keep your notebook computer cool

On a Tech Tuesday segment, Andy presented the Cooler Master NotePal X1: a notebook computer support that you place the computer on, and then place the Notepal on your lap. The video is at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm, and the article is at http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=10143417.

More information on the Notepal X! can be found at http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2866. Cooler Master has five versions of the Notepal model (the NotePal, NotePal D1, NotePal Infinite, NotePal W1, and the NotePal X1).

Game On: Steelseries Gaming Mouse “WoW’s” User’s With Ultra Configurable High Res Device

steelseries logo small

steelseries, is best known for making devices to enhance your daily experience using your computer, whether it be for work or play, such as the Z-Board (with customized ‘keysets’) & Iron Lady branded devices.

But if you are one of the 11 million plus gamers addicted to…um…I mean, who occasionally play, World of Warcraft, then you are in for a special treat.

Blizzard teamed up with steelseries to offer an officially licensed and customized WoW MMO Gaming Mouse with ALL the bells and whistles you could ever want…and then some!

The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse was designed specifically for World of Warcraft® by Blizzard® and steelseries,” claims the websites product description. “The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse provides remarkable benefits to all MMO gamers, regardless of level or play style. The mouse features incredible customization options to accommodate personal preferences. Seamless integration between software and hardware will provide an amazing in-game experience that provides superior performance, comfort and control. The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse is fully scalable to meet and exceed the requirements of even the most discerning World of Warcraft® gamer.”

WoW mouse

Quick Overview

– Macros up to 160 characters
– A total of 15 programmable buttons
– Over 130 predefined commands for drag-and-drop macro creation
– 16 million illumination choices with 3 intensity and pulsation levels
– World’s first gaming mouse designed exclusively for World of Warcraft®

Once you’ve downloaded the most recent installation package from the website (a must for Windows Vista users, as instructed by a stand alone, can’t miss, post card inserted in the packaging) setting up pulsating wonder is not nearly as daunting a task as you would think it would be, as I was pleasantly surprised to discover.

The software setup interface is simple to understand, laid out simply and intuitively, and ready to reach out and download your character info from the Blizzard® authorized “WoW Armory” into one of the 10 provided customizable slots. (Note: Characters do not get picked up by the armory until they reach level 10, so if you’ve just started a toon, you can still use all the features of the MMO mouse, but you’ll need to get to work on your skill level before assigning to a slot.)

THE SOFTWARE INTERFACE

As you can see in the screen shot below, all 15 programmable buttons are clearly marked and its assigned action or function is labeled.

WoW mouse setup Each button can then be programmed by simply selecting an action from the predefined drop-down list of WoW commands, change the dpi or character profiles on the fly, or even create custom macros by just “recording” the normal keystrokes you would use in-game and assigning a set of actions to a single button.

While having 15 buttons may seem like more than you can possibly remember, especially if you have multiple characters on multiple servers, all with different actions needed to complete a task, I found that using it on my primary and secondary toons becomes easier and more intuitive the longer I play them…and frankly I find that I use about 6 or 7 button frequently and with good results.

Of course you can always use the mouse for everyday left and right clicking, scrolling the wheel to your hearts content as needed; with up to 3200 dpi resolution available to you, pinpoint accuracy is assured in any game or desktop editing program.

GAME ON!

motion detection with webcam

During our latest show on Ustream, Andy mentioned he liked the motion detection software that had been available with some Logitech webcams. It’s available, but only as a Windows Vista Gadget…

Motion Detector Gadget
Keep a watchful eye—even when you’re not around. This Gadget acts like a motion detection sonar, triggering a recording whenever it senses movement within the field of view of your QuickCam. Recording stops when the motion stops, and an .AVI file is saved in a location you specify. The videos are even time & date stamped to help you keep track of what happened, when.

Also, take a look at the QuickCapture Gadget:
“…three-in-one Gadget…QuickPicture enables you to take snapshots with a single click; QuickCapture helps you to record, store and email videos; and QuickView shows you a live feed from your Logitech QuickCam. Use the QuickCapture Gadget to compose and preview your video communications, watch remote rooms and hallways in real time, or even create a “security” monitor by setting the time-delay recording function.”

Interview with Macworld Senior Editor Christopher Breen Posted

We posted an interview with Macworld Senior Editor Christopher Breen at TechtalkRadio sharing information on the new book available as a Downloadable PDF, CD with PDF or Book form titled “Macworld iPhone Superguide Second Edition.” It covers the iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch. Access the Interview here http://www.techtalkradio.com/books/iphoneguide.html

A sample PDF from the Book can also be download from the site at http://www.macworld.com/superguide/iphone2/

TechtalkRadio broadcast shows from Roadrunner Coffee Company

For the past few weekends, we broadcast from the Roadrunner Coffee Company locations. There are two: one at 8245 North Silverbell Road (520-572-9011), and another at 9669 North Thornydale Road (520-579-7011).

Much thanks to them for their hospitality…we do plan on having more events at their locations.