Got Meebo?

I have just discovered a wonderful service called Meebo. It's a new web 2.0 site that lets you chat with users using Google Talk, Yahoo, MSN, and AOL all at once (if you are that talented)! Until now, I have used Trillian on my desktop but when I switch between computers, I don't like to have to enter my ID info. into their chat clients or change someone else's computer. Another bummer is that Trillian can't sign in to Google Talk (that I am aware of anyway). So I still had to open two chat clients, Trillian and Google Talk. Since I have friends who use all these services, having a web-based client for all these services makes life great. While creating an account is not required, doing so allows you to save your login info. for all IM systems. While there are no voice, video, or group chat features yet, the application is in beta and shows great promise for growth. If you wish, you can just keep the window open (or mnimized) and go about your usual business until someone "dings" you. It's in beta but I haven't found any issues with it. Another great freebie for now! Check it out. Enjoy!!!

The Harmony Universal 880 Remote

The Harmony 880 Universal Remote is the latest incarnation of this revolutionary remote, now owned by Logitech. This remote is easy to use and TRULY universal. Use the included USB cable to connect it to your computer. The web-based interface will take you step-by-step through the programming process. Simply enter the brands and model numbers for all the devices you want the remote to control and in minutes you have a fully programmed remote that really does control everything- TV, DVD, VCR, DVR, receiver, cable box, and whatever you can throw at it. For $250 (or less or other models), you can put your other remotes in a drawer and forget about them. REALLY! The 880 has a beautiful color screen and and different activity modes for watching TV, viewing a DVD, playing the radio, whatever. No more setting TV inputs and stereo receiver outputs every time you switch from watching TV to a DVD. Simply press a button on the remote and all devices are set to the desired settings at once. The remote runs on a rechargeable battery and comes with a charger base. This remote is the best I've ever seen and programming is easy. No more code entering. Who needs that! One remote to work everything; isn't that what we expected from those other "universal" remotes. Now "universal" really means UNIVERSAL! For the geeks, it's highly customizable too. I use it to set up my devices to connect my iPod dock to the receiver for playing tunes or watching video from the iPod.

***** (5 Stars) from Logitech

The Magellan RoadMate 760

The Magellan RoadMate 760 is a MUST for anyone who likes to explore but doesn't like to be lost. It mounts to your car windshield of your car and can provide all sorts of information you need to get where you are going. First, the GPS reciever maps your location on the planet using the U.S.'s network of 24 satellites. The included North American map (other maps available), works well and is updated yearly.

Want directions to somewhere? Simply enter an address and the RoadMate routes your path for you. Need to find an ATM, park, bank, parking lot or the all-important FOOD? You can search the available database to find one in a specified city or nearest to your location. You can even get the phone number for the nearest seafood restaurant, call for reservations, then get driving directions all from your car. Turn-by-turn directions are spoken from the built-in speakers using either a male or female voice. If you miss a turn, the RoadMate doesn't nag at you either. It automatically re-routes you to your destination from your present location. If you like to go on driving adventures or need to drive to various destinations as part of your job (e.g. realtor), you need this device. Additional maps and personal points of interests can also be saved to the device. Other models are available with lesser features and smaller price tag. Mine cost me $700 at Staples and worth every penny, especially on our recent trip to Bodega Bay in our search for the best beaches to fly a kite.
***** (5 Stars) from Magellan

Welcome!

This blog is all about technology that I recommend. While I simply can't evaluate every product on the market, I will discuss stuff that I like and use. If it is REALLY useful to me, you'll find it here. Consider me the non-geek's geek. I'll try not to geek out to much. You can always visit the included links for more info. Enjoy!