scattered technology news

Video: Install Chrome OS In VirtualBox 17

Google Chrome was announced yesterday. As a geek, the first thing I naturally wanted to do was install it. Since I don’t have an extra machine lying around, the easiest way to do so is to run it virtually on my existing machine. So I decided to make a quick screen cast on how to install Google Chrome OS in VirtualBox. (Credit for the idea goes to UbuntuForums) It’s actually quite easy, even if you’re computer illiterate. To get started, just watch the video below:

Things Needed:

• Download & Install VirtualBox (Free)
• Download & Unzip the Chrome OS image (via GDGT.com)

Update: Looks like GDGT posted a image for VirtualBox as well. However it doesn’t seem to work. Just stick to the VMWare .vmdk file for use with VirtualBox as I did. Otherwise it just loads a black screen.

That’s pretty much it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask below!

Links: Watch This in HD on Vimeo.com

Google Announces Chromium OS 1

It’s finally here. After an announcement earlier this year, Google finally revealed their new open-source project named Chromium OS. As the name implies, it’s closely associated with the fairly new and increasingly popular Google Chrome browser. Although it won’t be available to users for another year, they plan to work with the open source community and developers to make improvements before an official launch. Just about every line of code is available to anyone who wishes to contribute to the project. Google hopes to begin to make final implementations to the code through out the next year.

For the most part, it’s unlike any other operating system. It focuses at making the web a better experience rather than on local desktop applications. Chromium tries to utilize Google’s vastly growing “cloud computer” network. Instead of installing applications, most will run right out of a browser, while still offering a similar experience. The entire OS caters to the idea of a light weight operating system. Most data will be stored on Google’s network instead of your computer’s hard drive. Google also boasts safer working environment since each application would be contained within a “sandbox,” preventing access to other bits of data on your machine. It supposedly can fix itself with a simple reboot if the base code becomes damaged. Reboots don’t take long either, Chromium takes just a few seconds to start up.

With that kept in mind, the OS will initially be designed for low-powered Netbooks. It won’t be able to replace a full Windows, Macintosh, or Linux system anytime soon, but it would be a great complement.

Links: Chromium.org | YouTube – “What is Google Chrome?”

Update: Install Google Chrome OS in VirtualBox (Video)

Photos: HTC Droid Eris vs. HTC Hero 2

A few weeks ago, Skatter Tech published a review of the Sprint HTC Hero. Shortly after, Verizon Wireless announced their iteration of the phone, entitled the Droid Eris. Both run on the same version of the Android OS and have nearly same hardware specifications. There are a couple of software differences, but what sets them apart are the looks. The Hero has a lighter colored body with a silver/chrome coat, while the Eris has a darker black body. My review of the Eris is only a couple of days away, in the mean time enjoy the gallery to see how they look besides one another:

While you are waiting for the review of the Droid Eris to go live, please feel free to subscribe to our RSS Feed or sign up for Email Subscriptions. If you haven’t heard, we’re also on Facebook and Twitter!

iPhone App: Delivery Status Touch 0

As someone who reviews gadgets, I constantly receive and ship packages through different carriers. Although I receive email updates from couriers including DHL, Fedex, UPS, and USPS, I’ve always been looking for a convenient tool to track all of them with my iPhone. After messing with many Apps, I finally came across one that works: Delivery Status Touch by Junecloud.

After grabbing the Delivery Status Touch from the iTunes App Store, it’s quite easy to start using. Just tap the Edit button, and click the ‘+’ icon to add a new item to track. Just about every major domestic delivery service I’ve used was listed and there are quite a few international ones as well. There’s even tracking tools for Amazon, Apple, and Google Checkout orders. Once you choose the service, you’ll have to key in the tracking number and pick a name. Fortunately since the iPhone now has copy and paste, it’s quite simple to grab the code from an email and enter it into this App. Although it might be overkill, I would truly be impressed if they added Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for use with the Camera. I would love to be able to just take a snap of the tracking number on a sheet of paper.

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Are Netbooks With Contracts Worth It? 4

Netbooks have become a popular trend in recent years. They are popular amongst college students since they offer a great battery life and are affordable. Even many business customers purchase these as a complement to their regular machine for travel. Although the capabilities of these Netbooks are limited and they don’t offer nearly as much performance or features as a standard computer, it’s still an easy and affordable way for people to get online.

An average brand-name Netbook (e.g. Dell, HP) with a standard 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and 1GB of RAM costs about $300. Cell Phone carriers including AT&T and Verizon now offer subsidized Netbooks with a 3G Wireless Broadband card built in. So the big question: “Is it worth purchasing a Netbook with a contract?” The simple answer is NO.

For example, let’s take a look at the HP Mini 110. It retails for about $300 excluding tax straight from HP.com. Verizon Wireless offers the same configuration of the Mini 110 for a subsidized price of $150. Half-off seems like a great deal, but it’s not. First there’s a $35 activation fee. Next you’ll have to sign-up for a data plan that costs $60 per month for just 5GB of data. I should note that there’s also a $40/month data plan that offers just 250MB of data. Considering that I feel 5GB itself is too little, 250MB is just ridiculous. Plus there’s also a 2-year contract associated with the device. To get out, you’ll have to pay the $175 early termination fee. So if you add that up here’s what you get:

$150 (HP Mini 110) + $35 (Activation Fee) + $1440 (5GB Plan, $60 x 24 Months) = $1625.

Keep in mind that I didn’t include tax either. That’s nearly the cost of a fairly high-end Dell XPS laptop or MacBook Pro. Although Netbooks are a great tool, it’s not a good idea to spend that much for one and be stuck with it for two years. The technology is evolving and new models that run faster and longer keep coming out. Dual Core Atom processors are probably going to hit Netbooks within the next few months. Your Netbook will be outdated in no time. Unless you need a computer with 3G Broadband at all times, it might be better just to use hotspots when you need access. If you decide to upgrade your netbook every year, you can do so and still end up paying less than half of what a contracted Netbook costs. If you really need broadband on the go, either try to add a tethering plan to your current phone, grab a MiFi that works with multiple devices, or a separate 3G USB Modem.

Links: AT&T Netbooks | Verizon Netbooks

Skatter Tech Gets Facebook Connect 5

About two months ago, Skatter Tech upgraded the commenting infrastructure by adding threaded comments. Today I’ve got some good news. Facebook users can now “connect” to Skatter Tech with just one-click. Just scroll down to the commenting area, click on the “Connect with Facebook” button. If you aren’t already logged into Facebook, you’ll be prompted to do so. Afterward, your profile image, name, and a link to your profile will appear each time you leave a comment. You can even share the blurb expressed here with your friends on Facebook immediately!.

Of course, if you wish to opt-out after signing up, you can do so easily at anytime. Just hit the logout button or delete the Skatter Tech App in your Facebook App settings. We honor Facebook’s privacy settings so your real name and profile photo won’t appear if you have it locked down. Also we haven’t done away with the traditional commenting system. You’ll always be able to manually type in your information and even pick a Gravatar when posting a comment!

So what are you waiting for? Leave a Facebook-powered Comment below!

Links: Skatter Tech Facebook Fan Page

Now Shipping: Nokia N900 3

After the launch of the Motorola Droid, BlackBerry Storm2, and HTC Hero, another smartphone is about to hit the market. The Nokia N900, stands out from the rest by trying to offer a “PC-like experience.” Much of the ideology behind Nokia’s internet tablets is packed into the N900.

It all starts with the hardware. It’s shocking. With a 600MHz processor and 1GB of RAM, the phone resembles the configuration of a high end laptop just about 10 years ago. The 3.5 inch display packs 800 x 480 pixels, just a bit short of what the Droid offers. But it’s also has 32GB of on-board flash memory and even offers 16GB microSDHC card expansion. There’s also a 5 megapixel camera with a Carl Zeiss lens, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, HSPA 10Mbps, a FM Transmitter, and a microUSB data port.

As for the software, which has recently been a trending topic in regards to smart phones, the Nokia N900 runs on Maemo 5. If you haven’t heard of it, that’s because it’s fairly new. It’s a Linux-based open source OS and it deviates from using Symbian, which is found on just about every other Nokia phone. And of course, it’s quite powerful with multi-tasking, a Mozilla-based browser that supports Flash and AJAX, multi-protocol instant messaging, VoIP Skype support, and a consolidated all-in-one contact manager.

That’s just touching the surface of what this phone has to offer. An unlocked version of the Nokia N900 is already up for Pre-Orders on Amazon for $559. While I try get in contact with Nokia for a review unit, please enjoy some product shots of the phone that were included in the official press kit:

Pre-Order: Nokia N900 for $559
Links: Nokia.com N900

Windows 7 Dual Monitor Snap Tip 0

I recently wrote about setting up Dual Monitors in Windows 7 and today I’ve got a tip to alleviate some issues many of those users face. Although Windows 7 handles multiple monitors better than Windows Vista, it’s still faces a few issues. The new window Snap feature is a great addition and works seamlessly with a single display, however it faces a major issue when using two or more displays. The “half-screen” snap will only work on the far left and right ends of your display. Windows 7 won’t snap programs to the halves to the left and right of the center divider. There’s no telling why Microsoft decided to leave this feature out, but it definitely causes a major drop in productivity.

• Snap Right: WIN Key + Right
• Snap Left: WIN Key + Left

Fortunately after digging through the “internets,” I found a solution workaround. To move an active window to the left or right half of the center divider, just hit the WIN Key + Right or WIN Key + Left. Repeatedly pressing through either combo continually moves the window to all the possible snap positions. You can also add the SHIFT key as another modifier to have it jump to the same position on the next display. I’m definitely not a fan of having to do this and would have definitely preferred a visual method, but it’s the best option at the moment. It’s a lot better than manually resizing windows…

Microsoft, if you’re listening, please make a small tweak or two for Service Pack 1.

Verizon: HTC ERIS & BlackBerry Curve 0

It’s November 6th and Verizon’s major launch of the Droid, which we reviewed earlier this week, is finally on sale! Although it might not be a well-kept secret, the HTC ERIS is also available in stores today. It’s quite similar to the Sprint HTC Hero, which we also reviewed a week ago. It runs on the Android OS, unfortunately not v2.0 like the Droid, but is available for a more affordable price of $99. That’s after a $100 rebate and a new 2-year contract, of course. For some quick specs, it’s got a 5 megapixel camera, an included 8GB microSD card, WiFi, 3.5mm headphone jack, GPS, and a Browser with Flash support.

On another note, Verizon Wireless also announced the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8530. Unlike the clickable touch-screen the Storm2 features (see our review), it has traditional form factor with a physical QWERTY keyboard. Unlike older BlackBerry phones, this one does away with the trackball, replacing it with a touch-sensitive trackpad. And for some quick specs for this phone, it’s packed with WiFi, 3G, GPS, 2 megapixel camera, and mainly a lot of business/enterprise features. The Curve 9530 will be available on November 20th for $99 after a $100 rebate and signing a 2-year contract.

We will be getting a hold of both of these phones in the coming days and will be publishing full reviews shortly after. In the meantime, to be the first to read our reviews, subscribe to our RSS Feed, sign up for Email Subscriptions, or find us on Facebook or Twitter!

Blue Microphones Snowball (Review) 0

Although most laptops now feature built in web cameras and microphones, they often produce mediocre results. Those components might be great for video chat, but not for producing semi-professional content. For the audio portion, a new market has introduced USB-based microphones, that produce surprisingly good recordings. The California-based company, Blue Microphones (Baltic Latvian Universal Electronics), produces many high quality retro-looking audio products. The one I’m taking a look at today is the Snowball. It’s quite affordable, easy to setup, and produces great results.

Hardware: 5/5 stars
Blue Microphones includes all the essentials to get started with podcasting or recording audio. The box includes the baseball-shaped microphone, a tripod stand, and a USB cable. The tripod extends upwards, rotates a complete 360 degrees, and even allows tilting the head back and fort. Rubber tips on the legs of the tripod are a neat addition as they offer a strong grip and reduce vibrations. The unit also has a standard threaded connector, so it can attached onto any standard microphone stand. There’s a red LED indicator on the front and the USB port resides right below the mode setting switch on the back. The unit stands sturdy and has a unique retro look that catches glances. Read More