Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

I think all readers here know that I’m a Mac guy now (and formerly a Windows guy).  So, knowing that about me, you should expect that I’d have something to say about Mac’s latest offering.

Last night when I returned home I had several e-mails regarding the latest Mac expo.  What topped the list?  The Macbook Air.  Apparently the thinnest computer out there now….and it sure does look thin.

So, what are my initial thoughts?  Well, I haven’t gotten to touch it, lift it, or try it out.  But I did get to watch Mac’s tour of the laptop.  Very interesting.  But I won’t be buying one in the near future.  I’m still happy with my Macbook Pro.

If you’re looking for an ultra-light laptop, this might be the one for you.  But there are a few drawbacks I’ve noted……

1. No CD/DVD drive on the Macbook Air.  It’s so thin you couldn’t put one in.  Apple’s suggestion is a portable USB drive, or just using the wireless features of the laptop.  While I depend on wireless every day, I would not want to rely on hotspots alone while traveling.  Too many different providers, charges, etc.
2. Lack of ports on the Macbook Air.  There is a small area for a few connections.  1 USB port, earphone port, and a video out port.  No firewire, only one USB port, and no Express card port.  The express card is useful if you want to use Broadband Internet over a cell carrier.
3. Depending on other machines for installation.  Apple is touting this computer as a heavily wireless system.  That’s cool.  But, here’s an issue that relates to #1.  Let’s say I want to install a new program that comes on a CD or DVD……and I don’t buy the portable drive…..what do I do?  Well, I can connect to a CD/DVD drive over my wireless network…..  So, there’s an expectation that I have other computers (which I do, but you might not).  Not so thrilled with installing large programs over WiFi…..sorry.

There are other “features” that I didn’t find too slick.  There’s also a ton of features that I loved!  But if I were needing to buy a new system tomorrow it wouldn’t be the Macbook Air.  It would be another Macbook Pro.  Check the web link I threw in at the beginning of this post, and take a look for yourself.

My bottom line…..  I need multiple ports.  I use a USB Microphone for podcasts, I hook my cameras up with USB connections, my backup drives are Firewire & USB (yes, Mac offers a wireless backup drive, but I want a portable drive).  And the Macbook Air includes only 1 USB port for me…..not good enough, even with the high speed wireless.

I’ll keep my eyes open for articles from folks who do get one of these, and I’ll pass the links along.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been checking and re-checking on the availability of the Digital RV at the big online resellers. As you may (or may not) remember, I hit a snag with the publication for resellers, and had to make a minor revision (the letters were too close to the cover’s edge).

Well, finally I saw what I needed to see today! The second edition is FINALLY available through Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnesandnoble.com. Hooray, about time! As always, you can also get it directly from the publisher as well.

With the holidays coming up, I’d suggest this is a good time to order a copy.  If you know someone who RV’s, or even someone who doesn’t but isn’t up on what the latest technology can do, this is a great intro for them.  I wrote the book as an intro for folks who consider themselves non-technical.  Many of the ideas reviewed work as well in a home with four walls and a foundation as they do in a home with four wheels and an engine!

So, as a wrap up, the Digital RV is now available through:

• Barnes & Noble
• Borders
• Amazon
• Airstream Life.com
• Workamper.com
• RVBookstore.com
• And of course, through this site and the publisher

Alright, there’s my shameless plug for the day!  Glad to say everything is finally worked out with the big resellers!

I’ve been a little quiet the past few days. Busy proofing a demo copy of the latest edition of the book, “The Digital RV”. And I’m happy to say, the second edition is now available to the public! Finally, right.

Yes, 6 months later than anticipated, but that’s alright. The additional time allowed for two new chapters on my personal lessons from the past year on the road using digital technology. In total, there were a few changes in the book. And several additions. The first edition had nine chapters, and the second edition has 13 chapters. A little more included for sure.

Like the original, the second edition is written extremely simply. It’s geared toward folks who are not immensely technologically savvy. If you’re looking for a programming guide or a step by step setup for every new device out there, this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking to get new ideas about what you can do with your portable technology on the road, the book will suit you well.

The cover has also changed. 2 favorite scenes from my travels now grace the cover of the book. Also, the price has increased to $21.54 for a paper back copy of the book, and $7.95 for a downloaded e-book version.

Take a look at the latest cover graphics…..hope you like it!

For my resellers…. I will be sending out a revised price and ordering document by Friday, June 15th. Orders can be submitted immediately after receiving the revised price sheets.

Now, any ideas on how to expand my distribution? I’ll take any and all ideas. I’d love to see The Digital RV in Barnes & Nobel, Camping World, and dare I dream it, Wal-Mart. Alright all you marketing types, pipe up!

So, the good folks over at Podpress have issued two more updates since my update to Podpress version 7.9.  Took a look last night, and saw we’re up to 8.1.  Figured I’d roll the dice and upgrade to 8.1.

And VOILA!  The ITunes downloads are working again.  Hooray I say!!!

If you’re ever looking to do your own podcast site, I still highly reccomend using Wordpress & Podpress.  And of course, if you have any questions, you can always leave a comment.