My Kubuntu Media Box

As a resident physician, a weekends off is just like summer vacation
for students. It's a time that is relished and loved.

It's my weekends off and I'm not letting anyone take it away from me.

Anyways, I decided to fine tune my Kubuntu box, I installe KDE 4 into
it and it looks very sleek on my HDTV. But since I installed it, I
can't seem to figure out why the fonts are too small. I tried
adjusting the fonts from the Appearance option but a small increase
of the font size reflects a very large increase on the display. Just
when I was about to shift back to KDE 3, I tried one last option, by
checking on the force font size to 120dpi and that fixed it. The
fonts and the display are awesome.

Then I transferred AVI files to it and officially made it my Media Box.

Linksys WUSB54GC

It's been a long time since I wanted to buy a USB Wireless Adapter. I
was thinking of just buying one of those cheap adapters but decided
to do otherwise.

I bought a Linksys WUSB54GC because I wanted the security of a
dependable product. I actually have different Linksys product such as
a compact router (WRT54GC), a signal repeater WAP54G (I think).

Kubuntu on HDTV, Finally!

I replaced my aging Pentium 4 CPU who suddenly cannot recognize a re-install of WinXP. So I decided to install Kubuntu into it. Why Kubuntu and not Ubuntu? Well, I've gotten used to KDE, because this is what's in Xandros in my EeePC. Anyways, I didn't want to throw away the CPU, as it still has a good processor, I think the problem is the RAM, a PC266 RAM, which is hard to look for nowadays. So, I said I would use the CPU as a Medica Center type of computer, I hooked it up to my HDTV, and because it too has an nVidia Video card (it's AGP so I can't use it on my new CPU which uses PCI Express), I think I can use it to my advantage.

At first, I bought a Linksys WUSB54GC USB Wireless Adapter. Which I can't seem to make it work with Kubuntu, even with the updated repositories. And since I only have 2 LAN cables running in my basement, this became a dilemma. I have 3 units, that will be using the LAN cables. Two computers and one VoIP adapter. So, I decided to move the LAN cable to the Kubuntu unit and used the Linksys adapter to the WinXP box.

Now everything is running, except for audio, I have to route an audio line from the Kubuntu unit to my HT amplifier, at the moment, I don't have a long audio cable that could reach the AV receiver, hopefully, I would have time tomorrow or this week to get one and I'm off, right now, I'm downloading HD content from Tekzilla and Diggnation.

Next project is to get a NAS to store all the media that has been downloaded to be available to all the computer users in the house.

Everex Cloudbook - Disappointing

A couple of unboxing pictures of the Everex Cloudbook is already out in the net and so far it's synchronous in saying that the EeePC competitor SUCKS! The trackpad alone is useless for one hand operation. And the price is waaaaay farther than that of the ASUS.

Gizmodo, the Gadget Guide

Blogged with Flock

Office for Mac 2008

I just installed this software on my Mac. It took sometime to launch
initially but launches pretty quick on the succeeding start. Even
though I have iWork 08 installed, I still use a lot of MS Office. For
one, Excel is still unbeatable in the worksheet category. But I must
admit that Numbers produces one nice work area. I still have to find
the best way in it to replace Excel. Overall, I like having both on
my notebook pc.

Asus rolls out Eee PC in Japan, Windows XP standard

It's taken a while, but it looks like folks in Japan can now finally get their hands on Asus's diminutive and eminently-hackable Eee PC, although not exactly the same models we have 'round these parts. Dubbed the Eee PC 4G-X, the Japan-centric laptop is apparently identical to the regular 4G model, with the notable exception that it now comes pre-loaded with Windows XP Home Edition as standard instead of the usual Linux OS. That, of course, takes up a hefty chunk of the 4GB of internal storage, so Asus has thoughtfully 4GB SDHC card with the laptop as well. Look for it to be available in your choice of black or white for ¥50,000 (or about $468), with free access to NTT's WiFine hotspot network thrown in for good measure.

Engadget

Blogged with Flock

Apple - MacBook Air

Apple - MacBook Air

This is what I call, salivatingly YUMMY! I want one!

Blogged with Flock

Bayan Wireless Landline

I finally got one today. I chose the prepaid option, because all I
need is a Manila number here in Cavite. You see, whenever I call any
Metro Manila number, it's already considered a long distance call.
With this service from Bayantel, I now can call anyone from Manila
for just P3/call and they can call me without the long distance charges.

I don't have any plans to discontinue my Globelines account though.

I got the wireless landline phone ACBEL AX320, they don't have the
ZTE handset (looks better than the ACBEL) available for the Prepaid
option. Funny thing was, on my way home from Quezon city, the phone
was beside me all the time, checking for the signal deviations. I was
so happy to see full bars of signal along Aguinaldo highway. But was
slightly disappointed to get only a couple of bars inside out house.
But good enough, to get three bars in the bed room near the window.
Though I get full bars in the carport.

The phone kit comes loaded with P90 worth of load (around 30 calls)
good for 7 days, and a P100 prepaid card good for 10 days.

I will test it tomorrow by trying to call it during my overnight duty
in the hospital.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

Let's all be thankful for the blessings we've received in 2007 and let's prepare for the showers of gifts that 2008 will bring! God bless us all!

No more disconnections from Globe

After calling hotlines from Globelines, I don't get that frequent disconnections that we read a lot in the forums. Unfortunately, I can't say the same with the Selective Browsing problems. Although, it's not as frequent, there are still websites that takes forever to load up. But is resolved by simply restarting the modem/router.

Chronicles of a new HDTV owner

An HDTV is always in one of the wish lists of people who are really into watching TV and movies. That's why when the opportunity to get one arrived, I did not hesitate and decided right away to buy myself the TV.

The Samsung 32" LCD HDTV completed my home theater set-up. Less than a year ago, I bought a Yamaha 5.1 Home Theater System. Now it's all complete, and of course the make-over of our basement/den/home theater. Although there are still some small details missing, the immersion to the movie experience is complete.

DAY 1:
I connected the HDTV (I really can't call it a simple TV anymore), to my DVD player and my Home Theater System. I expected the regular cable signal not to have that Hi-Def feel, then I popped in a DVD into the player (Transformers the movie to be exact), but was disappointed to see that the details didn't come out as I expected. The pixels where so huge that details are not lost perhaps in a deserted island. I thought maybe, it was my connection, I thought perhaps I need an HDMI connection between my player and my HDTV, as I am currently using a COMPONENT connection. But then I realized that there is such thing as PROGRESSIVE SCANNING and it's printed right in front of the DVD Player. I researched a bit about it and dug up the user's manual for the DVD player. Lo and behold, after reading the manual, I was able to change the setting of the DVD player so it will output a progressive scan of the disc and should deliver a clearer and crisper picture to the HDTV. And to my liking, when I played the same DVD again (this time the PROGRESSIVE icon is lighting up on the player), the details were coming out as expected. Now, I told myself, this is High Definition experience. Even the DivX shows have improved a lot since I tested it a couple of hours earlier.


DAY 2:
I connected my Playstation 2 to the HDTV and, again, to my dismay, the pictures where again, pixelated. Though, of course, this is because I was using the regular AV cables that came with the console. So I decided to look for a COMPONENT cable that is compatible with the PS2.

It was on this day too that I tried to hook it up to my notebook pc's. I really wanted to hook it up, permanently, to my desktop PC but was constrained with not having a VGA cable that was long enough to connect the two devices. So I just connected an iBook and an ASUS eeePC to the HDTV, and again, to my utter liking, both gave out a stunning picture on the HDTV.

DAY 3:
I went to the mall to look for the PS2 Component cable, and of course, I wasn't able to find one. All the stores in the neighborhood mall had were Component cable for either the PS3 or the PSP. So, I guess I have to be contented with what I have at the moment and just pray that somewhere, on a different mall, I will be able to find that elusive cable.

DAY 4-5:
Were just days to appreciated the beauty of both the HDTV and the movies that I watched from it. These days were also spent in contemplating on either wall-mounting it or just leave it on it's stand.

DAY 6:
Finally, I was able to find a COMPONENT cable for the PS2. Good thing I tried to browse around the toy store even after the sales girl told me that they don't have the said item. She even insisted that it was for the PS3 and not for the PS2, even though it was clearly written on the packaging that the cable is compatible to both. Though I was still not sure if the PS2 and the PS3 has the same type of connectors, I still bought the thing.

When I got home, I right away hooked the cable to the console and the HDTV and gave a sigh of relief after I saw the high definition pictures come out on the HDTV from the PS2.

DAY 7:
People from Samsung came over to "install" the HDTV, then I decided to have it mounted on the wall. Now I've got enough space on the table for other stuffs.

The eeePC + an HDTV

I got this new HDTV for Christmas, and every time I have a new toy, I make sure I know how to squeeze out the full potential of the product. This time I tried to connect my ASUS eeePC to the flat tv, and it worked! The small notebook was able to handle the massive resolution output of the TV, which means I was able to fully utilize every pixel of the set. It was beautiful, now I have a 32" external monitor for my tiny eeePC.

Target #1 Achieved! -- Target 1 of 3

This is my target #1. My newest toy, a SAMSUNG 32' LCD TV. And I'm liking it. Now my home theater is complete, and watching DVD movies is a blast.

Hmmmm I wonder how Blueray Discs or HD DVD would look like on this TV? Hehehehe

Merry Christmas!

Season's Greetings to all! Merry Christmas!

GizmoCall

After installing my new VoIP adapter and trying it out with a couple of different solutions, I have discovered a faster way for others to reach me without the hassle of downloading an application into one's computer.

It's GizmoCall! GizmoCall is another extension of the Gizmo Project. But instead of installing an application on a PC/Mac, it uses the browser for that. What the user will just do is to install an applet into the web browser, and type in the Gizmo number or the Gizmo Username and it connects flawlessly to the other line.

In fact, when I tested it, the Gizmo Call made a much better line resolution than from that of the stand-alone Gizmo client.

Linksys PAP2T Out of the Box

I got this today, the Linksys PAP2T VoIP Analog adapter. I will be using it to call our home in the province. This will definitely bring down the long distance charges for our frequent calls. The only cost will be from the MSF of our broadband connection.

I spent around 30 mins to check from the interweb the correct settings to make this thing work. I used Gizmo Project's SIP settings on it. I was successful to call from the hardware (PAP2T) to a Gizmo Softphone and vice versa. There was a slight echo but overall the line reception was very good. Although I am not sure if I place the other PAP2T on a slower broadband connection since I am using a 2Mbps line.

Microsoft hit with $2.4 million copyright suit in the Philippines

In an unusual situation for a company so vocal about protecting intellectual property rights, Microsoft is being sued for allegedly distributing material copyrighted by a Philippine college -- despite the fact that the material in question seems to have only been given to fellow educational professionals. Southeastern College in Pasay City is suing Microsoft and Microsoft Philippines for 100 million Filipino pesos ($2.4 million) for handing out at least 700 CDs in 2005 and 2006 containing the 379-page "SEC Microsoft Office XP Manual," which had been copyrighted by SEC director Conrad Mañalac in 2005 (although work on it reportedly began in 1999).

Engadget

Blogged with Flock

iPhone integral part of Land Rover LRX concept

In a press release issued by the automaker, it notes that the concept vehicle will boast a couple of touchscreens, one of which is used to "control the LRX's iPhone facility." Additionally, you can catch an iPod docking station and a set of removable speakers on the tailgate, though we can't say that's the most convenient location we've ever heard of for such a device.


Engadget

Blogged with Flock

Vista gets wrangled onto the Eee PC

it already seems pretty clear that there are few OSes that won't at least be attempted to be installed on the Eee PC, and it now looks like you can chalk up another of the big ones in successful column, as one fearless user has managed to squish Vista onto the diminutive laptop. To accomplish that feat, Paul O'Brien used the vLite tool to cut out as much bloat as possible before putting the custom disk image onto a USB stick, after which he then installed the OS on the Eee PC and, perhaps most notably, moved the Side by Side (or SxS) directory onto an 8GB SD card, freeing up some much needed space on the laptop itself.

How-to is found here.

Engadget

Blogged with Flock

Engadget

Fresno schools buy 1,000 Eee PCs, Asus launches 2G Surf modelPosted Dec 14th 2007 5:07PM by Donald MelansonFiled under: LaptopsThe OLPC and Classmate PC may be getting most of the attention these days with their attempts to win over as many schools as possible, but it looks like Asus' Eee PC is starting to make some moves of its own, with the Fresno Unified School District recently snagging 1,000 of the laptops in an attempt to boost student scores. As The San Francisco Chronicle reports, the schools also went the extra step of getting the laptops pre-installed with Windows and other Microsoft software, which apparently brought the total cost to $464 a seat. Also according the Chronicle, it seems that Asus has officially launched its $299 2G Surf model a little ahead of the January date we first heard about, although it still seems to be nigh impossible to come by, at least at the moment.

Engadget

Blogged with Flock