Pick of the week

Those that know me well also know that I spend a fair bit of time browsing for new and interesting websites. I have accumulated a fairly long list of bookmarks and have spent an indecent amount of time cataloguing and cross-referencing these sites. But I rarely take the time to let others know about my discoveries. I guess a part of it is due to the fact that I wish to keep some of these gems to myself, but the main reason has to be a lack of planning associated with the dissemination of this information.

As such, I have decided to create a new column in this blog, labelled unimaginatively Pick of the week! Once a week, I will post a selection of the best sites I have discovered. This way, I can share the great discoveries that have impressed me during the week and more. At times, I may revisit classic sites that I continue to use to this day. Hopefully, I will manage to share some of what I have seen while browsing.

More to follow

A notebook by any other name...

Well, I have decided to stray from my Apple-fanism, and purchased a new computer. But not any type of computer; I have decided to take the leap and try out a new category of computer, the netbook. Of course, my first idea was to get a new MacBook, but with finances being what they are, I was left with far too little funding for anything other than a budget laptop. Since that was pretty much out of the question, I started examining these new netbooks. Being a fairly new category, most likely cooked up by some marketing-types, the netbook is essentially a sub-notebook computer. With displays ranging from 7" to 10", most of these devices are designed to be easy to carry.

Currently, the processors of choice for these devices are from Intel's Atom series. Although they are somewhat underpowered compared to many of the newer processors today, they are very, very efficient from a power consumption perspective.

After doing a bit of research through the various manufacturers websites and netbook forums, I settled on Asus. They pretty much started the trend towards these computers with their EeePC series. My biggest problem was making a selection, as Asus offers many different models. I had a few criteria to help me in my selection:

1. An actual keyboard, not some over-compressed cellphone dialpad


2. An actual hard drive with a decent capacity, rather than a first-generation flash-based hard drive


3. Decent build quality

With these points in mind, I narrowed down my choice to the 900HA or the 1000HA. The primary differences with these two devices were:

• The 900HA has a 8.9" screen, while the 1000HA has a 10.2" screen


• The 900HA has 0.3 megapixel camera, while the 1000HA has a 1.3 megapixel camera


• The 900HA has a rated battery life of 4.5 hours, while the 1000HA has a rated battery life of 7.5 hours

Another obvious trade off with the 1000HA is its larger physical dimensions and weight, but when compared, it really isn't such a huge difference. But what sealed the deal was the price; I was able to get the 1000HA for almost $50 less than the 900HA! Go figure.

I got the box home and was looking forward to trying out the little machine. Like all EeePC models, the packaging and contents are basically the same. Although the 1000HA has no CD or DVD drive, Asus conveniently provides a DVD with an image of Windows XP SP3 and drivers. It's a nice addition, although my plans included an installation of Linux on my netbook.

I will post more as I spend time using this great little device!

Online Tools review: Google Reader

A few weeks ago, as I was browsing and reading through some favourite blogs, I came across an article on improving browsing time on the Web. This article, on Lifehacker, was essentially a bunch of tips on making better use of some of the available resources that can make your time online that much more productive. As I read through the article, one tip caught my eye: use an RSS reader. As I read this entry, one suggestion was using a tool like Google Reader.

Well, being an affirmed Gmail user, I decided to see what Google Reader (or GR) was all about. And let me tell you, I am still hooked! Google Reader is a web-based RSS aggregation application, also known as an RSS reader, and what it lacks currently in aesthetics, it makes up in functionality. GR allows a user to subscribe to RSS feeds and blogs, organize these subscriptions into groups, and display the feeds. As the tool is web-based, as mentioned previously, it becomes available from any computer that is connected to the Internet. Many have indicated to the future of computing being web-based, and although I have some reservations about this concept, GR and other such tools truly belong in this category.

As I learn more about GR, I will post further information as it becomes available. Do yourself a favour and check out Google Reader!

Our new baby carriage

One of the fantastic gifts we have received from our boy's paternal Grandpa, is the Quinny Buzz stroller. Since we already had a Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat, it made sense to get a compatible stroller to make traveling that much easier. A little more on this compatibility later in the review. The stroller was delivered in a fairly large box, and since we had seen it in the store, we suspected that it was shipped folded up and in pieces.

Assembly

We unpacked all the pieces, and were pleasantly surprised to discover that the stroller itself was only in several large pieces. Everything is well padded and protected, and the stroller itself had several wraps of twine to keep it securely closed. We took out the main frame assembly, attached the rear wheels, attached the bottom basket and the front wheel and then attached the seat. That was it... My only issue was attaching the front wheel, which required quite a strong grip to squeeze and push into the frame. I don't believe that my wife would have the strength required to do this on her own. Otherwise, a pretty painless assembly, and we were ready to verify how all the accessories worked. We got ours in red, as seen below, but Quinny has several other colours available:


Contents of box

1. Quinny Buzz Carriage frame


2. Quinny Buzz seat


3. Raincover for seat


4. Bug/mosquito net for seat


5. Canopy


6. Wind protector for canopy


7. Adapters for car seat (2, left and right)

Changes from 2007-2008 model

After looking at the whole thing, we noticed a few changes from the model we had seen in stores. First of all, there is a plastic clip to lock the frame in the closed position, which is nice. It still allows one-handed opening of the stroller, but provides added security. We also noted the addition of a pocket on the back of the seat which is not something we had noticed before. One of the fantastic features that remains is seat, which is probably the most comfortable I have ever felt. If includes an adjustable backrest that reclines almost flat, adjustable footrest and is covered by a removable and washable seat cover. The seat can be inserted to face both inside and outside, and the stroller itself features quick-release (a single button) wheels, a height adjustable handle, footbrake and a removable and turnable safety bar. Now that's a lot of features before we even get to the accessories.

Accessories

As I mentioned previously, we received a full complement of accessories with the stroller, which include:


Canopy

We installed the canopy, which simply snaps onto the frame of the seat. As such, its height can be adjusted by sliding up and down on the frame. I have seen more substantial canopies, but this one seems suited to the seat. It provides a top peek-a-boo window at the top, and not much more. It is reasonably stiff, and can be adjusted easily.

Rain cover

The rain cover is designed to fit completely over the seat, with the canopy installed. A two way zipper makes the installation easier, allowing the canopy to be easily wrapped around the seat. An elastic box section at the foot wraps right around the bottom portion of the seat, providing excellent protection from splashes from below. Once installed, the zipper can be opened in the other direction, to allow venting at the top. There are also some ventilation holes on each side of the rain cover, at face level.

Bug net

The bug net, much like the rain cover, is designed to fit right around the seat, but zips into the front of the canopy, rather than fitting right over it. The bottom portion has several zippers to allow for different lengths; it is an ingenious way to make sure that the bug net always fits neatly.

Wind protector

This small side shield zips into the canopy and provides a very small level of additional protection. To be perfectly honest, this could have just been designed into the canopy to begin with. We both do not foresee much use for this accessory. It is easy enough to install, but seems too small to actually provide any additional protection.

Adapter for the car seat

For those who use the Maxi-Cosi car seat, some adapters are provided to allow this seat to be used in conjunction with the Quinny Buzz frame. To use, simply remove the original seat, line up the frame slots, insert the adapters, then simply clip the car seat in. The seat only fits in the rear facing position, but this is probably the safest. We have found that with our newborn, being able to use the car seat on the stroller frame has made going out a lot simpler, even using public transit. We just separate the car seat from the frame, fold the frame, and each of us takes a piece. With the adapter in place, the car seat just clicks into and out of the Quinny Buzz frame:


In Use

So far, we have been very satisfied with the Quinny Buzz. It is a real joy to roll around, is very maneuverable, lightweight and convenient. Although the front wheel includes a lock to prevent the wheels from swiveling, we both found that using it made pushing the stroller only harder. Another note on the front wheel, which seems to be a pet peeve for me; the front wheel material is simply terrible foam rubber, which in my opinion, is entirely worthless as a tire material. In our first walk, small stones had already cut into the tire and left it looking quite worn. Our first walk!!! I am already looking into replacing this tire with a solid rubber wheel of the same diameter. It is my impression that this would make for an even smoother ride. We have both found the basket that hangs below the frame a little small, but it will the baby's bag, and I am happy with that.

Aside from that one issue with the front wheel, and the small basket, the Buzz has really met our expectations. Many people have already asked us about it, and we get glances all the time. As my wife pointed out, it is rather futuristic, and that always draws the eye. It's probably what drew my eye in the first place. We will add more information as our experience grows!

Bike accessory alert!

I realized something the other day; I can't wear both my camera bag and my CamelBak at the same time. And since I love to ride, I thought that I might take advantage of the weather to go take some pictures. I did not want to add a rack to my sweet ride, but the other day, I spotted this one in a small bike store in Ottawa:

Made by Axiom, the model is called the Journey, is offered in silver and black, in a four-bolt or quick-release version (QR), mounting to the seatpost rather than the bike frame! I find that the QR version is exactly what I've been looking for! Of course, this method of attachment does reduce the useful load to 15kg, which is still ample for my needs. With a small fitted bag to carry my gear, this would allow me to continue to carry my CamelBak while riding (I can't go back to regular water bottles now, I'm spoiled!)

After seeing the construction quality of this rack in person, as well as the very, very reasonable price (around $45CAN), I think I've been convinced to make a purchase.

Insects in Canada

I've always been fascinated by insects, as I believe many people are, from a very young age. And Canada is a fascinating country for insects, if you take a moment to look. Here is a little fellow that was climbing just outside my place the other evening:


For those who might be traveling to Montreal, Canada, be certain to check the Montreal Insectarium (on the grounds of the Montreal Botanical Gardens). Well worth the visit to see the fabulous collection of bugs.

Otherwise, take a moment to look around your place, and I'm sure you'll find some interesting bugs!

After some time with my Canon 40D

I've been using my Canon 40D for a few months now, and I can safely say that I have been extremely satisfied with the performance of this camera. It has performed without any issue for over 5000 shots now, and I keep finding new ways to use it every day. I'm glad that I made the decision for a smaller than full-frame camera body; I find that I enjoy the 1.6x factor on the lens I use. Of course, this does have an effect on the overall width of any wide angle lens that I use, but I did expect that.

I have noticed dust buildup on the sensor, and since I have not yet purchased a cleaning system, I tend to keep my shots at wide open aperture, to reduce the appearance of dust. I highly recommend to every DSLR user to use a nice clear sky to their advantage and take a shot with the aperture shut as tight as possible. The resulting image, when focused on infinity will bring out all dust particles on the image sensor (well, actually, on the filter over the image sensor assembly!). Here is a result, after months of use, with a zoom lens, which acts like a "dust vacuum":


Take a closer look at the image above to see the dust particles, particularly on the top left side of the image. I will need to investigate the various cleaning systems available to clean DSLR image sensors. But that's a topic for another day.

As I mentioned, the 40D has performed without any problems, but this does not mean that there are not things that I might change to improve this already fabulous camera. My number one complaint has to do with the power button, which I find inconveniently placed, and with the two positions, I find myself a little more confused than anything. My second concern is with the placement of the operation buttons below the LCD screen. I find that the buttons have a tendency to get pushed when the camera is worn on a strap. I think that this could be resolved by returning the buttons to the left side of the LCD. I have also sided with others with regards to the LCD itself. It was nice of Canon to include a 3 inch display, but it would have been nice for them to include a high resolution display. As things stand, Nikon's LCD displays are FAR superior, for the same level of camera. In a future version of this camera model, I expect that this will be changed.

I will continue to use this camera with great pleasure, and will comment on further use in the future. Bye for now, I'm off to take some night pictures!