to my desktop. Although there is the ability to attach a 3G dongle for access, since I don’t own one, I haven’t used this functionality.

I never thought of myself as an e-reader kind of person, but have found myself using the tablet to look at various books (and some magazines). In addition, I do stream Netflix (while I still have it) and music with WinAmp (now that it is fixed). The tablet is really as close to a laptop replacement as I can get without using a netbook. The dock gives about 16 hours of power depending on what I am using it for during that time.

I have seen the Asus Transformer Prime and would suggest that if you can afford one, dive in…

Makerbot has a 3D printer called the Thing-o-matic. The printer extrudes plastic (ABS or PLA) through a nozzle and deposit’s the plastic in whatever shape the model is (oversimplified explination). It was a gift for my youngest son; who has a great imagination for creating things. My son and I assembled the printer over two weekends, then started printing. I have to say that it is fun, although it can be loud while printing (I have had complaints from the other occupants in the house). Add in Thingiverse, and you have a plethora of pre-modeled things to print. Darth Vader, Yoda, the Millennium Falcon, and a 3D knot, were some of our first prints. We also designed our own Lego type block which turned out well, but is not as refined as the injection molded version. I have also been playing around with some designs; a compressor air filter bracket, a webcam mount (articulated of course), a CD/DVD spindle all have come off the printer and are in use.

Additionally, the printer can make some of its own upgrades. X & Y axis belt tensioners and adjusters, filament guides, spool holders, and the like have all been printed and installed. While the possibilities are not limitless, there restrictions on size of the print is the only current hard restriction. This printer can be a stepping stone to larger printers, open source of course, as there are currently other projects that have much larger build platforms (print area) and multiple extruder options (2 extruder heads at one time).

From my sons point of view this thing is “COOL!” (his words). Now comes the need to teach him how to design his own models for printing. Of course, some of his skills will spill over to the CNC Mill, and maybe to the foundry. We will see…

You can watch the Thing-o-matic live stream here when it is printing.