Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Review: Uniblue Driver Scanner 2010
IT Reviews has just published my review of Uniblue's Driver Scanner 2010 software. This handy tool automatically seeks out updated drivers for all your Windows devices and peripherals.
Review: TomTom Start 2
My review of TomTom's latest entry-level sat-nav, the Start 2, has now been published by IT Reviews. TomTom is offering a special deal to those purchasing the Start 2 between 29 April, 2010 and 8 June, 2010. This deal bundles the optional RDS-TMC traffic accessory for just £10 (normally £49.99), making the total price £129.99 for the UK & Ireland version.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Next-gen 'Vail' Windows Home Server beta goes live
Microsoft has announced the first public beta of the 'Vail' revision of Windows Home Server. It can be downloaded via the Microsoft Connect site.
This latest version is based on Windows Server 2008 R2 code, a major upgrade from the current version that is based on Windows Server 2003 SP2, and comes not long after Microsoft released Power Pack 3 update for WHS that added Windows 7 integration.
One major change is that it is only offered in 64-bit form - the current WHS is a 32-bit OS. I'm downloading the preview now and will be taking a look at it and reporting back here as soon as I get chance.
[UPDATE 4th May: Here's my First Take article on Vail written for ZDNet UK]
This latest version is based on Windows Server 2008 R2 code, a major upgrade from the current version that is based on Windows Server 2003 SP2, and comes not long after Microsoft released Power Pack 3 update for WHS that added Windows 7 integration.
One major change is that it is only offered in 64-bit form - the current WHS is a 32-bit OS. I'm downloading the preview now and will be taking a look at it and reporting back here as soon as I get chance.
[UPDATE 4th May: Here's my First Take article on Vail written for ZDNet UK]
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Review: Acer EasyStore H340
My review of Acer's latest Windows Home Server system, the EasyStore H340, has recently been published on Thinq.co.uk.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Review: 3M MPro150 projector
My review of the 3M MPro150 pocket projector is now live on V3.co.uk and also on IT Reviews. This successor to the MPro120 is brighter and features built-in Flash storage, which means you can use it without a PC.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Freeview HD questions answered
My colleague Nigel Whitfield recently launched his Gone Digital blog, specialising in digital TV. His latest post covers everything you need to know about Freeview HD.
I worked with Nigel for many years as his commissioning editor on PCW, where he gave many years of sterling service looking after the Hands On section, writing features and generally terrorising staff members on his infrequent visits to the office.
I worked with Nigel for many years as his commissioning editor on PCW, where he gave many years of sterling service looking after the Hands On section, writing features and generally terrorising staff members on his infrequent visits to the office.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Review: Funkwerk Bintec RS230aw router
V3.co.uk has just published my review of this very impressive (and very red) ADSL2+/3G/Wi-Fi router from German manufacturer Funkwerk.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
RIP Guy Kewney
This morning I learned of the sad passing of an industry legend and colleague, Guy Kewney. I first met Guy when I started out in tech publishing at PC Magazine in 1992. He always had time to help explain things to an inquisitive newcomer, and reading his columns in the magazine quickly helped me fill in some of the background to this puzzling new world I had entered at such a late stage of my career.
Guy was hit hard by redundancy when PC Mag was bought by VNU in 2000, although he continued his contributions on a freelance basis until its eventual closure in 2002, after which he continued to write for the PC Mag ebook that I edited until 2005.
I eventually became his commissioning editor on PCW (he was the only person to write for it from its launch in 1978 to the last issue in 2009), and as others have pointed out, his work was almost always late but invariably worth waiting for. On his best days, his unique style often took you on a journey around seemingly irrelevant topics, before eventually tying them up in a surprising and unexpected way.
He was extremely personable, keenly intelligent and a lovable eccentric. His service to the industry should not be underestimated, having inspired many people with his writings since the 1970s.
We'll miss you Guy, farewell.
Guy was hit hard by redundancy when PC Mag was bought by VNU in 2000, although he continued his contributions on a freelance basis until its eventual closure in 2002, after which he continued to write for the PC Mag ebook that I edited until 2005.
I eventually became his commissioning editor on PCW (he was the only person to write for it from its launch in 1978 to the last issue in 2009), and as others have pointed out, his work was almost always late but invariably worth waiting for. On his best days, his unique style often took you on a journey around seemingly irrelevant topics, before eventually tying them up in a surprising and unexpected way.
He was extremely personable, keenly intelligent and a lovable eccentric. His service to the industry should not be underestimated, having inspired many people with his writings since the 1970s.
We'll miss you Guy, farewell.
Monday, 5 April 2010
Review: Filemaker Pro 11
My review of Filemaker Pro 11 is now available on V3.co.uk. This new release is notable for adding charting to the list of new features. Here are some extra screenshots not shown in the published review.
It’s been a long time coming, but now you can finally chart your data from within Filemaker.
The new Inspector groups design tools in a floating toolbar, but it’s a little small on high-resolution displays.
A revamped Quick Start menu gives easy access to common tasks
It’s been a long time coming, but now you can finally chart your data from within Filemaker.
The new Inspector groups design tools in a floating toolbar, but it’s a little small on high-resolution displays.
Invoicing is a new addition to the Starter Solutions templates, and is a good showcase for the new features in Filemaker Pro 11.
You can now create Quick Reports in Table view using grouping and subtotalling
Quick Search lets you search across all fields and records, and maintains a list of recent search terms.
A revamped Quick Start menu gives easy access to common tasks
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