Since digital tech is changing all the time, I’ll relaunch with a quick rundown of the equipment/approaches I’m using these days.
Computing:
I’m using four different computers daily – main desktop, kitchen desktop, tablet/laptop, and netbook.
I added the netbook (8.5-inch ASUS) over the summer, and I’ve come to love it. Long battery life (5-6 hours) and small size means it goes everywhere with me.
On the main computer, I’ve added a fourth monitor. I’m thinking about adding a fifth next year, if I can find an external video device at a reasonable price.
Mobile computing:
Late last year, I switched to an HTC Verizon Touch Pro as my PDA phone. It does most of the things I want, but none of them well. (Not enough RAM or a fast enough processor.)
After toying with the idea of getting a Mi-Fi last summer, I decided to stick with using my Touch Pro as a wireless hotspot instead. Not as convenient, since I can’t talk and be online simultaneously, but much cheaper. (Free versus $60/month contract.)
Software:
Firefox, Outlook, and OneNote account for probably 99% of my activity these days. Functions associated with all three sync automatically, which makes working on multiple systems seamless.
Over the summer, I made the big shift from MS Money to Quicken. Switching was brutal – tough to transfer 10 years of data and thousands of transactions, but it had to happen. I’m still not a fan of Quicken, though.
I also upgraded to PaperPort Pro 12 recently. Not worth the money – stick with 11.
Home video/entertainment:
Replaced all four TVs with HDs this year, which prompted a switch from my beloved Tivos to Comcast’s DVR boxes. The Comcast DVR service can’t hold a candle to Tivo, but it wins on economics: While Comcast’s $9.95/month per box is $3 more than Tivo, I don’t have to spend $2,400 to buy four HD Tivos.
I’m still toying with switching to Verizon FIOS, although Verizon’s failure to be able to answer some of my basic questions about installation have made me wary. Given Comcast’s continued bad and expensive service, though, it’s tempting.
I also traded my Slingbox Pro for a Slingbox Pro HD. Streaming in HD is great – an excellent device.
So, that catches me up on tech. What’s everyone else using these days?
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