… and were Back!

Posted: June 6th, 2011 | Author: marcato15 | Filed under: Buying Tips, New Technology | 1 Comment »

Sorry for the delay in posts. I think my professors had a personal vendetta against me writing this blog. I mean, there is no other way to explain why they would give me so many projects and reading to work on (well, besides the fact I am in Grad school, but still). Anyway, I’m going to make a concentrated effort to post a little more regularly. We’ll see how it goes.

Free Kindle Books

and here’s your tip for this post, sent in by a long time friend of the blog (thanks Mom). Besides my iPad, my favorite tech device currently is my 3rd Generation Kindle . If you like reading and haven’t looked at an e-reader, you should check them out. Thanks to Amazon’s now Ad-supported version, you can pick up one brand new for $114. I’ve tested it out and the ads display when the reader is off (kinda oxymoronical, but it works since the Kindle is never technically “off”, just “napping”), as well as in the bottom of the menu screen, but never while your reading. (if that’s too much for you, just pay the $25 more and get the ad-free version). And if the $114 is out of your price range, well, you can get the reader program for your Mac, PC, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android device. Needless to say, if you can read this post, then you have a device that can read kindle books.

The reason I suggest looking into it so strongly, is because the wealth of books out there, that can be purchased for free or very inexpensive. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a kindle soon, you can amass a large library and those books will stay in your collection for as long as Amazon is in business (in other words, a VERY long time). No, I won’t post updates every time a new free book is up, but I’ll provide you with a few links to get you started.

http://gospelebooks.net/ - http://twitter.com/#!/gospelebooks – My favorite source, lots of Good Christian free/cheap books

http://twitter.com/#!/freekindlebook – Another Good free books listing

http://www.amazon.com/Totally-Free-kindle-Books/lm/R27UG52OAM3TFX – A list on Amazon of free books

http://freekindlebooks.org/ – Free Classics

Do you have any other good kindle book resources to share? What do you like/dislike about current E-readers? Let me know in the comments.

Gunnar Computer Glasses

Posted: April 1st, 2011 | Author: marcato15 | Filed under: Buying Tips, Just Plain Nerdy, Programming | 4 Comments »

A lot of people have been asking about some computer glasses a few months ago, so here’s my review and recommendation.

Problem

If you spend any significant amount of time on a computer for you work (or play for that matter), you’ll soon notice that our eyes weren’t meant to stare at an LCD screen all day. I’ve noticed this, but when I started working full time as Web Developer last summer, I began to notice just how bad things were. Many days after work, I would have an intense headache or my eyes would be really tired and worn out. I knew this couldn’t be good for my eyes, but I really didn’t know what else to do.

Solution

Then one day, I randomly came across gunnars.com. They understand this problem and have created “Digital” eyewear. What they make is glasses that help people like us, who spend 3 or more hours a day on the computer, to limit eye strain and help reduce headaches.

From their info page,

The biggest thing I can tell that they do, is they have special lenses that block out the harmful rays on the color spectrum that cause the most pain and annoyance. I read through their site, liked what I saw, and purchased the Onyx Phenom Glasses from Amazon. (I love Free 2 day shipping).

Review

When they came, I tried them on and could definitely tell they would make a difference (wasn’t sure whether that would be bad or good). They have a yellow tint, so I could tell colors were going to look a little different (they have a clear option for Graphic Designers, my brother got a pair and seems to like them). They also have a bit of magnification to them, but not much at all, so it wasn’t too noticeable. The nice thing about them, was they felt very sturdy and I didn’t feel like they would break after a few months.

Well, the only way to tell if they really worked as advertised was to use them for a few days, and while the first few days took a little adjusting to the yellow tint, now I use them everyday and don’t notice a thing.

After the first week, I could definitely tell an drastic improvement. I got a lot fewer headaches (if any) from the screen and the Eye strain dropped to almost none. I still get a little weary from working on my computer all day, but I think spending 10 hours a day in front of a screen is going to do that, no matter what, but not at all compared to before hand. I was skeptical at first, but these glasses really work. The biggest improvement is at night. Before the bright screen in a dark area was horrible on my eyes, but now it doesn’t really bother me.

Conclusion

Are these glasses for everybody? No. They cost me about $90 so they are by far my most expensive pair of “sunglasses” and I don’t even take them outside. However, for anyone spending 3-4+ hours a day on the computer, I would really recommend you consider giving them a try. They have a 30 day warranty, so if you really don’t like them, you can always send them back, however, once you begin wearing them, I don’t think that will happen.

Let me know if you have noticed these same problems when working at a computer and if you think these glasses could help you.

Amazing Deal on Mac Software

Posted: March 17th, 2011 | Author: marcato15 | Filed under: Apple, Buying Tips | 2 Comments »

Macupdate has a great deal on Mac Software. They have bundled 11 apps worth $381 into 1 price, $49. Some of these programs themselves sell for more than the total package price. Some notable apps:

• 1Password (normally $39) – This is a must for password management on a mac. (I will post later why this is so important for everyone to be doing
• Parallels (normally $79) – This allows you to run Windows on you mac. Their latest update is amazing. (you will need a Windows license).
• TechTool Pro (normally $99) – This allows you to repair/fix computer problems with your computer or hard drives
• 2 Apps to help rip and convert DVD Movies
• Plus 8 more really nice Apps

I probably won’t be getting this since I bought the apps I want, already, (and paid the list price, wish bundle was available then). If you don’t own these programs, I really recommend it. They are worth the price.

Check it out Now – https://www.mupromo.com/?ref=4438

When Should I Get…(insert Apple Product Name Here)

Posted: March 9th, 2011 | Author: marcato15 | Filed under: Apple, Buying Tips | No Comments »

Have you ever wanted to purchase a product from Apple but worried that they might be releasing a new update to the product you want, that will render your update out of date and “not cool” anymore? I just talked to a friend earlier this week who bought an iPad just a few weeks ago, and now wishes he would have waited. While you can’t ever be totally sure of the best time to buy, here is a great resource to help.

Mac Rumors – Buyers Guide

I find this really helpful, because they analyze Apple’s previous release cycle and upcoming rumors about when they might be releasing a new product, and suggest whether this is a good time to buy, or maybe you should wait, because updates are coming soon.

Check it out next time you are interested in buying a Mac or iPod, to save yourself some frustration in the future.