Franken on Open Internet

"Leave the Internet alone" - your TEA Party uncle who thinks the goveernment never created a job.
"We've had all this innovation without net neutrality. Why do we need it now?" from congress. #sxsw #franken

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BBC Digital Planet

June Cohen (TED), Jamillah Knowles and Steve Rosenbaum guests discussing "Does online opnness kil creativity". Interesting thoughts and audince participation.
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SxSW starts in style

The guru meets Leo Laporte. Yes we snuck into Austin this morning, found our secret parking and husseled on over to Momos. TWiT starts in 10 minutes.
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Earth Day 2010

In honor of Earth Day the guru is looking for ways to store data in an efficient and safe way. One focus is on reducing the power consumption of running equipment such as NAS devices (consolidating multiple running machines into one data store). The other is to determine what data can really be stored offline (e.g. on disks that are powered down and only used when needed), similar to turning off the lights when they are not needed. Finally (and most effective) figure out what does not need to be stored at all!
Happy lights out to you.

Macworld 2010 exhibitors happy

Every exhibitor I spoke to said the show was great and some say best sales ever at #Macworld2010

iPad event overflow

Its a long line. Seriously, this reminds me of when Steve was here.
We made it !!!

classfolio

Goto booth 677 to see a wonderful example of remote desktop used for classroom lessons.

Macworld and user groups

Macworld should be aligned with user groups (MUGs) and as such would be the user group summit meeting (as it has been in the past). This year there is conspicuous absence of MUGs. Why?

Handshoemouse

Funny name, serious intent. Handshoemouse is an ergonomic mouse designed to fit your hand and reduce repetitive stress injury. Goodyguru will post a hands on review soon. Check them out at handshoemouse.us.

Expo floor first look - a swag bag

Get your swag bag from Box your Sharepoint alternative in the cloud.

Trexta cases and more (ear bud wrapper giveaway)
WD daily giveaway of products like my book studio plus a bunch of goodies
Appigo will give you a T-shirt if their app "Todo" on your iPhone
Kanex kanexlive.com will give you a swag bag. Check out their Mac HDMI to displayport converter.

in the house of pogue

Macworld specializes in the line conversation experience. We were getting nervous about getting in 5 minutes before Pogue, but we made it. #macworld2010

Macworld 2010 - the line for Pogue

Beware the hidden line. There is no line around the building but don't be fooled. They are hiding the lines inside.

2 Days before Macworld2010

Preparing for Macworld2010 and coming to realize that as usual, nothing is certain. Where will I be when? What will I miss out on? Will those Cirque du Mac tickets ever materialize? Who will be there? Who do I need to avoid? Aaaarg!!

Any help from the physiological to the pragmatic will be welcome.

I will say that we are really excited about this year's Macworld. It will be smaller which means we will get to see more of it (Yay!). The opportunities to consolidate around a more defined community and become more mutually supportive are huge - I am talking to 3rd party developers and user groups (MUG) here. The beauty of Macworld is that it is independent from Apple which provides for so much greater freedom, creativity, and fun. Ultimately a strong independent community is good for all of us including Apple. More to follow.....

Follow me on Twitter (goodyguru) and goodyguru.com for live (if random) coverage. Maybe if I ever figure out how to use Facebook, I will post stuff on the goodyguru facebook page.

no they dih-uh...

iPad. for those heavy days when your internet is hemorrhaging.

iPad. for those long road trips when you can't stop to pee.

iPad. it's like a really big iPhone.

how cool is that!

Hope for Haiti: Overcome technical hurdles to donating

Are you trying to donate to Haiti relief efforts (especially at hopeforhaitinow.org) and finding website problems or unknown certificate? Or have you found the phone lines busy? Even iTunes appears to be overwhelmed if you try to buy the Hope for Haiti season pass (as of this writing, Hope for Haiti songs and album are #1 on the iTunes Charts).

While the response to the call for help is heartening, it is unfortunate that technical bottlenecks are hindering the flow of donations. Goodyguru has done some research to find out how you can donate and get info when the busiest sites are overwhelmed. Here are some thoughts.

• iTunes: Pre-order the album or songs (the downloads will become available in the next few days), but hold back on the TV season pass (which tries to download the promo and gets stuck). Note that Apple, the artists, and rights holders are donating ALL the proceeds to the charities below.
• HopeForHaitiNow (the main site of the George Clooney MTV telethon): donate at one of the recipient charity sites (Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, and Yele Haiti Foundation.
• Many other charities and funds are dedicating funds to Haiti, including Ben Stiller's Stiller Strong, Mercy Corps (also via Amazon).
• Other organizations are providing direct assistance, such as Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity.
• Get some real news from Democracy Now!, Free Speech Radio News, MTV, and stay connected with Google Crisis Response.

The sites above will also provide phone numbers and codes to text your donations.

It is my understanding that when you use a credit card the bank/credit card companies will charge the charities their usual fee (everyone else is donating their portion of the donation). I'm sure this will further endear you to our fine financial institutions who we so generously saved from collapse recently (hint hint bankers if you are listening). I don't know if the phone companies will donate their part of the text transactions; it would be a nice gesture if they did.

I will update or add to this post if I find out anything new. Now go and do what you can.

Just picked up the free Macheist NanoBundle which includes 6 good Mac apps including WriteRoom, ShoveBox, Twitterrific, TinyGrab, Hordes of Orcs, and Mariner Write. Check these out - I'd be surprised if you didn't find 2 or more of these apps being added to your indispensable list. www.macheist.com

Happy earth hour everyone! Our lights are off - and counting....

Mac viruses a hoax?

I have noticed a rise in reporting about OS X malware and insinuations that Macs are or will be vulnerable to viruses. This reminds me of the rise in local media crime reports that leave the impression that crime is rising while statistics show it has dropped. Look at this article "The Mac Malware Myth" from Roughly Drafted that shines a different light on the topic and carries some good points. The comments are also informative.

I do believe the threat of identity theft posed by malware that tricks a user into loading malicious software is real and potentially could fool anyone. Do you know of a good anti-malware or anti-spyware tool that can ideally be used to sweep a Mac, but does not remain resident like a typical anti-virus tool?

Targus FileShare cable

Targus was very pleased with their USB FileShare cable that lets you move data between Macs or between a PC and a Mac without loading software. It also lets you transfer unlimited data as many times as you want. This seems like a good tool for admins as well as anyone wanting to switch machines (as long as one is a Mac). Targus has a 40% and 20% discounts at their website through Jan 30.

Best in show: coupon

UNIEA wins the best coupon of the show for their locally and sustainably produced organic coupon. These lovingly handcrafted coupon cards are bound to become collectors items. Get your hands on one if you can.

bye apple

The Apple booth in the stages of breakdown. Will this be the last time we see anything of its kind?

Bunny ears

Peachpit's bunny ears must be the top promo pick of the show. I have been asked about 100 times about them and the are one of the picks needed for the Mac|Life Scavenger Hunt.

Help me to find...

It's Friday, the last day of Macworld and there are 3 things to be done.

Stanford Laptop Orchestra (SLOrk) is playing and Andy Ihnatko is speaking, but I can't find out where. Can anyone help?

Of course the third thing is to hit the expo floor and gather goodies! 

Update: It turns out both were in the "Pulse Program" and I missed them (why was it so hard to find?). We spoke to Ge Wang of SLOrk just after their performance and it sounded like fun.  He was playing the iPhone Ocarina with some weird little speakers attached to his wrists. It was great watching as he took a phone call.

Back it up!

Go to Western Digital and pick up a talking head for your desk that reminds you to "back it up" when you squeeze him.  Also some great discounts on the top of their range WD drives.

Dermis is a family-owned business that makes iPhone protective cases (and more) with very cool designs. They are also giving away keyrings, one of which is a rubberised 1Gb flashdrive. www.dermiscases.com

iKleer is once again handing out samples of their excellent screen cleaner (travel pack).

Ampli-phone

And you may ask "how much more green...". Ampli-phone uses pure acoustics to boost the iPhones volume by 10db but the horn is big enough to produce good low frequencies (200 - 35k Hz). Get a better price $20 at Macworld or www.ampli-phone.com. Ask the guys about sustainable manufacturing.
I really like the idea of skipping the need for batteries.

The idea is the same as the Griffin AirCurve (see below), but much larger. We'll have to watch the gadget testers to see which features are best.

AirCurve

Griffin has a super green product (as far as power consumption is concerned). Not solar powered but air (un)powered. The AirCurve is an "external speaker" that boosts your iPhone volume by 10db naturally - no wires and no battery required. Find out about their show discount at the booth. Note this does not work on the iPod Touch as the Touch has no speaker.

Phone app, Media skills and solar power

We are intrigued by Truphone a free download for iPhone and yes, Blackberry (and others). Go to the John Lennon bus to not only learn some multimedia skills, but they also have bags of cool goodies.
We love the Solio and use it to charge iPods, mobile phones, and the like using solar power. They have a 30% show special.

HP innovating this year

Contest for best iPhone photo printing direct at the HP booth. BIG prize for the winner.
All HP products at the show work on Apple.

AstoundStereo

Check this out next to the John Lennon bus. These guys create surround sound with Stereo. 20% off the $20 audio app (similar to SRS). Also T shirts.

Avery saves the day

They let me print business cards (I left mine at home) using the free DesignPro software at booth #744. Also get free iStockphoto images, cards, labels, free dividers with binder order.

Wanna break a harddrive?

Go to the Drivesavers booth #638 for demos every hour. Also, get a Drivesavers button, wear it and win prizes including a Macbook Pro!

Sketchbook on Axiotron

This is a very cool app and the feel on the Modbook was very close to paper.

go goody woz

And the first

Got my moxie bunny ears on (see Peachpit) and now let's see what the Woz will show us at Axiotron.

Tony Bennett plays

The Wave theory of marketing

Following on my sentiment about the value of Macworld to Apple, it occurs to e there is a wave of hype that gets generated by events like Macworld that lasts about a year. This provides enough material for journalists and commentators (as well as the faithful) to keep Apple in the news which in turn drives people to their stores. Take away this "wave generator" and you will see traffic in the stores drop off. Events like Macworld are the seed and the focus of the dialog. Mark my words.

A use for Twitter

I will use Twitter/goodyguru to post random thoughts if you want a live stream of conscience while I am at the keynote or other events.

Silent treatment

Is not working. Sorry Lisa.
Phil says Apple stores are equivalent of 100 Macworlds a week. But I think he is missing the point. IMHO the reason for the hype is the publicity largely generated by the faithful and Macworld.

Yes!

Goodyguru is in the house! The main presentation hall in Moscone. Back row.

What a difference a year makes

I got up late and thought I'd just join the back of the keynote line and chat. What a surprise to arrive at about 8am to be let in the door and join my platinum pass buddies on the other side! Looks like I may get to see something this year even if it is video.

Peachpit doin it right

They want you to wear their bunny ears to win an iPhone. Good thinking! See our previous suggestion.

Step 2: are the crazies lining up yet?

After wolfing down some (very unappetizing) pizza from one of the concessions and picking up a sampling of the free magazines (Mac|Life, Macworld, Mac Directory, and yes, iPhone Life), its off to see if anyone is lining up for tomorrows keynote.....
And yes! Nick has been here since 6:30am!!!

Step 1: Get Registered

Registering was a synch - took all of 2 minutes. Caught a gli$pse of the black shrouded Apple (I assume) booth. At least they still have some pride left in the secrecy department. This year the registration materials come in a quite usable shoulder bag. This would be large enough to gather some pamphlets but not near sufficient for a goodyguru swag hunt. Luckily we have our own equipment.

All set

Site links and forwards appear to be working now including links to google search results. We have signed up for courses, events, and parties. Nearly all travel arrangements are made. I do need to get my address book properly synched with the Blackberry.

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Getting ready for MacWorld 2009

We are busy with the website shakedown (shake up?) to make sure we can post from the road for this years MacWorld Expo (possibly the last?). This year goodyguru has signed up with Twitter. We will ditch the loveable, but seldom used Nokia 770 and continue to post from the much used Blackberry 8320 Curve. We are doing some URL and DNS juggling after a failed attempt to use Google Apps and Blogger for goodyguru.com. It's sad that after a year, these two Google owned resources still do not work together. We have added RSS feeds so now you can subscribe with a news reader (our favorite is NewNewsWire).

Before I forget

Creative were handing out earbud headphones with a 20% off coupon for their Aurvana headphones. Their coolest toy is the upscaling (sound and video) dock for IPod with wifi remote units.
Ultimate Ears had a collection of mini badges and plectrums. I would suggest asking people to wear the badges and handing out prizes if a scout sees you. Maybe next time.

What a day

I walked in the doors of Moscone South at 10:10am and just walked out at 4:15pm. I'll just record some of the things I have to remember since for one reason or another I do not have goodies to show.
For example, NEC were giving out screen wipes, but had run out by the time GoodyGuru stumbled on their booth. Verizon, Lacie, and others who I'll remember later were holding drawings based on business cards or badge scans after the show.

Griffin apparently gave away all their display items at the end of the show.

Thursday news

iFrogz, who won a best in show for their super small and cool iPod Nano external speakers, will give you a t-shirt. mDialog will hand out an iPhone/Touch sock (cover) and a MacWorld special free account. Webex has a goody bag with a cap, beach ball, and a quite nice pen. 

Berklee College of Music, apart from presenting REALLY informative and entertaining how to sessions, provides all their info in PDF form on a USB drive on a lanyard. For those wanting to learn about music recording or podcasting, this rates as a must see.

And our pick of the day. Go to the expansive IBM booth (W-4354) and if you ask nicely, they will let you manage the entire booth for several minutes all by yourself!!!!

HP in conflict

HP were apparently giving away photo paper samples but ran out after the first day. Poor showing dudes!
For some reason they have not caught on to the fact that while their PC business may be competing with Apple, their printer business is not. Someone at corporate should wake up and get on this growth opportunity before sleepy old Xerox (all but MIA) realizes the gap. I haven't made it all the way to the tiny Xerox booth yet, so I may be surprised yet.

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T-shirts R Us

The prize so far for the most diverse selection goes to Ambrosia software with playing cards, T-shirts, badges, and a disk with trialware of all their apps. Of note is their new Snapz Pro which captures live screen data with optional soundtrack and mic recording. Great for recording demo's or adding your own voiceover on a video. Incidentally Snapz is part of the latest MacHeist bundle.
ExtremeMac gives you a T-shirt for watching their presentations and adds you to a drawing (Thurs) for their products if they can scan you card.
Smith Micro has an end of show iPod draw and promises to do better next year, maybe bringing back the super-compressed StuffIt t-shirt.

Something really useful

Check out Bodyguardz protective coatings for all kinds of devices from Blackberry's to MacBooks. The coatings a almost invisible and they really do protect. They have special show pricing, but no giveaways :(

Tuesday roundup

Griffin has some nice little microfiber screen cleaners and iKleer has samples of their screen cleaning kit. Elgato/eyeTV has multiple raffles a day as does Filemaker when you attend their Bento/Filemaker talks and Marware-Project X gives away T-Shirts and has a raffle when you attend their demos. A nice touch is random prizes by roving prize givers when they see you in the exhibit hall wearing Logitech's  badge sticker or Iron Mountain's T-shirt (available at their booths).

Microsoft gave away an iMac along with a bunch of other goodies and stacks of T-shirts at Mac Blast Tuesday night.  Oh, and Devo played a fun concert too.

Google - you have to work for it

Good experience at Google booth. You have to collect 4 stamps for the different products to pick up real goodies like flipflops. Check out some great mac specific apps and the geo team (maps and Earth) are fired up.

It's so thin

Really really thin

Really close now

Still in line but really close ..

The line

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The end of the line

Nice walk around 3 sides of the Moscone to finally join the line for the keynote. Here we are about half way there.

The first in line

I caught this at about 7:30pm Monday, the first of the faithful lining up for Steve's keynote.

The Guru Has Landed

This just in:

Registration and 1st round goodies in T-Minus 59 minutes and counting...

Aaaaaaaaaand he's in!

And you ask yourself - how much gooder can it get?

And the answer is - none.
None more good.

And while you're at it, try and snag some of those solid state climate controlled pet carriers.

Good subscribers await the keynote with baited breath. That's what we get for having sushi for lunch.

Tools of the trade

I mentioned high-tech tools. Here is my Nokia 770 Internet Tablet perched on my MacBook Pro. This little device is good for web surfing over wi-fi and has a great touch screen. This post (including photo) is from my new Blackberry Curve. Why not iPhone? I am waiting for 3G and also the Curve's keyboard is a must for writing real text. I tried many options, but that's for another day.......

Now this is doing MacWorld in style!!!

Clearly a MacWorld attendee that has their priorities aligned - who needs "one more thing ..."? - when there are literally thousands more goody things all around you in the Expo and exhibits hall - go forth and scavenge ..... "it's all good!"