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I was doing some online window shopping at Amazon.com and I bump into this Brunton solar charger.

The product description mentioned that it can be serve as an alternative energy to keep cell phone running, GPS tracking and digital camera snapping images. In case if you are on the road and your cell phone battery went dead, this solar charger could be your life saving applications. What’s more it comes with a battery charger pack to recharge any rechargeable batteries. Find out more on this solar charger.

I installed the Ricoh unix driver on a Redhat 3 platform. When I do a lpr -P testprint, I got this error:

lpr: unable to print file: client-error-not-found

I realised that the Redhat 3 is setup for CUPS. I added a printer in the printer configuration in the GUI mode and manage to get it print our using the unix command mode lpr -P testprint.

In short setup printer in printer configuration first.

After sourcing around for a suitable notebook, I finally decided on the Fujitsu S6311B notebook.

Here’s the details of the notebook.

Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200
- 2 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 677 MHZ FSB
- Intel Pro / Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
- Intel 945 Express Chipset
Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Fingerprint Recognition Technology
2 GB DDR2 667 MHZ
120 GB SATA
Dual Layer DVD Super Multi Writer
V.92 Modem
10/100/1000Mps Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated BlueTooth
Approximately 4.5 lbs / 2 Kg
Port Replicator

I think with the current specifications, it should be one of the faster notebook available. What I like is the weight and the port replicator or docking station. Some of my USB devices were connected to the port replicator and that give me the convenience of just mounting the notebook on it without reconnecting the USB device on the notebook.

The Fujitsu notebook comes with Microsoft Business Vista installed. Thought I hear alot of buggy issues with Vista, but I think is a good time to start learning the new OS and see if I can share some of my Vista experience in this blog.

Recently I got to know about CPU-Z. A freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

Using CPU-Z on a AMD Turion Laptop.

CPU Information

Cache Information

The freeware can be downloaded at http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Recently I came across this site http://standby.lbl.gov. The site mentioned how some home consumer electrical products like DVD players, VCR, speakers and air conditions when is switched off completely, will generate some form of power consumption. Such power consumption is called “standby power”. In order to save on electricity bills, the best practice is to unplug them from the mains. An electrical product with poor designed power efficiency will cause such hidden power consumption.

Read more from http://standby.lbl.gov

My fourth generation Ipod or the Ipod mini have been giving some frozen or hang issues lately. I could have accidentally drop it hard on the floor before. When it first occur, I waited for the Ipod battery to drain off. Using the search engine, I found out another easier method.

By pressing the Ipod centre and menu button, you will be able to do a hard reset. Battery draining off should be the last resort if hard reset do not work.

Ok. I admit I should try with a few brands to feel which has the best result. I hope the Timberland men’s socks (3 pack) will give my feet the extra comfort too.

Don’t they look comfortable?

And it says:

The Crew sock combines support and comfortable fit, for all-around performance. Designed for intense activities, these socks are rugged and durable in any condition and all terrain. (That’s what I need too!)

I have been getting lots of blisters on my right little toe and feeling rather uncomfortable with the normal socks that I’m wearing daily. I decided to buy myself a pair of men’s walking socks from Thorlos.

And it says:

Consumer Benefits:
Help prevent blisters (That what I need)
Optimal wicking to keep drier and healthier (Sounds what I needed)
Reduces pressure points (Great!)
Reduces destructive shear forces (I’m still wondering?)
Durablity…longer lasting for a greater value (Keeping my finger cross)

Recently I have been shopping around for a computer laptop. I usually give advise to friends and colleagues on what type of computer to choose, however when it comes to me, it took me quite a while to decide on the brand and model simply because I’m paying for it. It does make notebook shopping difficult as there were so many brands to choose from.

In order to stay connected on the road, a lightweight notebook is one of the man criteria and it has to be less than 4.5 lbs. Before any purchase it is a good idea to do some research and review on what computer laptop is available in the market.

I found out that there are many options for the 12.1 inch LCD size laptop for that kind of weight I’m looking at. However I always feel that 12.1 inch laptops are too small a screen. The next available model will be the 13.3 inch LCD screen. There are not many manufacturers produced 13.3 inch laptops. Those brands you can find were ASUS, Apple, Fujitsu, Panasonic, Sharp and Sony.

The next option will be the battery operating time. If I’m going to stay connected on the road, battery operating life must be of next criteria. Most laptop batteries can last about 4 – 3 hours and that should be sufficient to blog at any Starbucks cafe.

I narrow down to Apple, Fujitsu and Sony and I finally choose a Fujitsu laptop computer.

Found Add Meta Tags plugin from www.wordpress.org. The file can be downloaded from http://www.g-loaded.eu/2006/01/05/add-meta-tags-wordpress-plugin/. The installation was rather simple.