Virtualization Software

As much as I'd like to use Mac OS X for everything, there are just some things that are not (yet) available on the Mac. This includes firmware updates for my Garmin Forerunner 305, mapping software for my iQue 3600, etc. In addition, certain websites just don't work on my browsers. With the switch to Intel, it was only a matter of time before companies started developing virtualization software for the Mac; this is different than emulation as the instruction set isn't emulated and goes right to the processor resulting in excellent performance. Recently Apple announced Boot Camp with isn't virtualization software, but allows an Intel based Mac to dual boot into Windows. This isn't very interesting to me as I only need to pop into Windows once in awhile and if I have to reboot, might as well just boot my Windows machine that I control via Windows Remote Desktop. Right after Apple announced Boot Camp, a product called
Parallels was released. I installed the trial on the Intel iMac I have on my desk, installed Fedora Core 5 and was amazed at the performance. I then installed Windows XP, but since I have an OEM version for my Dell, I can't activate it on another CPU and fully test it. However, they're offering a pre-order price of $39.99 vs. $49.99, so I couldn't pass this up. Even at $49.99, it is a bargain. However, now I need to find an inexpensive copy of the full Windows XP so that I don't have to use my Windows machine. (Right now Parallels doesn't handle USB devices attached to the Mac, but if the speed at which they're putting out betas is any indication, I think that by the time I get my MacBook Pro, that will be worked out.)

While I don't want to run Windows, at least this software will allow me to run it easily without having to start my Windows machine (which also means that I'll be able to use it when I'm away from home).

Spoiled by EVDO

For the last year, I've had an EVDO wireless card on Sprint (Sierra Wireless AirCard 580). I use it occasionally when I travel (I don't travel all that much) and it comes in handy. When I was in San Francisco for MacWorld, the hotel's WiFi had such poor speed, I shared my connection with a co-worker. I haven't used 1xRTT in such a long time, I forgot how slow it was. When we got to Kona in Hawaii, I pulled out the card to use it to get some info on stuff to do. Turns out, all we get is 1xRTT which almost seems painfully slow. I've definitely been spoiled by the high speed of EVDO (1xEVDO to be specific, faster EVDO is coming). When I get my MacBook Pro, hopefully a USB or ExpressCard EVDO modem will be available as I don't know what I'd do without it.

How did I survive without GPS navigation?

When I was growing up, my dad taught me to read a map, so I've never had a problem navigating to an unknown location. With the advent of GPS navigation units, is there a need to learn how to read a map? Possibly, but it is significantly diminished.

Several years ago, I got a Garmin iQue 3600 to test compatibility with our product and started using it for navigation around town. I soon started depending on it for getting to places I didn't know. I had to send the unit to a co-worker and soon realized that I couldn't get along with out it. After looking at a few alternatives, I determined that the device was the lowest priced portable GPS navigation system I could find. Last night we arrived in Hawaii for our vacation and I had already put in the address for where we were staying. It was very dark and the signage wasn't very good, but the iQue got us close to our destination without incident (the street addresses seem a little weird and the exact address wasn't in the device). It took us on what I've now determined to be an odd route, but it got us where we needed to go. I also entered a few other addresses and it, as usual, has performed flawlessly. I'm not sure what I'd do without it.

(It now seems that I'm a Garmin household with the Forerunner and the iQue 3600; I even convinced my dad to get an iQue 3600.)

Audiobooks, do they get a bad rap?

When I first heard about Audible.com and other companies capitalizing on audiobooks that have been around for years for those that have difficulty seeing and for those that drive a lot (typically), I didn't think much of it as I thought books should be read. I've always associated audiobooks with older people and could never see myself listening to one. A few weeks ago, my wife and I were at a party and I was talking to a fellow runner. She said that she listened to audiobooks while running and that got me thinking. Somehow I had collected The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Lost Light from audible through some free promotion. I loaded both books on my iPod, and was almost instantly hooked. I wanted to run even more to keep listening to the books. Now I'm on a quest to find more audiobooks either from the library or through audible.