Posts filed under 'technology'
Planet Saving Computers?
The weekly technology column from those good people at Plymouth’s Orange Crate
Although it’ll probably be a while before they are accepted as friends of Greenpeace, it seems that a number of technology companies are gingerly moving towards producing greener alternatives and solutions for every day gadgets. With many individuals and companies starting to base their technology acquisitions at least partially on eco-friendliness, it is about time some big steps were taken.
Anyone familiar with the IT world will know that amongst others, the major processor manufacturers have been battling it out for years to produce ‘greener’ technologies. However, the fruits of their labours are often not advertised or at all obvious to the end user. So maybe now is the time to show everyone that IT doesn’t have to be as planet destroying as we may have thought…
Last week, at the Fortune Green Conference in California, the CEO of computer manufacturer Dell announced the imminent release of a bamboo encased pc dubbed the ‘ecoputer’ – 81% smaller than a regular desktop computer, it claims to use 70% less power and be filled with recycled materials such as detergent cases, milk jugs, and bottles. With an expected price tag of £250 – £350, it’s even affordable. But will it be any good? No specifications have been released yet, although it is due to be released later this year. If it has a decent sized hard drive, DVD writer, and a few other quality features, we can see it becoming a home media centre option. If not, it could be a well meaning flop.
Asus, another big name in the IT sector, has announced the release of the planet-friendly EcoBook. Again utilising bamboo in it’s design, it looks to us like a laptop with a varnished wooden finish. Featuring a couple of attractive features such as a performance adjusting button that glows different colours depending on how much power the laptop is using, and a tracker pad that you can actually write on, it could be a hit. But at £900 and with no solid specifications released, we’re going to wait before splashing out on this one.
You might be thinking by now that this all sounds like a cheap gimmick to raise the profiles of the manufacturers and paint them as ‘in touch’ with their customers. But it appears to be more than just bamboo and old bottles. A number of sustainable woods are being used for the casings of monitors, keyboards, and mice, degradable and recyclable plastics are becoming more prevalent, and actual designs are being modified to limit the need for power-hungry ventilation fans.
So how long will it be before we get to actively choose a planet friendly pc? Well the signs are good, and with a little luck it could be a lot sooner than you think.
May 2nd, 2008
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PDA Phones – The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly Pt2
The weekly technology column from those good people at Plymouth’s Orange Crate
With the main network providers offering at least some PDA option with the majority of their pre-pay contracts, the opportunity to get your hands on one with minimum outlay has never been so realistic. But which one? A few years ago the market was heavily skewed towards the business and enterprise sector, but recent marketing campaigns have ensured the foray of the PDA phone into the world of the home consumer.
This week I’m going to take a closer look at three options available on regular phone provider contracts – The LG Viewty, HTC Touch, and the Apple iPhone. Although these represent a mere drop in the ocean in terms of models available, the likelihood is you’ve heard of at least two of them so it’s as good a place as any to start.
Available for free on contracts from all the major players, the LG Viewty fortunately has more to offer than a silly name. In its favour it is certainly easy to use as a phone, and has all the features you’d expect from a PDA – radio, calender, media player. Possibly the Viewty’s best feature is its 5 megapixel camera – impressive by any standards. However, there are some unfortunate drawbacks. Lack of speed is definitely an issue, as is the relatively poor quality of the operating system and included software. Potentially a great idea, but don’t expect to leave your laptop at home by any means – this is a very attractive phone with some nice features, little more.
HTC are relatively unknown as a phone manufacturer, but as one of the biggest platforms for the Windows Mobile operating system in the UK, they have built a series of improving phones over the last few years. Although aesthetically pleasing, the Touch also offers a host of well designed applications and features through Windows Mobile 6.0. For anyone familiar with previous Windows phones, you will know this combination is a rarity! Much more of a pocket pc, although its phone functions are pretty good, the HTC Touch’s major downfall is its reliance on the stylus pen. If you don’t like using it, give it a wide berth – finger pushing isn’t a realistic option here.
The Apple iPhone is currently recognized as the user-friendly pinnacle of high street PDA phones. Developed with the private consumer in mind, it combines a touchscreen phone, an iPod, and a PDA. And it does it well. Attractive and sleek, it successfully markets itself as today’s must-have ‘accessory’. However, it’s expensive. Very expensive. And it’s closed-platform operating system ensures that it really is just a designer gadget rather than a full blown technical aide.
In truth, I’ve only scratched the surface of these phones’ abilities. All have their own fortes, and I haven’t even mentioned some of the other powerful contenders such as Palm Treo, Blackberry, i-mate, or even Nokia. Next time you’re renewing your contract, skip over the pretty pink Sony and have a closer look at the PDA options. Because it’s cool to play games, check your email and talk on the phone at the same time – surely everybody knows that.
April 25th, 2008
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PDA Phones – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly
The weekly technology column from those good people at Plymouth’s Orange Crate
First developed in the early 90s as the ‘Smartphone’ by IBM, the PDA phone is now a common sight on the High Street, with masses of new users every year. Basically combining the ‘traditional’ functions of a mobile phone with the advanced connectivity and resources of a personal computer, many view them as the perfect solution to working on the move.
Here at Orange Crate, we jumped on the PDA band wagon around a year ago when a client supplied us with brand new HTC P4350. ‘Wow’ we thought… for a minute. It was big. Very big. But at least it ended the need for carrying a laptop around. Or did it? Frankly, no.
Firstly, the processor couldn’t handle the operating system (Windows Mobile 5.0), and the phone itself was very slow, even at the level of making and receiving phone calls. The design was heavy and wide due to the retractable keyboard – too big for all but the deepest pockets – and the screen was slightly recessed and prone to being over or under responsive.
So a few months ago we finally gave up on them and went seeking a replacement… and somehow we ended up with the new HTC Touch. Smaller and faster with a sleek design – we were suitably impressed but also understandably sceptical.
But it seems as if the technology has really improved in the last couple of years. Now I rarely carry a laptop and can use the phone to do a host of work-related functions. Yesterday I printed a document in the office while on the train, and last week remotely controlled a client’s pc to fix a software problem. All from my phone!
With big ad campaigns for the Apple iPhone and the LG Viewty in force, the market is not just aimed at the business sector, though. Offering advanced internet browsing capabilities, impressive media playing software, and slick, user-friendly interaction – I guarantee you’ll be tempted to get involved next time your contract is up for renewal.
So to give you a head start, next week we’ll give you a closer look at the pros and cons of some of the major players in the UK PDA phone market
April 18th, 2008
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