Dictionary?
Where do you go to learn the definition of a word? Where do you go if you don’t know how to spell a word? Mashable.com conducted a poll to find out what people do and it looks like an online dictionary is the way to go.
If I am looking for a definition, I usually go to Dictionary.com but if I need to spell something it’s usually either Microsoft Word or a Google search. I didn’t know that you could search “define:word” into Google. I have a feeling I’ll be using that more.
Shelving Art
Mark Kinsley’s “Riveli” shelving units are beautiful! I wish I had the money and wall space to be able to feature one of these. Not only does it provide function,but it also is a piece of art, which is my favorite kind of art.
via Core77
The Hierarchy of Digital Distractions
An interesting depiction of the hierarchy of the distractions we face in our lives everyday. I’m sure they will differ for each person, but a lot of these are spot on for me. If only I had an iPhone, then all of the other distractions in my life would start to fade into the background…
via @swissmiss
Dual Screen Laptop
One thing that I’ve loved about my new job is my huge monitor! Which is great, considering that my laptop screen refuses to go beyond 1024 x 768. So when I saw this design of a laptop [coming by the end of this year] I couldn’t believe my eyes!
Of course I have two concerns with this design: size & weight. It weighs 12 pounds, which is double what my current laptop weighs [and almost 3 times what my cousin’s dog weighs]. It doesn’t look like they tried to make the thing very light. Look at how thick the keyboard area is! But hey, for those really strong computer geeks on the go, this is the perfect device!
via Core77
Credit Card Both Ways?
Wait! Does this mean I can put my credit card in either way????? It would still be easier to just wave my phone over some pad.
Remote Simplification
A year ago I wrote a paper about “Pre-Attentive Processing and Organization of the TiVo DVR Remote Control”, basically how the placement and coloring of buttons on the remote help you to organize them into groups.
When I saw this technique I thought about what it’s like having to use someone else’s remote that you might not be familiar with, especially one that is not designed as well as the TiVo remote. Consider using this for when you have someone over to house sit.
via SwissMiss
Tech Support Secrets
A lot of people ask me how I’m so good with computers. Leave it to xkcd to reveal my secrets!
via SwissMiss
Topographic Jewlery
I saw this Earth Brooch an thought of all my geocaching friends who love topo maps. If I had a favorite hiking place, I’d totally get one of these.
via SwissMiss
Depositing Checks with the iPhone
I used to hate depositing checks. Having to fill out that silly form and then bring it to the bank or put it in the envelop at the ATM. Then, they got rid of the envelops and I could just slide the check into the ATM and see the check on the screen. I no longer dreaded putting money into my bank account.
Then I saw this demonstration, the ability to deposit money into your account with the iPhone. It’s sooo cool! I have no idea what happens behind the scenes to make it work, but I don’t really care. BoA, when are you going to get this???
I appoligize for the infomercial style. Skip to 1 minute in for the start of it and 1:40 for the start of the deposit.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAjn-REhBSI]
via SwissMiss
Bing Failure
I’m sure you have seen the recent commercials for Bing, which is Microsoft’s new search engine. Basically they are a conversation between two people one of whom replies with random things, supposedly representing other search engines. Incase you haven’t seen them, here’s one:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0f8X_SOVjA]
Anywho, I was on my work computer listening to my Alanis Morissette station on Pandora. When up pops an acoustic version of “Ironic”. And I’m singing along belting my heart out and I hear “and then meeting his beautiful husband”. Now, I’m not completely sure, since I was saying “wife” at the time. Since you can’t skip via Pandora, I decided to investigate via search. I reluctantly open a new tab in the IE browser and use the search widget in the top right, where Microsoft has conveniently placed their Bing search engine. I typed [including quotes]: “its like meeting the man of my dreams and then meeting his beautiful husband”. I am returned with nothing, nada, except suggestions including: “OH La La Pains” and “Pregnant Man“.