Content Insider # 124 - Free Stuff

Someone Pays Even for the Free Lunch

There is a whole group of people who grew up on the Internet that believes everything that is out there should be free. Stewart Brand set the stage back in 1984 at the first Hacker's Conference when he said -- Information Wants To Be Free. Information also wants to be expensive. That tension will not go away. At the end of the day an organization has to put money in the cash register so bills will be paid and people will have food/shelter. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Targus EcoSmart Backpack

Constructed of recycled water bottles, the EcoSmart is the company's entry into the Green Economy

Plastic water bottles are probably one of the most evil inventions in recently history when it comes to harm to the environment. Not only are people being duped into buying something that can be had for just pennies, the container in which that water comes in is polluting the world's oceans and filling the landfills at an alarming rate. In the United States, many states have imposed a recycle fee on these bottles, yet not everyone bothers to "return for deposit."

2009 Digital Storage in Consumer Electronics Report

Some select findings

This report is the eighth report on data storage and emerging applications and the sixth report on data storage and the consumer electronics market published by Coughlin Associates. The consumer electronics market will be impacted by the overall economy in 2009 and well into 2010 but a recovery in 2011 could drive renewed demand for consumer electronic products and digital storage to support them.

IOGEAR GUWAVKIT Wireless Audio/Video Kit

Display your notebook desktop on a flat screen TV

Ever wanted to connect your laptop PC to your flat panel TV without the cable clutter? What if you could do it wirelessly with no cables running from your computer at all so you can walk freely around a room with your laptop but still have full control of what is on the big screen? Connecting a computer to a TV is either difficult and confusing or not possible for most people because they don't have the cables for it.

The eco-friendlier APC Back-UPS ES-750

Live a little greener and pocket some green yourself to the tune of an average of $40 a year.

Money is tight right now and in times like these we try and make do with what we have and keep things working as long as possible. Its also nice to save a little money here and there when we can. So how does a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) fit into this picture? Speaking in general terms a UPS can save electronics attached to it from electrical surges or lightning strikes that could fry its circuitry forcing you to go out shopping for a replacement.

How to transfer iTunes library between Mac and PC

You've put a lot of time into your iTunes library, creating just the right playlists, and rating every song you've got. Now you buy a new laptop and you've decided to make the switch - from Windows to Mac (or Mac to Windows). Sadly, transferring your iTunes library along with your playlists and ratings isn't just a matter of moving the music files.

VUDU Wireless Kit

HDX Movies, and New Features

The VUDU is an incredible movie download device with the highest amount of 1080p high definition (HD) movies available, more than even Blu-ray. Things have changed since last year, with the inclusion of the wireless kit, HDX movies (even better quality 1080p HD), and new features from VUDU Labs. Plus, the much lower price of $149 makes it a best buy in my book.

Content Insider - Visions for 2009

A Year of Realignment, Reassessment, Repositioning

Despite what a lot of "financial experts" say (weren't they the ones who got us into this position?) things aren't real bad -- yeah they're not real great either. But people in the business/consumer computer/entertainment/communications industry have never been short on optomism or ideas. Some firms won't survive by this time next year. Those that focus on developing a strong consumer centric strategy and lead/listen to the marketplace will be light years ahead of the competition when we enter 2010. What's it going to take? What will the the leaders do?

Altec Lansing inMotion MAX speaker system

System works with iPhone 3G and most iPods

Altec Lansing has been building iPod speaker systems for quite a while now, and before that was a purveyor of PC speaker systems in various price ranges. As Apple has offered multiple generations of its iPod music and video player, Altec Lansing has offered a speaker system to take advantage of what the iPod can do.

Alesis M1 Active 320USB Speaker System

$99 speakers with audio recording capabilities

If you've got room on your desk and are looking for a pair of desktop speakers, the Alesis M1 Active 320USB is a pair that you should check out. They are pro-grade speakers that offer both audio playback and audio recording capabilities. The M1's have a multitude of inputs that allow for different equipment playback or even recording to your computer through the USB interface.

Content Insider #125 - Our Next Leader

Our Next Great Tech CEO...Hero or Cheerleader?

Gary Shapiro, the head of the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) has been saying almost every chance he gets that the technology industry will lead the economy back. The new breed of business leader is different. Not better, not worse just different. It will be interesting to see if they make their mark, establish their legacy or simple optimize product line extensions.

Content Insider # 124 - Free Stuff

Someone Pays Even for the Free Lunch

There is a whole group of people who grew up on the Internet that believes everything that is out there should be free. Stewart Brand set the stage back in 1984 at the first Hacker's Conference when he said -- Information Wants To Be Free. Information also wants to be expensive. That tension will not go away. At the end of the day an organization has to put money in the cash register so bills will be paid and people will have food/shelter. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

E3 gets bonus life

The E3 Expo is back as a first time for many

"E3 is BACK!" Those are the spoken words from several of the people who were also visiting/reporting on the show. For me it was my very first Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), and boy was it a high powered show! Thousands of people from all over came to check out the hottest new games and gadgets, also to get the first hands on experience while the game is still in the beta stages.

Targus EcoSmart Backpack

Constructed of recycled water bottles, the EcoSmart is the company's entry into the Green Economy

Plastic water bottles are probably one of the most evil inventions in recently history when it comes to harm to the environment. Not only are people being duped into buying something that can be had for just pennies, the container in which that water comes in is polluting the world's oceans and filling the landfills at an alarming rate. In the United States, many states have imposed a recycle fee on these bottles, yet not everyone bothers to "return for deposit."

2009 Digital Storage in Consumer Electronics Report

Some select findings

This report is the eighth report on data storage and emerging applications and the sixth report on data storage and the consumer electronics market published by Coughlin Associates. The consumer electronics market will be impacted by the overall economy in 2009 and well into 2010 but a recovery in 2011 could drive renewed demand for consumer electronic products and digital storage to support them.