breakthesky.net » Technology

Steve Jobs

Manda — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:46:19 +0000

It’s crazy to think that a man who revolutionized the way we use technology on a daily basis is now gone.

I do all my personal computing on my MacBook. I listen to music on my iPod every day during my commute to class and work. I was attached to the hip at my iPhone (which now is a wonderfully functional iTouch).

It’s not just me that’s been affected by Jobs and his legacy, either. One can only look at the success of Apple, its many flagship stores, and the abundance of Apple products in our daily lives. One of my professors connects his iPad to a projector to show us videos. The computers in the journalism wing at my school are all iMacs. When I networked with LivingSocial at a career fair, I signed up for their newsletter on an iPad. 99% of the people I know own at least one Apple product.

Obviously Apple will continue to be groundbreaking and innovative in the future, but it’s weird to think that Steve Jobs is gone.

Squeaky Clean Inbox

Manda — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:37:19 +0000

I logged into my email yesterday and realized that in the few days I haven’t checked my email¹, my inbox had become a downright mess. I had email notifications from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and daily deal-type emails from Groupon and LivingSocial and Travelzoo mixed in with emails from school, internship/work, friends, and family! It took me longer than I wanted to spend to sort out the state of my inbox, as I had a limited amount of time on the computer and I knew there were one or two urgent personal emails I needed to reply to.

I’ve been lazier than usual when it comes to keeping on top of my email in the last year, mainly because it’s a bitch and a half to get onto Gmail in China (especially since the whole Jasmine Revolution business). But now that I’m almost Stateside and am trying to coordinate my life in general, it’s time for me to update and actually use filters and labels and other nifty organization tools that Gmail provides.

I now have my email categorized into the following labels:

Blog
Daily deals
Internship
School
Social media
Work

“Daily deals” consists of emails from Groupon, LivingSocial, Sephora Insider, etc and automatically gets archived. If I have some time during the day, I’ll take a look and see if there are any deals I want to snag. If not, no big deal. I can also routinely delete these emails, as once the deadline for the deal has passed I’ll never need the email again and it will just take up space in my archives. “Social media” is for all of the notifications I get from my social media accounts, namely Twitter and Facebook. “Blog,” “Internship,” “School,” and “Work” are all pretty self-explanatory, although I imagine I’ll need to add a sub-label “Graduation” under “School” when spring semester rolls around!

Next step is to delete five year old fanlisting-related emails that I will never need again to clear up some space in my archives… why did I even save these emails in the first place?!

Also, to my fellow Americans: Happy Fourth of July!

Prior to arriving in Beijing on the 2nd I was in Xi’an, and my hotel there had no Internet.

Dear WordPress iPhone App Developers

Manda — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:59:22 +0000

The latest version of the WordPress app for the iPhone sucks balls. When there is an option to “save draft,” I expect the draft to, you know, save. But apparently that’s a little too much to ask for.

I’d write more about the issues I’ve been having with this latest version but I gotta run and I can’t save this as a draft and finish writing later so this sums it up for now. I can’t even exit the app to verify what version I’m using fir dear of losing what I’ve typed so far, so for the love of God, fix your “save draft” feature, because it was not like this before.

Thank God for AppleCare

Manda — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:35:18 +0000

My trip to the Apple store in Beijing to get my MacBook repaired taught me several things. First, like everything in Beijing/China, the Apple store was HUGE. Second, those working at the Genius bar do not speak English, but they were very helpful and patient with my garbled Mandarin (how the hell do you say words like “trackpad” in Mandarin??). Third, the best thing anyone can do if they have an Apple product is to have AppleCare.

My issue with my MacBook was the trackpad. Or, well, the clicky part of the trackpad. Sometimes I could click on things, and other times I couldn’t. When I took my MacBook in to get it fixed, I was terrified of how long it would take to fix and how much it would cost. My Genius was just the nicest guy; he was incredibly patient and took the time to tell me what the name of each component of my computer whenever I asked. He explained that the housing kit, top case with keyboard, and the display bezel needed to be replaced. That, combined with the hardware repair cost, amounted to 1270RMB. Or should I say would have – because I have AppleCare, it really amounted to free!

I know it’s common sense to purchase insurance or warranty of some kind when it comes to laptops and computers, but in this case, having AppleCare really was a lifesaver. I’m studying abroad and am obviously on a budget, so it’s not like I have thousands of spare RMB I can pull out of thin air. Plus, the turnaround to get my MacBook fixed was only one day. Now that’s genius!

It’s That Time of Year Again

Manda — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:17:30 +0000

It’s that time of year again… The time where the end of the spring semester sends my stress levels skyrocketing and I am perpetually almost at breaking point.

This year, I’m freaking out over final exams, final papers, making a summer travel itinerary (and organizing everything that comes with a self-planned trip in southeast Asia), trying to coordinate a summer internship, preparing for my summer employment opportunity, figuring out if I have places to live… The list goes on. And to top it all off, my beloved MacBook gave out on me, so I am currently computerless.

Till my computer gets fixed (I have a Genius Bar appointment tomorrow and I’m hoping it’s not a big issue, so it should be fixed soon) I’m going to be scarce. I’m relying on my roommate’s spare netbook and my iTouch for my computer/Internet fix, but neither are ideal for blogging, unfortunately!

Kindle 3G + WiFi Review

Manda — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 09:59:14 +0000

Tagline: Amazon’s revolutionary wireless reading device – now with 3G.

Summary: The latest Kindle offers the following new and/or improved feature compared to previous Kindle generations: high-contrast pearl e-ink screen; ability to read off Kindle in bright sunlight; new and improved fonts; sleeker design; more lightweight; longer battery life; double the storage; ability to download books in 60 seconds; free 3G wireless (within the United States); built-in WiFi; faster page turns; enhanced PDF reader; and experimental web browser.

5 Words/Phrases: Extremely convenient to have all my books in one device; absolutely no eye strain even if reading off Kindle for hours on end thanks to pearl e-ink technology; 3G and Wi-Fi enables me to download books anywhere in the world (extremely convenient when traveling, for obvious reasons!); keyboard and page turn buttons are easy to use; can highlight and annotate text fairly easily

Most Impressed By: Well, pretty much everything. The Kindle delivers on every single thing it claims. I travel a lot, particularly as a study abroad student, and it’s a relief to be able to have all my books in one light, compact device that has a month-long battery life (with wireless turned off). The fact that I can download English books in China through 3G or Wi-Fi is no small feat, either; bookstores that do carry English language books tend to be very expensive, especially compared to e-book prices. I am a fast reader and like to read books in one sitting (I finished each of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium books in one sitting, respectively) so the fact that my eyes feel no strain from staring at the screen for hours on end is a huge plus. The experimental features – web browser, mp3 player, and text-to-speech – are pretty good too, especially considering they are still experimental.

Aside from the ability to read books on the Kindle, I also really enjoy the PDF reader. I am reading my friend’s dissertation on my Kindle, which is much more convenient than printing off 80+ pages to read or reading them on a computer screen. Additionally, seeing as Kindle allows you to highlight and mark up text, I’ve been annotating the dissertation just like I would if it were on paper.

Least Impressed By: …nothing. Honestly, nothing. Perhaps the price could drop a little, but for all the Kindle offers and seeing the price of competing devices, I think the Kindle is reasonably priced.

Comments: Can’t say anything about other e-readers, like the Nook, as the most I’ve ever played around with one was with the display model in a bookstore. But you definitely can’t go wrong with the Kindle.

Overall Rating: 10/10

I Might Be a Hypocrite But At Least I Have A Nintendo DS

Manda — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:53:36 +0000

Remember when I rediscovered my Gameboy Color and said I wouldn’t get a Nintendo DS because I couldn’t justify the cost for the console or games? Yeah, I do too. I also am now in the possession of a shiny blue Nintendo DS Lite.

How did this happen, when I was so adamant about the fact that a DS would be a waste of money, seeing as I had a Gameby Color? And the fact that I just really wanted to play Pokemon Silver on the Color (which I already had), even though the DS had the remake, SoulSilver? And I’m not employed this summer, so how did I magically justify the expense of a new DS lite?

There were a lot of reasons. I wanted to play the new DS games, SoulSilver is cooler than Silver, I am going to be doing a lot of flying and traveling in the next month so I need something to entertain myself with during the long hauls (which, to me, justified the expense – turns out boredom is pricey). However, what it really came down to was the technology: Gameboy Color has no backlight. Nintendo DS does. Either my eyes are crappier than they were when I first played my Gameboy Color ten years ago, or in those ten years my eyes have been spoiled by the wonders of backlight technology. No matter which, I wanted something where my eyes didn’t have to strain after fifteen minutes of game time… thus, I got a DS.

I know there are lots of DS fans out there, so anyone want to recommend some awesome DS games?

© Manda for breakthesky.net, 2010. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: games, photos, recommendations

The Oxford (or Serial) Comma

Manda — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:11:42 +0000

I am home from my trip to the East Coast! Overall, it was a very enjoyable trip. I visited friends and family and did a lot of sightseeing, as well as shopping. The best part was when I got together with my friends from school and we were all reunited – the last time we’ll be reunited for a year, as I’m going abroad for the year and most of them are going abroad for at least a semester.

Anyway, now that I’m home again, time to return to my regular blog programming. Stephen Colbert interviewed Vampire Weekend on his show in June 2010 and the following interview took place:

Stephen: Can I take you to task for something, for a second?
Everyone: Sure.
Stephen: In one of your songs, you have the lyrics: Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
Ezra: Yes.
Stephen: I’m here to tell you, I do. Shall we explain what an Oxford comma is to the people?
Ezra: Oh. It’s always a little tough to explain… an Oxford comma would be a comma that you’d put before the and or the or, at the end of a list.
Stephen: Red, white, and blue.
Ezra: Exactly.
Stephen: I mean, red comma white comma and blue.
Ezra: Do you really need the comma?
Stephen: Yes, you do need the comma.
Ezra: Why do you need the comma?
Stephen: Because otherwise it’s: red, white and blue. Our flag is not red, white and blue. That’s red and baby blue!
Ezra: There are situations where it’s necessary.
Stephen: All situations. All of them except it’s, like, a law firm. That’s every other— No, listen, have you heard of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style?
Ezra: Yes.
Stephen: Heard of that? I refer you to… (opens book) page fucking two: In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term. (snaps book shut in Ezra’s face)
Ezra: Yeah, but I mean -
Stephen: Does that sting? That’s E.B. White, you heard of him?
Ezra: Respect to Strunk and White, but it’s just protocol. It’s not— there’s no real reason.
Stephen: Yeah, it’s language. Why don’t you just take all punctuation out, be like the Romans?
Ezra: Sometimes we do.
Stephen: Really?
Ezra: I mean, we’re a band. Y’know? (shrugs)
Stephen: I weep for our nation. But, I do enjoy your music. Will you stick around and do one of your songs that is properly punctuated?
Ezra: We’ll see.
Stephen: All right, we’ll be right back with a performance from Vampire comma Weekend!

I always used to use an Oxford comma, but then when I started taking journalism classes in college I had to stop using it because AP style forbids it. Still, I prefer an Oxford comma over none; it’s what I was taught all throughout school (until college) and I think sentences look neater with one!

Question of the Week: Do you use an Oxford comma?

e-Readers: Kindle or Nook?

Manda — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:16:53 +0000

I am in the market for an e-reader.

I know, I know. When I first heard about e-readers, I was very skeptical and vowed that nothing would ever be able to replicate or replace the feeling of an actual book in hand. I still stand by that sentiment, but logically, an e-reader makes more sense in the long run, at least for me.

I travel a lot, and I always, always bring books with me. Not only do I travel, but I also move from place to place a lot. Basically, I’m almost always en route from Point A to Points B, C or D. Not having/bringing books is not an option for a bookworm like me, so I have schlepped my books to the ends of the world and back in my lifetime. However, it is not feasible for this to continue. Books are expensive (I have an aversion to libraries, but that’s a long story), books are heavy and books take up space. These are problems I’ve had with books and my lifestyle from day one.

E-readers solve most of these problems. Yes, they are expensive – certainly more expensive than any lone book. But e-reader versions of books are cheaper than print versions, and e-reader books that are in the public domain are free. They are also very light and can store over a thousand books on the device, which solves most of my book woes.

Sounds great, right? But there’s still a problem. I don’t know what type of e-reader I want. Or rather, which type of e-reader is the best fit for me.

I’ve narrowed it down to two: Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Both look very good. I’m leaning towards the Kindle, but I don’t really have a reason for that except that it has a longer battery life. Honestly, both look really awesome and I’m completely torn as to which one to get. If I were to get the Nook, I’d be able to get it (relatively) soon. If I were to get the Kindle, I’d be debating whether or not I should wait a little longer and see when the Kindle 3 comes out before purchasing anything, as that release ought to be soon… right?

Anyway. Kindle or Nook? Anyone have experiences, stories, etc with either, or e-readers in general, to share that would be helpful?

On Calling 911

Manda — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:27:13 +0000

I called 911 for the first time today.

I was in the backseat of the car, with my mother behind the wheel and my brother in the passenger seat. I was looking out the window, listening to my iPod and not paying attention. All of a sudden, I heard my mom scream, “Oh my God, oh my God,” and I yanked my earbuds out of my ear and frantically tried to figure out what on earth was going on.

There was a sedan two cars ahead of us that randomly pulled out of our lane and angled his car so that it was perpendicular to the flow of the traffic in the opposing lane. I’m not sure what was his train of thought was or if there even was one, but next thing I knew his car had collided with an SUV that was driving in the other side of the street. The front of the sedan crumpled and the fender of the SUV fell off; the airbags deployed and everything seemed to happen so much faster than it actually did.

The SUV pulled over on the side of the road and the two passengers climbed out, both unhurt. The driver of the sedan wasn’t in great shape; his face was bleeding profusely. However, he was well enough to get out of his car and take his shirt off so that he would have something to stem the steady flow of blood (I’m assuming he had a broken nose as there was a lot of blood). My brother went to go talk to the SUV passengers and the man in the car in front of us went to talk to the driver of the sedan. Meanwhile, I placed a call to 911.

Help arrived within several minutes. The cops arrived first, then an ambulance pulled up and the medics checked on the driver of the sedan. After that, there wasn’t much else we could do, so we hoped that everything would work out okay for those involved and then drove away.

It’s so strange to look at my list of recent contacts in my phone and to see 911 listed.