Nearing the End

This is the second to last blog from my very interesting blogroll (said with alot of sarcasm). Like i've heard all to many times in movies or in life, it is not until the end that you gain full appreciation for what you have accomplished. This is the tenth semester I have spent at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I wish I would be registering for an 11th, but I am not. Now, I know I am not near old enough or wise enough to offer advice to any of you, but I have learned something, That each semester goes faster than the previous one. And for your benefit enjoy the time you got left, because sooner than later you will be entering the real world and waking up 7 a.m. and working till 5 p.m.

Due to this weeks writing workshop, not much has been discussed in class. Instead of commenting on class I chose to check out the new tech items on the horizon. What I found was an article on CNN.COM discussing apples new product that combines the iPhone with the MacBook. Here is part of the article:

Is the world finally ready for the mobile minitablet? It's become quite clear over the last several months that Apple is ready to bridge the mobile computing gap, with plans to develop a device that fits somewhere in between the iPhone and the MacBook.

Apple has developed ideas for mobile computing over the past two years that have resonated with users.

A recent Wall Street Journal article proclaimed that during his medical leave, CEO Steve Jobs has been working on that mid-sized mobile device, bigger than an iPhone but smaller than a MacBook.

And just this week, BusinessWeek reported that Apple is developing a "media pad" that would let users watch videos on a larger screen than an iPod Touch or Amazon Kindle, but on a device that's more portable than notebooks and lacks a keyboard.

The personal computer industry has long tried to make such a device a reality, but apart from some early success for the Kindle, no one has managed to convince the public that the attempts released to date -- such as the Ultra Mobile PC -- are worth buying.

Instead, PC companies looking for increased mobility are finding ways to shrink the notebook PC as opposed to a finding a new way to use computers.

As far back as 2000, Microsoft founder Bill Gates was evangelizing Tablet PCs, but a combination of price and uninspired software doomed that category to niche status.

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Intel and Microsoft then turned the hype machine to the UMPC (later rebranded MID, or Mobile Internet Device), which several years later aren't exactly flying off store shelves.

More recently, PC companies have embraced Netbooks, small inexpensive mini-notebook computers that are designed for basic Web surfing and e-mail. Netbooks, however, are further depressing the PC industry's gross margins and attempt to cram a full-fledged notebook user interface into a small package, and it doesn't seem that Apple is all that crazy about this category.

But Apple has developed a few unique ideas for mobile computing over the past two years that have resonated with designers, developers and users; namely, the iPhone OS and the App Store. So, is the timing finally right for the tweener computer?

BusinessWeek reported that the iPad (name stolen from Silicon Alley Insider for its brevity) would be about the size of the Amazon Kindle, but with a screen that covers a greater portion of the surface. The Kindle is 7.5-inches long, but the screen is just 6 inches; by comparison, the iPhone sports a 3.5-inch display, while the smallest MacBook uses a 13.3-inch display.

Previous attempts at making keyboard-less devices with 7-inch or 8-inch screens--such as UMPCs and MIDs--haven't captured the public's imagination. Microsoft and Intel had high hopes for the concept in 2006, which was also known as Project Origami inside Microsoft.

Samsung made perhaps the best-received UMPC, but that wasn't saying much, and interest in the category quickly faded after the launch of the iPhone.

The main issue with UMPCs was a lack of compelling software. They were designed to run Windows XP, which itself wasn't designed to run on a device with such a small screen and limited methods of input.

And at launch, Windows Vista was actually a step backward in terms of its suitability for mobile devices.

Intel tried to shift MIDs to Linux to get around the resource problems of Windows Vista, but its partners have yet to gain any traction. And neither attempt was able to galvanize third-party developers into creating applications designed specifically for a mobile platform.

Wiki Reflection

While completing the Wiki project I felt more pressure than ever before to make sure my information was accurate and up to date. The information included on the pages would not only be read by Scot, but could potentially be read by a number of fellow students that may go on to use the information in projects of their own. When this project is completed I believe it has the ability to be a very valuable resource.
My contribution to the Wiki project centered around Image Editing, specifically Adobe Photoshop. Unlike some of my other classmates, I had the luxury of Photoshop being done by a previous student. As a result, I centered my contributions around editing the previous material as well as making sure the information was up to date. I made an addition to the image editing cover page, that explained the variety of uses that image editing software that can have. I also added a small section on the availability of the software. When the project started one of my main goals was to change the picture on the cover page, but I was unable to find a better replacement and my novice skills in photoshop prevented me from creating one. To the main Photoshop page I centered my work on the different versions of Photoshop. I added sections on CS3 and CS4 as well as Adobe Photoshop elements. My main editing change was removing the alternative version information presented by the prior contributor. This information was out of date and the link no longer existed. Instead, I added information on a free trial you can use from the Adobe website.
The next step for the Wiki project is to simply keep adding new material on different resources that are available, both open-source and for-purchase. As far as Adobe Photoshop is concerned, I think the material concering background and tools is sufficient, but it should continually be kept up to date when discussing the new versions and advancements in technology. I think a possible addition other than editing programs would be to add a section the topics we discuss in class. It would be neat to see a section devoted to the philosophical theories that revolve around different technologies. This section would add to not only the Wiki site, but could possible be used as a resource by future English 201 students to view a background on the histories and postions of these theories.

Where's the Place to Be?

Hey 201'ers

Spring is here! Finally, consecutive days of nice weather has occurred. As a 5th year I am aware of the standard places to grab a beer and some scenery, for example the terrace, Beer Garderns of the great dane and brats. But, what I'm looking for is a hidden gem. A place to go where the scenery is maybe just as good without the crowds and the lines. So, I am enlisting the help of you guys, do you have any places that I might not be aware of?

Secondly on my Blog agenda for this week is the classes feelings on the reality show that has come to campus, "College Life" There was talk of this in class the other day, but I would like to continue the discussion. I think it is maybe the worst show on TV, rivaling what ever number dating show Bret Michaels is on. To get sidetracked for a bit, I will be honest, I really liked the first version of Rock of Love. But, now the man that should have gone down in history as the great song writer of "Every Rose has its Thorn" is going to be known to this generation as the 80's burnout with a string of ridiculous dating shows. "College Life" simply continues the tradition of MTV reality shows. It is the Midwests version of Laguna Beach, except with snow and the actors aren't as attractive.

Seeya in class, good luck on the research paper. Peace.

Ryan

The extinction of the Library

I'm sure all of you are aware of the fact that libraries are in serious trouble. Today books can be downloaded via computer, journals can be read on-line. Why does anyone have to go to the library? Sure it provides a place to study or a common place to meet with groups and do projects. But, When was the last time you checked out a book? or used MadCat to hunt down an old journal? If any of you out there are like me, it has been quite sometime.

Today people have all kinds of resources at their fingertips. You are able to buy books from amazon or have them downloaded to your ebook. Does anyone know if there is a book version of netflix? Because that could be a good idea, especially if reading ever becomes a hit again.

The annotated bibliography that is due in about 8 hours is what got me thinking about this. Twenty years ago a person in my position would be using the dewey decimal system trying to track down books in the stacks, instead I am at my computer typing in keywords from the comfort of a Lay-Z-Boy.