PAPER BOOKS CONVERGE TO E-BOOKS : KINDLE DX

1. We have been hearing often in our offices, in the forums, in various visionary speeches from bosses about a paperless office. I heard this word for the first time in late 90's when the company I was working in, the CEO gave a mention about a paperless office. The word induced internal laughs amongst most of the audience of how is it possible?

2. Slowly over a period of time, now 10 years, the thing doesn't look inconceivable. To add to the various options available today in form of e-mails, web sites, mobiles etc.....the latest IN thing is KINDLE DX from Amazon. The gadget is shown in the pic inset.

3. Recently read about the same in the June issue of Digit. It also mentioned about how the biggest library of the world ie British Library is putting in lots of effort in digitizing books available presently on its shelves. It has put up four giant scanners, working for last 2 years with the help of a 21 MP camera clicking all the way while a robotic arm turns them.

4. The configuration of this KINDLE Dx is as follows :

- Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

- Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents

- Beautiful Large Display: 9.7" diagonal e-ink screen reads like real paper; boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and sharp images

- Auto-Rotating Screen: Display auto-rotates from portrait to landscape as you turn the device so you can view full-width maps, graphs, tables, and Web pages

- Built-In PDF Reader: Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go

- Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle DX, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, no annual contracts, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots

- Books In Under 60 Seconds: You get free wireless delivery of books in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

- Long Battery Life: Read for days without recharging

- Read-to-Me: With the text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book's rights holder made the feature unavailable.

Buy a Keyboard : Get a Computer

1. When you buy a computer,you buy a keyboard : LOGIC UNDERSTOOD.

2. When you buy a Keyboard,you get a computer : LOGIC NOT UNDERSTOOD.

3. Let me explain Para 2.Asus has come up with a EEE Keyboard which is actually a PC with a typical QWERTY keyboard,minus NUM PAD.In place of the numpad ,we get a 5 inch,800 x 400 resolution touch screen.

4. Keyboard is equipped with a Intel Atom Processor,16 GB SSD,1 GB Memory,VGA & HDMI OUTS,a few USB Ports and support for WiFi and Blue tooth.

5. Cost : Approx 24K to be launched in June 09 : INDIA

THE 'G' Family : 0G to 4G

1. The ‘G’ (0G,1G,2G,2.5G,2.75G,3G,4G) family that has now become, originally started with mobile telephone service MTS in the US in 1946 (ie 0G) followed by Analog Communication standards in 1980s(ie 1G). One of the largely used 1G based service in earlier 80s was NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone) that was used in Nordic countries, Switzerland, Netherlands, Eastern Europe and Russia.

2. 2G (or 2-G) is short for second-generation wireless telephone technology and these were commercially launched on the GSM standard in Finland in early 90s. Three elemental benefits of 2G networks were :

(a) Phone conversations were digitally encrypted.

(b) More efficient on the spectrum allowing for far greater mobile phone penetration levels

(c) 2G introduced data services for mobile, starting with SMS text messages.

The main 2G standards are:

• GSM (TDMA-based)
• IS-95 aka cdmaOne , (CDMA-based, commonly referred as simply CDMA in the US
• PDC (TDMA-based), used exclusively in Japan
• iDEN (TDMA-based), proprietary network used by Nextel in the United States and Telus Mobility in Canada
• IS-136 aka D-AMPS, (TDMA-based, commonly referred as simply TDMA in the US

3. 2.5G is considered to be a way between 2G & 3G cellular wireless technologies. The term "second and a half generation" is used to describe 2G-systems that have implemented a packet switched domain (Packet switching is a network communications method that groups all transmitted data, irrespective of content, type, or structure into suitably-sized blocks, called packets.) in addition to the circuit switched domain(a circuit switching network is one that establishes a circuit between nodes and terminals before the users may communicate, as if the nodes were physically connected with an electrical circuit.) This got famously known as GPRS and was able to provide data rates from 56 kbit/s up to 114 kbit/s.

4. 2.75G actually meant to refer the EDGE technology ie Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution, as the name suggests allows improved data transmission rates as an extension on top of standard GSM. EDGE can carry data speeds up to 236.8 kbit/s. There is also something known as evolved EDGE which is a further extension over EDGE wherein Peak bit-rates of up to 1Mbit/s and typical bit-rates of 400kbit/s are supported.

5. 3G is the third generation of telecommunication hardware standards and general technology for mobile networking, superseding 2.75G. This would be able to provide even higher transmission rates that would range from a minimum speed of 2Mbit/s to a maximum of 14.4Mbit/s for stationary users, and 348 kbit/s in a moving vehicle.

6. 4G is the short term for fourth-generation wireless, the stage of broadband mobile communications that will supplant the third generation (3G). While neither standards bodies nor carriers have concretely defined or agreed upon what exactly 4G will be, it is expected that end-to-end IP and high-quality streaming video will be among 4G's distinguishing features. Fourth generation networks are likely to use a combination of WiMAX and WiFi.

7. I was curious to know about all the G’s and have written in brief of what I have understood very clearly and read from Wiki and other good sources.Thanks Wiki again!

GSM vs CDMA & Open Market Handset

1. In recent times, another field that has been buzzing vibrantly apart from IT is the world of mobiles and tele-communications. I have somehow always endeavored to be updated on computers and IT…..but this field is also a very concerning field to dig and poke into.

2. So the first thing of interest to me was to know as to why in India, CDMA has not been such a huge success as in west.Why GSM has been given the lead in handsets. Why is it that a CDMA subscriber has a limited choice of handsets and a GSM subscriber has a variety to choose from? To be with stats, of the 376.12 million mobile subscriber base(ex INDIA only) only 97.77 million use CDMA network.(Pic Inset courtesy : www.mobiletor.com)

3. CDMA services were launched in the year 2002 in India with the sole intention of acquiring a sizeable subscriber base by allowing the customers to affordable devices with minimum features like color screen and FM Radio. In order to attain this aim,the OEMs then introduced handsets that could be used only with their networks. More distinctly I remember RELIANCE doing the brunt of the job. But that was in 2002.Over last seven years, the times have commuted, the customer’s desires have changed, the technology has changed, the psych of the intended customer has changed for better. He has become ready to shelve out some money for more features and why not? With the introduction of handsets like Nokia 5800,LG Cookie and Samsung Pixon, the customer is likely to be enticed!!!!!!!!!!!

4. Those customers who got into the CDMA tag over the years have had no problem with the services proffered, the price of the calls, all is OK except for the problem that they have to persist in with the same handset for so long as there is no choice in the CDMA segment. But not now……OEMs of the handsets have started coming up with new generation handsets which support both GSM and CDMA in one. The most common handset manufacturers that come first to mind include NOKIA,SAMSUNG,LG,VIRGIN,MOTOROLA and now more promising Indianised manufacturers include FLY,GEE PEE,X FONE,LEMON,MAGICON(I am certain u have heard none of them)

5. So the good thing about the CDMA subscribers is the introduction of OMH ie Open Market Handset started by the CDMA development group which is an international body comprising CDMA Operators, manufacturer’s and application providers. This body enables full boasted CDMA devices to be used in any OMH compliant operator network. Thus the Bandhan of constraining to one operator and OEM is no more rifer.

ANOTHER FIRST HANDSHAKE : OFFICE 2010

1. After a week long handshake with Windows 7 and some interaction with my microsoft acquaintance who told me further about release of beta version of Office 2010.So being on leave allows me to explore this also.So I downloaded the same today and for the first time the software installed on Windows 7 smoothly in about 20 minutes.....i don't know why it took so long.

2. The beta release of the software is known as Technical Preview Office 2010.

3. A quick glance on all of the packages in form of Word,Powerpoint etc gave a glance of new features and few new menu's,though not yet explored look good.....will give some insight in days to come

WINDOWS 7 : MY FIRST HANDSHAKE-4 - THE SNIPPING TOOL

1. This one is surely going to be one of the most HIT feature of Windows 7.This feature allows users to capture , edit and share information of web and local pictures (images).Snipping allows you to send the capture image/text to anyone using the option listed on the menu options.This allows user to save the selected portion in any of the formats PNG,GIF,JPEG & MHT.

2. To explain it in a simpler way.What we used to earlier till Vista when we wanted a screen shot.Four steps :

- Press print screen

- Go to Paint Brush

- Do paste

- Save in desired format

3. This is now replaced by one click on the snipping tool...all steps done in one click.No print screen,no opening of paint brush,no paste,no saving.So time saved is time gained.

WINDOWS 7 : MY FIRST HANDSHAKE-3- THE PASSWORD RESET DISK

1. When you protect your Windows 7 user account by assigning a password to it, you have the option of creating a password hint.(NOTHING NEW). Windows 7 displays the password hint if you enter an incorrect password. If you didn’t save a password hint, or if you can’t remember the password even with the help of the hint, you can reset your password—but only if you have created a password reset disk(THE NEW THING). I used to earlier do this with a GATE CRASH CD.You can create this disk on either a USB flash drive or a floppy disk, but not on a CD. Don't think you will ever lose or forget your password? It might sound unlikely, but it can happen, especially in an environment that requires you to change your password on a regular basis. Creating a password reset disk is a simple precaution that might save you a lot of grief.

2. To create a password reset disk:

a. Connect a USB flash drive, or insert a disk into your computer's floppy disk drive.

b. In Control Panel, click User Accounts and Family Safety, and then click User Accounts. Then in the Tasks list, click Create a password reset disk.

c. The Forgotten Password wizard starts.

d. On the Welcome page, click Next.

e. On the Create a Password Reset Disk page, select the USB flash drive or floppy disk drive you want to use, and then click Next.

f. On the Current User Account Password page, enter the password you use to log on to Windows 7, and then click Next.

g. When the progress bar displays 100% complete, click Next. Then on the Completing the Forgotten Password Wizard page, click Finish.

3. To reset your password by using a password reset disk:

a. On the Windows 7 Welcome screen, enter a blank password into the password box, and then press Enter or click the Go button. Windows informs you that the user account name or password is incorrect.

b. Click OK to return to the Welcome screen, and then click the Reset password link that appears below the password box. The Password Reset wizard starts.

c. On the Welcome page, click Next.

d. On the Insert the Password Reset Disk page, select the USB flash drive or floppy disk drive you want to use. Insert the password reset disk into the drive, and then click Next.

e. On the Reset the User Account Password page, enter a new password and password hint, and then click Next.

f. On the Completing the Forgotten Password Wizard page, click Finish.

WINDOWS 7 : MY FIRST HANDSHAKE-2

1. Continuing further exploring Windows 7 was a good expereince and has started looking promising to me.

2. Windows explorer : Windows Explorer has also been modified. New commandbar, new left-side pane containing Libraries, Favorites, etc, new Details Pane, a few new options in "View" menu like Content and at last re-sizable Searchbar.

3. Installation did not ask many questions nor did it take much time...may 30-35 minutes...i was on the desktop.

4. Desktop context menu is similar to earlier OS but addends 2 new choioces which are :

a Share with

b. Gadgets

5. Control Panel window has also been redesigned. The left sidebar takes lesser space and resizes itself whenever any control panel item is opened in the window which provides more space.

6. Calculator is a thing that I have left for now for it needs to be worked on with few examples with new features.For now I would just add that PROGRAMMER and STATISTICS are two new menu options that have been added.

7. Outlook Express is not seen till now and has been done away with!!!!

8. More will be added as I explore more!!!!!!!

WINDOWS 7 : MY FIRST HANDSHAKE-1

1. In further exploring Windows 7,few more facts that have come to my knowledge include the following:

2. Minimum configuration :

• GHz processor (32- or 64-bit)

• 1 GB of RAM (32-bit); 2 GB of RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB of available disk space (32-bit); 20 GB of available disk space (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

3. Task bar Classic style is out.

4. Sticky notes is a new permanent feature which was earlier an optional gadget in Vista.Once clicked,it gets a little yellow notepad and one can type short note for own reference and mailing.Pic of sticky note yellow window from my laptop is shown inset.

5. A lot has been put in renovation and refurbhishment of taskbar.The taskbar at the bottom of the screen is what one used to launch and switch programs between them. In Windows 7 one can pin any program to the taskbar so it’s always just a click away, icons can be rearranged just by clicking and dragging. Hovering over the icons will make thumbnails appear of every file or window that is open in that program.But the over all effect is not looking so appealing till now 2 me.

6. Speed for reaching desktop while start and reaching in off mode while shut down is relatively much much faster.

WINDOWS 7 : MY FIRST HANDSHAKE

1. After a long time about 4 months in which I didn't get much time to work on this and after 3 unsucessful attempts...i mean 3 infected downloads....I am finally writing this from the new Beta OS Windows 7......yes the successor to Windows VISTA!!!!!!!

2. Till now I have been able to load the chipset dvr, graphics card driver,office 2007 and one F Secure Antivirus Internet edition for windows 7.No compatability issues and first impression is generally OK till now......one bad thing is shayaad that wondows classic style has been done away with!!!!

3. In a few days more...i will be writing more about whats new and different in Windows 7 when compared to Vista!!!!!!!!

E WASTE

1.         I earlier attempted to discuss on this subject when I wrote on Guiyu few weeks back.But I had not written anything on what India has been doing on the subject matter except for some one liner remark at the end.But that was because I did not find anything of weight anywhere. Recently I found some useful content at http://india.ewasteguide.info/. 

2.         This site mentions about  K.G.NANDINI ENTERPRISES (KGN) based in Bangalore which is India's first full integrated electronic waste recycling plant. The Plant is located in Bidadi, next to Wonderla and has a capacity of 1.0 ton per hour. KGN has taken the license (CFE & CFO) from KSPCB for a capacity of 7200 MT/annum and does accept all kind of ewaste (printed circuit boards, computers, electrical cables, electrical transformers, small house hold appliances etc.).

 

3.         In a first step hazardous wastes or elements are removed manually. Loading point of the plant is the shredder. The reduced material is then passing a magnet, FE parts are removed. Afterwards the material enters the delamination mill, the heart of the process. Very high forces affect the composite materials and are thereby reduced and delaminated. The material is pneumatically transported from the mill to a cyclone, is discharged and conveyed to a screening machine. The classified material is transferred to a battery of separators; non ferrous metals are separated from plastics. All process steps are connected by conveyors, are automated and controlled by visualization. A central filter system, which is equipped with explosion and fire safety measures, de-dust the entire process. The equipment reflects the state-of-the-art technology had has been developed and provided by swissRTec AG from Switzerland.

4.         This is one acchi baat I thought is good to share!!!!

Chinese Mobile - Death or Life :The answer is finally LIFE

1. While doing a course in Sec'bad many of my colleagues purchased cheap but high in functions chinese brand mobile phones.There were few reactions in form of a anticipatory ban in few months from date of purchase since they do not have IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers and posed a serious security risk. ......but those who chose to buy it were ready  for the risk.....then finally the news came out in media that with effect from Apr 15 09 this year about 16 million handsets would go  out of service , as GSM service providers, including Airtel and Vodafone pull the plug on them. 

2. The verdict is finally out.The government has given a go-ahead to GSM operators to provide a new unique identification number to over 16 million China-made mobile phones in the country. Users of these handsets, which don’t have the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, will have to shell out about Rs 180 to obtain the number. This has been made possible with the help of a new software, developed by GSM operators’ body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Mobile Standards Alliance of India.The association has obtained the IMEI numbers from GSMA, the global body that allocates these numbers.

3. Thanks TOI InfoTech Tab.