Chording Mouse? November 7, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Hardware.1 comment so far
I’d almost think this was a practical joke, except this isn’t April. OpenOffice now has a mouse, the OpenOfficeMouse comes with 18 programmable buttons. I think there is plenty of room for alternative input devices, and the mouse can definitely use some improvements, but I’m not sure 18 buttons is the right idea. It sort of reminded me of the one-handed or ‘chording‘ keyboards, but combined with a mouse. Take a look. Can you, or your students, come up with something better?
OpenOfficeMouse: The Multi-Button Application Mouse for OpenOffice.org
With thanks for the tip from Daring Fireball
Not Your Father’s Old Book July 27, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Articles/Videos, Hardware, Opinion.2 comments
Interesting blog post about a possible ebook reader with demonstration video. The video, embedded below, is a 9:21 YouTube video, so if you are blocked, you’re in luck. The poster, Mike Cane, has included screen shots and detailed comments. What would you want from an ebook? Do you think an ebook has a place in education? Does this change reading and writing literacy? Is this a fundamental or incremental change from the original? Sorry for all the questions. I’m hopeful, but not sure, about ebooks. I’m concerned that they won’t bridge the gap between book readers and those who don’t. I’m worried that book reading will become a lost art, and like Fahrenheit 451, we are responsible for it if that happens.
http://ebooktest.blogspot.com/2009/07/part-of-ebook-vision.html
303,398 May 5, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in 21st-Century, Articles/Videos, Hardware, Humor.add a comment
I thought my daughter texted a lot. At one time we calculated her texting in terms of hours per day. I guess those numbers are relative. Here is a CNET News story about Crystal Wiski, a California teen who averaged 7 texts a minute to wrack up an astonishing 303,398 texts in one month. Yes, that is a total for one month! In addition to texting, Crystal gets straight As in school, and works 40 hours a week at McDonalds.
Teen claims 303,398 iPhone texts in one month | Technically Incorrect – CNET News
Netbook Roundup April 13, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Articles/Videos, Hardware, OLPC.add a comment
In case you are interested in the whole netbook class of laptops, either for personal use or as student laptops, here is a review of 19 netbooks that run for $350 or less. How would you use one? As primary computer, or as a travel laptop, or something else?
Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/egansnow/271941148/
Let’s Get Small February 28, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Articles/Videos, Hardware.add a comment
I know technology is progressing toward smaller and smaller form factors, but at some point the consumer will miss being able to recognize the computer. I’ve seen that happen already when teachers look at the current version of iMacs. “Where’s the rest of it?” is a common question. Here are a couple of other contenders for the same question.
Asus keyboard computer – Looks like Asus will someday introduce a computer in a keyboard. I know it’’s been done before, but not as cool looking as this one.
Asus reveals 512 GB SSD, keyboard computer and other prototypes at CES | Gear Diary
A name that is new to me in the computer industry is Marvell. Not to be outdone by anyone else, they have introduced a wall plug computer. It looks like a power adapter that plugs in to the wall. This one will definitely leave people wondering where you are keeping your computer.
Masses to Marvell at tiny wall plug computer? | Crave – CNET
At what point does small become too small? Is there something comforting or reassuring in a box with lots of cables sticking out? Do we need to see our computers at all any more?
Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/danorbit/346563918/sizes/o/
Computer Hardware in Plain English February 26, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Articles/Videos, Hardware.add a comment
I am a fan of Lee Lefever’s CommonCraft videos. He has a great format to simplify complex subjects. This new video covers computer hardware, relates hard drives to basements, RAM to closets, and the CPU to a butler. This video adds to the growing collection of quality CommonCraft productions.
Siftables February 14, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Articles/Videos, Hardware.1 comment so far
I wish every child could have the sort of experience the MIT Media Lab provides. The latest idea is called Siftables by David Merrill. I’ve embedded the video below. Siftables embody all that technology should be in education. They are computer block that are adaptable, simple, intuitive, small, and provide a wide range of interactions. While it is difficult to put into words, it makes a lot of sense once you see the video. This is too cool.
David Merrill demos Siftables, the smart blocks | Video on TED.com
Immersive Technology February 9, 2009
Posted by Matthew Woolums in Articles/Videos, Hardware.add a comment
CNET has posted an article briefly discussing MIT’s 6th Sense device. Using available technology, an individual wears the computer, a web cam, and a projector that turns any surface into an interactive device. Very cool, but looks like it will need a little design help to make it something everyone will want. Personally, I think I’d look good in one, so sign me up to help test it! The article includes a short 3 minute video demonstration.
