My Digital Life

Altec Lansing inMotion iMV712 Mini-Theater for iPod review

The 2.5" screen on the iPod with video does not provide an ideal viewing experience. There is an abundant choice of speaker accessories which enhance the listening experience, but the accessories which enhance the viewing experience are almost non existent. This may be changing with the Altec Lansing inMotion iMV712 Digital Mini-Theater for iPod. Let's take it for a spin and see if it improves our viewing experience. Read my review on pocketnow.com here.

Jimmy Buffet video on the island of Saint-Barthelemy (six degrees of separation from my banner!) from his latest iTunes album; Take the weather with you.

My Vista application list August 7th

It has been a while since I updated this list. Vista's stability which has been pretty good from the get go, has gotten even better over the last month.  Apple seems to have finally got iTunes to work well and version 7.3.2 fixes the problem with the backup to DVD function. I replaced APC PowerChute Business Edition with the Personal Edition version 2.1.1 and added email triggers using Vista's task scheduler (post link). I have been doing quite bit of Cisco router work in the last month, since Vista does not include telnet, I am using PuTTY which works very well on Vista, provides raw, telnet, SSH, Rlogin, and serial support. Best of all its free. I finally upgraded to Adobe Reader version 8.1 (Acrobat's new name).  I am starting to play around with MusicBridge 2.0 to synchronize my iTunes library with Windows Media Player 11, although I have not had any luck getting it to work properly.

Applications that work

1. Office 2007 - Vista compliant application
2. Office 2003 - Seems to work without any problems
3. Money 2007 - an update is available and it works well.
4. SQL Server 2005 works fine with SP2.
5. Office Accounting Professional 2007 SP1- works well.
6. Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 - works well with Office Accounting 2007 and integrated database.
7. Nuance's Paperport 11 released an update which can be downloaded and works well. The update process is little cumbersome since you have to uninstall the old versions and then have to terminate multiple processes including SQL Server to enable the install to complete successfully.
8. ECTO 2.3.3 blogging application seems to work well.
9. SmartFTP requires version 2.0 build 1002 or later.
10. ImgBurn version 2.1.0 works well.
11. Acronis 10.0 True Image Home backup works well. Read my backup scheme here.
12. Adobe Photo Elements 5.0 - An Vista update to 5.0.2 is available. The catalog was corrupted, salvaging the WMI repository seems to have allowed Elements to rebuild the catalog.
13. Sling Media Sling Player for Windows 1.4.0.206 is compatible with Vista, although it does not take advantage of the Vista Aero features. They are working on a version that does.
14. Kiwi Syslog Service version 8.1.3 works with Vista and records all my D-Link DFL-210 events. I had to create a firewall rule to allow port 514 through the firewall (same as in XP). Here is my post on the subject.
15. APC PowerChute Business Edition version 7.0.5 works well.
16. TyTool 10r4 to extract files from a series 1 Directv Tivo works. I was able create a DVD file structure.
17. Hyperterminal Private Edtion from Hilgraeve - This is the old version of Hyperterminal and works fine, too bad Microsoft left it out of Vista.
18. iTunes 7.3.2- It still is not 100% Vista compatible but works ok, it still flakes out sometimes and won't play tracks, however a reboot cures the problem.
19. Ilium Software eWallet 5.0 - Works very well.
20. Diskeeper 2007 version 11.0.703.0 - Works well on my Lenovo X60.
21. APC PowerChute Personal Edition version 2.1.1 works well.
22. PuTTY version .60, raw, telnet, SSH, Rlogin, and serial terminal emulator.
23. Adobe Reader version 8.1. New name for Adobe Acrobat.
24. MusicBridge version 2.0. iTunes/WMP library synchronization. Executes fine, I just have not figured out the options to get it to work on my system.

Application that seem to work or I have not fully tested

1. VentaFax 5.71 - Inbound Fax with Vista service works, print driver function does not work.
2. VentaFax 5.80 - They fixed the print driver function but the service does not work.

Application that do not work

1. Office Small Business Accounting 2006 (SBA), Not supported on Vista, move to Office Accounting 2007.

Driver issues:

Currently none. System is very stable.

Syncing iTunes music to your Windows Mobile 6 device

Ever since I started using the iTunes/iPod combination, I have been on a quest to find a way to sync my Windows Mobile device with my iTunes music collection. My last post on the subject here allowed me to sync unprotected AAC music files to a Storage Card but left out the playlists (I had to recreate them with WMP mobile). With my T-Mobile Wing it is not practical to remove the Storage Card frequently because of the size of Micro SD card and the flimsy slot cover. You can use an application like Softick's Card Export which maps a drive to your Storage Card, however the iTunes Agent has issues with either Vista or iTunes 7.3.x and no longer make it a viable solution.  After some research, I believe I have found a better solution.

Here are the assumptions for this solution, although you should be able to modify it to meet your needs, it may not be as seamless:

• Windows Mobile 6 easily syncs with Windows Media Player (WMP) 11. WMP 11 will recognize the Windows Mobile device as a sync device when it is attached via a USB cable. I have tried using Bluetooth, however WMP does not recognize that the device is connected (must be some DRM issue).
• Windows Vista Ultimate. Window Media Player shipped with Ultimate plays unprotected AAC content.
• An iTunes music library with unprotected content (.m4a files). When I purchase iTunes content, I burn a backup copy to a CD-RW and import it back into iTunes DRM free (as per Steve Jobs comments), then delete the protected content. If you do this every time you make a purchase, you will have a DRM free music library.

Since iTunes playlists are not compatible with WMP playlists, you need a conversion utility. Eric Daugherty has come to the rescue with his iTunes Export utilities. I used the GUI version.

You must first create a synchronization partnership between the Windows Mobile device and WMP 11 using a USB connection. This involves creating a Windows Mobile Device center partnership,  if you have not already done so. If you use Bluetooth as I do, there is no need to create a new partnership. WMP 11 presents you with two devices; the Windows Mobile Device RAM storage is shown as the partnership name (in my case SCS Wing) and the Storage Card as Storage Card. I only use the Storage Card. In order to successfully sync the convert check box must not be checked under sync/Storage Card/Advanced Options Quality tab.

Now you are setup to export and sync the music content.

1. Export the playlist you want to sync from iTunes. This is accomplished by highlighting the playlist you want to export, then right clicking to display the menu and selecting Export Song List. 
2. Run iTunesExportUI.exe (there is no install required).

1. Select the playlist xml file your just exported in iTunes. Next.
2. The playlist you selected will be displayed. Next
3. Select the directory where you want the new playlist copied to, check "Include Unprotected AAC Files", select "WPL" from the Playlist Type drop down. Finish.
4. Quit

Open WMP, press alt to display classic menu, go to file/open and select the playlist you just converted.

Drag the playlist to the sync pane (click on sync if you don't see it) and start sync.

WMP syncing AAC content to my T-Mobile Wing. Among others; the two benefits that stand out are that the WMP sync is smart enough not to copy songs already on your device and the playlist is synced.

Now I can listen to my iTunes collection using my Motorola HT820 Bluetooth headphones and T-Mobile Wing, try doing that with an iPhone...OK no cover flow or album art, but when I listen the Wing is in my pocket.

My Vista application list June 12th

I am updating my list with iTunes 7.2 which officially supports Vista. Also VentaFax has made some progress on the Vista front; they fixed the fax printer driver, however the fax service no longer works. I am sticking with 5.71, since I use the fax service to monitor incoming faxes on my Sunrocket Signature number and I can use the Microsoft Scan and Fax service to send outgoing faxes.

Applications that work

1. Office 2007 - Vista compliant application
2. Office 2003 - Seems to work without any problems
3. Money 2007 - an update is available and it works well.
4. SQL Server 2005 works fine with SP2.
5. Office Accounting Professional 2007 SP1- works well.
6. Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 - works well with Office Accounting 2007 and integrated database.
7. Nuance's Paperport 11 released an update which can be downloaded and works well. The update process is little cumbersome since you have to uninstall the old versions and then have to terminate multiple processes including SQL Server to enable the install to complete successfully.
8. ECTO 2.3.3 blogging application seems to work well.
9. SmartFTP requires version 2.0 build 1002 or later.
10. ImgBurn version 2.1.0 works well.
11. Acronis 10.0 True Image Home backup works well. Read my backup scheme here.
12. Adobe Photo Elements 5.0 - An Vista update to 5.0.2 is available. The catalog was corrupted, salvaging the WMI repository seems to have allowed Elements to rebuild the catalog.
13. Sling Media Sling Player for Windows 1.4.0.206 is compatible with Vista, although it does not take advantage of the Vista Aero features. They are working on a version that does.
14. Kiwi Syslog Service version 8.1.3 works with Vista and records all my D-Link DFL-210 events. I had to create a firewall rule to allow port 514 through the firewall (same as in XP). Here is my post on the subject.
15. APC PowerChute Business Edition version 7.0.5 works well.
16. TyTool 10r4 to extract files from a series 1 Directv Tivo works. I was able create a DVD file structure.
17. Hyperterminal Private Edtion from Hilgraeve - This is the old version of Hyperterminal and works fine, too bad Microsoft left it out of Vista.
18. iTunes 7.2 - It still is not 100% Vista compatible but works ok, it still flakes out sometimes and won't play tracks, however a reboot cures the problem.
19. Ilium Software eWallet 5.0 - Works very well.
20. Diskeeper 2007 version 11.0.703.0 - Works well on my Lenovo X60.

Application that seem to work or I have not fully tested

1. VentaFax 5.71 - Inbound Fax with Vista service works, print driver function does not work.
2. VentaFax 5.80 - They fixed the print driver function but the service does not work.

Application that do not work

1. Office Small Business Accounting 2006 (SBA), Not supported on Vista, move to Office Accounting 2007.

Driver issues:

Currently none. System is very stable.

My Vista application list April 19th

Yesterday, I reported on Ilium Software's eWallet 5.0 here. I happy to report that the desktop component works well with Vista and the Sync Center/Mobile Device Center.

I am using Diskeeper 2007 on Lenovo X60. If you are a current customer follow instructions here. The current version is 11.0.703.0. I have not had any problems with it.

Office Accounting Professional 2007 was just updated with SP1 which updated the database and is working well.

I am also adding a category tag for My Vista Application list entries to simplify retrieval and show the evolution of my choices.

Applications that work

1. Office 2007 - Vista compliant application
2. Office 2003 - Seems to work without any problems
3. Money 2007 - an update is available and it works well.
4. SQL Server 2005 works fine with SP2.
5. Office Accounting Professional 2007 SP1- works well.
6. Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 - works well with Office Accounting 2007 and integrated database.
7. Nuance's Paperport 11 released an update which can be downloaded and works well. The update process is little cumbersome since you have to uninstall the old versions and then have to terminate multiple processes including SQL Server to enable the install to complete successfully.
8. ECTO blogging application seems to work well.
9. SmartFTP requires version 2.0 build 1002 or later.
10. ImgBurn version 2.1.0 works well.
11. Acronis 10.0 True Image Home backup works well. Read my backup scheme here.
12. Adobe Photo Elements 5.0 - An Vista update to 5.0.2 is available. The catalog was corrupted, salvaging the WMI repository seems to have allowed Elements to rebuild the catalog.
13. Sling Media Sling Player for Windows 1.4.0.206 is compatible with Vista, although it does not take advantage of the Vista Aero features. They are working on a version that does.
14. Kiwi Syslog Service version 8.1.3 works with Vista and records all my D-Link DFL-210 events. I had to create a firewall rule to allow port 514 through the firewall (same as in XP). Here is my post on the subject.
15. APC PowerChute Business Edition version 7.0.5 works well.
16. TyTool 10r4 to extract files from a series 1 Directv Tivo works. I was able create a DVD file structure.
17. Hyperterminal Private Edtion from Hilgraeve - This is the old version of Hyperterminal and works fine, too bad Microsoft left it out of Vista.
18. iTunes 7.1.1 - It still is not 100% Vista compatible but works ok, it still flakes out sometimes and won't play tracks, however a reboot cures the problem.
19. Ilium Software eWallet 5.0 - Works very well.
20. Diskeeper 2007 version 11.0.703.0 - Works well on my Lenovo X60.

Application that seem to work or I have not fully tested

1. VentaFax 5.71 - Fax function workThey are working on a Vista solution, however no date yet.

Application that do not work

1. Office Small Business Accounting 2006 (SBA), Not supported on Vista, move to Office Accounting 2007.

Driver issues:

Currently none. System is very stable.

The week of April 9th in My Digital Life

Last week was positive in my HDTV adventure. I am able to receive Directv's HD signal and am very satisfied with Directv HR20 DVR. The software seems solid, although not as intuitive as Tivo, it is definitely heads and shoulders above Scientific Atlanta's 8300HD. HDMI works and so far I found the picture quality to be excellent, however when too much compression is applied to the signal it is very noticeable. Yesterday, the quality of the video of the Masters on CBS was excellent, change to hockey on NBC and it was horrible compared to the off air signal. Directv has been a pioneer in the transmission of digital video and compression is a big part of the game given the limited satellite bandwidth. They have received awards for their management of bit rates across multiple channels. However with the much higher bit rates required for HD, bandwidth management becomes much more complicated. I can see the point in Philip Kent Cohen's (see article here) lawsuit with Directv, but it seems TV stations are starting to employ the sames tricks to transmit multiple HD channels on one frequency.  With digital transmission you also have to account for the source of the video and the old computer adage "garbage in garbage out" is quite appropriate. In the end picture quality is in the eye of the beholder, but there is no doubt that higher bit rates = better picture as long as your display can support it.

Jumping over to audio, the $.30 extra for EMI tracks without DRM on iTunes, also gets you a 256Kbps bit rate, twice that of the current 128Kbps of protected tracks. The 128Kbps tracks are reasonable for everyday listening with ear buds, however once you try to use a decent stereo with your iPod, there is a noticeable difference between content ripped from CDs and purchased from iTunes. I rip CD content at 160Kpbs as a balance between quality and file size, however the theoretical bit rate for CDs is 192Kpbs making the EMI unprotected content better than CD quality. Albums will be priced at the same $9.99 as protected ones, which makes it a no brainier if you are interested in the entire album. It will be interesting to see how well the EMI unprotected tracks sell, I hope they do, although the risk is that it may force iTunes into tiered pricing which I do not believe is good for the consumer.

I am now using my new Lenovo Thinkpad X60 Tablet with Windows Vista Business to blog. Lenovo has tweaked the original IBM X41 design and so far I like it. Given my previous Vista upgrade experience, I have decided not to transfer my settings, I copied the locals files I wanted, set up file synchronization with my Vista Ultimate, and I am installing applications from scratch.

This week I will have more to say on:

• My HDTV adventure with HDMI, component outputs and SlingPlayer
• My Lenovo X60 Tablet
• The Verizon Aircard 595 I am reviewing for pocketnow.com

My review of the BlueAnt V12 LCD Bluetooth headset is in the queue to be published at pocketnow.com.

My Vista application list April 19th

Yesterday, I reported on Ilium Software's eWallet 5.0 here. I happy to report that the desktop component works well with Vista and the Sync Center/Mobile Device Center.

I am using Diskeeper 2007 on Lenovo X60. If you are a current customer follow instructions here. The current version is 11.0.703.0. I have not had any problems with it.

Office Accounting Professional 2007 was just updated with SP1 which updated the database and is working well.

I am also adding a category tag for My Vista Application list entries to simplify retrieval and show the evolution of my choices.

Applications that work

1. Office 2007 - Vista compliant application
2. Office 2003 - Seems to work without any problems
3. Money 2007 - an update is available and it works well.
4. SQL Server 2005 works fine with SP2.
5. Office Accounting Professional 2007 SP1- works well.
6. Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 - works well with Office Accounting 2007 and integrated database.
7. Nuance's Paperport 11 released an update which can be downloaded and works well. The update process is little cumbersome since you have to uninstall the old versions and then have to terminate multiple processes including SQL Server to enable the install to complete successfully.
8. ECTO blogging application seems to work well.
9. SmartFTP requires version 2.0 build 1002 or later.
10. ImgBurn version 2.1.0 works well.
11. Acronis 10.0 True Image Home backup works well. Read my backup scheme here.
12. Adobe Photo Elements 5.0 - An Vista update to 5.0.2 is available. The catalog was corrupted, salvaging the WMI repository seems to have allowed Elements to rebuild the catalog.
13. Sling Media Sling Player for Windows 1.4.0.206 is compatible with Vista, although it does not take advantage of the Vista Aero features. They are working on a version that does.
14. Kiwi Syslog Service version 8.1.3 works with Vista and records all my D-Link DFL-210 events. I had to create a firewall rule to allow port 514 through the firewall (same as in XP). Here is my post on the subject.
15. APC PowerChute Business Edition version 7.0.5 works well.
16. TyTool 10r4 to extract files from a series 1 Directv Tivo works. I was able create a DVD file structure.
17. Hyperterminal Private Edtion from Hilgraeve - This is the old version of Hyperterminal and works fine, too bad Microsoft left it out of Vista.
18. iTunes 7.1.1 - It still is not 100% Vista compatible but works ok, it still flakes out sometimes and won't play tracks, however a reboot cures the problem.
19. Ilium Software eWallet 5.0 - Works very well.
20. Diskeeper 2007 version 11.0.703.0 - Works well on my Lenovo X60.

Application that seem to work or I have not fully tested

1. VentaFax 5.71 - Fax function workThey are working on a Vista solution, however no date yet.

Application that do not work

1. Office Small Business Accounting 2006 (SBA), Not supported on Vista, move to Office Accounting 2007.

Driver issues:

Currently none. System is very stable.

My Vista application list March 7th

The big news is iTunes 7.1 (see post) has been released and addresses most issues it had with Vista. SQL Server SP2 is officially out and works fine.

Applications that work

1. Office 2007 - Vista compliant application
2. Office 2003 - Seems to work without any problems
3. Money 2007 - an update is available and it works well.
4. SQL Server 2005 works fine with SP2.
5. Office Accounting Professional 2007 - works well.
6. Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 - works well with Office Accounting 2007 and integrated database.
7. Nuance's Paperport 11 released an update which can be downloaded and works well. The update process is little cumbersome since you have to uninstall the old versions and then have to terminate multiple processes including SQL Server to enable the install to complete successfully.
8. ECTO blogging application seems to work well.
9. SmartFTP requires version 2.0 build 1002 or later.
10. ImgBurn version 2.1.0 works well.
11. Acronis 10.0 True Image Home backup works well. Read my backup scheme here.
12. Adobe Photo Elements 5.0 - An Vista update to 5.0.2 is available. The catalog was corrupted, salvaging the WMI repository seems to have allowed Elements to rebuild the catalog.
13. Sling Media Sling Player for Windows 1.4.0.206 is compatible with Vista, although it does not take advantage of the Vista Aero features. They are working on a version that does.
14. Kiwi Syslog Service version 8.1.3 works with Vista and records all my D-Link DFL-210 events. I had to create a firewall rule to allow port 514 through the firewall (same as in XP). Here is my post on the subject.
15. APC PowerChute Business Edition version 7.0.5 works well.
16. TyTool 10r4 to extract files from a series 1 Directv Tivo works. I was able create a DVD file structure.
17. Hyperterminal Private Edtion from Hilgraeve - This is the old version of Hyperterminal and works fine, too bad Microsoft left it out of Vista.

Application that seem to work or I have not fully tested

1. iTunes 7.1 - Works much better than 7.0.1 although not all of the issues it had with Vista have been addressed.

Application that do not work

1. VentaFax 5.71 - It causes the Intel 536EP modem driver to abort the system. They are working on a Vista solution, however no date yet.
2. Office Small Business Accounting 2006 (SBA), Not supported on Vista, move to Office Accounting 2007.

Driver issues:

Currently none. System is very stable.

iTunes 7.1 finally released

Almost 30 days after the release of Windows Vista, Apple has taken a step forward to make iTunes compatible with Vista. The Apple support document (link) states:

"Apple has released a new version of iTunes that addresses a number of compatibility issues with Windows Vista. iTunes 7.1 is recommended for use with most editions of Windows Vista, however, Apple is actively working with Microsoft to resolve a few remaining known issues."

I installed iTunes 7.1 following Apple's instruction to deauthorize the computer first from the iTunes store. The upgrade went fine, however I did get a warning for Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer. I decided to ignore (to much trouble to turn off all my gadgets), the install finished successfully. I reauthorized the computer with the iTunes Store. iTunes seems to be running fine, and the DRM issues I had with songs not playing are fixed.

This version of iTunes does not fix all Vista issues, however for most users I think will solve 90% of the issues. You must however be very careful when ejecting your iPod to use the iTunes eject function. The support article states:

"Ejecting an iPod from Windows Explorer or the Windows notification area (system tray) using the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature may corrupt your iPod. To always safely eject an iPod, choose Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes. If your iPod becomes corrupt, selecting your iPod in iTunes and clicking Restore in the iPod's Summary panel should return your iPod to a working condition."

It is hard to believe that it has taken this long to get a viable version out when Apple had the opportunity to play with Vista for the last year. Talk about the arrogance of snubbing your largest iPod/iTunes customer base...

My Vista application list February 20th

Windows Vista is working well. I installed my new modem I purchased from newegg.com and Windows Update provided the correct Intel 536EP driver version 4.77.8.3. I don't understand why Intel does not have this driver on their website, Everything is currently working well for now (no blue screen of death). I also reconfigured the Kiwi Syslog service to monitor my firewall and it is working well. My APC UPS battery died, I replaced it and decided to install the APC PowerChute software version 7.0.5 has an update for Vista and works fine.

Applications that work

1. Office 2007 - Vista compliant application
2. Office 2003 - Seems to work without any problems
3. Money 2007 - an update is available and it works well.
4. SQL Server 2005 works fine with SP2. SP2 is currently a Customer Technology Preview. You also have to follow the security procedure found here if you upgraded your database.
5. Office Accounting Professional 2007 - works well.
6. Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2007 - works well with Office Accounting 2007 and integrated database.
7. Nuance's Paperport 11 released an update which can be downloaded and works well. The update process is little cumbersome since you have to uninstall the old versions and then have to terminate multiple processes including SQL Server to enable the install to complete successfully.
8. ECTO blogging application seems to work well.
9. SmartFTP requires version 2.0 build 1002 or later.
10. ImgBurn version 2.1.0 works well.
11. Acronis 10.0 True Image Home backup works well.
12. Adobe Photo Elements 5.0 - An Vista update to 5.0.2 is available. The catalog was corrupted, salvaging the WMI repository seems to have allowed Elements to rebuild the catalog.
13. Sling Media Sling Player for Windows 1.4.0.206 is compatible with Vista, although it does not take advantage of the Vista Aero features. They are working on a version that does.
14. Kiwi Syslog Service version 8.1.3 works with Vista and records all my D-Link DFL-210 events. I had to create a firewall rule to allow port 514 through the firewall (same as in XP). Here is my post on the subject.
15. APC PowerChute Business Edition version 7.0.5 works well.
16. TyTool 10r4 to extract files from a series 1 Directv Tivo works. I was able create a DVD file structure.

Application that seem to work or I have not fully tested

1. iTunes 7.0.2 - I ran the utility provided by Apple and it seems to work better but not 100% of the time, a reboot usually gets it going again.

Application that do not work

1. VentaFax 5.71 - It causes the Intel 536EP modem driver to abort the system. They are working on a Vista solution, however no date yet.
2. Office Small Business Accounting 2006 (SBA), Not supported on Vista, move to Office Accounting 2007.

Driver issues:

Currently none.

If I remember right when XP was released I had many more problems with drivers and applications than what I have found with Vista.