Over the last year many companies have been attempting to fall inot the new niche inspired by One Laptop Per Child. As more and more companies compete for this new market, the more we will see the prices fall and features increase. Recently, Dell has now joined the ranks with there Inspiron Mini 9 which not only reassures that this niche is not just a flash in the pan. Starting at $349, the Mini 9 come with most of the features found on traditional sized laptops, but in a much more compact size. Here is what the Mini 9 offers: Intel Atom Processor, Windows XP or Linux, 8.9 inch screen, 512 to 1 Gigs or RAM, 4 to 16 Gigs Solids State Hard Drive, Sound Card, Wireless, USB ports, VGA port, optional web cam and bluetooth. At this price point, Dell only offers a 1 to 2 year warranty. For more information and to learn more about the Mini 9 [Click Here]

 

 

Not only has Apple just released iTunes 8 today, but the have also release a brand new iPod Nano. Like most people, I had just gotten use to the last iPod Nano design and have spent the last year trying to find the add ons needed to make them the ultimate classroom tool...things like chargers and voice recorders. Now with the new Nano, it is time to start all over again. From what I have found though, the changes that Apple has made may be well worth it.

Now at first glance, you will notice that Apple has increase the palette of colors for the Nano. They have also brought back the generation 2 design with a twist... aluminum body that is curved. It also boast a large high resolution screen that can be tilted on its side to be viewed in a landscape mode. Of course these are just a few of the new features that Apple has brought about with this new release. To learn more about the Apple iPod [Click Here]

I will be honest with you, one thing that I really hate to buy is ink for a printer. Recently my laser printer ran out of toner and let me tell you, it was just not a good time for this to happen. I have always learned to keep at least one extra ink cartridge or laser toner cartridge around the house, because...let's be honest, they only run out when your really need them.

I have tried every service out there for printer cartridge service, some are better than others. Some are refill store fronts and some have been online discount sites. This time, I decided to try a service suggested by a friend called OCinkjet.com. I was told I would not regret it and to be honest, what did I have to lose. Well, so far I have been very pleased. The prices were very competitive and the service was fast. The great part was that my the savings they gave me on my order was not eaten up by the shipping...they have a $1.99 flat rate shipping on all orders, no matter how big or small.

If you are interested in OCinkjet.com, check them out here:

 

One thing that educators forget to purchase when putting together an iPod kit for their classroom are some AC/USB chargers. Even though iPods can be charged with a USB cable on a computer...this is not always convenient or secure. The easiest way to manage this task is by using this Griffin PowerBlock can be used to charge virtually any iPod from a wall outlet. It features a 30-pin connector that fits iPods with dock connectors, and you can also plug the 1G iPod shuffle directly into the AC wall adapter via the USB-style power port. It features standard Type A USB connectors that work with iPod and other USB-chargeable devices, and flat-blade non-polarized wall prongs that work well with international adapters and in multi-outlet configurations. Compact and easy to travel with, the PowerBlock also includes a USB-to-dock cable can be disconnected for use with a computer for the ultimate in flexible usability.

Not only is the Griffin PowerBlock is compatible with the following iPods: Nano, Shuffle, Mini, Photo, 4th Gen with Click Wheel, and 5th Gen with Video, but is also works with any USB charged devices including other MP3 players, personal media players, handheld video game systems, PDA's, and more!

Apple charges $29.00 for their unit, you can get this unit TODAY ONLY for $8.95 at Yugster [Click Here]

I recently stumble across a web site created by a gentleman named Johnny Chung Lee, and let's just say that I was like a kid in a candy store. Johnny Chung Lee is a Ph.D. Graduate Student Human-Computer Interaction Institute Carnegie Mellon University. Some of his projects/inventions include wii remote projects, $14 steadycam, giant paint balloon slingshot, projector calibration, brain-computer interaction, kinetic typography, electric cello. But the one I was most intrigued by was how to build a interactive whiteboard for under $60 [Click Here] Not only does he walk you through the simple process of building this device, but he also supplies software that will make this tool engaging and interactive. To learn more about this incredible young man and all of his "Little Great Ideas" [Click Here]

Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, Firefox, and now Crome. Of course this is a brief timeline and history of web browsers since the birth of the Internet in February of 1991. This week Google released their new web browser called Crome. Of course Google is taking on the Internet Explorer which at least three-fourths of the world uses to surf the net.

So what makes it so special, so far all I have noticed is a simple and clutter free interface. Unlike many browser, crome default look is clean and simple. Of course Google boasts that Crome is sleeker, faster and a more secure alternative to Internet Explorer. Another feature that Google has built in is the dual purpose address bar navigation bar in which users can enter a web address or enter a search request.

Of course this bring up the question... when is Google coming out with their own operating system? They have an alternative to Office and now an alternative to Internet Explorer....when will they release their alternative to XP and Vista?

If you would like to download Google's Crome [Click Here]

We all know that as educators, having a complete makeover may not be in our future. But you may be able to afford to have least avatar redone. With DoppelMe, you can quickly and easily create a digital likeness of yourself. You could also have your students an avatar to express their likeness. To try this nifty tool out [Click Here]