Strictly Business

I am a huge fan of Google’s services, beyond their search engine. My contacts, calendar, email, internet browser, office software, and search engine are all Google products. My phone automatically syncs all that I do on Google, wirelessly, keeping my contacts and emails accurate and up to date. Windows CE is simply my gateway to Google’s world. With Android, Google’s shot at an operating system, the OS game is about to change.
Currently, Android is only offered on smart phones, competing with Windows CE and the iPhone. Several developers now have plans to sell Android based netbooks. Netbooks are smaller laptops that are cheap and efficient, designed for running internet-based applications like gMail, Google Docs, and Picasa. These laptops cost less than $450 and currently run Windows XP. With Android, netbooks can be sold even cheaper, since a license for Windows will be an unnecessary cost. Google will offer Android for free, relying on the extensive use of their online services to grow its business. This netbook movement is perfect for the average user, who uses their computer for basic office software, email, and internet browsing. Several cell phone providers now sell netbooks featuring an internal card that offers high-speed internet access anywhere cell service is available. This offers customers a truly mobile office. With Google’s applications hosted online, there are no software updates to install or viruses to worry about. Since Google’s computers do all of the complex computing remotely, netbooks can be optimized for mobility and extended battery life. Asus and Samsung currently offer netbooks that have 8-10 hours of battery life. With newer processors and Android, these battery lives are expected to increase even more.
While Android currently has compatibility issues with many accessories, their Linux based operating system will make upgrades and compatibility issues easer to work though because Linux’s open-source approach will make Android more dynamic and responsive to change. While Google may not be able to dominate the computer operating system marketplace, their approach should drive down prices and force Microsoft to rethink its strategy. Although Android is not ideal for users who need complex programs and powerful machines, the days of high-priced operating systems for average computer users may quickly be coming to an end.

Posted by Chris Tompkins at 03:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A new year often brings inspiration of various kinds: diet, exercise, studying harder, staying in touch with friends and about a million others. Sometimes our inspirations hold high resolve. Sometimes, we even act upon them.

During the holidays, my inspiration came from a book, actually a Christmas gift, and what a gift it turned out to be! I’m sure it was well-meant for reading enjoyment about things that I am very interested in: quality journalism, international issues and lots of politics. But the gift went way beyond reading enjoyment. It was a personal inspiration. The book was a provocative read and led me on a path that I had not traveled for awhile. The place that it took me was inspiration.

The book is Peter Jennings, A Reporter’s Life. It is unique because it is a life story told by many people who knew Peter Jennings well over his four decades in as a world famous news journalist and a nightly fixture on ABC news. The testaments to his life range from his number one competition in the world of news and, dear friend, Tom Brokaw to a famous Palestinian woman leader, whom he first met when she was a university student and he was reporting on the Middle East. Then there were many friends, his children and even a few U. S. Presidents.

So why was I inspired by this book? Peter Jennings was not just a highly accomplished journalist, who was elegant, articulate and debonair. He was a person of high character, humility and values, who until the end of his life remained steadfast to his service to others. He saw his pursuit of truth as a journalist as a way of serving the people of the world, not as a way to achieve stardom and acclaim. Just as he served the people of the world with his reporting, he served the homeless people of New York City. During his life, he never wanted that to be public knowledge. Only recently has his commitment and service to the homeless become known. He served food, raised funds and counseled with the homeless. It took his friends and even some of the homeless to tell this part of his story. And he did all this with such style!

The recounting of Peter’s steadfast commitment to service, whether through seeking truth or constant service to the downtrodden, gave testimony to a life well-lived and full. His rich life, full of love, caring, and serving others caused me to examine myself -- and to be inspired toward a personal resolve to do more toward serving others.

What about you? This is a good time to examine your service to others. Over the years, I have found that although my “giving back” aids others, I come away with rewards, too. There is always learning from service, hence, the term -- “service learning.”

Have a great 2008!

P.S. By the way, I read Eric Clapton’s new autobiography over the holidays, too!

Posted by Jennie Carter Thomas at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)