Entries from February 2008 ↓

Apple in the music industry

Maybe yes, you saw in the press earlier this week, iTunes has become the second largest distributor of music in the United States, behind the all-powerful Wal-Mart. Companies research NPD Group announced that Apple, the store digital music jumped to Best Buy, the No. 2 slots, only a few months after the single site centric blew past Amazons album oriented online store to move into third.

NPD Group estimates that it is only a matter of time, instead of deer iTunes - and that the time will come in 2008. (1984)

However, nobody in his right direction, every bet against Steve Jobs. But if you do not work in the right spirit, which is based on games of Antigua, Bodog, offers a bet of this proposal, in which you can bet that Apple, total control of the music room will not be in effect , hours before the strike in 2009. You can also click on a bet to win in iTunes, the end of the year, but the betting is not large: -240 (ie you have to bet to win $ 240 to $ 100) compared to 165 ($ 100 to win $ 165) N

Modern CRM based on 5 basic steps

In the famous David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) time management philosophy we can find the basic 5 steps that lie in the core of any structured even small business CRM program. They are 1) collect, 2) process, 3) organize, 4) review and 5) do. Keeping in mind all these working steps we can find out the features any professional Customer Relationship Management software should possess.

1) Collect

According to Allen when we collect the information we are to store it somewhere and the best option to store it and keep tabs on in a “bucket”. Such a “bucket” must be easy to get an access to everywhere you go. Some CRMs have already followed this and implemented this feature in the whole concept of a program: a web-based CRM solution that enables users to find and track all the changes either from a PC or from a laptop or even a PDA. If you are working in a group you can use a online calendar tool to coordinate the data with other members.

2) Process

Allen suggests that all information must be processed very often and you are to consider updating and cleaning the information as often as you can. To do it manually can be quite a challenge – the best option here is to organize processing using special features of a CRM that functions according to the preset parameters.

3) Organize

After the information has been stored and processed automatically the next step is an organization of information and its redistribution into relevant categories and folders: projects, to-do-lists, meetings, etc. An online calendar is an ideal feature of any CRM software that will ease your life in sorting the necessary incoming information.

4) Review

Review is the most important step that you should always keep in mind. No one denies the fact that information ages and out-dated information cost nothing. But fortunately with the help of special features of modern web-based CRMs you can easily access and make corrections in all informational lists wherever you are.

5) Do

According to Allen most of your time you are to be involved into completing the tasks to get them off your to-do-list. Modern web-based CRM programs combine a number of features that ease this process (the actual process of completing a task) as well.

Digital Camera

What should I look for when I want to buy a digital camera? Digital cameras capture and store photographs electronically instead of using photographic film. It records images on memory cards, no developing cost, you can print only what you like, it has LCD viewer and the like. Modern digital cameras are multifunctional, capable of recording sound and/ or video.In buying, identify what you need. Is it for professional graphics work? Will you want a zoom lens? What is your budget? How much you want to spend? Also knowing what kind of photos you will be taking will help you decide. Before you decide what camera to buy consider the following:

  1. Resolution: This describes the detail an image holds. Higher resolution means more image detail. Decide the resolution on what you plan to do with your photos.

 

Resolution Print Size
0.3 Mega pixel 3” x 4”
1Mega pixel 5” x 7”
2Mega pixel 8” x 10”
3Mega pixel 11” x 14”
5Mega pixel 13” x 19”

  1. Batteries:

The AA batteries are common, however non- rechargeable alkaline batteries are capable of providing enough power for only a very short time. CR2 batteries are lithium based and intended for single use. Most consumers use AA nickel metal hydride batteries (NiMH), which provide an adequate amount of power and are rechargeable. Proprietary batteries are built to a manufacturer’s custom specifications. They are almost lithium ion, which accepts only a certain number of recharges before the battery life begins degrading.

  1. Memory/ Storage:

Memory is where pictures are stored as you take them. It determines how many images you can store. If you plan taking many pictures without having access to your computer for downloading, you should plan to buy an extra memory card such as compact flash cards, memory stick, SD/ MMC, mini SD, XD picture card and others, which is determined by your camera.

  1. Lens:

The lens may zoom from moderate wide-angle, through normal, to moderate telephoto; or from normal to extreme telephoto. Consider the lens in order to take a good photo, may it be near or far from you.

  1. LCD Viewfinder

One of the most important basic design features to consider is the camera’s viewfinder. The LCD screen can see what your picture will look like before you take it. Consider LCD quality and the construction of its screen, whether it is fixed or positioned on a rotating mount.

  1. Flash

Most digital cameras have a built-in flash. This triggers automatically in low light conditions when set to auto mode. Some cameras include additional features, such as red-eye reduction or night portrait mode.

  1. Self-timer

The obvious reason for using a digital camera’s self-timer is so the photographer can be in a photo. A self-timer sets your digital camera for a delayed exposure, usually giving you about 10 seconds before it takes the picture. Some models have a custom self-timer, which lets you set the countdown time.

  1. Audio recording, Movie mode, TV connections, and Computer connections

Look for these features also.

  1. Size

There are three basic sizes of digital cameras. Know what’s the size of your camera that suits your needs. Compact digital cameras are designed to provide a moderate feature set, stylish looks, and a tiny, pocket size. Standard digital cameras are similar to 35mm point-and-shoot models in appearance and features. If you care more about robust features like interchangeable lenses, flashes, and other accessories, you will most likely have to consider a larger-sized camera or professional camera.

  1. Formats: Common formats are the Joint Photography Experts Group standard (JPEG) and Tagged Image File Format (TIFF).

  1. Digital Camera Brand:

It is a matter of personal preference.

  1. Price range

Prices are based primarily on resolution and features. The newest consumer electronics products are always priced at a premium. The best bargains are usually found on last season’s models.

Eleksen’s Double-sided Fabric Keyboard

Last December 2006, we talked about fabric keyboard by Eleksen. Eleksen has been all over the fabric keyboard phenomenon right from the start and today there is an interesting proposition- Eleksen’s double-sided fabric keyboard!

A second keyboard on the other side? Yes, one surface of the double-sided USB fabric keyboard has a set of QWERTY keys for cell phones and other handheld devices, and on the other side a calculator and media controls such as page navigation, and quick access music controls.

Like just about every other fabric keyboard out there it is lightweight and flexible and rolls up to fit in your pocket. It can be folded, scrunched and washed without breaking and highly durable.

Robot Birds

Like real birds, the robot can adjust both the wing shape and surface area continuously throughout flight. Robot birds feature moving heads and tails, a realistic look, and authentic sounds. Motion is activated photo sensors pick up movement and bring the birds to life. Actually, it has an on / off switch.

These robotic birds were designed as a multipurpose gadget. It could be used as a spy gadget. Robot birds can carry onboard micro cameras.