munky.net

Since I’m starting to use a laptop more frequently these days, I decided to reconfigure my home network a bit so as to centralize my work files. Previously I had kept my work files on my desktop PC and used the Offline Files feature built into Windows 2000 and XP to synchronize a small number of files with an older laptop that I used only occasionally. That scheme worked fine at the time, but since I’m now planning on doing an increasing amount of work on my laptop instead of my desktop I didn’t want to require that my desktop machine be turned on to synchronize files.

Since I have a third machine running linux and MythTV that is on all the time anyway, I decided to set up a Samba share on that machine and make that my work files’ primary repository. An added advantage of the Samba configuration is that I can use rdiff-backup for easy remote backups of the repository. Configuring Samba was relatively painless, and far simpler than I remember it being from a few years ago.

Problems arose when I attempted to set up Offline Files on my laptop to create a local mirror of the files on the Samba share. (more…)

I took delivery of a brand-new Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop today, which I got a pretty good deal on using one of Dell’s common online coupons (never pay full price for Dell stuff!). Basic features are a 1.86GHz/2MB cache/533MHz FSB Pentium M 750 processor and 128MB DDR ATI Mobility Radeon X300 video. This is primarily a graphics and CAD work machine for me so I didn’t want to go with any of the less expensive integrated graphics solutions out there.

The real reason I chose the Dell, though, is the screen. It’s a 15.4 inch widescreen WUXGA LCD panel, which has an outstanding resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, which until only recently was unheard of for any consumer-priced LCD display, much less one on a laptop. I don’t know how Dell did it, but they were offering the WUXGA screen as an option for only $150 more than the default 1280×800 screen, which for me was a no-brainer. (more…)

Globalization is perhaps the most significant modern trend affecting the fundamental role of today’s designer. At the same time, the need for universal design is a major factor that must provide motivation for the contemporary designer to work in new ways. I believe that these two influences will combine in a mutually reinforcing way to redefine the designer in today’s post-industrial society. (more…)

In preparation for writing my proposal, I’ve been able to do some initial library research. I spent a few hours today reading through the last year’s worth of Electronic Design, which is an electrical engineering magazine that seems to target people on the very technical side of electronics product development. I found a number of good (albeit short) articles there that will provide good background information on the technical details behind miniaturization, power considerations, and IO issues that affect SFF PCs.

What I really need to find are journals that focus more on the human factors side of PC design. One name that I need to follow up on is the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. Also of potential interest is a journal called Pervasive Computing, published by the IEEE—unfortunately my school doesn’t subscribe to it and back-issues are very expensive for non-IEEE members.

I recently realized how much more productive I am when I work at the campus library instead of at home. This consequently made me realize what a PITA it is to work on my aging 90’s era Sony Vaio laptop (500MHz processor, no battery, tiny screen, carries like a brick). So, taking advantage of a $500 off $1599 coupon code at couponmountain.com, last night I placed an order for a shiny new Dell Inspiron 6000. I had also been considering an Acer TravelMate 4404, with its 64-bit AMD processor and fancy Radeon X700 graphics, but I decided to go with the Dell for its extremely detailed WUXGA (1920×1200!!) screen and the 2-year at-home warranty service that I was able to configure for about the same price. I’m hoping that the screen will make for a good CAD display, and maybe I won’t be as distracted by games with the Dell’s Radeon X300 graphics chip.

I’ll post a review when the unit arrives in a couple weeks.