Telikin computers made for Seniors?

Hmmm.... I guess I would have to play with one of these to be convinced.

Here is a device that is featured in a recent Inc. Magazine issue (that I have been receiving for free), but some of the information is out of date.  It was a brief blurb about a computer made by a company called Telikin that makes a touchscreen computer with customized software that runs most of the internet/communication functions that is supposed to be easier for "seniors" to use.

Not endorsing this product, but just saying that it is available.  One of my concerns is always backing up data.  The company offers a $9.95 per month option.  It is not clear what it covers.

It states that they have sold computers on Newegg and SkyMall, but I do not find them being currently sold there.  They are listed on Amazon where I used to be able to link to products, but because of the recent State of California legislation requiring Amazon to collect sales tax, Amazon has terminated any commissions.

Related websites:

• Click here to go to the blurb on Inc. Magazine's website
• Official company website: http://www.telikin.com/

You can support me by subscribing to Inc. Magazine with the following simple steps:

• Click on this link to be taken to Upromise
• Click on the See Deals and Shop button
• In the next window, you can either click on Barnes and Nobles and search of Inc Magazine or copy and paste this address:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/inc-magazine?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=inc+magazine

Businessweek: Elop's Fable

Here is another interesting read about Nokia and a little (or a lot) about the partnership between that company and Microsoft.  Before reading this, I was not aware that Stephen Elop was previously with Microsoft.  He oversaw the Microsoft Office operations.

Click here to read it on the Businessweek site.

To subscribe, click below:

Zotac MAG - Interesting gadget (or toy)

Okay.  Here is a very interesting item that looks very inviting to "play" with.

It is called the Zotac MAG and what they have done is put some hardware together in what looks like a very small box that measures 7.4" x 1.5" by 7.3" and weights 3 pounds.  Here are some key points:

• It can be placed on its side or even mounted to the back of a monitor
• It comes with a dual-core Atom processor (most of the "netbook" computers only have a single)
• 2 GB of DDR2-800 memory
• A separate NVDIA graphic processor (most devices have integrated processors)
• Plenty of connections: eSATA, 6 USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI (!), WiFi, SD/MS/MS Pro/xD card reader, etc.
• 160GB hard drive
• Does not come with any OS (reports you can install Windows 7, XP, Vista, 32-bit, 64-bit, or Linux)
• It does not come with a CD/DVD drive.  You would need to load the OS directly off the internet or via USB thumb drive or other external drive.

For the size/form factor, this has all the features you would want to run most basic operations on a computer.  With the dual core, you may be able to even run some minor graphics programs.  This probably is not built for video editing.

If you are interested in buying this item, you can buy the Zotac MAG from Amazon with this link.

Spotlight on Dropbox by Forbes magazine

Forbes magazine had a nice overview of Dropbox and what people may use it for. Yeah, I am still getting it for free.  It looks like I will continue receiving it at least until October of this year.

Dropbox is a website that provides free on-line storage of any files for the first 2 GB. You will need to pay a monthly fee for space above that threshold.  The benefit of Dropbox over Google docs is that you can store picture and music files without any problems.  It also has software that will automatically sync/update files that are also on your computer.  So update the computer file and the Dropbox gets updated as well.

Interestingly, someone installed a keylogger (a program usually used by hackers to find out your passwords) on their computer which uploads the keystrokes up to Dropbox.  So if someone steals their computer, the keylogger will upload what the thief is typing.

Some people are also storing their MP3 files in their Dropbox and streaming the files live to their phone.

I am trying to rationalize the need to setup yet another account at another website with another ID/Password combination.

Click here to read the article on Forbes.com

To subscribe to Forbes magazine, click here for 1 year.

Click here to go to Dropbox.

Papa Johns lost out tonight

We were going to order pizza, but there is a programming error or something.  Even though they have a special of all large pizzas for $10 and all XL pizzas for $12 right now...

It was not easy or intuitive to get to the specials.  Once we pulled up the pizza, it would not allow us to change the type of crust or remove items.

Oh well...will need to try another day.  

Click here for the PapaJohns website 

Forbes: Cisco's Gadget Guru

I am still getting Forbes for free.  In its May 10, 2010 article, it talks about how Cisco paid $590 million for Pure Digital.  That company was run by Jonathan Kaplan and made the "Flip" video camera product line.

It is an interesting article combining household technology kind of items and how Cisco is trying to improve and increase its image among consumers.

Related websites:

• Click here to read the article
• Click here to subscribe to Forbes magazine for 1 year

Incremental costs: iPad example of fighting the rationalization game

Here's a great article about how a slippery slope can be started by starting with a basic purchase for a low-end model and then "rationalizing" yourself into buying something that costs much more.  I am sure we all do it whether it is something small like food purchases at a grocery store or larger items like appliances (microwaves, refrigerators, etc) and electronics (think TVs, cameras, computers).

Click here to read the Consumer Reports example. (How My $499 iPad Purchase Became a $1,170 Credit Card Bill)

Money Magazine: The Internet Ruined My Life

This is a really short item at the end of the January/February 2010 issue of Money Magazine by Pat Regnier about  how technology was supposed to make the author more efficient, but was doing the opposite.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to subscribe to Money (1-year) for $10.

Interesting Product: Pogoplug

I ran across an interesting Tech product called "Pogoplug" which allows you to access any USB storage device (solid or hard drive) via the internet through an internet browser.  The interesting thing about their business model is that you, the consumer pay for the device up front with no additional annual fees.  Compare this with other access companies which require you pay a yearly charge.

It currently is going for $129 on Amazon at the following link:  Pogoplug Multimedia Sharing Device.

It amazingly allows you the plug up to 4 USB devices or even more if you use a USB hub. What isn't clear is whether you can allow access to certain drives or partitions to family or friends via another ID/password. There is a "Usecase" for file sharing, but there isn't specific information on how to actually get it set up.

iPigs for iPods (and also iBoo and iPandas)

I don't have an iPod at this time (don't have a need), but here's a cute product. It's a docking station, but shaped like a Pig, Panda, or a ghost (if that's what they look like).

Here's a picture from this article: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/33598/ipig-meets-ipod/
The price is around $100 to $130 depending on the model. Remember to shop on-line through my Upromise link or purchase directly from Amazon using this link: iPigs on Amazon

Click here for Speakal, the manufacturer's website.

Investing Ideas - 20 most profitable Tech companies per Fortune

Click here for the Fortune on-line article.

In general, tech companies have very little debt so in economic downturns (such as we are in now), they can “weather the storm” as long as they can manage their expenses.

Disclaimer: as of this post, I don’t directly own or control any of the 20 companies listed.