Netbooks: Harriet Priscilla on the rise

So, Harriet Priscilla, I guess I'm just so lucky to have you.

Special thanks to Mitch for bringing her into her my life (and for talking me into it). She's been useful since day one, just perfect for users like me.

Get ready for the next stage in the personal computer revolution: ultrathin and dirt cheap.

But this revolution is not just about falling prices. Personal computers — and the companies that make their crucial components — are about to go through their biggest upheaval since the rise of the laptop. By the end of the year, consumers are likely to see laptops the size of thin paperback books that can run all day on a single charge and are equipped with touch screens or slide-out keyboards. (nytimes.com)

The Facebook Issue

Okay this slightly freaked me out.

As most of you may have known, I've just recently signed up in Facebook. After years of not being interested despite the numerous inquiries if I have an account, I finally joined the Facebook community. Last weekend, I decided to sign up because I'm simply bored with Friendster and I've been hearing from close friends that Facebook is better, more intereactive and more intelligent to the needs of social networking.

I signed up, explored on my own and found out that Facebook has a more expanded network. It's easier to search friends and there are lots of things you can do with it. You can blog, you can upload hundreds of pictures in organized albums easier and it upholds the very thought of being connected and updated with your various connections. In short, I immediately liked it.

Last weekend, I've been diligently managing my profile and began to upload pictures, invite friends and pour out some sentiments. I needed to catch up. Only to be bombarded by a news link I've read in PerezHilton.com about a certain privacy issue with Facebook. The large company, headed by Mark Zuckerberg, drafted a terms of service that "leaves an impression that the social network could keep and use copies of user content (e.g. photos, notes, and personal information) in perpetuity even if users removed the information and closed their accounts." (latimes.com)

He answered:

"One of the questions about our new terms of use is whether Facebook can use this information forever," Zuckerberg wrote. But, oddly, he did not answer that question. Instead he opted for a rather roundabout explanation: if you send a friend a message via Facebook's e-mail system, Facebook must create mutliple copies of that message -- one for your "sent" message box and one for your friend's inbox. That way, if you leave Facebook, the copy your friend has would not be deleted. Fair enough.

Also, according to Foxnews:

The long legal document all users must agree to before they can sign up — grants the company "an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to (a) use, copy, publish, stream, store, retain, publicly perform or display, transmit, scan, reformat, modify, edit, frame, translate, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and distribute (through multiple tiers), any User Content you (i) Post on or in connection with the Facebook Service or ... (ii) enable a user to Post."

The thing that makes this whole issue stinks is that Facebook is licensed to copy and store whatever you share or post in your site even if you delete it. It might sound like a technical safety procedure, but in a business perspective, they also have a license to use whatever you post there for their benefit. When someone posts a picture in one's site he/she just expects people to stop by and look at it. As users, we feel safe that the photos and all the personal stuff stay in our own profiles where it's kept locked in passwords and stuff. But according to Facebook, they have as much every right of ownership for whatever stuff you share in Facebook. If one screws up the idea of privacy and ownership in these social networking sites then we are all screwed.

Also according to the terms and agreement, Facebook, compared to other social networking sites, has a much powerful and broader license to your content. Photos, notes and other stuff in the profile can be allegedly distributed and circulated without your knowledge.

As users, we don't want our information and photos used in any other way that we may not approve of. In terms of privacy, it is in my own personal control to distinguish what things I would like to share to the public. But if that information is misused to the degree that I am not aware of, then I might get pissed. Just like thousands of Facebook profile owners out there who are enraged and bothered by this sudden issue.

Facebook executives have reached out to the public on how Facebook upholds intense security and privacy measures. They re-assured that they would never use information that will violate their users. They would not go as much as grab contents, manipulate pictures and open up areas that are secured by the user.

Fair enough, but needs a little more explanation and transparency.

As a user, I'm not pretty much bothered on the privacy thing. It's a social network profile and I know that whatever I share there is backed up by honesty and integrity. I have no qualms of people viewing it and forming judgments about it. But if it is used for personal gains and in a manner that is far from the original purpose that I have designed (being distributed), then I would need to know. I'm trying to expand my world and not create additional complications by it.

It's a shame that I haven't read the terms and agreement (never do), but at least upon signing up Facebook needs to be more transparent on what the limitations and power they have over the contents. In public changes, they should let people be aware and safeguard Facebook's image as a secure social network site. I'm sure there are lots of legal loopholes there that I don't know. I might just be facing one of the most superficial issues in Facebook. But as a user, I know the basic implications of joining a social networking site and I do hope Facebook should know their responsibility to their users' welfare.

As a user I have fully decided that whatever I might share there, I can easily justify. People might view it and form judgments with it. I wouldn't care. That's just a clause that comes with exposing your expanded life. It's an underlying responsibility that we all face in social networking sites. I just hope that I won't find my thoughts, my pictures and my information outside my intended profile, used in a way that I have not approved of, or else it's a violation to my rights. And if it's true that Facebook upholds security, respect and would not do things that would violate its users, then I wouldn't have anything to worry about. Right?

Harriet's Coming Out

I did the inevitable. I took Harriet out. Not only that I surprised Mitch for chatting with him while I'm hooked via 3G in the middle of South Super Highway, but I finished my previous blog in the car as well. Ladies and Gentlemen, Harriet has officially left the building. I wanted to prove to Mitch that my over protective days (around 4 days to be exact) are over. I'm going to maximize Harriet to the best of what she's made of. There's only one thing for me to do though. Look for a reputable, durable and comfy sleeve for Harriet.

While getting out of the car, I felt so weird putting her with the rest of the devices in a big ziplock bag. Can you imagine? Putting Harriet in a freaking zip lock bag that fits her well should not be an option. Should never be an option. I could hear her screaming and complaining to death. But I had no choice. After putting her in the ziplock bag, I placed her neatly inside my tote bag, but still...inside the ziplock?

When I got to the office, I quickly set her up in my desk. Normally, I'd pull out my two big phones that are obviously for tech/net freaks, as encouraged for me to have by Mitch of course. I got out my ipod and turned on my office PC while I called a few people to discuss some work issues. After logging in, talking to a few people, my desk instantly looked like a TECH-DESK. People who would pass by my desk would instantly think the person's sitting here is a hardcore IT professional complete with wi-fi mouse, 3G equipment, phones and IPOD. My desk has become klepto heaven. But so sorry to say that I'm nowhere near techie.

Don't even try to ask me about the specs of Harriet and what goes better with what. I would still have to research on that and get back to you. Don't let me explain what goes in the Properties section. I would just echo what Mitch told me, whatever I can remember in the tech side. I would also say that it's the best there is for me. IT's commendable and oh... the LCD design and keyboard are great. Beyond that is alien to me. I would just have to say to you that it's a gift and I am still in the process of exploring.

So, the day started quite slow. My immediate boss just got back from her recent trip from the States and she brought us tons of chocolates that made me go ga-ga over KitKat White. Unfortunately..no TWIX. After lunch, I went back to my desk and started to feel sleepy. To avoid any 3rd caffeine fix for the day, I started to fool around with Harriet. I wanted to capture my desk, but my Cybershot is broken and will go under rehab, until I remembered that Harriet has a built in camera.



*So that's my desk littered with serious stuff like meeting materials and papers, and not-so-serious stuff with chocolates and Banana Flavored Chapstix on the side, given to me by my boss. For the tech Side, there's the IPOD, my desktop my two big phones and yes, my 2 "mice," one for the PC and one for Harriet. The hands really look weird and eerie, though.

*And if you're just tired of going to the bathroon to fix your hair, you can use Harriet as an instant mirror. As if naman I always fix my hair to begin with. I do look like cross eyed here. Nyahaha.

Berta and Harriet Face Off

This morning Mitch and I were trying out what Harriet Priscilla could do. Mitch still has to figure out how to configure the bluetooth, but everything else according to him, is "shiznit?" From how he said it, I guess it was another term for "The bomb."

Harriet Priscilla is so powerful, sleek and fast that she reminds me of a dark, Russian, bombshell spy that appears in James Bond movies. Moving along, we ended up trying to take random pictures of ourselves using her. JD: Poor Harriet.


** Harriet Priscilla


*Good Ol' Berta
*Love you always, Berta! It was fun.

After that vain moment, we trotted across the other house to take Good Ol' Berta. Mitch offered to confine it in his tech-savvy home for rehab. Berta was obviously awaken from deep slumber complete with dusts and hardware stains that I thought that she actually gained weight. Having been accustomed to lighter weight Macbooks and Mini Notes, upon carrying and holding Berta, Mitch was instantly transformed into a rich socialite addicted to polyester. This really proves why I don't want to get a Mac. The users think they have license to transform to irritating elitists thinking they're masters of the universe. Pardon those who really know what they're talking about because others just go with the trend and flow.

So when we got back, I took my last remaining photos of Good Ol' Berta after which Mitch tried to test the features. Good Ol' Berta, as much as he hates to admit, is still good, fast and functioning. I even tried to take a picture of Harriet and Berta together. They looked like Mother and Child. Since Mitch has to configure the bluetooth feature for Harriet, I won't be able to post any heartbreaking picture here yet.

Berta as Compaq and Harriet as HP, they just come from one family tree of sturdy, dependable lineage. But as usual, he just had to insert how it cannot compare to his Mac. Yada yada.

So I'm happy Good Ol' Berta will be cleaned and energized in the hands of a faithful, mac-conceited tech-healer. While I'm enjoying Harriet, Mitch will be fumbling and upgrading Berta. Perfect. Out with the old, in with the new. I'm sure there were no hard feelings there.

Finally. Meet Harriet Priscilla

This blog is to formally introduce to you my new "humanized object." Although I must apologize for downgrading her in my previous post, assuming the unit I'll be getting is this.
**HP MINI NOTE

However, my tech-consultant slash loved one educated me that what I previously posted was "the Older Version." What he had in mind is a newest version that he just painstakingly researched and waited to be released last week. So, after lunch I went with him to Park Square, suffered through intense searching for a parking slot and we ended up at the rooftop, a place where I haven't parked or seen ever in my entire Makati parking experience.

Two words. Christmas Shopping. People going back to their cars were carrying loads of bags and purchases, but they just ended up unloading not entirely preparing to leave. So we ended up doing rounds in the lower levels until we accepted the dreaded fate and went to the top most level, which is both a wacky experience for us. But patience is a virtue and excitement just makes it irrelevant.

So, after parking, we headed straight to the shop without making any stops since Mitch has duly researched and most probably pre-transacted the order already. Upon reaching there and seeing the slim black, petite laptop, I knew I'd be needing a name.

So, meet Harriet Priscilla my new, fresh, mini, HP1001 TU laptop.



The keypads are excellent and the screen is wider than its counterparts. It's lighter, more updated, more powerful than ever. All other tech stuff, I leave it up to Mitch and he would be posting a more-tech savvy version of it in his blog soon. (blog.mitchbautista.com)

I had the whole day to sink it in. I'm not used to getting tech stuff often. Berta, my old laptop has been with me for more than 5 years, my phones have been with me for a couple of years, both hand me downs from Mitch because he just wanted to change my older phones and once upon a time he changes phones like he changes his briefs. And the fact that my needs are not that tech-savvy to begin with.

So it took the whole day of eating Jamaican Patties, finishing a pint of sugarfree BTIC, going to Boni High and Market Market swiping our credit cards like crazy for christmas-related purchases, having a sumptuous dinner of Jack Daniel's Burger and Tortilla Crusted Fish at Friday's, and ending it with a coffee-bribe at Coffee Bean.

Products of expensive productivity were were two tired adults with wallets waving flags of nearing bankruptcy. So we decided to go home at around 10 and showcased my laptop to my family, which my mom, Karla and JD immensely liked. Harriet spent the night at Mitch's house for further configuration.

Today, as early as 10 am, he went here to my house with my newly configured Harriet Priscilla and after a couple of turtoring and uploading stuff, I'm writing now the first Harriet Priscilla blog via 3G, which miraculously works very well in our area.

Too many great new additions, too many changes. Everything's going well so far.

Out with the Old. In with the New

Out with the Old. In with the new.

This afternoon I would probably get my Birthday Present from Mitch, granted that the "connection" goes well. Mitch, ever so practical, wanted me to have this for so long. He's been dropping hints that I really need this and I haven't realized how much my life would become so much easier. Since I don't harbor any further interest in any other gadgets or hobbies like photography, phones etc, he knows a BRAND NEW LAPTOP would surely do me good. Based on his sales talk, he wanted me to get this to make me connected 24/7. It is a convenient must have for writing. Also, since I like hanging around in isolation, this would also provide me with another useful alternative. Apparently for him, this is the ONLY glaring thing I need that I have always taken for granted.


*HP MINI NOTE
At first I wasn't really taking it in because I OWN MY OWN LAPTOP. But I must admit people have cursed its weight and it's "outdatedness." Aside from the weight, which made me and Mitch suffer from random shots of back pains, it's failing on portable connectivity.

Fine.

Against new gadgets nowadays, my old one is failing miserably. But it has served its years and era. It's just a fact of tech-life to switch to slimmer, to faster, to more convenient gadgets. But the thing is I'm not that techie enough to itch for the latest and slimmest gadgets or phones out there. I must admit I also harbor the American Mentality that "the bigger the item, the better it is."

Well that's the mentality Mitch wants to change in me and I've also proven false. He is a Japanese-minimalist. For him, I should make my life easier by taking advantage of what technology has to offer. That at least for once, I go take the technology-plunge and changing my laptop is one of the best tech-plunges he'll ever made for me.

So, probably I'm saying goodbye to my Compaq Presario, which served me for 5 years or was it more? It was so long that I've forgotten. I'll be missing those heavy treks from Greenbelt to Glorietta like a hunchback. Goodbye for the wide screen you've provided for the portable gaming experience. Goodbye to wired internet connection that is such an effort to see when everyone's gone wi-fi. I was never ashamed of you though. Truth is, I couldn't care less.


Now, I have to appreciate and see Mitch's effort on researching the perfect laptop for me. He wanted it to fit on my big tote bags, and since he's a MAC boy, I just can see his urge to encourage me in buying a macbook, but I simply refuse to buy a MAC because I wouldn't be really maximizing it. I would only go use it for Word, storing pictures and stuff. Most importantly I can't just fit it in my tote bag. If ever I'm going to find myself with a new laptop it should really striping off any inconveniences. If I need to get myself a new one, it's supposed to be the best for me. Period. But like shopping for clothes, gadget shopping is just something that passes me by. It's gone to optional as I'm not a tech-slave.

So for months he searched and searched and saw a perfect unit for me. You see, I leave all the technical stuff to him. I trust him completely with whatever tech-specs I would need. The things that make the laptop work, the things that make the laptop faster, I leave it up to him. I don't investigate or ask him about the technical stuff anymore. I'm expecting he has studied the specs and matched it with my personality. He is just randomly asking me to participate in choosing my birthday gift to drive the point that I have a connection with the laptop, just like what we did when he got me Harvey. As long as I like how the screen looks like and how my fingers play through the keys, then I think I'll be bringing home a new baby today.

In with the new. Out with the old. Well not totally. I'll still have my Presario with me as a back up, and now just fully changed "desktop" in my room. Bottom line, as long as it does the job effortlessly, then I welcome the change. They say it takes approximately 18 months to make the gadget obsolete, well that doesn't really apply to me.





*PIX:

http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/mininote.jpg

Documenting the first Skype Experience

This is just fresh.

Just before I decided to call it a night, tried to end my chat conversations and bid Mitch goodbye, he suddenly remembered that I have installed Skype earlier this afternoon. I completely forgot all about it. He urgently convinced me to use it before we say goodnight. I was hesitant at first. Suddenly I smelled unwanted stress. Well, I don't know the exact mechanics of using it, that's one. My cousin was the one who installed the program, that's second; and I think I need a functioning headset, third.

But I won't let it get the best of me. I'm not that tech savvy but I'll make this work. How hard could this be? I clicked on Skype and found out that I was already registered. That saved me from task number 2. I gave him my username as I tried to look for a working headset. The only thing I could find near the computer was an el-cheapo brand of my sister's. I had no choice. Might as well try it.

And voila! It worked! I was so happy I got to see Mitch and actually heard his voice well..surprisingly clearer than expected. I'm ecstatic about the convenience this program brings. Now I can understand what this Skype is all about. But I know that I'm terribly delayed.

All along he was on speaker, so good thing I warned him not to say anything nasty lest someone hears him. I just had an inkling to magnify his voice. Can't wait to do this again tomorrow!



This picture makes me want to smile. Ahem, enough of the mushiness. Now, signing off.

Video games could be neutral

Video games are not all bad according to psychologist Douglas Gentile of Iowa State University. It depends on the content of the game, how it's played and its frequency. Gamers improve a person's dexterity and logic, especially if the player is exposed to mystery type RPGs. Video games are part of our modern culture and are powerful educational tools. And believe it or not, it can create better performing Laparoscopic surgeons.

Although I firmly believe that super violent games like Grand Theft auto, if played without guidance and regulations, could really affect a person negatively compared to pro-social games like SIMS. But it depends on how SIMS is played though. If the player voluntarily locks up the character and enjoys watching it mimic human torture often, then that person's unfortunately sick in the head to begin with.

Read the interesting story here.

The easy Logic on Net Life

People who have issues with the amount of self-induced publicity on the net should undergo therapy sessions and net lessons 101.

Internet elevates social connectivity in a broader perspective that it creates another face of life in its own. Friendsters, Multiplies, Facebooks, Myspace and personal blogs or personal sites create another window to be possibly viewed by those who tread the realms of modernity. As long as these sites are done in good faith, conceptualized with truth and nothing but, then it's been made to be seen. It's quite different if a certain site has an ounce of security measures, it's all in the user's preference anyways. But what I see as illogical is that some people whine about being viewed by complete strangers or random people when they have perfectly signed up to enter into a world of limitless viewing. Others are just amusing, some think they're celebrities and ultimately get affected in the end. If it bothers the person that much, then he or she should impose regulatory measures on who gets to view or not, but please blaming the medium and the viewer is ridiculous. There is no reason for hyperventilating. It's ludicrous to know that a person posts an extension of himself out there, makes his life and ideas public, and then one day curses that he's being viewed or much more deduce it to a convoluted psychological analysis. He or she either throws net tantrums or just chooses to disappear.

This "net world" might not be entirely a reality, and it doesn't necessarily make up ones entire life, but it is an extension therefore a part of human life. It is a part that a person can freely sign up for. But some certain pre-requisites though. This requires maturity, independence, accountability, passion and truth. Some can handle it, some don't, but there's no reason whining and exaggerating about it.

It goes to show that I don't mind if a certain president, a 12 year old or an object of disgust enters my social world or reads my blog. I am perfectly an adult to realize the predicaments of this situation, thank you very much. The last thing I would do is to whine about it, curse this medium and throw exaggerated tantrums on people just because of the infinite connectivity on the net. There's much as responsibility to the viewer and to the author. If you're being viewed do not dwell on too much flattery, irritation or paranoia. Take it as it is. You created a window. There's no use in shattering and covering it up. If you don't want to be viewed, stay out of this medium. Or if you you don't want to be that "popular" to be viewed, then be an ignoramus, hermit or stay out of trouble in the real world. That's pretty much a good and applicable advice, since this "networld" you signed up for is, after all, an extension. It's a two way street and not a one way thing. If a person can't handle this dynamic and mature world, might as well just result to a diary and live in an island. Just spare us the unwanted drama.

AND PS: Those who whine and exaggerate in foamy psycho babble, might not have their lives all that anyways. So Den, don't be paranoid honey. I'll get you that coverletter tomorrow.

Invisibility now a Possibility

How nice it is to become invisible? I'm not referring to an emotional feeling of lack in value and presence in society. I meant the power of actual invisibility. When I was still in my teeny bopper years and Charmed was aired in this country, I played in my mind which powers I'd like to have. Aside from Linka's (Captain Planet) power of Wind, I only liked two other powers: To be invisible or To stop time.

Just imagine. If I were invisible I could get to travel to places without a need for a visa a passport or a plane ticket. I could watch movies without paying for tickets. I could even be used as a tactical spy and hold loads of salient information without getting killed, since I have the power to become invisible in the first place. I could uncover the lying bastards in this world and punish them in a comical sense like maybe...spook them. But granted that my clothes are going to be made invisible as well. I'd hate to have an invisibility glitch and find me being stark naked in public.

The last cinematic attempt to use invisibility is through Harry Potter's invisibility cloak, but the premise is done in Hogwarts, not really a possible setting to begin with. But the brilliant scientists of today has formulated this into a reality.

Scientists are now closer to producing a tool for invisibility with the use of Metamaterials. Naturally, this will be kept in a hush setting until authorities may be able to disseminate it for proper use, which usually starts with a military interest.

Or any other interests like mine, continue to dream on.

The REAL Grand Theft Auto

Uh-oh. I've played this game a couple of times and it was surely violent. It teaches you strategies in a very compromising and twisted situation. It depicts you, the player, committing all crimes available to imprison you and charge a possible death penalty. Every crime like robbery, arson, vandalism and murder are experienced. But undeniably, it is one of the most successful and popular games in PS history. I also understand the entertainment and mental exercise that the game promises, but is it all worth it?



I've never been much of a fan or follower of Grand Theft because the story line suggests graphic violence in real life settings like in any normal neighborhood. We're fine with the gunshots and anti-terrorist concepts like what Counter Strike popularized because it concentrates more on team work, real military strategies with the manner of death and violence not graphically enhanced, but with Grand Theft Auto, there's something hands on and socially relevant above mere strategies and entertainment.

Anti-violence groups lobbied against it, I'm sure, but it's just a video game, right? It's all in the responsibility and the mental capacity of the player to make it practically harmless. That is, until a Thai juvenile robbed and killed a cab driver, just because he wants to have money to continue playing the video game. He used the strategy, by the way, from Grand Theft Auto.

Do we need more data? Who's responsible now?


Picture sources:
http://www.gadaily.com/media/news/GTAIV.jpg
http://a.abcnews.com/images/WN/ap_manhunt2_071030_ms.jpg