Power and Connectivity

I've been using a Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 broadband USB modem with Sprint's rev A EVDO service with my Q1P. I had been using a PC card with Verizon's rev 0 EVDO service with my Acer. The rev A is much faster and I have clocked download speeds over 1 MBps. However, the device is bulky compared to the Q1 and the USB physical connection is strained under the weight of the modem. To also counter RF interference I usually connect it with a USB cable. This setup is not ideal as I can't just walk around with the device without holding the modem. So I will most likely return the modem and look to get a phone that I can use along with bluetooth to connect to the EVDO service.

Just yesterday I received the 6 cell battery. This battery gives me over 4.5 hours and the cell gives me over 2.5 hours for a combined 7 hours. This allows me to not have to connect to the AC adaptor everytime I'm at my desk. So now I only have two connections when I'm at my desk, USB and the monitor. In addition, with all of this battery time, I don't need to lug my AC adaptor with me. When I leave work I just make sure I have both batteries charged and I know that in almost all cases, the 7 hours of battery life will more than get me through the evening at home.

I also weighed both batteries. The 3 cell weighs only .38 pounds and the 6 cell is almost double at .71. That puts the device with the extended battery at just over 2 pounds, still very light.

NY Times Reader Service Will No Longer Be Free

I am planning to make a video showing the usage of the NY Times Reader on my Q1P. Right now its a free service but not for much longer. I just received this email:

Dear Times Reader Beta Testers,

We want to thank you for your input during this free beta period. You and your fellow beta testers have been a great help in the development of Times Reader.

This note is to let you know that the beta period will be ending in two weeks. Times Reader will launch as a subscription service on March 27. It will cost $14.95 a month or $165 a year and will include access to TimesSelect and Premium Crosswords. Times Reader will be free to home delivery subscribers.

When we launch Times Reader, we will include many of your recommendations -- such as improvements to navigation, more keyboard shortcuts, and a 7-day archive. To thank you for your participation in the beta period, we are extending a special offer to you. Sign up before March 27 and receive 14 months for the price of 12.

http://www.nytimes.com/BetaOffer

Thank you again for participating in the beta period. We will continue to improve the Times Reader experience and welcome your feedback. If you'd like to receive updates about Times Reader, we invite you to sign up for the Times Reader e-mail newsletter.

http://www.nytimes.com/TimesReaderEmail

Rob Larson

Vice President, Product Management and Development NYTimes.com

Cool New York Times Web Site Feature

Just saw this on the New York Times web site. This is really cool. Just double click on a word and a definition will pop up. A bit off topic but very cool.

Tips

To find reference information about the words used in this article, double-click on any word, phrase or name. A new window will open with a dictionary definition or encyclopedia entry.

GPS on a Q1P or a Standalone Device?

CTitanic has posted a good review of three different navigation software programs and recommends iGuidance as the best for a UMPC. After reading the review I thought about buying the software and a separate GPS receiver as the Q1 does not have a built in GPS reciever. With the software costing $99 and a receiver such as the GlobalSat BT-338 costing $85 that would set me back $184. A TomTom One can be had for $299, only $115 more. So I'm wondering if in fact going with a dedicated unit would be the better value. What do you think?

Is a 7" Screen Big Enough? Part 4 - Outlook 2007

Is a 7" Screen Big Enough? Part 3 - OneNote 2007

Is a 7" Screen Big Enough? Part 2 - Zinio Reader

Here is a look at running Zinio Reader on my Samsung Q1P.