TechToyz: The Intersection of Technology and Life

Mac mini Memory Upgrade

I ordered the 1Gb memory from NewEgg for my Mac mini. The 256Mb configuration was reasonable if you were not doing much. A 512Mb upgrade might have been sufficient, but the NewEgg price was pretty reasonable, plus I'm used to using my Powerbook that has 1.5Gb of memory.

The additional memory was easy to install. Kevin Rose has some good pics of the process. It was more difficult to get the cover back on correctly. So far, the mini has been a nice machine. I'm using it on my AirPort Extreme network and performance has been very good.

Cool New LCD Monitor

I've had an LCD monitor on my desk at work for several years. I've been using the Mac mini and my Dell on a KVM switch for a week or so. I decided I wanted two monitors instead and found a decent deal on a Princeton Graphics 19 inch LCD monitor from NewEgg. I ordered it at the same time as the mini memory upgrade.

I thought the Dell CRT was nice, but this LCD is MUCH nicer.....I sure hope I don't have to order another one to completely replace the CRT :)

HP’s hw6500 iPAQ Mobile Messenger

I love my Treo 600, but I'm always on the lookout for the next cool gadget.The upcoming iPAQ Mobile Messenger keeps getting attention.  It looks like it has all the cellphone and data functions a leading edge device needs, EXCEPT it appears not to have 802.11b/g functionality. I really don't understand that! It does appear to have a couple of expansion slot options, but anything new should support WiFi.

Maybe there will be some more good news about it soon. It does look like Adam might like it.

iPod Shuffle

My new Ipod Shuffle had it's maiden voyage today. The setup last night was the usual painless install. I bought the 512MB version. I usually subscribe to the "bigger is better" theory, but the 512MB model was available sooner and should be plenty of space for my needs. I'll be using it for my bike riding and when I go to the gym. It is MUCH smaller and lighter than my 1st Gen iPod. I hope it proves to be just as durable.

I do need to reconfigure the Shuffle settings. I'm sort of a control freak. (yeah, a big surprise for those that know me :) ) I don't like the random play or shuffle. I want the books, songs and podcasts to play in the order I want them to play. A quick look at the instructions (RTFM) showed me how to remedy the configuration.

Now, when is that new iPod mini coming out?!

MAC Mini

My new Mac mini arrived earlier this week.  Tonight was the big night to open the box and get started.  I saw the mini at MacWorld last month in San Fran, but I didn't realize how small this thing really is! When it's on your desk, you realize it is really small. As usual, the Apple setup is painless. I connected the mini to my Powerbook and moved 30GB of documents, files, music and podcasts.  Right now, I have about 7 programs open. Some with multiple windows open. It works fine, but I can tell I'll need the memory upgrade. Guess I'll order that in a day or two.

My new iPod Shuffle came in today. It's charging now. I'll try it out tomorrow and let you know how I like it.