Friday Fives at Six

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Mobile RSS - Update

A few weeks ago, I started using Newsgator Go! to read my RSS feeds while commuting. (You already know that I love RSS, even if you don't use it). My impression of it: meh.

Newsgator Go! has a few major usability issues for me.

First, the web-based Newsgator is not a good experience in my opinion. I don't like the interface, it's just not as intuitive as Google Reader. The other option is to use a desktop-based application. The desktop application for mac, NetNewsWire is fine, and does sync with the server, so multiple instances would reconcile without issue, but it just isn't ideal for me. I ended up creating a feed from a specific tag in google reader that would be just for articles I planned to read on the subway. So, maybe I didn't give the web reader enough of a chance, but I don't see why I should. I'm generally pretty good with the computer, so I think if I don't like it, there's probably a good reason.

Second, the application does not download stories automatically. So, I have to check each of the RSS feeds before I got on the subway each time, if I want to read them. No thanks. That is something that obviously could run in the background automatically.

I do have to admit that NewsGator has some advanced functionality that could be totally cool. The Smart Feeds seem like a very useful feature. Signing up for email newsletters, but having them come to the feed reader would be nice. I deliberately don't sign up for those things now because I don't want my inbox clogged up. But, in my experience, if there exists an email newsletter, there often exists an RSS feed with that same content anyways.

The NewsGator products also do a good job of giving you 'location-specific' options. You can choose which feeds show up where. So, if I wanted to, I could limit NewsGator Go! to have only my 'to read' feed while having the desktop client show all of them.

So, if NewsGator Go! was the only option out there, it would be serviceable. However, (!) the Wall Street Journal put out a mobile RSS reader. Now, this is a product that I like. For one, it gives me free access to WSJ content. Plus, it easily let me import my 'to read' items from Google Reader. It's still not ideal, but at least it updates automatically. And, overall, the program just seems more responsive.

Interesting to note: FreeRange Communications powers both programs, so I'm not sure why they are not more similar. But, I imagine that has something to do with server capacity, syncing, etc.

One thing to note with both of these products is that there does not seem to be a way to let them know that I have a microSD card in my Curve. This means that my memory gets full quickly and I've experienced a weird disappearance of text messages and emails. You can change the options about how many articles these programs should download and keep, but it's still a bit of a swag. Some tips on how to deal with this are here.

If you've given any of these things a try, let me know (in the comments, ideally).

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

TED Conference Video: Education Kills Creativity

Not much to say in addition, but watch this video. I only wish Sir Robinson would have provided a more concrete sample solution to the problem. Though, I suppose that giving concrete answers would defeat the point.

It's amazing. Here'e the direct link

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Keyboard to a Man's Heart Part 3

Image via Wikipedia You should know by now how much I love the keyboard. I try very hard to convince people to shun the mouse (and especially their laptop touchpad) and start using the keyboard.

I constantly rack my brain trying to understand what are the sticking points preventing keyboard adoption and how I can overcome them. Productivity gains are not enough for most people (for some crazy reason). Despite the fact that you obviously don't care, I will continue to plead my case.

I think there are a few factors at work here. People are generally frightened of computers. They don't understand the design of the technology. They are scared to look through the advanced features and make changes. (I worked in technical support, so I have seen just how ignorant people can be when it comes to computers. Even remembering two different passwords can be a herculean feat.) On top of that, it takes some effort to learn a new trick. I've heard this a few times, 'For me, the mouse will always be faster'. No way. Not possible. Especially not if you're starting with your hands on the keyboard. Sure, it might take a minute to learn the shortcuts, but trust me they make your life a whole lot easier.

In order to simplify the world of keyboard shortcuts here are some ways to think about navigating Microsoft programs from the keyboard (some apply to Apple, generally by switching ALT for the Apple key)

ALT + TAB - cycles through open programs
SHIFT + ALT + TAB - cycles backwards through open programs
CTRL + TAB - cycles through open windows within a program (this works in most programs, but not all, and is especially great when using tabbed internet browsing)
SHIFT + CTRL + TAB - cycles backwards through open windows within a program
ALT + F4 - closes a program
CTRL + F4 - closes a window within a program

You may have noticed a pattern. ALT works at the global level and CTRL works within the programs. SHIFT will shift the direction of your actions for some commands.

Another key tip to keep in mind is that windows keyboards have the menu key. I call this the right-click key because it brings up the right-click menu that you would get from the mouse. Sometimes faster than knowing the actual keyboard shortcut to perform a specific action.

The other windows specific key that you should know about the Windows Key. There are a few keyboard shortcuts associated with this, but for me, the best one is just that it brings up the start menu and with that, access to all your programs with just a few keystrokes. For example, you hit Windows Key + P to open the programs list and then pressing the first letter of your program name will take you there. In Windows Vista, the start menu has been improved by providing you a search bar that you can just type in what you're looking to open and it brings it right up.

Lastly, you should definitely be aware of the generic ARROW KEYS and PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN keys. These bad boys will let you easily scroll down a webpage or document you are using and are a million times faster than going to that stupid scroll bar at the right side of the screen.

So, those are all good tips. I use them constantly. Frankly, if this is the first you've heard about ALT+TAB, welcome to the first day of the rest of your life.

I'll leave you with this bit of wisdom to help you implement this in your daily life: (it's not even just for the keyboard)
If you use Microsoft Powerpoint, I have a couple of really good tips. First, always use snap to grid and snap to shape. Then, you can select items (using TAB to cycle through the objects on the slide rather than the mouse). Move those objects into place using the ARROW KEYS. By keeping snap to grid on and using the arrow keys, you can be sure that your objects are nicely aligned. If for some reason, you need more granular control, you can use CTRL+ARROW KEYS to move as though snap to grid was off (though I'm not sure why you would want to do that). You could also use ALT+the mouse to do the same thing (occasionally useful for resizing objects). This tip is especially useful for consultants working on laptops while on the road (with that awful touchpad).

I'll be back with more tips on making the keyboard the focus of your computer input devices. If you'd like special one-on-one sessions, I am available for private tutoring. I already have one McKinsey consultant 'raving about the keyboard shortcuts' I introduced into his life.

Now, get out there and try using those shortcuts!

Friday, August 15, 2008

The future is here and it is the mobile web

The mobile web is coming. The most popular example right now is the iPhone's mobile version of Safari. In my limited experience with it, I've found it to be very good. Apple is not the only one out there with a browser though. I briefly mentioned Opera Mini in my most recent review of the iPhone vs. Blackberry decision. There is also SkyFire. And, Mozilla is rumored to be working on a mobile Firefox (you know how I feel about the full version).

My experience with Opera Mini has been fantastic. It really does render pages like they would be on my computer. It works similarly to mobile Safari by browsing around the page using either the keypad (2, 4, 6, 8) or trackball to move around the page and 5 or a ball-click to zoom in. It's not quite as slick as Safari and it's finger gesture navigation, but it gets the job done. Plus, with Opera Mini, you can save pages for later viewing, which I love to use for rides on the subway. I only wish there were a way for me to download unread RSS feeds to my blackberry and have it sync when I get back in range, automatically. (Aside: if you've heard of an app like that, please let me know).

You may be concerned with the speeds I'm getting on the EDGE network with AT&T. I have no problems with it. And, from what I've been reading about the iPhone 3G, it isn't as good as advertised.

The one thing that both Opera Mini and mobile Safari lack is Flash. Skyfire has flash. That is HUGE. There are so many websites that do not work without Flash. Youtube and Hulu are the most obvious, but there are tons of others (and, yes I know that youtube is on the iPhone, but they had to build a specific program for it, it's not the standard flash site). To me, getting mobile flash right first give Skyfire a huge, first-mover advantage.

However, all of these mobile web browsers have a problem of availability. Opera Mini is available on most mobile phones. I have it on my blackberry with AT&T, but you can also use it on windows mobile (e.g., Blackjack and others), Palms and Nokia's Symbia OS. For some reason, on Verizon, only customers with a blackberry can get it. Skyfire is available only on Windows Mobile (and probably has the same issue with Verizon, but I haven't verified that). And obviously, Apple, being the selfish bastards that they are, have kept safari only on the iPhone and prohibited anyone from installing a 3rd party web browser.

All in all. Get yourself a data plan and download one of these mobile browsers. It'll be much cheaper than getting an iPhone and will help you wait until Apple fixes some of the issues it's been having, or at least gets mobile flash working.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Google reader improves sharing-still not mobile

Image via CrunchBase, source unknown In case you were waiting to get yourself involved with google reader and RSS feeds in general, google reader introduced granular sharing. You can now set up groups of people to share with. For me, this was never a huge issue, but there were people that thought it was a big deal.

I know that I sing the praises of Google Reader. The truth is that I love RSS in general and the sharing aspect of Google Reader a great addition. There are other features that I would like to see (such as an easier way to make my RSS feeds into a downloadable/syncable 'newspaper for my cell phone'). I'm considering giving bloglines or newsgator a try. Potentially even a (GASP) desktop based RSS client.

Update: I've noticed that newsgator has a mobile version that syncs with its servers. I'm definitely going to give this a try and will report back. First impression: I'm not a huge fan of the online RSS reader.

Friday, August 8, 2008

My Apartment Search Part 3

So, I found an apartment in the East Village. I'm extremely excited about it. It's a great place. It has an open kitchen. Will get some new appliances. Is only 3 blocks from the subway. I really like the neighborhood. I'm ready to become an East Villager.

I'm a yuppie and, apparently, that is a bad thing again. As a yuppie, I do feel mildly bad about the gentrification of the East Village and how my arrival is a part of it. I'm also aware of how the 'locals' hate me. Regardless, I'm embracing the neighborhood in all it's tattooed glory. I've only been living here a short while, but I've already found a bunch of great places. There is a great burrito place on St. Mark's Place called Chipotle that only serves naturally raised meat. And on Houston, just a few short blocks away is a great little grocery store called Whole Foods.

Seriously though, I do hope that the East Village can keep some of its 'charm'. I hope the neighbors continue to keep their tattoos and piercings, despite my suit-wearing yuppie ways wandering in. The area has great (and relatively inexpensive) restaurants and bars and shops. One of my next steps here is finding all the good ones. I'm even going to try to hit up local hardware and miscellaneous stores (as soon as I find them) for my random apartment needs. It's been too easy to default to Bed Bath & Beyond and Home Depot, and with them being across town I'm cutting them out.

I expect that living in the EV while it struggles to maintain its character while the residents turnover (and are priced out) will be an interesting experience. What I think is funny about it is that people talk about the East Village and Punk as though one never existed without the other. The East Village has only most recently been associated with Punk Rock, before that, it was something else entirely (but I have no idea what). The evolution of neighborhoods in New York is a fascinating topic, and one that I know nothing about. It amazes me that neighborhood lines have been so clearly defined for so long and that the vibe can change so drastically from one avenue to the next. All over New York people fight to get landmark status for every foot so that it never changes. I'm all for respecting the past, but at some point, you need to move forward. What if the tenements of the early 1900s were landmarked as reminders of an important time in New York's history? Would anyone actually be in favor of that? Does anyone who has lived in the EV for the last 30 years really want to go back to the crime of the 80s? Am I, a suit-wearing yuppie, that much worse than a gun-toting mugger? (Note: That's a dramatization. I admit ignorance about what type of crime was going on here in the 80s)

I'm not sure where I come out on the whole issue of gentrification/preservation. In my gut, I feel like I don't belong here, but I love living here. I'm against every neighborhood looking the same (glass walled condos, Chipotle, Whole Foods, etc.) I want to embrace the hyper-local culture and become a part of it (I need to get some black pants and converse). At the same time, how can I really feel like a part of it? I commute to midtown to work for a giant, faceless corporation and come home to a neighborhood where every inch of every person is different from the one next to it. For me, it's important to have that feeling of out-of-place-ness while walking home in a suit. But, I realize that I am most certainly either a part of the engine of change for this neighborhood or proof that it has lost its soul.

What do you think? Am I overreacting? Where do we draw the line between history and progress?

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Trade you an iPhone for a Curve? Ummm....

Reader Justin writes in:

What bberry did you end up getting? I'm getting ready to start medical school this fall and I want to be smart phone equipped before I arrive. I'm pretty keen on the new iPhone, but I know that proper due diligence requires me to look into the RIM options. You seem pretty happy with yours based on your blog--if you had to choose again now, with the 3G iPhone about to roll out, would you choose similarly again?

Thanks for the question, Justin. I got the Blackberry Curve and I love it. I've actually done quite a bit of customizing since I got it to make it the best cell phone I can imagine having. So, I will NOT be getting the new iPhone, despite its improved 3G speeds.

Here's why:

First, the iPhone does not have a native instant messaging app. I use Google Talk for the Blackberry constantly. I LOVE being on IM all the time, its infinitely better than text messaging (I talked about it here). So, even though Google Talk signs out sometimes when you lose reception (e.g., the subway), I still have Blackberry's proprietary BBM system that fills the gap and delivers messages when you get back in range. Seriously, I think this is the deal breaker for me. Not only does the iPhone not have mobile IM, it doesn't even come with text messages anymore, so the price becomes substantially more expensive while the usability actually decreases on my favorite feature. I know that Google Talk just launched an iPhone version, but I don't hear great things about it.
Reviews of iPhone Gtalk at VentureBeat, TechCrunch, GigaOM, CNet and Lifehacker

Second, the mobile internet. I thought this would be the game changer for the iPhone. However, the pages I use most frequently when I'm on the move are typically formatted for my blackberry (ESPN, Google Reader). I also just downloaded Opera Mini, which brings the FULL browsing experience to the blackberry (and is completely free). The navigation is not as cool as the iPhone finger flick, but the keypad and ball work just fine for moving and zooming. Opera Mini has a feature of saving pages down to the MicroSD card that I've installed. That makes offline reading possible, and opens the potential for me to read my RSS feeds on the subway (which is something I really want). Granted, it's still EDGE network, but I can deal with it (and frankly 3G still doesn't seem like it will be as fast as my home wifi connection, so it may be a bit overhyped). Also, I've grown to distrust Apple with their 'we control the ecosystem approach' and don't think they'll really let people put a web browser that is not Safari on their iPhones. And, Mozilla is working on a mobile browser that could be pretty sweet.

Third, the first reviews for the 3G iPhone indicate that it has poor battery life. That's part of the reason Apple does not let apps run in the background. The battery on my Curve lasts for almost 2 days of normal use (from morning day 1 to night day 2), which includes much mobile web browsing and instant messaging, a little bit of talking and taking a few pictures. The iPhone battery is said to last 10 hours with the 3G turned off and only 5 hours with it on! To me, that is in no way going to get it done.
Reviews of iPhone 3G from David Pogue, NYTimes and Walt Mossberg, WSJ

Fourth, the big benefit of the new iPhone is the app store, which is just launching and available to old iPhone owners as well. And, Blackberry has had developers writing apps for it for some time already (like Opera Mini or Google Maps). Also, there are a few other programs that I have tried to varying degrees of success. I wrote about voice enabled services, and I really want to like them, but they don't really have use for me since I basically never drive. GigaOM reviews Vlingo.

I really like having a physical keyboard. I haven't used the iPhone keyboard that much, but I do have some difficulty with it (though I'm sure I could get used to it). What makes me nervous about it is that in my effort to type more quickly, as I move my fingers to type, I would hit every key as though I dragged them along the keyboard. I haven't tried this, so I don't know, but I could imagine that I would have to lift my fingers a bit more and that would annoy me (though this has to be slightly insane on my part). Also, there is NO CUT AND PASTE on the iPhone. That amazes me as an oversight. I use cut and paste all over the place with my phone for emails, IM, text messages and adding contact information (so I don't constantly have to ask for people's addresses).

Admittedly, I have never had an iPhone, so I haven't been able to set it up to match what I want like I have with my Blackberry. I've set up the smart keys on the side of my Curve to launch the programs that I use most often and I've got my icons arranged in order of use. I use email a lot, so it goes first, etc. I feel like the blackberry has a lot of customization possibilities where the iPhone may not. The iPhone may get more options with new software from the app store, etc, but those will likely cost real money. But, I have to admit that the iPhone apps for jailbroken phones that are already out there seem pretty sweet (though I haven't met anyone who took the risk of jailbreaking).

All of this said, I may consider picking up a used iPhone 1.0 for cheap if the price is sweet enough (circa $50), though I mostly want to use it to remote control my computer. But, I have to admit, I think the games look really cool (sorry, brickbreaker).

Justin, I hope that answers your questions. And, if you decide on the iPhone anyways, I definitely want to hear all about it.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Share the internet without emailing links! SocialBrowse

I stumble on a lot of interesting articles, web services and other websites. I don't email them around to people all the time because I don't want to be a bother and clog up inboxes. So, I share on google reader and del.icio.us/bballan. I think this allows people to selectively pay attention to me. My only problem is that all of these services are one-way streets, I have no idea what other people are interested in.

I've recommended del.icio.us, google reader and social median as good services for sharing what you're reading with friends (see here, here and here).

It's hard to argue against the value of social recommendation sites. The major problem with them is getting friends use them. I share invites with the hope that some people will get involved. With that in mind, there is a new browser plug-in that can help you discover and share cool websites. It's for Firefox only (but you should be using Firefox 3 anyways).

This new service, socialbrowse, got a great review from Techcrunch. I've got 10 invites to share and am offering them up free to anyone who leaves a message in the comments. (Leave your email address in the form, it doesn't get published, except to me).

This plug-in falls short of getting a discussion going among friends, but it gives points based on the popularity of shared links among your fans, which will at least make it clear what people find interesting. At the very least it can get us sharing links and discovering interesting new things. So, jump on board.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

My Apartment Search Part 2

Apartment searching in New York is a pain in the ass. There are a lot of things that landlords and brokers do to make the process difficult for anyone working full-time. I think every landlord should have a lot of photos of their apartments as well as a detailed floorplan. That could save everyone a lot of time (and further reduce the need for brokers).

I can think of a few reasons why they want to make it harder to find good apartments:

When it's difficult to find an apartment on your own brokers can charge more (up to 15% of the annual rent in some absurd universes)
Brokers are lazy and can earn a living by basically doing nothing but carrying a clipboard
They want to make it more difficult to compare apartments and frustrate you into either paying more or taking suboptimal housing stock off the market

As you know, I am on my own apartment search. I'm happy to report that it's nearly over. My application was accepted on a 1br in the East Village. (Aside: I ended up trading some space for location, but was well below budget, which was unexpected. And, no fee! But, that's a different post)

The reason I'm telling you about this is because I tried really hard to identify any and all tools that would help in finding an apartment without paying a brokers fee. I really believe that brokers should be a dying breed and that maybe we only need maybe the top 10% of them (which is why I thought RentClub could be a good idea). During my search, I spent a lot of time browsing Flyrig, Streeteasy and NYBits looking for no fee apartments. I even entertained a few negotiated fee places. (I came really close on a Garden 1br for $2800 in Chelsea, with a 1 month fee). I looked at Stuytown where it turns out that the apartments are amazing but the price is too high and the location not good (they wanted ~$3200 for a 1br on 20th and Ave B). But, after all of this work, how did I find my place? Craigslist. Amazing. I'm not sure if anyone will ever be able to beat it. The big advantage that it has is that it's easy to use for individual landlords. And, the value it provides to apartment seekers is the wealth of listings. I think I'll be checking craigslist for years to come.

What about you? How did you find your last place?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Firefox 3

Image via WikipediaI downloaded Firefox 3 today. They were trying to set a record. Anyways, I'm actually shocked at how noticeably faster than Firefox 2 it is. So, I highly recommend making the upgrade. It worked like a charm for me. Even looked for updates to my plug-ins for me (and installed them).

I never thought that my web browser was the choke point in my browsing experience. Just goes to show you how much potential there is in just improving the technologies we have, rather than going out and re-inventing the wheel.

I give it a 'far exceeds expectations'.

Also, this is my first post with Zemanta, a blogging tool that helps put links and images in the posts. Initial impression: totally useful, though it doesn't let me search my own previous posts, yet.