The Geek Source

Amazingly dedicated science fiction author Steve Umstead has recently put the spit and polish on his latest book, Gabriel’s Return. Evan Gabriel, Lieutenant Commander in the North American Federation Navy, is a complex individual. You can read my review of book 1 in the Evan Gabriel series here, in which I describe his character a bit more, but suffice it to say that Evan is a tough-as-nails, intelligent and highly-proficient military commander. His reluctance to deal with the politics, backstabbing, corruption and hubris of the military in the first book set a very vivid stage against the backdrop of space and interstellar travel. If you’re a fan of extremely well-written science fiction and suspense, please read on.

Continue reading ‘Gabriel’s Return: Evan Gabriel is Back!’

Posted in Science Fiction

Watch this space for a review of Evan Gabriel’s return, coming soon!

Posted in Reviews
Tags: Evan Gabriel, Steve Umstead

I don’t know if you knew this or not, but I’m sort of a science fiction fan. I know, hard to believe. I grew up watching sci-fi flicks, reading sci-fi comics and books and generally soaking up every bit of science-related fiction I could get my hands on. Having said all that, however, I have to admit it’s been a bit longer between sci-fi reads than I’m used to. Fortunately for me, I use Twitter.

Steve Umstead is one of my contacts on Twitter, and he recently stopped by my blog and asked if I’d be kind enough to read and review his science fiction eBook Gabriel’s Redemption. “Are you kidding me?” I thought. Of course I would be. And, having read through this eBook on my iPad and iPhone as a ePub file, I can say I’m glad I got the chance.

Continue reading ‘eBook Review: Gabriel’s Redemption by Steve Umstead’

Posted in Uncategorized
Tags: book, eBook, Evan Gabriel, Marcinko, Rogue Warrior, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Steve Umstead

Image courtesy of Apple, Inc.

In the Summer of 2010, Apple, Inc. introduced a revolutionary device called the iPad. The iPad was Apple’s entrance into the still relatively barren tablet computer space. Apple is no stranger to digital product revolution; however, as it’s had mega-successes with its iPod digital music player line beginning in the first part of the 2000’s, as well as the quintessential iPhone smartphone in the summer of 2007. Apple also manufactures its highly-popular Macintosh line of computers under names like “iMac,” “Mac Pro,” “MacBook Pro” and “MacBook Air.” But, as with any piece of electrical or digital hardware (and software for that matter), Apple set out to raise the bar significantly with the introduction of its iPad 2 on March 2, 2011. Although they share a common name and lineage, the two iPad devices are worlds apart.

The delineation between iPads 1 and 2 can be looked at as minimal or profound, depending on your needs. Die-hard specification geeks might be at odds with practical users and Apple faithfuls in terms of the iPad 2’s feature list. They might feel as though Apple hasn’t done enough to necessitate an upgrade (a mere one year later) to the newer product, despite new features. So what, exactly, would drive hundreds of thousands of tech-geeks to stand outside Apple stores across the world? The devil is in the details.

The iPad 1 was a breakthrough for more than one reason, the least of which was the fact that Apple combined a user interface that was both simple and elegant. People all over the world were already familiar with how the iPhone worked; they were used to the myriad applications that could be instantly purchased in the Apple App Store from each device. The UI and App Store were the first features that unified the iPad 1 and iPad 2 experience right out of the box. If you had owned an iPad 1 and purchased an iPad 2, you weren’t going to need to learn a new interface or change the way you tapped, pinched or used the new model.

One of the next obvious features which is congruent between iPads is the screen size. Apple decided not to change the 9.7 inch (diagonal) screen in the newer model, so both have the same dimensions when it comes to actual viewable pixels. Apparently, 9.7” of viewable screen real-estate seems to be the right “sweet spot.”

Along with the above (more prominent) features shared between iPads 1 and 2, some of the other hardware was kept the same. The connection port on the bottom of both units is exactly the same. Those connectors, in turn, are the exact same as the ones used in the iPod and iPhone lines. With the charging and synchronization port also remaining the same, users won’t have to carry around several different adapters to power their products. Also, the opposite end of every Apple device connector is still via USB, which virtually every Mac and PC in the world have available.

The front of both old and new units are also the same: each has a single Home button in the lower, center portion of the face. This button serves the same function regardless of unit; it allows one to single click to take you back to your home screen, double-click in order to perform a unit-wide search (apps, contacts, emails, etc.) or triple-click to toggle special functions which can be specially-set by the user such as toggling the VoiceOver function or to toggle the screen color to white on black, depending on your preferences.

Now, those are just some of the more prominent similarities between the two iPads. Steve Jobs couldn’t just throw out the same hardware to the world, so there were some significant changes made to the iPad 2 that were not present in the iPad 1. The first, and probably most anticipated, was the addition of two cameras on the unit similar to the iPhone 4. One is a VGA camera on the front of the unit for using apps such as Face Time video conferencing or Skype. The second camera is a 720p HD camera for taking better-quality pictures in front of you, much more like a regular camera. The megapixel count for the HD camera is low for 2011 standards, which upset some, but the dual camera layout was quite welcome for most who just wanted to be able to “call” their family and be able to see them on their device at the same time.

One of the next “big” features introduced with the iPad 2 is that it is remarkably thinner than the original. When you hold one of each model in your hands (which I have), the iPad 2 is remarkably smaller in how thick the unit is and it’s quite a bit more comfortable. The comical commercials and jabs at the iPad 2 showcase its thinness by claiming that you can shave your face or cut a cake with it!

Next on the list of hardware changes comes in the form of the internals. The iPad 1 had a single-core processor, which means that there is literally only one processor in the unit that is in charge of how quickly applications open or how fast games operate. The iPad 2, however, introduced Apple’s new “A5” processor which is a dual-core model; it physically has two processors in the unit, which equates to a huge speed boost over its predecessor. Dual-core computers have been in the mainstream for a few years now, and we’re seeing quad-core processors and even larger burst onto the scene now. The iPad 2 is one of the first portable tablet computers to include more than one core.

The final big change the iPad 2 has brought to the table is for the user to have the ability to purchase a white-bezel model. With the iPhone 4’s introduction in 2010, potential buyers had only a black face/bezel color to choose from. Originally, there were to be black AND white models separately, but a year after introduction there is still no white iPhone 4. The white iPhone 4 is supposed to be available in April, however, which is almost a year after the initial black model’s debut. The original iPad followed the iPhone 4’s lead, with a black-bezeled model being the only one available. To this day, there has never been a white iPad 1 model released. With the introduction of the iPad 2, though, a black model as well as a white one were released for availability simultaneously.

Normally, the introduction of a new product is either met with fervor or apathy. Never has anyone seen the level of either of these feelings brought out more prominently than with the unveiling of either iPad model. Apple has definitely produced two similar, yet uniquely different pieces of hardware which have either caused pandemonium due to small available quantities or crippling hatred from those who wouldn’t touch an Apple product if it were the last item on Earth. One thing is for sure, the improvements and changes made to the iPad 2 have set a new bar for hardware manufacturers all over the world. It’s now a game of catch-up for anybody wanting to play.

Posted in Reviews
Tags: A5, Apple, Face Time, HD, innovation, iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, tablet

I haven’t done a media review in a while, so expect one soon! Gabriel’s Redemption by Steve Umstead is a science fiction eBook I had the privilege of reading this week, and there are some things you’ll want to hear if you’re a fan of the genre!

Stay tuned!

Posted in Uncategorized
Tags: books, ebooks, Gabriel's Redemption, review, Science Fiction

Well, I haven’t posted a product review for a while, so I think it’s about time to take another gadget through its paces. Today’s subject? The elusive and controversial iPod Nano Watch. It’s an iPod Nano that attaches to one of hundreds of aftermarket watch bands, and the two items have been the subject of a lot of nerd rage lately.

New to the iPod Nano? Well, it’s one of Apple’s latest MP3 players, much in the same vein as the iPod Shuffle. It’s squarish, small, light, comes in a myriad of colors and has all the capabilities of the Shuffle, only it includes a 1.54-inch diagonal TFT touchscreen display on its front. Yes, a touchscreen. Trust me, with Apple’s genius-laced touch implementation, it’s very easy to use.

I have yet to see somebody strolling along with one of these creatures on. Sure, you’ll see a plethora of DKNY and Rolex wristwatches whilst perusing the local mall, but the idea of taking an MP3 player, in this case the 6th generation iPod Nano, and using it as one still isn’t mainstream. So why is putting a Nano on a watch band “controversial?” Well, I’ve read several reviews lately from some big blogs here and here, and it seems that there are enough nitpicks the authors have with using an iPod Nano as a watch that keep them from using it as such full-time. Some opinions range from the Nano being too big for a watch to it not having enough watch-like features to be a full-time replacement. But, there are hundreds of companies now manufacturing bands to allow use of the Nano as a watch, so that counts for something, right?

So, how does it stack up to this particular tech nerd? Here’s my experience…

Continue reading ‘Time Spent: The iPod Nano Watch’

Posted in Reviews
Tags: Apple, iPod, iPod Nano, iWatchz, MP3, Nano, watch

The Mac App Store is now live and in-effect, which means not only do I have to keep up with apps for my iPad and iPhone, but for my Mac as well. The Mac App Store presents with the same type of interface as the previously mentioned two devices, offers free and paid apps just like they do, and allows hassle-free installation and updates just the same as well.

I’m only now taking it for a spin, but I can already tell it’s going to play a huge part in my day to day operations from now on. I see great, new applications being offered for great prices such as Camera Bag Desktop for $14.99 and Apple’s Own Aperture 3 for a crazy $79.99. What’s also nice is that there are iPhone and iPad apps that have been ported to run natively on the Mac such as the immensely-popular Angry Birds and graphic apps like SketchBook Pro.

I’m excited by the possibilities, and look forward to having more developers hop on board the Mac train!

Posted in Uncategorized
Tags: App Store, Apple, Mac, OSX

Mini City

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, but I’ll tell you, it’s been a wild ride the last few months. I went from being a nearly out-of-work photographer to working a digital sales job, then back to being extremely busy taking and editing photo sessions. I also picked up a great part time teaching gig at one of our colleges in the visual arts arena; I’ve been teaching Photoshop, lighting in photography and portrait photography, and it’s been a blast.

Next semester I’ll be fairly busy as well. I’m picking up at least three additional classes, and come Spring, I hope to be in some classes myself. I see next Spring being chock-full of surprises, fun, stress and overall not-having-time-for-much-ness.

But, one thing I’ve picked up lately that I’ve been very dedicated to has been iPhoneography. Yes, it’s an actual “thing” now. There are so many great apps for the iPhone in the Photography category, it’s actually hard to keep them all straight. I’ve begun posting pictures on both iPhoneArt.com and Instagram, with some great social aspects being a result.

If you have an iPhone and love photography, it’s definitely something you should look into. I recommend the applications Hipstamatic, Instagram, Adobe Photoshop Express, Pic Grunger, Vintage Scene and TiltShiftGen amongst others. Take a look, take ‘em for a spin and have fun! Also, visit me at my iPhoneArt page!

Posted in Photography
Tags: Adobe Photoshop Express, Apple, art, busy, college, Hipstamatic, iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone Art, iPhoneography, photo, photography, Pic Grunger, pictures, school, Tilt Shift, Vintage Scene

My beautiful wife and my wonderful (and beautiful) mom stopped by work last night and unleashed Father’s Day upon me: they bought a Barnes & Noble nook eReader from me. Yes, they were buying it FOR me, but thought that it would be fun to also buy the unit from me while I was manning the nook counter at work. Let me tell you, they lit up the little techno-geeky reader in me!

I picked out the pleasantly antique-looking Chesterton Quote cover, and rung the whole shebang up at the register. My immediate first thought centered around which book I’d buy first (I’m actually still trying to decide that one…I also got a $50 gift card as part of the purchase) . My second thought? How often would I buy actual books anymore? Barring those books which I cannot get as eBooks yet (as it’s up to the publisher to actually release any given book in that format…and some don’t), I began thinking just how liberating the nook could turn out to be.

You see, I’m a hard core reader. I love books. I’ve read hundreds of books in my lifetime, and I don’t see that trend stopping any time soon. My job at Barnes & Noble is perfect for me: I get to mix tech AND books every day. But, will I become heartsick for the feel of a good leather-bound classic? Will the thought of turning paper pages create a hole in my experience? Will my senses long for the smell of freshly-printed works? Actually, I don’t think it will be as bad as it might sound.

Why, you ask? Well, I’ve been throwing around the pluses and minuses for a good, long while now, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s all a matter of simple practicality, space management, and some good old love of tech. I realized that, in the old days, I used to carry around an entire bag full of books and magazines when I traveled. Nowadays, you can’t take a flight with books like that without incurring a nice, fat fee. Plus, who would want to carry around an entire load of books when we’re usually carrying around so much more in the first place?

I also have to consider my dwelling and its ability to house a library…I just don’t have the bookshelf space I’d like to have. Sure, I’d love to have a “Library of Congress” sized space to put all the books I could, but the fact is that a lot of my books end up in rubbermaid tubs in our garage. That’s no way for a good book to hang out, in my opinion.

It’s no secret that I love the look, feel and smell of books. It reminds me of childhood when I stared at the bookshelves of my father and marveled at how one person could read so many books. I was raised reading and appreciating literature, and I still do to this day. But, having an eReader like nook makes my reading life just a little less cluttered and cumbersome.

Now, I can carry thousands of books on one device and they don’t take up any more space or weight than the 11.2 ounce device itself. I can download books, newspapers and magazines over WiFi or 3G connections (which means virtually everywhere nowadays), and I’m usually paying less for each book than I would to own a physical copy. But, if a book I want to read isn’t available in the eBook format, I CAN always purchase the real deal anyway. Options, options…

To me, the positives outweigh my innate need to hold or smell a real book. Practicality overrides simple tactile sense. I’ll still buy real books when and if the need arises. But, my tech-crazy tendencies definitely win out in this situation, which happily coincide with my alter ego, The Geek Source…

-Posted from my iPad.

Posted in Uncategorized