technology

Before you say no, consider this scenario. Right now there are millions like me that are paying a carrier that provides terrible service far too much money for phone, text, and data. If only we could use our iPhones (without jail-breaking and unlocking them) on Verizon, we have often mused. But who wants to give up their amazing iPhone just for a bit better service? [Insert your favorite "Can you hear me know?" joke here.]

Well, in late April, we can now ditch our iPhones. Why not opt for a free model from Verizon that can handle calls and texts and get an unlimited data plan for the iPad? I presume that Verizon will offer a similar $29/mo. unlimited data plan for it. If they're smart, they'll offer a deal for iPhone switchers. (I bet Apple didn't see that coming.)

Now you have the best of both worlds -- the best cellular coverage in the country and a portable Internet device with 3G service. And it should cost about the same per month.

The downsides, of course, are that the Internet device doesn't fit in your pocket as neatly as the iPhone, but it does a whole lot more and is no bigger than carrying a newspaper or manila folder around. And it will set you back $630.

But I can see it replacing much of the functionality of my laptop AND my iPhone. My laptop can stay at work -- no more lugging it everywhere I go. The iPad, with Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, can handle almost all of my teaching needs. My research needs are met by my laptop in my office.

I thought it might be interesting to compare system requirements for Mac OS X and Windows 7.

Glaciers are responding to climate change in ways that we have expected for decades. The only difference is the speed. Around the world, glaciers are retreating at rates that are unprecedented, and previously deemed impossible. Thanks to some amazing time-lapse photography and an incredibly talented group of scientists, photographers, a large dose of ingenuity, and their intrepid crew, we can now witness the geologic process of glacier flow and retreat in some fantastic videos.

National Geographic photographer James Balog has teamed up with renown scientists Jason Box, Tad Pfeffer, Daniel Fagre, Alberto Behar and others to create the Extreme Ice Survey.

Visit the site now to watch glaciers in action!

1. Toyota Prius Hybrid
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Nissan Altima Hybrid
4. Ford Escape Hybrid
5. Toyota Camry Hybrid
6. Honda Civic CNG
7. Chevrolet Cobalt
8. Mazda 3
9. Nissan Altima
10. Pontiac G5
11. Kia Spectra
12. Hyundai Elantra
13. Ford Focus

Not surprisingly, there aren't many American cars on the list.

1. Volkswagen Touareg
2. Saab 9-7X
3. Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI 4Matic
4. Jeep Commander
5. Chevrolet Trailblazer
6. Ford F150
7. Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI 4Matic
8. Jeep Grand Cherokee
9. Dodge Ram 1500
10. Chrysler Aspen
11. Dodge Dakota
12. Dodge Durango

Notice that half of the cars are built by Chrysler. Forbes' methods may be questionable, but the list is at least a starting point. In the next few days, I'll try to follow this story up with the cleanest cars on the road and then cars that are due out that we should be watching for.

Chalk this one up under "Yet another funny Mac vs. PC story".

I find it hilarious and a bit ironic that we used to refer to PCs by the brand-name "IBM", just as some of us call tissues "Kleenex". Now, in a bold move, IBM is offering some of its employees Mac laptops or PCs running Linux in a break from the all-Windows environment that I still suffer from in my Department. About 100 IBM employees are now taking advantage of this program.

"Of the 22 testers who provided feedback, 18 said that compared with their previous computers, the Mac notebooks offered a "better or best experience," one said it was "equal or good," and three said the Apple machine provided a "worse experience," according to Dilger. Fully 19 of the participants chose to keep the MacBook Pro and use VMware virtualization technology to run Windows when needed."

Read the article.

OK, so this isn't exactly new technology, but I am quite happy to have it in my life now. Julie and I just replaced our gas-powered mower, which wasn't very old, but which had given us trouble right from the start, with a new electric mower. If the new mower were any easier to use, I'd be afraid my kids would use it.
If the new mower were any easier to use, I'd be afraid my kids would use it. It's as simple as operating a vacuum cleaner. You plug it in (although there are cordless models, too), flip a switch, and you're mowing! It's quiet, easy, light, clean, and is much easier on the environment. In fact, our utility company provides us with all of our electricity from wind and natural gas, so this is much cleaner than running on gasoline! I thought the cord would be a hassle, but it is much easier to deal with than primers, spark plugs, pull cords, air filters, oil, and gasoline. By far!

The current point-and-click interface that we use in computing hasn't changed dramatically in over 20 years (except its popularity).

I've finally stumbled upon technology that might actually change the way we work on computers. Check out BumpTop or the video below.