Archive for the ‘gadgets’Category

March edition of our technology podcast from KAFMradio.org

Play

Every month Rick Castellini and Adam Cochran do a technology information show that airs live on KAFM 88.1 in Grand Junction, Co.

In this month’s episode we discuss cell phone operating systems, antivirus software, digital camera news, technology news and more.

20

03 2010

Commodore returns to home computing

Orange Double SID The Commodore has returned. A very solid argument could be made that the Commodore 64 was the first real home computer. Sure, there were other home computers, but the Commodore 64 was the standard.

Although Commodore eventually disappeared as a casualty of the Mac vs. Windows battle, Commodore has always had a cult following and it is remember by millions as the first computer they ever used.
Creative Commons License photo credit: farnea

The tech blogs are abuzz today over the resurrection of the Commodore name. Although today’s Commodore is not the same Commodore that existed in the 80s, the device they have announced pays homage to the Commodore 64.

There is no model name for the new Commodore system – it is simply the Commodore. The logo is essentially the same and the design of the device itself pays homage to the 64.

The Commodore 64 was a computer in a keyboard. Gradually computers expanded in size as peripherals and power required bigger systems. Gradually the trend has reversed itself. Today we live in the world of the iPad, iPhone and netbooks.  Power and usefulness is no longer perceived as being relative to physical size.

[nggallery id=2]

16

03 2010

Become a podcaster on the cheap: Blue Microphone Yeti Review

Play

[singlepic id=1 w=320 h=240 float=]

The Yeti by Blue Microphone is big, heavy and should be a staple for any one who needs a portable recording studio. Listen to the podcast and peruse the gallery for more information.

We recorded the podcast on the Yeti using Garage Band with no effects filters. What you hear is what you get. We edited the podcast in Audacity.

One correction to the podcast. We incorrectly said that the Yeti was over a foot tall. In reality it is exactly a foot tall. It also weighs over 3 lbs with the base. (mic 1.2 lbs, base 2.2 lbs).

If you are looking for a backup portable studio or you need a good beginner microphone for your podcast studio, we don’t think you can do any better than the Yeti for $150 or less. In fact, you can get it for well under $150 by following the Amazon link at the top of the article.

[nggallery id=1]