My Digital Life

The Coming E-Reader Debate; E Ink vs Backlit LCD

Over the last year, I debated which E-Reader I should purchase. It was clear that the Kindle was way ahead in the ECO system war, however when Sony announced its Daily Reader with a 7" E Ink touch screen, 3G connectivity, and EPUB book format; this was the E-Reader I wanted. Although pricey at $399, I went ahead and ordered it as a Christmas present to myself. Sony did not disappoint by delivering it on December 22^nd.

I love the Daily Reader for its size, battery life, built in protective cover and touch screen (being able to turn the pages with my thumb enhances my reading experience), Apple threw a wrench in the E-Reader world by announcing the iPad. This is a major upheaval in the E-Reader world which was originally conceived as a single purpose device with a specially design E Ink screen which provides paper like contrast and allows reading in direct sunlight. Apple is now touting its In Plane Switching LCD screen as the answer to the E Ink technology with color, high contrast and the ability to read in direct sunlight (I want to see this for myself). In addition to the E-Reader functionality of the iPad you get a Touch iPod on steroids with a 10" screen. Who would not want this type of functionality?

My first impression of the iPad was that it may fail as an E-Reader because of the backlit LCD screen and my assumption that backlit screen might cause eye strain. After doing some research, this seems to be an inaccurate assumption on my part and well described in this February New Times articles entitled "Do E-Readers Cause Eye Strain?".

My big problem with the iPad, is that at 10", I want it to do more since it could replace carrying my Sony VAIO-P and Daily Reader while traveling. The biggest issues I have are:

• No Flash support
• No multitasking
• Weak email client functionality (no flagging support, no push of sent items, no category support, etc…)

Apparently that is not what most people think; last week, RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky released survey results showing pent up demand for the iPad (via MacRumors).

This was a WOW moment for me, shows the strength of the Apple brand and what people think about their products trusting them to provide the right mix of functionality.

In the end the HP Slate with Windows 7 might be the better choice for my use, but given the lack luster performance of Netbooks, will it perform? Adobe is not waiting for the June release of the HP Slate; it has launched a salvo with this video (via engadget):

This should be interesting year for the E-Reader world...

Sony VAIO P Power Plug Travelling Solution

In my continuing quest to minimize what electronics I travel with, cords and power supplies are a big target. I thought I had found a great compromise with the iGo Juice system which allowed me to charge my laptop and gadgets with on power brick. Unfortunately it does not support the Sony VAIO P and although the VAIO P's power brick is small, jamming all of the required cables in my accessory case can be a pain. After reading some posts on the pocketables.net VAIO P forum, someone mentioned using an Apple style AC plug rather than the AC cord. This is a great solution since it takes up less room than the cord, but Apple charges $39 for a set of 5 international plugs (a pretty ridiculous $7.80 per plug). I found a knockoff on eBay for $11 which includes a USB power supply. It works well and the US plug folds to save even more room.

The eBay Apple World adapter knockoff kit with the USB power charger (left). The US foldable plug is attached to the VAIO P power brick. For now I have no need for the power charger but you never know. Bottom line the price was right.

Sony VAIO P Microsoft OneCare Defrag and the SSD

I am a big fan of Microsoft OneCare and sad that MS will discontinue it when it releases its free antivirus solution Microsoft Security Essentials. Until Microsoft releases Security Essentials, I plan on using OneCare. However, on the VAIO P with SSD, the OneCare tune up process forces a defrag which is not good for SSD devices and there is no way to easily turn that function off.

After some research I found this thread which addresses the problem by fooling OneCare. You essentially rename the defrag executable in the registry and OneCare ignores the command. There seems to be no error checking so the tune up continues on its merry way without performing the defragmentation.

You should only perform this change to the registry if you are comfortable editing the registry since you could mess up your system.

Before you edit the registry make sure you back it up.

Search for the following key: HKCR\CLSID\{80EE4901-33A8-11d1-A213-0080C88593A5}\LocalServer32 and modify the default value which is currently set to DfrgNtfs.exe to DfrgNtfs_exe.sav .

This will invalidate the defrag executable name for OneCare.

You should also execute defrag from the program menu to configure it and disable its scheduling feature.

 

Sony VAIO P and the Lid Switch Power Drain

Apparently Sony laptops have a power drain issue when the lid switch is activated for sleep/suspend or hibernate. I use both of these modes as part of my routine since the start up time is significantly reduced compared to a cold boot. On my Lenovo X60 I have never noticed a power drain issue, but on the VAIO P it quickly became apparent that something was amiss when my battery was drained after the VAIO P sat in hibernation for a couple of days. After finding this thread on the Pocketables forum I decided to test the theory and sure enough by turning off lid actions in start/control panel/power options/choose what closing the lid does the noticeable power drain disappeared.

I also set the power button to hibernate on battery power and sleep/suspend on the AC power.

Sony VAIO P and the Solid State Disk (SSD)

As I mentioned yesterday a hard disk drive (HDD) is very different than a Solid State Disk (SSD). Yes, both are used to store data, but they do it in different ways which means that the operating system needs to take that into consideration when performing write operations. When Windows Vista was developed the cost of SSDs was prohibitive and very little went into adding features to fully support SSDs. Now that the cost have come down in Windows 7 Microsoft has added logic to recognize SSDs and adjust how writes are performed.

HDDs are mechanical devices which use a magnetic field to record data (Wikipedia), while SSDs use memory technology with flash cells which have a limited number of erase (write) cycles (Wikipedia). So the bottom line is that you want to minimize the number writes to an SSD or in reality you want to use a more intelligent approach to writing like caching the data until the application is ready to commit the write. I was surprised to learn that the slim type 128GB Samsung SSD (mmcqe28gfmup-mva) in the VAIO P uses the Multi-Level Cell (MLC) design which has a lower number of erase (write) cycles than the Single-Level Cell (SLC) design. Wikipedia mentions that the MLC disadvantages can be mitigated by the internal design structure. The reason for their use is cost. Let's hope Samsung and Sony did their homework. I decided to take some steps on to mitigate lifespan and performance issues.

These are the steps I have taken on the VAIO P:

1. Disable all defragmentation operations. A common performance problem with HDDs is data fragmentation (Wikipedia) which is minimized by using defrag.exe (comes with Windows) or an advanced application like Diskeeper. I used it on all of my PCs with HDDs, because it runs quietly in the background like a virus scanner.
2. I used this post by Tony on the OCZ Technology (a leader in SSD design) forum to fine my system:
   1. In the system's registry
      1. Disable prefetching and superfetch .
      2. Enable clearPageFilesAtShutdown, LargeSystemCache, and add the processor's L2 cache size to SecondLevelDataCache. The VAIO P VGN-P698E 1.6GHZ processor has a 512KB L2 cache.
      3. Disable NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation.
      4. Increase NtfsMemoryUsage file cache to 2.
   2. Remove indexing, the SSD is fast enough where you do not need indexing
   3. Enable all caching feature on the disk.
   4. Since the VAIO P only has 2GB of memory, I decided not to get rid of the paging. Instead I use the ReadyBoost (Wikipedia) feature with a 2GB SD card (moves the paging file to the SD card). I have seen some posts about not using ReadyBoost since the SSD may be faster but having the paging file on the SD card minimizes writes to the SSD. I could be wrong on this one (more research required). The Wikipedia reference mentions that ReadyBoost is disabled when the system disk is an SSD but I can vouch that is not the case, my ReadyBoost drive shows activity.
   5. I did not disable hibernation since I find that it boots the system much quicker and I like the functionality of saving my work without using battery.

Sony VAIO-P Initial Setup

In my quest to travel as light as possible, I finally broke down and purchased a Sony VAIO P notebook or netbook or UMPC (whatever…). I waited until 1.6GHZ version became available in the US. As with Apple products, you pay a hefty premium for the "privilege" of owning the VAIO P but against my better financial judgment, I took the plunge. With the US 1.6GHZ model, I was forced into a 128GB SSD (a 64GB would have been fine) but the 18 month no interest deal sealed the deal.

I have had the unit a couple of weeks and after some tweaking, including the purchase of the extended battery I have to say that I am pretty pleased with its performance. Make no mistake this is not a blazingly fast machine, but it handles Vista well and does a good with job with browsing, Outlook 2007, and even SlingPlayer (with some tweaks).

The first thing I had to address was the pre loaded bloatware, which is not excessive but still a pain. Sony actually has a utility to help you remove the add-on software, but you will have to download the VAIO Applications Uninstaller Software. I am not sure what the difference is between this application and control panel/programs and features but I used to make sure things where uninstalled properly. I got rid of all of the bloatware including Norton, I currently use OneCare until I move to Windows 7 (OneCare did not work with the RC1 I tried, I don't know what I will use). I really like OneCare and would love to know why MS killed it. Yes, they are going to provide free Anti Virus protection, but they could have used AVG tactic to provide the basic Anti Virus free, and a paid full feature product.

I did file for the free Windows 7 upgrade but am still waiting for confirmation of my submission.

One of the first configuration changes I made was to the screen's DPI (Dots Per Inch) setting. The screen resolution is great, but it is tough on my eyes so I increased the DPI to 120. To change Right click on the desktop/personalize/Adjust Font Size (DPI)/select large scale 120 DPI and reboot. Although you lose some screen real estate, it makes reading much easier. I also use a zoom of 125% in IE8 which helps with sites like wsj.com and nytimes.com.

A good forum for VAIO P owners is the Pocketables VAIO P forum which has some very helpful information.

From my internet reading; the Solid State Disk is definitely a different animal, than a hard drive. While Windows 7 is SSD aware, Vista is not and requires some tweaking. I will discuss this in my next post.

Choosing an E-Reader

Over the last couple of months I have been leaning towards purchasing an E-Reader to carry around the manuals which I use for my work as a consultant. Although most of the information I need is readily available on the web, it would be nice to have access to books as well. The big drawback to acquiring an E-Reader has been the price and since I am not avid novel reader, I have a hard time justifying the purchase. The possibility of sharing the device with my wife (she is an avid reader), makes the purchase more palatable although she checks books out of the library. The obvious choices are the Amazon Kindle or the Sony line of E-Readers.

Last weekend, I decided to do some research to see if it was possible to download content from my local library to an E-Reader. The public library does support the mobipocket and the NETLIBRARY ebook formats. The Kindle and the Sony do not support the mobipocket format directly (you have to convert), however the Sony does support NETLIBRARY. Mobipocket refers to 5 standalone E-readers sold by Bookeen, iRex, Jinke, and BeBook which directly support their format. These are not household names but it shows there is competition and the market has room for growth.

By coincidence today Amazon will be announcing a larger format Kindle suitable for magazines, newspapers and textbooks and there are rumors that Sony will be announcing a wireless broadband enabled E-Reader.

It looks like I better wait a little longer before making a final decision. I will keep updating this post as I move towards a purchase…

Windows Mobile group steps up marketing

With a slew of new devices coming the Windows Mobile group is stepping up its marketing campaign in the main stream media. Here is a video interview with Scott Rockfeld, the Windows Mobile Product Manager and the Wall Street Journal.  He does leave out what I think are two key new devices, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 and the HTC Touch HD.

The field is also becoming crowded, today T-Mobile officially announces the HTC manufactured Google Android based G1. From the rumored specifications it does not look too exciting but I think competition is good. I can't believe it will not support T-Mobile HotSpot@Home service which I think is a killer differentiator. We will have to wait until 10:30AM EDT (live press conference) to see the exact details.

My ongoing dilemma, sharing my digital pictures while traveling

In my continuing research to find a good solution for sharing pictures from my Sony digital camera while traveling without a PC (see previous post), I found a German company which makes portable backup and viewing devices targeted to professional photographers. The company is called Jobo. They produce a device (about the size of an iPod), the Spectator which allows for the selective backup and copying of files from CF/MD/SD/MMC/MS memory cards. It also allows you to view of JPEG files on the 2.5" screen or an external TV. The Spectators comes in a 40GB, 80GB, or 120GB model.

The Spectator would allow me to selectively copy pictures from my Sony camera's Memory Stick to the Micro SD card used in my AT&T Tilt via the internal hard disk. I would then share the pictures using the Kodak Gallery email service using Exchange ActiveSync on my Tilt. I could also use the Spectator as a backup for my camera and not have to worry about running of space on my 4GB Memory Stick.

I priced the 40GB model for $245 at Adorama.com (link). A little pricey for a single purpose device and would mean traveling with another device but it would help solve my dilemma. It is really too bad Apple has discontinued development and support of their iPod camera adapter. It would be a great a great accessory for the iPhone or Touch. Maybe a third party will step up after the iPhone 2.0 firmware is released...I can only hope.

The Jobo Spectator, it won't win any design awards but it is a utilitarian device.

Ramblings for the week of May 5th in My Digital Life

Unless you were living under a rock this weekend, the big technology news was that Microsoft bailed on the Yahoo acquisition. On its face value, I agree with the decision, I was never convinced that Microsoft could properly execute the merger. However, what I have found very interesting is the competition between the blogosphere and the traditional media in coming up with theories good or bad. Techmeme's front page is filled with links from both spheres. The one I found the most interesting (and it has nothing to do with my fascination with Apple...) was the post by fake Steve with the crank shot of Dr Evil (Ballmer) and Mini me (Gates). As the hard charging winner take all executive he is, I always think Ballmer has something up his sleeve and maybe he is gambling on Yahoo falling flat on its face, then picking up the pieces for next to nothing. We will just have to wait and see. In the end the  unfortunate issue in this story, is that Wall Street will decide Yahoo's fate rather than Yahoo, and we all know how fickle Wall Street can be...

I never got to put my 8GB micro SDHC card through it paces last week, by transferring my still pictures from my Sony camcorder. I found that my AT&T Tilt is very fickle when it comes to charging. In addition to the HTC charger, I have an iGo Juice and a Gomadic dual charger. Both of these allow me to charge multiple and different devices by changing the adapter plugs. Last month I had an issue with the iGo and the Tilt, the mini USB adapter I had used with the T-Mobile MDA and Wing did not work so I ordered one specific for the Tilt. This trip I took the Gomadic dual charger, (it does not charge laptops and is smaller), and the same is true, none  of the three adapters tips I had worked, at the end of the first day of travel the Tilt was dead. Good thing I took along my iPhone and Samsung i760. Unfortunately, the iPhone is not compatible with the Delkin USB Bridge and to my disappointment the i760 does not recognize the 8GB micro SDHC card. My planned experimentation was a bust...I was glad for GSM's SIM card technology so I could easily swap it into the iPhone, not true for Verizon's CDMA technology. If the i760 was my primary driver I would have been dead in the water since you can't easily swap phones...although EVDO worked great for watching Directv via my Slingbox.

As I was rushing out the door last Tuesday, Sling Media decided to announce they had released an update to the SlingPlayer mobile for Windows Mobile and I neglected to modify the formatting used by pocketnow.com (bbphp) and my blog (HTML). All fixed now...

This week:

• Finnish and publish my review of SBSH Mobile Software Facade application for pocketnow.com. This is a smartphone (Windows Mobile Standard) today screen replacement.