Office Live

There are now web-based programs that can be used instead of Microsft Excel and Word, which has given Microsoft Office some competition. In order to step up to the competition, Microsoft has now offered a new service called Office Live. However, this new service has little integration with Microsoft Office. The programs it offers pale in comparison to other competition's programs. Office Live's design makes it difficult to maneuver around and while Office Live is free, Microsoft will of course charge for increasing efficiencies. It really needs to step things up in order to compete. For instance, Office Live offers contacts and calendar entries like Microsoft Outlook. While it is easy to transfer this data to Microsoft Outlook from Office Live, it is nearly impossible to transfer such data from Microst Outlook to Office Live. Such inefficiencies make it difficult to really operate under Office Live.

Even though Microsoft is making an effort with Office Live it really needs to make sure it steps things up because right now there are definitely dissappointments with the way it has been designed.

Public Wi-Fi: Be Very Paranoid

In the article, "Public Wi-Fi: Be Very Paranoid," a very important point was made. Many people today use wireless networks all the time not worrying about whether there information is made readily available to others. When in fact many wireless networks at airports, etc. are not even unencrypted. Even if they are usually it can easily be broken. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that you are not transmitting private information, such as social security numbers over such networks. Even passwords can be determined over these networks so one must safeguard against using any networks that could provide others with passwords to such logins as their bank statements. In addition, individuals should make sure that they are allowed to access networks before doing so. If they are not allowed to they could be charged with theft of service. In addition, those who have wireless networks at their homes should make sure that they do not have them open for others to access.

This is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed by everyone to make sure that information is secure when using wireless networks. While everyone should not be paranoid, they should be aware and protect themselves against such events from happening.

Apple TV

When Apple came out with Apple TV last spring, many consumers showed no interest. Now, Apple has come out with a new and improved Apple TV that should be more to the liking of consumers. The original Apple TV was only a black screen that you could use to watch movies you had downloaded from the Internet. However, the new Apple TV is much better. It allows you to search on the Apple TV screen for shows, music, etc. that you would like to watch. In addition, it allows you to watch rented movies on it instead of having to buy movies. People generally do not want to buy movies that they are only going to watch once because it can get expensive.

Even though the new Apple TV is not revolutionary it is still better than the originial one released last Spring. However, I believe consumers are still looking for more. Today, consumers expect things that are revoluntionary. Our whole perception of new technology has changed and we expect things that are mind boggling today. Therefore, Apple TV still needs some more extras added to make it the type of product that consumers really want.

ThinkPadX300

The article "Almost as Thin as Aire - and Rugged," talks about the new Lenovo ThinkPadX300 and how it is better in the longhaul than Apple's MacBook Air. The Lenovo is at most a little over 3 pounds and prices range between 2500 to 3000 dollars. This is an amazingingly light labtop with a lot of features. The Lenovo had to make some compromises in order to keep its thin form. However, it still outruns the Apple MacBook air. It has more connectivity options which is better in the long run. It is also better for mobility. It is better equiped to be used while on an airplane or just to check emails. It uses solid-stage storage which helps with battery life and provides better performance.

Overall, this definitely seems like it is better than the MacBook Air. Even though it has some setbacks they are minor compared to the other features gained. It is great for business travel with its light weight form. Therefore, with all the features it contains in addition to it light weight, this is definitely the best choice.