Dragon is a Winner - Especially if You Hate Typing

Several years ago, I was using Dragon Naturally Speaking on the PC on my desk in my dental office. I remember that I had just purchased a screaming fast machine with as much RAM as it could take (sorry but the absolute specs have faded from my memory). I needed that machine so that it could run Dragon� and even then the machine lagged. I was using Dragon to dictate my digital chart notes since I can definitely talk faster than I can type.

Back then, Dragon worked pretty well. Occasionally it would act up, but overall I was pleased. The worst part was that it took lots of training and it was a huge demand on system resources. One thing I didn't' think about (and I should have) was backing up my data files. One day my machine crashed and it took my Dragon files with it. I had taken a good chunk of my life to train it and I didn't feel like jumping through all those hoops again. I gave up and went back to typing.

I've pretty much been typing ever since. However, I've never really enjoy the process of typing. Even though I'm a fairly fast and accurate typist, I've always found typing to be more of a chore than anything else.

So� about 2 weeks before Christmas I was swayed by the large number of Dragon advertisements that were running on TV and popping up on web pages. I decided that since computers had advanced so much in the last few years that Dragon probably had too. I purchased Dragon Dictate for my Mac with the hope that it would make my life easier and more efficient.

My report is extremely positive. The training now takes minutes instead of hours and accuracy is pretty much spot-on right out of the box. It came with a microphone so I didn't' need to locate one that would work with the program. Dragon works in any window that has text input. That means you can use it with your browser, word processing program, blogging program, you name it.

I've found that I type much less since purchasing Dragon and I'm getting lots more accomplished. In fact, I'm using Dragon to type this blog post and it is probably taking me half the time it normally would. Also, since computer horsepower has evolved so greatly over the years Dragon operates efficiently and is no longer a drag on system resources. It works quickly, efficiently, and everything else that I have open runs easily too.

You can also use the program to control functions on your computer such as clicking dialogue boxes in filling out forms.

Yesterday I finished my latest article for Dental Products Report and I did it almost exclusively with Dragon. After about 3 weeks, I can say with all certainty that Dragon has made a change in my life for the better and I honestly think that you would benefit from it as well.

The Joy of Portable Books... and I Mean *Very* Portable

I've been a Kindle user for several years now. My original Kindle is big and klunky, but it still works well and I'm glad that I jumped on the Kindle bandwagon early (thanks Ben!)

One of the great things about that particular early adopter moment is that it got me on the electronic book train before it ever really left the station. By doing that, I was able to really be part of the swell of e-books before the first wave ever really formed.

For the record, I completely, totally, and madly love reading books electronically. The process is easy to use and easy on the eyes. I don't ever want to go back to paper again.

Now we're seeing what I consider to be the next generation of the ebook which is not to say the newest offerings from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, but instead, the development of apps that will allow for true "cross platform" reading.

What I'm seeing is that many of us who have been ebook readers for some time now no longer need to be convinced of the concept. No, what we need are the ways to grab our books wherever we need them. Example: I'll readily admit I'm hooked on the whole "Kindle Concept" even though I haven't picked up my Kindle in over a month. How can I be a KIndle diehard & not even use it? I'll explain that in a moment. First let me explain the "hooked on the concept" part.

The idea of a small device that holds all my books and goes anywhere with me is a tremendous idea. Amazon was the early winner in the category even though they were not the first to market. Their agreements with publishers gave them a huge library of books that were formatted to their device the day it went on sale. I have bought and read more books in the time that I've had my Kindle than in perhaps the 5 years previous combined.

Here's a prime example: Last year I was at a meeting and I was sitting pool side with one of my really good friends in dentistry, Dr. Bob Lowe. He and I travel quite a bit for our lecturing and as such we end up with time on our hands that can be often made less stressful by reading a good book. Bob mentioned 3 good mysteries he had read recently. I just flipped out my Kindle searched on the books, purchased, and downloaded while we sat by the pool. I had the books in a couple of minutes and I never even had to get out of my chair!

This scenario happens a lot with me where someone will mention a good book and I buy it right then and there. Amazon has sold me a lot of books that I would never have purchased if I had to go to a store or even go to a website and then wait for UPS to bring it. Having books available in almost real time is a huge advantage.

Now we get to the part of why I don't use my Kindle. To put it succinctly... I don't need it anymore. Amazon has done a wonderful job of designing & distributing apps that work on a variety of devices. I have an iPad, a Motorola Xoom Android tablet, and 2 Android phones. All of them have Kindle apps that allow me to do everything that I can do on the Kindle and the keep all of my books synchronized with each other!!! Open a book on my iPad and read a few pages then close it. Open the same book on my Xoom a few minutes later and the app asks me if I want to sync to the last page read on the iPad. Tap "Yes" and it automatically jumpst to that page while keeping all of my bookmarks, highlights, etc synced as well. Now Amazon has also introduced their Cloud Reader that keeps your books in the Cloud as well and allows you to read from any device that has an Internet connection.

While I don't read much on my phone, I can if I want to and it can be quite handy in a pinch.

I don't have much experience with the Nook from B&N but I've got to figure it's a similar experience. All said, I can't imagine going back to paper. The ebook experience is just too good. While I do enjoy the "feel" of a good book in my hands, I can't imagine giving up the convenience and the instant gratification that comes with "go anywhere" reading.k

The Dental R.A.T. is Available at the AAP Meeting and Readers Here Can Get the Same Discount

In 2006, while wandering the exhibits at the ADA meeting, I came across the Dental R.A.T. This is a device that was invented by a hygienist who was looking for a better way to do perio charting on a computer. She had found the keyboard to be frustrating and slow so she began to try and think of an alternative input system.

What she devised was a computer mouse that is controlled by your foot. Hence the large mouse (or a Rat) was born. The R.A.T. ( for Remote Access Terminal) is a cordless and battery operated mouse that is placed on the floor of the operatory. From there, the user can put their foot on teh device and fully control the computer in a manner that is completely hands-free.

It is set up to allow for complete computer control as well as perio charting. This is accomplished by having buttons on the device that correspond to the numbers recorded during perio probing.

This year, my colleagues and I on the Pride Technology Panel awarded the Dental R.A.T. a Pride Institute Best of Class Award. If you are looking for an easy way for our hygiene department to accomplish their tasks, give this product a look.

As a deal to you loyal readers, the company is offering their "show special" from the AAP to you. Just order and tell them you heard about the deal here on the blog. Hey, there ought to be some perks for reading!!!

How Important is the Keyboard... Answered

Over a month ago I posed this question in a previous post.

Since that time, I've had a chance to get fairly well acquainted with the Samsung Galaxy II... a device that uses only a soft keyboard as well as voice to text.

I've found the device incredibly easy to use, and I never thought I'd say that. One of the things that Samsung does over some other companies is the use of haptic feedback which means the phone uses a pulse of the vibration mode to shake the phone each time a character is typed. This provides a much more stable and reliable experience when using a keyboard with no "feel" since it is virtual only.

Combine that with the arrival of Siri on the new iPhone 4S. Siri, for those of you who don't know, is not only voice to text, but allows control of the iPhone OS to do all sorts of things such as telling the phone "wake me up at 7 in the morning" and it will set the alarm for 7:00 am. This completely removes the need for typing at all.

So the answer is... yes the keyboard will soon be a non-issue. I've always been a fan, but if I can give it up, you can too. I do think it requires you to find the right device, but trust me... they are out there. I think with our mobile devices, at some time we'll think back to keyboards like modems. We may get a bit nostalgic but we really won't miss them at all.

KIndle Update Brings Personal Document Synchronization to Users

This cloud thing is becoming bigger and bigger by the moment... don'tcha think? And I continue to be impressed with the way Amazon has embraced the concept of cloud computing and the way the company continues to make The Cloud part of its customer experience.

As regular readers know, i've devoted a fair number of electrons lately to blogging about Amazon and The Cloud. Now that's not because I own stock (I don't, but probably s should) or the fact that I"m a raving Amazon fanboy (I like the service but refuse to drink the Koolaide). No, I just think the management at AMazon is doing this the right way.

So, I was once again pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across the following:

In the latest update to the software the runs the Amazon Kindle, there are management systems built-in for your personal documents. One of the lesser known features of the Kindle, which has existed since the early days of the device, is the ability to store your personal documents. That's right, you can either connect your Kindle to your computer via USB and add documents to the device or you can email your documents directly to your Kindle. After doing that, the docs show up in the personal documents area in your Cloud Storage at Amazon. Once the documents are in your Cloud Storage they can be deleted or sent to any device linked to that account. In my case, that means documents can be on my Kindle, iPad, Xoom, iPod, and Samsung Galaxy S. Actually that's a bit of a fib. This only currently works on the Kindle, but the engineers at Amazon are hard at work to create updated Kindle apps that will allow the functions I just described on any device running a Kindle app.

This also means that, once the apps are done, reading your personal documents will be synced across the cloud just like things you have purchased and downloaded through the Kindle store.

It's just one more way to stay organized in both your reading for pleasure as well as your reading for your job!

Here are the details on the 3.3 update direct from Amazon:

Download Version 3.3 You can download the update below. All Kindle Keyboard users will receive this software update automatically via Wi-Fi. To see if your Kindle Keyboard has already been updated, from the Home screen press the Menu button and use the 5-way controller to select "Settings." If the Settings screen displays "Version: Kindle 3.3" (or later) at the bottom of the screen, your Kindle Keyboard already has the latest software installed. To update your Kindle Keyboard software, turn your wireless on and connect to an available Wi-Fi network. From the Home screen, press Menu and select "Sync and Check for Items." The software update will automatically download in the background and install when your Kindle Keyboard goes into sleep mode. Here's how to download the Kindle Keyboard software update version 3.3 and transfer it to your Kindle Keyboard via USB: Determine your software version: From Home, select Menu, then Settings. On the Settings screen you will see the Kindle version at the bottom of the screen. If you see "Version Kindle 3.1" or earlier (3.1.2, 3.0.3, 3.0.2, 3.0.1, or 3.0), please proceed with the steps below to update your Kindle Keyboard to the latest software. Download your software: Click on the appropriate link below to download the software update file directly to your computer: Kindle Keyboard Wi-Fi:Download 3.3 Your serial number will start with "B008" Kindle Keyboard 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) - U.S. and Canadian Customers*: Download 3.3 Your serial number will start with "B006" Kindle Keyboard 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) - European Customers*:Download 3.3 Your serial number will start with "B00A" Your Kindle Keyboard serial number is visible at the bottom of the Settings Screen. From Home, select Menu, then Settings. *We automatically ship your Kindle Keyboard with the best built-in wireless card based on the shipping country you select during checkout. If your country is not listed above, please check your serial number to determine which download to use. Transfer software to your Kindle Keyboard: Turn your Kindle Keyboard on and connect it to your computer using the USB cable. Drag and drop the new update file from your computer to the root Kindle drive. (The drive contains a number of folders - such as "audible," "documents," and "music" - and is typically displayed as a "device" icon). Monitor file transfer and disconnect: Check your file transfer progress to ensure file transfer to your Kindle Keyboard is complete before disconnecting. After the file has transferred successfully, eject the Kindle to safely disconnect Kindle Keyboard from your computer. Disconnect the USB cable from your Kindle Keyboard and your computer. Start the software update: Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select "Settings." Press the Menu key again, and then select "Update Your Kindle." (This option will be grayed out if the most recent update has already been installed or if the file transfer was not successful.) Select "Ok" when prompted if you want to perform an update. Your Kindle Keyboard will restart twice during the update. After the first restart, you will see "Your Kindle is Updating". Once the update is complete: Your Kindle Keyboard will automatically restart a second time. When you go to the Settings page, you should notice Version: Kindle 3.3 at the bottom of the screen. Once you see this, you know your update is complete. Free Access at AT&T Hotspots Enjoy free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots across the U.S. to shop for and download Kindle content -- no AT&T registration, sign-in, or password required. You will need the Kindle Keyboard software update 3.1 or later to use free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots. Update your Kindle software for free. Troubleshooting Update Issues Symptom Cause Resolution "Update" menu option on the Settings page is grayed out. The update file is in the incorrect directory, or was not transferred successfully. Plug your Kindle Keyboard back into your computer and verify the update file is present in the root directory of your Kindle Keyboard, not in a folder. File download won't complete or doesn't appear to start. Your firewall software may be blocking the download. Verify that your firewall is setup to allow the file transfer. Internet Explorer may prevent downloads. Right-click the download link and select "save as" to save the file to your computer. If this method is unsuccessful, complete the following steps to download as an Administrator: From the Start menu, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon. Select "Run as Administrator." Return to this page and try the download again. Received an error message when selecting "Update Your Kindle." Incomplete download. Redownload the installer from the Download your software section of this page. The software update file was renamed. Delete the update file on your computer and Kindle Keyboard, and repeat the software update process above. Unsupported software modifications are present. Kindle Keyboard doesn't support software modification, and will be unable to update the Kindle software if it has been modified. Contact the original developer of the software modification for instructions on how to remove the modification. Unable to download when selecting "Sync and Check for Items." Not connected to a Wi-Fi network Kindle Keyboard software update 3.3 is only available for download over Wi-Fi or from this page. Connect to a Wi-Fi network and the update will download in the next few days, or download the correct file listed above. If you still cannot successfully update your Kindle Keyboard software using the instructions above or encounter any difficulty with your software update, please contact Kindle Support by clicking the "Contact Us" button in the right hand column of this page. Kindle Tools Know Your Kindle Kindle FAQs | Kindle Discussions | Manage Your Kindle | Troubleshooting Your Kindle

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CheckMate Checkpoint Friendly Computer Bag - Courtesy of Curve Dental

Last week at the American Dental Association meeting in Las Vegas, I got a chance to sit down and catch up with the brain-trust of Curve Dental. The company that promotes itself as the "Fresh Web BAsed Alternative to Dental Software" was hosting a sushi event in their suite on the twenty-first floor of the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

It was a fun night with great sushi, great conversation, and a tremendous view that included a concert by Blondie out by the pool. While we were a fair distance away, you could still see and hear the show if you really wanted to.

I have to say "thanks" to Curve for a very nice parting gift as well. As I was leaving the event, the Curve folks presented me with a nice messenger-type laptop bag. When you spend as much time on the road as I do, you really appreciate gifts that make your travel experience easier. That's why I was so impressed with the forethought of the Checkmate bag.

If you fly, you know that going through security is a very specific process and one of these processes is that laptops must be removed from the bag they are in and sent through the x-ray scanner in a tub all by themselves. However, you can eliminate removing he laptop from the bag if you use a Checkmate bag to hold your computer. These bags unzip and lie flat on the belt giving the TSA folks an unobstructed view of the computer.

This saves you time and it also eliminates the potential disasters that can befall your laptop while doing all of the removing & replacing.

So thanks to Curve, I've got a nice new travel bag that can make my life easier.

Titrating Your Meds with the Apex Ultra Pill Splitter

For those with older parents or patients that are older, here is a nice and affordable device for them to have.

There are times when, for many reasons, a pill is needed to be cut in half to deliver half a dose. It may be a matter of pain meds, where a patient doesn't feel they need a full dose. It may be a matter of a pill too large to swallow comfortably, but for whatever reason, the Ultra Pill Splitter can make it easy.

It has a self retracting blade guard and a pill grip that holds the pill securely. Close the lid and the pill is easily and safely split into two pieces.

It is available from Amazon for $3.98

The company has lots of great little devices for helping folks with their medications.

LaboMed Prima Surgical Operating Microscope

The photo above was one that I Tweeted today while setting up for a root canal procedure in my office (OK, I'll admit that Super Assistant Terri was the one who actually set the room up... I was just there to take the picture). It's really a great tech story unto itself. All of that gear to do dentistry and the photo taken with the camera in my Motorola Xoom Android Tablet which then sent the picture and my Tweet out wirelessly to the Net. Cool huh?

However, the ONE thing I was there to setup was the surgical microscope. I'm currently working with a nice scope called the Prima. It is a nice device and provides a very clear field of view.

I'm currently working on a clinical evaluation of the device, but one thing it has going for it already is a rumored price of less than $10,000 US. I'll report back with more info after I've got more cases under my belt, but here are the specs the company provided for me:

• 5-step APO chromatic magnification changer
• Plan APO optics for superior clarity and color rendition (see magnification options)
• Magnification steps: 0.4x, 0.6x, 1.0x, 1.6x, 2.5x
• Viewing body: ERGONOMIC binocular 0� - 210� , interpupillary range 55-75mm
• Wide-field eyepieces: 10x/18mm
• Manual fine focus Plan APO objective: f=250mm
• Ergonomic dental microscope carrier with adjustable handgrips
• Counter-balanced swivel and suspension arm with individual locking knobs
• Heavy anti-rust base with locking 84mm anti-static castors
• High output 50W LED with fiber optic cable; up to 60,000 hrs life
• Full intensity flicker-free control without color change
• Filters: Integral filter selector with Yellow, Green, and clear filter positions
• Auto illumination shut-off at top parking position
• Optional eyepieces: 12.5x/16mm, 16x/16mm
• Optional PlanAPO objectives: f=175mm; f=200mm; f=300mm; f=400mm
• Optional motorized fine focus with foot operated control
• Modular design accepts optional component modules
• Optional 5 Megapixel iVu camera module with USB2.0 and composite video out
• Optional Dual �Assistant� bridge for simultaneous observation
• Optional floor, wall, table, and ceiling mounting
• Optional long suspension arm for chair or wall mounted systems
• Optional Halogen 150W or 250W Xenon illumination

Magellan Announces Wireless Backup Camera for your Ride

Here is a cool idea from the makers of those nifty little GPS units. One of the things I've learned to love about my Chevy Tahoe is the backup camera. You know, put the car in reverse and a section of the dashboard changes over so that you can actually see behind you as you backup. It's a great safety feature, but not everyone wants to have to buy a new vehicle to get it.

Now you don't have to! Here is the press release:

Magellan Introduces Wireless Back-Up Camera for RoadMate Safety Series GPS Units

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (22 June, 2011) /PRNewswire/ � Magellan GPS today announced the launch of a Back-Up Camera companion product for its RoadMate� safety series car navigation units that will help drivers reverse and park more safely. Combining this camera with a Safety Series GPS navigator expands Magellan's focus on safety and security to the full time you are in your car. It starts when the Back-Up Camera helps you safely reverse out of your driveway, continues through your commute with premium GPS navigation features, and does not end until the Back-Up Camera helps you park the car without damage or stress and you finally shut off the ignition.

The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera attaches to the vehicle's rear license plate and transmits images directly to the expansive 7" high resolution screen of a RoadMate 1700 or RoadMate 9055 GPS device. When the car is put into reverse, the GPS navigator will switch from map to rear-view mode, enabling drivers to view what is below the rear window.

The Back-Up Camera is both dustproof and waterproof to IP67 standard, and features a wide-angle viewing lens that provides a 120-degree viewing area behind the vehicle. The transmitter, which sits in the car's trunk, is also water resistant (to IPX4 standard). With a 45-foot range and a 45 degree camera vertical adjustment, the transmitter is adaptable for most vehicles, SUVs and RVs.

"The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera adds a substantial level of safety and security to your drive. Back-Up Cameras have proven to be useful devices in helping drivers get a more complete picture of what's behind them � such as small children or pets in the driveway � and helping them back into narrow, parallel parking spots. Combined with the confidence that a navigation device provides, the RoadMate with Back-Up Camera help you leave, arrive and park safely," said Mike Wagner, Senior Director, Product Marketing for Magellan GPS.

The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera kit comes complete with a license plate mountable camera, transmitter, wireless receiver, vehicle power adapter, installation hardware, and instructions. It is available at Amazon.com and automotive specialty shops, and retails at a MSRP of $149.99.

Starbucks Announces Release of "Official" Android App

The age of a "cashless society" is upon us. Of course, maybe it's just a "walletless society", but nonetheless there seems to be fewer and fewer reasons to actually carry cash or a checkbook these days.

I remember being in the Salt Lake City airport shortly after the 2000 Olympics and i saw the vending machines all had Ethernet connections & you could swipe a credit card in them. Obviously this was a necessity when you got tons of travelers coming through that don't have US Currency (possibly not even speaking English) and still want a Coke. Being able to swipe & go was a tremendous service to offer these visiting travelers, not to mention a (most likely) cash cow for the vending machine companies. Heck, I bought a Coke from one of the machines just because I wanted to say I'd done it. It's not always inexpensive being a traveling geek!

Anyway, now with credit & debit cards a lot of folks really aren't carrying much cash these days. I personally can't remember the last time I carried a check book either. Well, this is all taking an even more techie turn as smart phones get into the fray of this as well. As an example, let's take a look at my favorite coffee company, Starbucks. One of the neat marketing things Starbucks does is the concept of your "own" coffee card. Someone can give you one or you can get one for yourself. It's a gift card that can then be registered to a certain user (you) and then reloaded with cash whenever the balance gets low. By having a card tied to you by registering it through the Starbucks website, the owner's coffee habits can be tracked and Starbucks assigns "points" for purchases. It's a great way for the company to ensure loyalty and the consumer gets some perks as well.

In January, the company released an App through the Apple App Store that allowed the consumer to put in their Starbucks Card number and then use the app to charge/pay for the purchases... even if the buyer didn't have their card with them. This made Starbucks truly cashless. It also meant that more and more people began locking themselves into a card since they could reload it at their leisure and didn't have to worry about having cash or their card with them.

The bummer part of the deal came when no Android App showed up. Trust me when I say, "Geeks drink coffee." i know of what I speak. Geeks also use phones other than those made by Apple. So, anyway today Starbucks announced that they have an Android App that mimics what iPhone users have had for 6 months now.

However, you don't have to use this new app if you don't want to. Because there was a need and no solution by Starbucks, an app called My Coffee Card. This amazing and FREE app allows you to charge your purchases by creating an onscreen barcode that can be scanned by the cash register. It also tracks your spending and stores your receipts. This receipt/account function is so fast that I can pay for my coffee using the app, check my balance, and have the updated/current balance on the screen before my coffee is in my hand. You can also use it to reload your card using a secure connection where you simply punch in your credit card number and then tell it how much you want to put on the card. Heck, it even has a Starbucks locator for those of us who travel.

I've been using My Coffee Card since the early part of 2011 and I can't say enough good things about it. In fact, it does such a great job, I'm not quite sure why Starbucks bothered to bring out an app after 6 months of not having one.

Now just to be fair, I did download the "official" Starbucks app today and I'm going to give it a try, but honestly it's going to have to really sweep me off my feet to get me to give up my beloved My Coffee Card.

Kno Textbook App for iPad

While many of us love to read books on Kindles, Nooks, and tablet devices, we've been more or less forced to read what the sellers in our respective online stores will sell us. Not that I'm complaining, but what I mean by that comment is that if I have a Kindle, I can only read what Amazon has in the Kindle store, etc.

Now in most instances, this is great. If you read for pleasure or personal growth, the device stores has more titles than you could consume in a lifetime.

Oh, and I *love* being able to read a book on my Kindle, my Xoom, and/or my iPad. It's a great way to read and I love being able to highlight, make notes, dog ear pages, and all the other fun stuff you can do.

The only real drawback? You can't read textbooks. That can be a pain to those of us who are professionals and continue to use textbooks as reference materials.

Well, that is now changing thanks to Kno. The concept is a nice one. Kno is an app for the iPad and also an online store with over 70,000 (yes... 70,000) textbooks. Just download and install the app from the Apple App Store, go to the store, buy your textbook, and start reading.

While I haven't had a chance to review the store... yet, you can bet I will be doing so in the near future. I'm already lightening my load by letting Lexicomp put 15 drug and medical reference textbooks on my Xoom and iPad. Soon, I may also be carrying a huge reference library of my favorite textbooks courtesy of Kno. Check them out and then post a comment!

Find Your Luggage the Easy Way

As someone who spends a good deal of time on the road, I've got more "bad" travel stories than I care to even think about. And even if you aren't one of the lucky souls who knows the best eateries at most of the airports, you probably want to take as much stress off your travel as possible.

To that end, take a look at the Wireless Luggage Finder by Easy-2-Pick. The concept is beauty in its simplicity. The device consists of 2 parts. A wireless transmitter that looks like a luggage tag & is attached to your suitcase. A wireless receiver that looks similar to your car remote. Simply place the "tag" on your luggage and turn it on. Once you arrive at your destination luggage carousel, turn your key fob on. When your suitcase pops into view on the baggage carousel, the key fob will begin to beep, notifying you that your luggage is on the belt.

My partner Kelly gave me one of these devices for Christmas and it's been a nice addition to my travels. With so many bags looking the same these days, it's nice to be able to know "yes, that's my bag".

The device is available from Amazon for $24.95.

Working & the NFL Playoffs - Can They Coexist?

Today I'll be spending the day reviewing and finalizing my 5 (that's right 5) lectures that I'll be giving at the Yankee Dental Congress this week. Of course the problem with that is that the NFL Playofs are today too. What's a sports fan to do?

Well, fortunately for me, I have a bit of tech to help me along.

While I'll be working away on my MacBook Pro, I'll also be using an extra 19" monitor that allows me to have 2 screens. Studies have shown that people who use 2 screens are a minimum of 20% more efficient. I'll gladly attest to that. When I'm on the road and forced to use just the screen on my Mac, it feels like I'm typing with only one hand or something.

Add to that the fact that I have a Windows machine in my home office that is also set up with 2 monitors. One of them is an Exorvision 17" with a cable TV connection. That allows me to have the games up (and muted unfortunately), but i can, with the push of a remote, switch it back to computer if need be to do some research. Oh, and since that monitor will have a browser open, I'll also have the ESPN live game feed open so if the TV is off, game progress can still be followed. Even with the monitor in TV mode, the other monitor will have Tweetdeck up to keep me updated of the info coming in from my Twitter buddies and Facebook friends.

It won't be like sitting on a comfy couch and watching the game in surround sound, but it's far better than the alternative!

LightKeeper Pro - Decking the Halls Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

"One goes out, they ALL go out!!!" That's a common stressful battle cry during the holidays right? I mean, do you like trying to figure out which one of the hundreds of bulbs in the string is the culprit? No I didn't think so.

So... if you hate it so much, why don't you do something about it? Behold the LightKeeper Pro. This affordable little gadget allows you to quickly and easily locate burned out bulbs in a series string of lights. How you asked? Read on!

Fixes most light sets in seconds using the Quick Fix Trigger

Most miniature Holiday Light set failures occur when an individual bulb �shunt� fails to energize. These shunts are energized when a filament burns out. This causes a section of lights, usually 35 or 50, to go out instead of just one light bulb. This is because miniature light sets are wired in �series� and electricity must flow through each bulb, to the next, for them to light.The LightKeeper Pro Quick Fix Trigger sends a shaped, electrical pulse through the defective bulb, clearing the shunt. This allows it to operate properly. The current can then flow through the light set completing the circuit and illuminating the other bulbs.

The Patented LightKeeper Pro is the first product to FIX defects in a light set with the squeeze of a trigger.

Elecom Headphones for iPod Shuffle - Who Needs Bluetooth?

Now don't get me wrong. I mean I love Bluetooth. I have it in my truck as well as having a headset, headphones, and a presentation mouse all using the Bluetooth standard. The wireless standard makes my life easier and cuts down on lots of wires... what's not to love?

And yet, there are those times when less can be more, or at least a steady equivalent, and this is one of those times. It seems the smart people at Elecom came up with the very bright idea of making the latest iPod Shuffle totally portable and wireless. Now I know the Shuffle is portable. Heck the dang thing is about the size of a box of matches... maybe smaller, but the wired earbuds can be a bit of a pain when dealing with any MP3 player; even one as tiny as the new Shuffle.

Now if you don't want wires, you can certainly find some very good Bluetooth headsets like this one that I happen to own. But if you'd rather have a regular "wired" type headset without the wires, Elecom has your solution. The idea is beautiful in its simplicity. There is a headphone plug on the headphones and the Shuffle simply slides onto it and is held in place directly on the side of the headphones. The result is a totally portable wireless headphone system. Oh, and it's only $50 which isn't rock bottom cheap, but it isn't breaking the bank either.

I haven't had a chance to evaluate these so I have no idea what the sound quality is, but it's a great concept/idea as far as better mousetraps go.