"Nothing says 'I Love You' like six times the mobile backhaul capacity." One word, NICE!

"Being a "Double E" (EE: Electrical Engineering) major in college, I was once told that it takes two E's to spell "Geek". That never offended me. I've embraced the geek that lives within. I say "within" because I don't look the part. Most people don't believe I'm an engineer and look surprised when I talk "tech speak". This is mainly because I actually love talking to people and wear tailored suits.

My point. Don't be fooled: "Tech Got Game!"

Most people believe that technology has its place during Christmas and birthdays but not for romantic special days such as Valentine's Day and wedding anniversaries. I beg to differ... if done right and for the right person. In other words choose wisely and don't do it for yourself.

Here are 5 tech gift ideas and why I believe they can work for your Valentine's Day or Night.

1. Geek Panties: They speak geek in an everyday flirtatious and naughty way; www.thinkgeek.com/interests/valentines/a09b/
2. The Hug Shirt: Doesn't look like tech but adds another level to intimacy. And technology just needs a hug. Get it?; www.cutecircuit.com/products/wearables/thehugshirt/
3. Flames Candles: Use your energy on things other than lighting candles and worrying about a fire; www.flamelesscandles.net/
4. Social Networking Pillows: Though social networking is tech, everybody's doing it and they like it; www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-networking-pillows
5. Tweet Me Candies: These candies worked back in the day. Why not today; www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/2010-01-19-tweet-me_N.htm

Leave a comment and share your ideas. For some more "not ready for TV" ideas, send a direct message on Twitter (@DenityConcierge).

Just in case you missed it "Nothing says 'I Love You' like six times the mobile backhaul capacity." I had to say it, again.

"Hug the shore; let others try the deep" - Virgil

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“Technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

I firmly believe that you should finish what you start. I also believe that you should tap out when you are overmatched. That means you should assess a situation properly before you engage yourself. For example, during my last visit to IHOP, I seriously considered taking on their unlimited pancakes "challenge." It's not really a challenge but I'm a serious competitor so I saw the word "challenge" in the imaginary fine print. HOW-ever, the voice of reason asked my voice of stupidity: “Where do you really see this going and do really think you can get there?” I then reflected on the numerous plates of Short Stacks drowned in syrup that have been orphaned by me over my hall of fame IHOP career. As Oran "Juice Jones said: "I chilled. That's right. I chilled." I knew I would lose the fictitious challenge.

Speaking of quiting. It's New Year's resolution time. This is the time when you tell the 12 months in front of you things like you will spend less money on crack... I mean Starbucks coffee.

One common resolution is to "Get Organized". I personally feel that if this is on your list, it should be #1. How can you accomplish any other resolutions if you aren't organized? Just doesn't make sense to me. Thus, I'll bless you with 3 quick tech tips that may give you an extra bullet for your gun. And for the Gilbert Areneas's out there who don't know when's the appropriate time to pull out your gun, JUST ACCEPT DEFEAT NOW!

Email and Calendar are usually the culprits behind any life that has become frustratingly disorganized. Seamless access, management and synchronization are the key to getting things done and living life right.

• Chances are you have a phone and a computer that you use to get your email. If so, try to take advantage of IMAP email services option instead of POP3 when available. If you use POP3 on all your devices/computers, you probably have noticed that when you read and/or deleted messages those changes don't show up on all of your other devices/computers. IMAP eliminates that.

• Consider using Google Calendar as your main calendar, even if you have a calendar provided by your company. Google has made it easy to sync their calendar with almost all internet connected devices. With the right software and/or settings, you should be able to have all your calendars and devices sync to ONE calendar.

• Lastly, use an internet based To-Do list. More specifically, use one that can link or sync with your calendar. Your calendar and To-Do list should know what the other has going on. If not, how can you “To-Do” something if you don’t have the time to do it? Reqall is an example of a To-Do application that syncs with Google Calendar.

As always, when in doubt consider hiring a trusted PROFESSIONAL to help you get your life in order.

Be well.

"And if you see me, smile and maybe give me a hug. That's important to me too."  - Jim Valvano

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“Technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

You're waiting until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping because you're afraid of getting punched in the face, you're waiting to get a good deal on discontinued Tiger Woods apparel or you're just lazy like me. (On that note, "lazy" is the perfect word to explain why the "Hug" blog as been absent for over a month. Please, forgive me.)

In case you didn't know, I like things cheap, especially my thrills. I firmly believe that you can always get things and have a good time for less than what you think. The only thing I'm passionate about not being cheap are my suits. But this is a technology blog so I won't digress.

I have come across many so called "Last Minute Gift Guides". They are indeed "last minute" as well as "gift guides." However, I personally believe that many of them are advertisements in disguise or recommend stuff that people really don't need. In other words, they are either selling something or pushing "cool" stuff that has nothing to do with your life. I've picked one list called "17 Last-Minute Holiday Deals Under $100" from ElectronicHouse.com. I'm going to give you a simple "Nope" or "Yup" to indicate whether I think it's worth considering. Please note that pricing may have changed since the orginal posting of the list. My nopes and yups will factor in the pricing mentioned in the guide.

17 Last-Minute Holiday Deals Under $100

• Logitech Harmony 520 Remote for $40: Only $40 (re-certified) from TigerDirect.com.  Price drops to $35 if you use Google Checkout - YUP! I'm a fan of anything labeled "Logitech Harmony". Universal remotes are a must and Logitech Harmony remotes are easy to setup and use.

• 1900mAH External Battery Pack for iPhones & iPods for $10 from HandHelditems.com - Yup. The battery life on the iPhone stinks. Enough said.

• Linksys Wireless-N Router for $30 from TigerDirect.com - Yup. Only because it's $30. You probably don't have Wireless-N devices that would benefit from it.

• Maxell 16x DVD-R Discs for $19.79 from Buy.com - Nope. Their argument is the discs could be used to backup data. I say spend a little more and get an external hard drive for that.

• Belkin Surge Protector for $20 from Newegg.com (Coupon Code BELKIN1231) - Yup. Only if you don't plan to use it for your sexy new HDTV.

• When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions (Amazon Video On-Demand) from Amazon.com (coupon Code BLASTOFF) - Yup. Seriously, it's free. What else do I need to say?

• 3 Pack of 6-Foot HDMI Cables for $7 from: Meritline.com (Coupon Code MLC1933503120733N) - Yup. Have you seen what Best Buy and Radio Shack charge for HDMI cables.

• Halo 3 Legendary Edition for $40 from Newegg.com - Yup. If you know what Halo 3 is, buy it.

• Sega Genesis Firecore System for $25 from Buy.com - Yup. If you're like me and think game console controllers have WAY too many buttons, it's time to go back to the "classics".

• SlySoft Software (20-40% off SlySoft software, including AnyDVD, AnyDVD HD (with support for Blu-ray discs), CloneDVD, and the rest of the catalog) from SlySoft.com - Nope. The average person can get away with the free applications out there.

• Wii-mote Steering Wheel for $1.99 from Meritline.com - Yup. Love the Wii.

• Microsoft Certified Windows Media Center Remote for $29 from Newegg - Yup. Why not. It's only $29 and it can be useful.

• iTunes Holiday Sampler for Free from iTunes - Yup. FREE!

• Video Cards - Nope. They listed 3 video cards for computers. You usually don't buy these for people. They buy them for themselves.

• TrendNet 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for $15 from Newegg - Yup & Nope. $15 for Gigabit Ethernet Switch is cheap. But once again, this usually isn't something you give as a gift.

Wait for it. Wait for it... Shameless plug coming: If you need any assistance with purchasing your gadget and electronics gifts, Denity can help you choose the right gift and find the best price. The money and time saved typically pay for our services. That doesn't include our exclusive discounts and your peace of mind.

Be well.

“Oh, I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug 10 people at a time!” -  Drew Barrymore

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“Technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

A couple of weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a few colleagues and I said that my favorite thing in the world to do is laugh. One of them questioned back and said "even more than sex." Before I could even respond to that, the other person said "you can laugh with anybody." I wasn't looking for any extra reinforcement of my position but that response pretty much sealed it for me.

My affinity for laughter ties into the 3 things that I believe are instinctive:

1. To survive
2. To eat
3. To be entertained

Instinctive doesn't mean perfect "execution" and everyone's instincts are expressed differently. During tough times, especially economic, people tend to ignore or resist #3. Entertainment isn't considered essential because lack of it won't kill you like the first two. Conversely, through out every culture's existence, you will find prominent examples of entertainment that are significant parts of that culture. That's not by coincidence. We want to be entertained.

During this holiday shopping season, I encourage you to take advantage of the many promotions and sales on home entertainment devices to cater to your embedded need to enjoy life. This can also present an opportunity to have your family spend more time together and make each other laugh.

Here are three things that I strongly recommend you consider adding to your home, pocket or purse.

1. Any device that allows you to have access to your Netflix "Watch It Now" on your TV. In my post "How To Be A Player", I shared my thoughts on my favorite device. That was several months but I still stand by that. The only thing that has changed is that it seems that this feature is being built in to a new device every week. So, you have more options.
2. A media server. You should have a dedicated and networked device (usually a computer) that allows you to store all your media files (photos, music and videos) in a single location. This will allow access to these files from any computer or media extender/player on your home network. Centralized entertainment has many benefits (see #3).
3. Software (mobile app) that allows you to store music, videos, photos or ebooks on your smartphone. Alternatively, if you have a media server or always-on computer, you should consider a mobile app that lets you access ("stream") media remotely. Think of it as on-demand access to personal entertainment.

There's nothing wrong with having fun. Invest in yourself. It costs nothing to laugh.

If you would like more specific information or personalized services, please leave a comment or visit our "Contact Denity" page.

"Hugging has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural.  There are no batteries to replace, it's inflation-proof and non-fattening with no monthly payments.  It's non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable."  -Author Unknown

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“technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

serving the washington, dc metro area

Marvin Gaye could've been talking about me. He probably knew that I keep music with me at all times and can step in for a "weak" DJ at a moment's notice. Music can change my whole mode. It's in the same family as Georgetown Basketball, Baltimore Ravens Football and crab cakes. So, if I have my iPod and a crab cake when Georgetown beats Villanova on the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday (February 7, 2010) and the Ravens win the Super Bowl, I will have a big Kool-Aid smile on my mug for several months... probably, at least a year!

So yesterday, I was listening to XM Radio and they started talking about another "stage jacking" at the Video Music Awards. They weren't  talking about Kanye West. Despite my love for music, I don't watch ANY awards shows. So, I had no idea what they were talking about. I looked it up and found that they were talking Lil Mama jumping on stage while Jay-Z and Alicia Keys were performing "Empire State of Mind."

I could tell just from the Google search headlines that this may have been career suicide for Lil Mama because Jay-Z wasn't happy about her stunt. I'm sure she didn't see this coming. That's no surprise because most people don't see death or other major life events coming.

With that said, it's important that you have a digital plan that leaves you and your family prepared for the inevitable or unexpected. Here are 5 tips:

1. Scan all your key vital documents (Social Security card, Passport, drivers license, birth certificate, etc.) into a digital file that you can store on you computer or thumb drive.
2. Maintain a free permanent email address, e.g. Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc. If you have to relocate, you may not be able to keep your job or ISP email account, e.g. Cox.net, Comcast.net, Earthlink.net, etc.
3. Your cell phone should not be the only place where your contacts and calendar are stored. What happens if your phone is lost or if you have a T-Mobile Sidekick.
4. Store another copy of those electronic copies of your vital files in a location away from home. There are a lot of remote options out there. You could also email them to your permanent email account.
5. If there are other people depending on you, make sure they have a way to access your key online accounts (banking, utilities, etc.). That may mean storing all of your user names and passwords in one place or electronic file and giving that to someone you trust with your life but doesn't have a "dog in the fight."

I like to tell the students that I work with to take care of themselves and each other. You should do the same for youself and your family.

"A hug is two hearts wrapped in arms."  -Unknown

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“technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

serving the washington, dc metro area

The above is an excerpt from an article by Gordon Crovitz of the Wall Street Journal. The article is about how life, law and technology are rarely on the same page. Consequently (according to Harvey Silverglate), we all commit an average of 3 felonies each and every day.

I'm not going to judge you nor am I going to attempt to try explain the theory. I was going to try to but I realized that I probably would commit perjury or obstruct some type of justice. So I'll just share the article with you.

Link: "You Commit Three Felonies a Day"

"Have you hugged yourself today?"  -Anonymous

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“technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

serving the washington, dc metro area

I like to tell people that my tombstone will say: "He always wanted to be somewhere else." That's my way of making it known that I like to travel. Like the Ringling Brothers, I take my show state to state and country to country. I may be able to do both depending on the state. Don't judge me. Some states just have a very diverse population and others seem to not have gotten the memo that the Constitution has been ratified. But, I digress.

When I do travel, I like to be "productive." Now, what that means depends on the nature of my excursion. Most people only think of work when they think of productivity. I also consider being properly entertained as being productive. Since my veins are made of copper wire and my heart is really a battery, productivity usually involves some type of technology gadget or application. I maintain a mobile office and entertainment center, so I can set up shop at a moment's notice almost anywhere I go. You may not be as wired and juiced as me but you most certainly have a heavy dependency on keyboards, LCD screens, blinking lights and earphones.

Now, let's say you have your productivity "fly-away kit" all ready and optimized for your business or personal trip across the border or overseas. What would you do or, better yet, how would your trip or life be affected if your sexy toy box (not that one) was taken from you for 15-30 days? The Department of Homeland Security has the legal right to seize and search any electronic data storing device that you take in or out of the country. This can include a laptop, cell phone, flash drive, or smartphone. That means not only will you be without your toys, a complete stranger could be peeping in on (or making unauthorized copies of) your personal & business documents, videos, music and photos. You know how you get down so think about that for a second. All you need to do is hop on Facebook to see how incriminating, literally and figuratively, electronic media can be.

I'm not saying this to scare you or to take a political stance. I'm not into politics (remember what I said about healthcare). I just want you to be prepared. "You're the quarterback, I'm just hear to protect you." Besides the advice below, I highly recommend you maintain backups of all important electronic files that you may travel with and also put in place a means to access them if needed. Depending on your needs and the types of files, this may or may not be a sophisticated task. You should consider consulting a technology professional if this is a major concern for you (I know a really good one.)

Remember:

1. No evidence is needed to take your devices.
2. Anything can be searched.
3. Your device might not be returned right away.
4. Don't take anything you don't want to share.
5. Be cooperative.

I highly recommend that you do your own research. Do a web search on "laptop border rules". Laptops are the main point of focus but the rules apply to much more.

"A hug is a smile with arms, a laugh with a stronger grip."  -The Quote Garden

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“technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

serving the washington, dc metro area

Back in the day, last month, the other day or last night, you and a friend probably had to come to an agreement. Who's going to "talk to" the friend? For men, the guy that talks to the friend is called the "wingman." I have no idea if there is an equivalent for women. Regardless, if there is or isn't, decisions have to be made. Some times they have to be made on a moment's notice with little or no information.

Upon first glance, it may appear that the "wing" (man or woman) is getting a raw deal. But, there are a lot of factors like individual tastes, needs, number of drinks, lighting, etc., that can flip things all around. The same can be said about buying technology products or services. Everything isn't for everybody. You need to know what everything means, what your preferences are and what's really important in the long run.

Here are a few quick morsels to munch on, some new and some refreshers:

1. Internet Speed: Megabytes per second (MBps) and Megabits per second (Mbps) aren't the same. It will take 8 Megabits (Mb) to equal 1 Megabyte (MB). Hard drives and RAM are sold in MB's but your internet speed is sold in Mb's (per second).  Nowadays, shoot for at least 5 Mbps (download).
2. TV: Which is better cable or satellite? There's no clear winner. As I have said before, it depends on your preferences. Each has it's pros and cons.
3. Plasma or LCD: First consider the size you would like. Plasmas usually don't go lower than 37" and LCD's usually get relatively expensive above 50". Then, consider your budget. If your budget and size requirements fall into the overlap between the LCD & plasma, you now need to consider the type of room it will be in and what you will be using it for.
4. 720p or 1080p: Yes, 1080p is "better" than 720p. However, 720p produces a great picture. 1080p is much more common since I wrote "Should You Potty Train Your New HDTV?" If it is an option, you can get a great deal on a great HDTV.
5. iPhone or BlackBerry: If you hate AT&T, the decision is easy. The iPhone is only on AT&T. So, the iPhone is out. Otherwise, go play with an iPhone and see if you can handle not having a physical keyboard. If it's for business, talk to your company's IT department (that could be you) and see which do they support.
6. Palm Pre: The Pre is Palm's last ditch effort to become relevant again in the smartphone game. The Treo had a good run but Palm rode that horse too long. They got squashed by the iPhone and BlackBerry. Fortunately, Palm finally came back strong! It's only on Sprint but it's worth a look.
7. Netbooks: "Netbook" is nothing but a marketing term. It's still a computer, a small computer. Just like a golf cart is just a small car. A golf cart can get you around but it's not built for heavy lifting or being your primary vehicle. You make significant sacrifices. The same applies for netbooks.
8. Megapixels: If "netbook" is a marketing term, "megapixels" is a marketing campaign. Do you remember what I said about megapixels?
9. Mac or Windows: I'll make this simple. Go with what you're comfortable with. If you know nothing about computers, go with a Mac. If you know what you're doing or have IT support, go with Windows. Generally, Mac for Home. Windows for work.
10. Coke or Pepsi: I don't drink soda so I can't help you on this one.

"A hug is a great gift - one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange."

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