Why I am Switching to Google Chrome Killer Web Browser

It's faster, simpler, more stable and secure than any web browser I have used. And it's it's still in beta. So far it has not crashed on me yet like my favorite Firefox 3.0. Although Google Chrome  is not available for the Mac OS X platform I am definitely switching to this killer browser that has been engineered from the future.

You would be surprised as well to know that installation takes only seconds. So download it now and get to test it for yourself and I am sure you will think twice before using your current web browser again whether it's Firefox, Internet Explorer, and even Mac's Safari.

Copy and paste this url http://code.google.com/apis/v8/run.html  on your current web browsers to benchmark your web browsers' speed. After installing Google Chrome, test and compare and you'll find out that Google Chrome, which is heavily optimized for Javascript,  leave all other browsers in the dust.

Why I Need An External Hard Drive

As a pastor who is constantly teaching, preaching, training, writing, developing, and producing multimedia presentations for my congregations, I have no choice to but constantly backup my important files that are products of long nights of work, study, and research.

I use to backup files on CD's and DVD's but for purposes stated below, I prefer external hard drives to backup my files. I have several HD's (two 3.5 at 80 Gs and two 2.5 at 40 Gs) at home. And my office table is becoming cluttered so I am thinking of buying a bigger HD and consolidate them all.

HD Advantages
1. Practical incremental backups - since I am using a Macbook, it's time machine software allows me to do incremental backups as I work. I could not imagine myself using read only optical discs that forces you to backup data in huge chunks. You don't want to waste a 700MB CDR for just 50MB of data. Yet, if they fill it up to get the near full capacity, that may take days or even weeks. If the work/data is that crucial, that's too long to be without recent backups

2. Compatibility - Even if manufacturers promise us that CD's or DVD's have a 100 year life expectancy, there may be a small chance of failure. I have experienced burning something on a certain, when you try to restore it later on using the same PC with the same burner and burner software, the data is mysteriously inaccessible.

3. More sheer capacity - One of the main advantages of backing up on external hds is that they have enough capacity that one wouldn't be forced to backup stuff across 8 DVDs, or 50 CDs. This is actually fine for archives, but for stuff that one needs to access often, it may be quite a chore to have to swap discs all the time

4. Not everyone can just clear out internal hd space- Having an extra hd to dump some keepsake files is helpful to give them more time and space to organize stuff and maybe even burn some of it to permanently relive space from both HDs.

5. Drag and drop interface
You can't beat that. Granted burner softwares are that way too, but there's still the actual process of burning the data, which isn't as quick as to an external hd.

6. Space saver and Time saver - Imagine burning 50 Gig of data on dozens of DVD's. That would take hours of your time. This makes any optical media a totally non-viable backup method, since the cost would be more than a new external hard drive every time and I would need a ton of closet space. And imagine the amount of time you need to sift through you DVD stacks just looking for one file. With HD's, google desktop search or Mac OS X's spotlight enables you to find your files in seconds.

Now my dilemma is finding the best value backup HD that is reliable, fast, and durable. I've had terrible experience with my generic HD external casings. I am thinking of buying a Lacie external hd.

Your advice?

Buying the Best Value Mini-Laptop

As area coordinator of all Adventist district pastors in Cavite, I am presently making recommendations for the best value mini-laptop that would suit the needs of an average user who's into web browsing, document creation, and powerpoint presentation.

The review I am writing will also benefit other Christian leaders in the entire Central Luzon Conference territory. Please limit your comments as much as possible on the following mini-laptop models (not the ultraportables like Macbook Air) that are now available in the Philippines:

-Asus eeePC 900 or 1000

-HP 2133 mini-note

-Acer Aspire One

-MSI Wind

Kindly write the pros and cons of your recommended model. Try to highlight the best features you like in it. If you can follow the suggested format below I would highly appreciate it.  Since I don't have enough time for research I would greatly benefit from this forum specially from actual owners. Please comment on any of the following:  OS, Processor, Hard Drive, Software, Keyboard, Screen, Extras, & Price from the best value store. 

Suggested format sample:

Model:  HP 2133 Mini Note

Pros:

       -excellent design: rugged metal casing

-8.9 inch screen

Cons: 

- uses Via's C7-M processor to run Vista (should be XP)

        - price range can buy a full-featured notebook

        - not multitouch touchpad like that of Asus eeePC 900

Features: 3 USB slots, an ethernet adapter, an SD card reader, VGA out, a Webcam, a microphone, and integrated Wi-Fi.

Features I Like Best: Aluminum casing not plastic,Full feature keyboard, & PC Express Card Slot

Price Verdict: 26,000 pesos - expensive for a non-intel processor mini-laptop. But considering it's durability, design, and tech support, I'll go for it. 

BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE FOR MACBOOKS

BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE FOR MACBOOKS

A mouse has always been friendlier to me than a trackpad. Consider what I have always wanted in a mouse and why I prefer a Logitech v470 mouse over Apple’s Wireless Mighty Mouse (WMM) for my Macbook:

1. BLUETOOTH WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY- wireless freedom. No messy wires. And no external USB receiver/dongle that takes up one of the USB ports. Both v470 and WMM have bluetooth.

2. LASER TECHNOLOGY - Laser precision : outperforms optical mice. Laser technology delivers smoother cursor control on virtually any surface. Both v470 and WMM have laser

3. TWO-BUTTON MOUSE- I find v470 easier to use compared to the WMM. The right-click in WMM works best when only one finger is in contact with the right part of the mouse.

4. FORM & STYLE- V470’s color is white and matches my macbook perfectly. It fits nicely into even larger hands and has a built in battery indicator near the scroll wheel. The WMM just feels so flat.

5. DURABILITY - V470 has a light and a very solid overal design. Logitech has been in the mouse business for years and is known for durability.

6. SCROLL WHEEL - The v470 has a wheel that can be rocked from side to side. Scrolling is smooth and accurate. The WMM’s scroll ball usually stops working when dirt gets inside the ball which means you have to clean it regularly or better yet washed your hands before using it.

7. BATTERY INDICATOR - The v470 has a battery indicator light built in the mouse whereas WMM has none. The v470 has a battery life of up to 4 months. There is an on-off switch to conserve the battery.

8. EXTRAS - The v470 comes with its own carry pouch to protect it from scratches.

9. BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE- I find all the features I want in Logitech’s v470 and is priced at 50 dollars compared to Apple’s WMM priced at 70 dollars.

Affordable Macbook (& other laptops) Accessories

Accessories and peripherals make MacLife exciting and productive.

My recommendations for those who are tight on budget:

1.2 GB 667 DDR2 Kingston memory. Increase performance of your macbook and do more with multitasking. Php 2,150.

2. Logitech v470 Bluetooth Laser Mouse. More efficient and durable that a wireless mighty mouse. Php 2,100+

3. 22“ Samsung 2253LW 1680x1050. Php 12, 700. 5 Star good looking, sleek, excellent performing monitor for dual screen. Install an external tv tuner to it so it’s a tv when there is no computer work to be done. 45 w power consumption. Saves electricity.

4. HP C4280 Photosmart Printer. Color matches your macbook and it’s blazing fast. Print speed: up to 30 ppm for black; up to 23 ppm for color. Php 5,900. I converted mine to continuous ink system (CIS) so you can print without guilt. Php 3,000+ Note: There is no available CIS for this model in the market yet. Took me a day to make a custom-made CIS for my printer. Saves me thousands from ink cost.

5. External DVD Writer: Internal LiteOn DVD Writer Dual Layer with LightScribe Technology in a a generic USB 2.0 case- Stuck with a combo drive? Are you burning a lot of DVD's and CD's for business?Get one! Php 1,300+

6. CDR King Laptop Nylon Bag - Need an affordable laptop bag that carries your laptop with extra space for a weekend gig? Php 680

7. Security Lock -Secure your laptop at home and office. Php 120+
White"iPod" USB 2.0 Hub - Expand with 4 additional USB ports for your printer, HD, Writer, and mouse so you just plug into one USB port fo your MB and save the other for a flash drive or camera. Php 200+

8. Soft Cleaning Brush -Brush the dust off the screen. Php 100+

9. LCD Screen Protector (generic) -Protect your LCD display from unwanted scratches. Children can be naugthy! Php 250+

10. iWork sleeve with memory foam _Protect your macbook from accidental bumps. Php 1,500 at Greenhills.

11. iSkin - Prevent dust and unwanted stains from getting into your keyboard and palmrest. Php 700 Generic is 150+

12. Mini Vacuum Cleaner - If you don't like rubber on your keyboard and want it bare, clean it regularly with a battery powered mini-vacuum cleaner. Php 150+

13. Creative Stereo Speakers -If you are into movies or presentations, get those speakers for a full, clear, rich sound. Php 450+. A relative gave me a set of portable Bose speakers that delivers a crisp, powerful, and theater-quality sound. Php 7,000 Visit Bose.

14. Notebook Cooler with 4 additional USB ports/stereo speakers- Macbook's working hard? Cool it down and enjoy the music. Php 300 to 2200+