Category Archives: current tech

Read Later – Instapaper and the Kindle

current tech, Kindle, mobile computing

Instapaper (http://www.instapaper.com) is a web service that will save web pages in a readable format and e-mail the pages in Kindle format as a single document. To save articles you add a “read later” button to your web browser. The articles are sent once a day. The free version is limited to ten articles per day. You can also read the articles on-line.

It seems like I am often distracted by articles I “stumble” upon when browsing the Internet or receive links by e-mail or Facebook. Instapaper provides a way to save these articles in a readable format for later viewing.

Leaving the laptop behind … travel with iPod Touch

current tech

I have been wondering if my iPod Touch can replace my laptop when traveling.  My family and I visited Chicago over Christmas and I was able to use the iPod Touch to access the essentials (ie. web, e-mail, weather and of course facebook).  I am thinking of doing the same for an upcoming conference trip.  It will certainly be nice not to lug a laptop through the airport.  On the other hand, I wonder if I will miss being able to use a full-size keyboard? and have a full-size screen available.  I will need to purchase a USB charger.

Update: March 22nd, 2011
I decided to take my laptop to the conference as I needed to grade student assignments.  This would not have been possible with the iPod Touch.  That said, checking e-mail including a few quick responses, facebook, web sites, etc… worked well with the iPod Touch.  I found that I left the laptop in my hotel room and only carried the Touch with me at the conference.  I loved not having the weight of the laptop.  Will see if I can leave the laptop at home for the next trip.

Netflix streaming to iPod Touch and Wii

current tech, misc

Netflix now streams to the iPhone and iPod Touch.  I do not own an iPhone, but performance seems to be good with my 2nd generation iPod Touch.  I have only watched about 15 minutes.  Not sure that I would want to watch too many full featured films on the small screen, but it works!

I like using streaming feature via our Wii console connected to our TV.  Netflix continues to add more content to their library.  I could see a point at the future where they stream all of their content rather than sending DVD’s.  The technology is there, but the contracts with the content owners will take time.  At $9 a month for one DVD at a time and unlimited streaming it seems like a decent deal to be able to legally watch movies.