Jimiz.net – Jim Becher on the web

The folks over at fastmac.com are working to create the u-socket. It is a power outlet with two USB jacks in the plate. This is a great little product. So far it has had some delays. Head on over and check out the specs – http://fastmac.com/usocket.

This little gem is available for order for $20.00. Sounds like it is not available yet. I plan on ordering this today. From other forums it sounds like it will power an iPad 10W power. We will have to see. Not only does this allow for a central charging station, it will make for a clean layout.

What a great idea, use the best tool in your tool box to make a device better. I keep velcro in my toolbox. I have a roll of it, sticky back velcro, and some that you would use as wall mounting.

This video just shows how to use the tools you have (velcro) to make some thing better. It makes me ask the question, why did I not think of that.

http://lifehacker.com/5549039/reinvent-your-ipad-or-other-tablet-with-velcro

I was reading my twitter feeds and ran across a post from an individual at rackspace that was responding to an interview of why they liked working there. (NOT for the money) He referenced this great video regarding Motivation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&feature=player_embedded#!

It is interesting that Money only motivates so far. I have found that in the tech industry this is true. People love a challenge, they love credit (praise) and they love ownership. I agree that money needs to be part of the equation, but not the full motivation.

So what gets you up every day, and motivates you to head to work.

I’m always looking for a great stand for my iPhone or iPad. At work I use my phone as mechanism to communicate and also listen to music. At home I use my iPad to watch videos and show pictures. There are a lot of DIY or cheap stands you can make, but I wanted one that was inexpensive and would work for both the iPad and iPod.

Here is the stand I chose for work. It is good looking (Unlike some of the DIY editions) – I ended up purchasing this one from officemax for 1.99 it works great with both the iPad and iPod.

For home I was able to get a cheap 1.99 picture frame holder made out of acrylic. I was unable to get a link to their online site but I will take a picture of it. It allows me to charge the iPad by having the cable attached to it.

This just shows how a little discovery goes a long way. Instead of purchasing an expensive stand from Apple, I was able to spend 4 bucks.

Lifehacker had a great article on tools / ways to help friends with tech support. I realized when reading this that I do most of the things they suggest but also have more tools. Just thought it was a good post to share.

http://lifehacker.com/5529299/how-to-troubleshoot-your-friends-computers-from-far-away

I recently read the article from Steve regarding flash on Apples iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices.
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/

I think he has some interesting comments. I really do like the idea that rollovers are dead or not needed. The idea that touch or some other input may be needed is a very good point. Have you ever tried to use a flash site with just a keyboard.

I have also heard other arguments regarding security of flash from the podcast “Security Now”. However, with any application there are security concerns.

The one I am really interested to hear more about is battery life. How can an application consumer more battery life than another. Are we saying that video uses more than a book reader. I would say that the action of the application vs the application is the cause of battery life. Video uses more battery (cpu too) than reading a static page.

If I was a device owner I would also argue the closed source proprietary concept of flash. However, apple also has that same type of situation.

Overall, I think Steve is making a great stance. From what I read, he is saying let’s look at open standards for the web. Not a player that is used for the web. He does not deny that apple has a closed source operating system or device, he is just saying that protocols or web applications should be open.