Amazon’s Kindle has been the leader in reading books, magazines, and newspapers online through a handheld computer.  The Kindle is a great product as it can download subscriptions to the NY Times, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and more.  The nice aspect is that it is very easy to use with minimal buttons to worry about.  So, it’s tech friendly.

With the new advent of online libraries, started by Google, other digital devices are now starting to compete with the Kindle.  The Sony PRS505, priced at $299 (versus the $359 Kindle) is compatible with tapping into libraries to download books and articles for period of time.  Just like you can borrow a book from the library, you can do the same with the Sony or the iRex digital reader.  The iRex is more expensive at $559 and doesn’t have many more features to merit its increase.

Soon we’ll all be at home accessing the world at our fingertips and these digital readers are here to make this possible.

This question surfaces all the time, Should I defragment my hard drive?  If your computer is slow, chances are you have spyware or viruses, or maybe your hard drive is failing.  However, if those issues are not the case, then you might want to looking into defragmenting your hard drive.

What does the defrag process do?  Essentially, it prioritizes your data.  In turn, your computer will be faster since your hard drive will access your frequently used files and programs faster.  When you save files to your computer, your hard drive randomly allots them on space within your hard drive.  So, if you use are constantly using your e-mails, your computer has to take the time to search to see where your specific e-mail is and then pull it up for you.

By defragmenting your hard drive, your mostly used files will be saved to the front of your hard drive.  This means that your drive will take the quickest time to access it when you need it.  And it follows suit that your least used files will be stored at the end of your drive to make space for commonly used programs and files. 

The next question is: How do you defragment your computer?  You may use the Windows Disk Defragmenter located in Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools.  You’ll want to run this overnight since it takes hours to run.  Also, make sure not to work on your computer during the process or else the defrag process will restart.

A more efficient and automated defragmentation process may be performed by using Smart Defrag.  It is quicker and you can set it and forget it.  It take a long time during the first time, but then is faster all subsequent times.  It is more powerful and faster than Windows defrag program.

What in the world is Ubuntu?  It is a type of operating system, Linux-flavored, that is free.  It is comprised of an Internet browser, documents and spreadsheets, and other tools to get you up and running quickly.  It is light and quick to boot up and shut down unlike Mac and Windows operating systems. 

The new 8.10 desktop is tailored to the traveler or the computer user on the go.  You can toggle quickly between LAN and wireless networks, surf between wi-fi and 3G cellphone networks, and provide guest accounts for friends while securing your data.  As an odd bonus, BBC broadcasting will be made possible on this operating system.  Ubuntu provides its own instant messaging client, video/audio conferencing tool, multiple monitoring tool, and user-friendly toolbar.

The think you must keep in mind about Ubuntu is that all the tools you need are built into the operating system.  If you need additional software, you will be able to download it as open source, or free downloadable software.  However, the nice thing is that everything is mostly integrated into the operating system so you won’t have to wonder what else you need.

There is also a new Ubuntu server offering which we might focus on in another blog.  For now, you may check out the new Ubuntu by downloading the software or request a free CD to be delivered to you.  Yes, this version is free a fully supported, but you’ll have to put your own tech support time into it by searching forums and the Ubuntu site if you need help.

Ever since Vista was built and came along with excessive criticism, Microsoft has been building another Windows operating system, named 7.  This version is slated for 2010 which probably means at least 2011.  Its unique feature will be its touch capability where you can use your computer like you would use the iPhone’s sleek touch interaction.  This touch capability has already been released in some HP laptops and now a new desktop all-in-one model.  This is the first time a computer operating system will have the touch capability build into it inherently.  Well, the first time after the Windows Tablet edition which comes on select computer, again, typically the HP’s.

Besides touching the world (do you see the witty connection between touch capability and Jerry Seinfeld’s and Bill Gate’s touching the world commercial analogy?), you can expect to see better compatibility in the new Windows 7.  That means that software developers are looking to streamline 32bit and 64bit so all software may be run.  But, this theory is thrown out the window because both 32 and 64bit versions will be released.  Further, older hardware will be able to run without having to replace your printer and peripherals to buy this new OS.   Lastly, the interface will look mostly like Vista which is not a bad thing for those who have adapted to this graphic look.

Not enough information is available to weigh the pros and cons yet of Windows 7.  We’ll need more time to see if it will compete well with Mac’s Leopard or perform better in the computer support category than Windows Vista.

Google just released the new G1 which is only being run on T-Mobile at the moment.  Google has launched its new Google operating system on this mobile device.  Let’s be honest: would you rather have the new iPhone or the new G1?  That’s right, no crowds, no hype, no lines out the door for this G1.  So far, Google’s handheld phone has been a dud. 

Digging deeper into the specifications, this phone cannot integrate with Outlook, doesn’t provide turn-by-turn directions, and is a bit on the wide side.  The good points: it looks like the iPhone, has a new open source operating system named Android, and allows you to share/access your Google calendar, contacts, gmail, maps, and gtalk. 

Android allows developers to provide new programs and tweaks for the phone that others may use.  Developers are probably already looking for a way to integrate Outlook.  Overall, it looks tech-friendly with minimal computer training.  It provides a full screen and might gain market share on the iPhone as the Android system evolves.

Apple will soon no longer be producing Mac Mini’s.  The Mac Mini is the smallest desktop computer on the market and costs only $599.  It includes a 160GB hard drive, 1-2GB of RAM, 4 USB ports, 1 firewire port, 1 Network port, and Wireless G.  The Mac Mini came out in 2005 to compete against the cheaper priced PCs.  Since the PCs have been getting cheaper and cheaper on the desktop line, especially the Dell computers, the Mac Mini’s have not had such a competitive edge any more.  Further, many smaller laptops, such as the Dell Inspiron 9 mini, have been coming down in prices to further compete with the Mac Mini’s. 

So, Apple has decided to stop producing the mac Mini and will further focus on its MacBook and iMac lines.  The cheapest Mac going forward will be the $999 MacBook.  The Mini will probably stop being produced by early next year.  Until then, get them while they last!  They are a great option to set up in small spaces, or to have a cheap Mac up and running without all of the bells and whistles.  Please note though that the small size of the Mac Mini makes it challenging to replace failed computer parts.

For the past several months, the Macbook has had a random shutdown glitch.  This has now been corrected by installing an Apple update.  Just install the Macbook SMC Firmware Update 1.1 and this will fix the random shutdown issue.  Even if you’ve had warranty repair in the last few months, you should also install this update.  You should even install this update if you haven’t experienced mac tech issues to prevent future computer problems.

It is better to upgrade your Mac OS to the latest operating system update.  For instance, if you’re running Mac OS 10.4.7, you should upgrade first to 10.4.8.  Then, install the patch above.

What does Internet Explorer 8 have that’s news:

1. Search results have pictures to make your findings easier
2. Suggested sites are provided based on your browsing
3. Highlight a word on a page and you’ll be directed to many related items - maps, blogs, email, and translations.
4. Get updated info from your favorite site, a la Vista-esque, all in one section
5. Privacy option allows you to hide your Internet surfing tracks

Overall, the new features and overall speed make this new version of Internet Exporer worthwhile.  One feature that is not well advertised is during the installation.  When installing, IE 8, it ensures there are no viruses and spyware preventing a smooth setup.  This new Internet Explorer is definitely a free software upgrade that is a thumbs up.

Apple has come out with the 13″ and 15″ MacBook notebooks.  Its best feature is, of course, the sleek aluminum body accented with the black keyboard and glossy screen.  The notebook is lighter, greener, and more robust than ever.  So, the question now is: Does this match up against the top PCs out there? 

Let’s compare:

• The 13″ only weighs app. 4.5 lbs.  The Sony and Dell 12″ laptops weigh 4 lbs as well.
• The 13″ comes with a 256MB video card.  Most PCs have 128MB.  There’s 1 point.
• The 13″ and 15″ notebooks have 250GB hard drives.  PCs usually top out with the initial configuration at 160GB.  The MacBook also has a 320GB solid state option.
• RAM ranges from 2-4GB.  PCs have the same range and more with 64bit Windows.
• Processor speed ranges from 2.0-2.4 Intel Core 2 Duo - Apple stole a page from PCs here, but is still ranked at the fastest PC processors here.
• 5 hour battery life - Dell’s new Latitude D series smokes Apple here with 19 hours.
• Sleek and thin look - Sony’s small laptops look nice, but MacBooks look nicer.
• New mouse pad with more functions - PCs still have the right-click option!

Starting at $1,300.00, the new MacBooks compare well with the top PCs.  The one concern we have is the placement of the hard drive which is next to the battery and on the bottom of the system.  The heat of the battery and the shock of the laptop can cause hard drive crashes leading to lots of needed data recovery.  Also, the ultra-glossy screen might cause glare problems with sensitive eyes.

If your Windows computer is no longer working, you might consider making the switch to a Mac.  If you do make the switch to a Mac, the biggest question is:

How do I transfer my PC files to my Mac?

If you buy your Mac from the Apple store, they do provide a complimentary service of transferring your PC files to your Mac.  However, this is only free if your PC is working absolutely fine.  This means that if your switch to a Mac is due to a Windows crash, virus or spyware issue, or your hard drive is dead, the Apple store does not work with PC issues like this.  Instead, you would need to bring your dead PC to a local NYC computer repair company to perform data recovery and/or transfer your files to your new Mac.

So, the next time you’re considering replacing your PC for a Mac, keep in mind that the Apple store will only transfer your PC files to a Mac if your PC is running with no problems.