Anyone who has
ever had the opportunity to get to know me at any level knows that
technology is a big part of my life. Not only has it been a focus
of most of my education and employment background, but it is now a
major focus area of my current academic research. But more than
that, I have a lot of fun living as an "early adopter" of
technology. From my first computer, an Apple ][+ back in the early
1980s, to the latest laptop and cell phone, technology has played
an integral part of my life. Below is a brief look at some of the
current technology in my arsenal.
Apple
PowerBook
After having so
much success with my previous Apple PowerBook 17, the decision to
get a second one to replace it was easy. It's predecessor, which
I've had since the Spring of 2003, was, without a doubt, the best
computer I have ever owned or even used (which has been quite a
few). I'm confident its replacement will be just as good or better.
Whether using it in my office at school, in the classroom, or on
the road, I could not ask for a better machine. Having a 17 inch
display and weighing under 7 lbs, this machine is more like a
desktop than a laptop. It has a 1.67 GHz G4 processor, 1 GB DDR2
SDRAM, 120 GB hard drive, slot-loading SuperDrive (8X Dual Layer
DVD burner), 10/100 BT Ethernet, integrated 802.11g wireless
networking, USB 2.0. Bluetooth 2.0, FireWire 400 & 800, PCMCIA
expansion slot, and an ATi Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics card with
128MB VRAM (1680X1050 pixels).
Apple PowerMacintosh G5
The
current iteration of the PowerMac, "my" (actually Marquette's) G5
is a workhorse. It easily handles any task I put to it, from video
editing and DVD authoring to statistical computations (SPSS) and
photo editing. It has a 1.6 GHz G5 processor, 768MB DDR SDRAM, 80
GB primary hard drive, SuperDrive, 10/100/1000 BT Ethernet, USB,
FireWire 400 & 800, and a nVidia GeForce FX 5200 graphics card
with 64MB VRAM. In addition to the stock items, it also has a
backup 40 GB hard drive, a 400GB FireWire external RAID drive, and
a Miglia Alchemy TV/DVR Tuner & Video
Recorder/Converter.
Apple Cinema Display
The
perfect complement to an outstanding computer is a beautiful LCD
display. It is hard to imagine having a nicer one than this model.
With 20 inches of screen real estate at a resolution of 1680 X
1050, there isn't much this beauty won't handle. When you work with
large spreadsheets, SPSS files, or even video editing task, the
extra space comes in handy. The fact that it is an LCD means that
it takes up very little space on my desk, which is always a
plus.
Apple AirPort Express
For
anyone who has every had to run wire or cable to set up a computer
network, whether at work or home, you will appreciate the
convenience and flexibility of wireless networking. Having used
wireless products from most of the major vendors, no one makes it
easier than Apple does with the AirPort Express. It is literally
plug and play. Utilizing the most current 802.11g protocol allowing
connections up to 54 Mbps, and software that even the most novice
computer user can use skillfully, setting up a network is easy.
Currently I have two of these units which allows me to connect
anywhere in my home and some areas outside as
well.
Canon S400 Digital Elph
It
isn't often that you get to visit one of nature's greatest marvels.
So when I had an opportunity to go to the Grand Canyon a few years
ago, I wanted to make sure I would be able to capture the
experience. After much research, I bought this amazing camera. At
4.0 megapixels, the images were just amazing. It has produced some
of the most amazing (yes, I realize how many times I've used this
adjective) pictures I have ever taken, many worthy of framing.
Since then, two of my friends have purchased this or very similar
models and have had similar results. With its ability to take small
movies as well, it is an indispensable part of my traveling
gear.
Hewlett Packard Scanjet 3670
For
those photos and images that didn't originate in digital form, this
scanner allows me to bring them into the digital realm. With an
integrated negative/slide scanner, it can easily handle most jobs.
With improved software, text scanning and recognition really
extends the reach of this device.
Hewlett Packard DeskJet 935c & LaserJet
1012
As a
professor and researcher, I am always printing out files, articles,
photos, and other files. These chores fall to my two workhorse
printers, both by Hewlett Packard.
Palm Treo 650 (Sprint)
With
more power and versatility than my first several computers, my Palm
Treo 650 is the ultimate on the go computer-phone combination. With
a high-res color screen, keyboard, camera, reliable Palm OS, and
integrated Bluetooth connectivity, this device keeps me in touch
wherever I am. It has e-mail, voicemail, Internet, text messaging
and IM capabilities making it one of the most versatile
communication tools available. When you add the "Star Trek" looking
wireless Bluetooth headset, you are free to focus on what is really
important (like the road in front of you!).
Apple iPod
As a
proud member of the iPod Nation, this little piece of technological
nirvana is never far away from me. My model is a third generation
with a 40GB capacity and contains more than just my music (over
5500 songs), but also acts as a backup for my most valued
information. I use it almost everywhere I go, from long flights or
a long ride on the bike to keeping me company in my office or my
truck. If you don't have one yet, try one, you'll be hooked
easily.
Altec Lansing InMotion
Normally, I
wouldn't list an accessory like this, but these speakers are just
amazing. Usually residing in my office at school, I just drop the
iPod in the slot and let the tunes flow. When I travel, it becomes
a portable boom box and travel alarm. Don't let the small speakers
fool you, the sound is amazing and easily fills any room with great
sound. This is an essential accessory for any iPod
owner.
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