tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76600774977493260942024-03-05T08:38:24.917-08:00tech.brianwestbrook.comLook here for Brian M. Westbrook's tech news and details on topics heard on-air during weekly "Tech Expert" segments on <a href="http://KXL.com">FM News 101 KXL</a> (101.1 FM) in Portland, OR. Listen Fridays at 6:20am and 8:20am as part of Portland's Morning News on KXL or online at: <a href="http://KXL.com">KXL.com</a>.
Also find details of radio and television appearances. Feedback or questions to: techexpert (AT) brianwestbrook (dot) comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-79314136167942231382013-09-26T17:00:00.000-07:002013-09-26T18:05:25.407-07:00KOMO News Radio's Afternoons w/Tom Hutyler: "iOS 7 Makes Users Sick" - 26 September 2013 (KOMO-AM/FM)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0OfLBPpudAALVVBBBEm4QaaCqyiqwe2be99IpNtFJqR830ZJVqPdqOJQJARY3FpZ9Sr5HTPiIdRGzc6eViQlSKdMY8x8VjYp4E3WK2liULB2Lg5Th0okefs8CljrgcGjleh_wYRT1Q8/s1600/090511_komo_newsradio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0OfLBPpudAALVVBBBEm4QaaCqyiqwe2be99IpNtFJqR830ZJVqPdqOJQJARY3FpZ9Sr5HTPiIdRGzc6eViQlSKdMY8x8VjYp4E3WK2liULB2Lg5Th0okefs8CljrgcGjleh_wYRT1Q8/s200/090511_komo_newsradio.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">If you're in Seattle, today during your drive home on KOMO Newsradio, you may have heard me talking about how iOS 7, the latest version of Apple's iPhone and iPad operating system is <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/apple-ios-literally-making-users-sick/story?id=20385379">literally making some user's sick</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">No, I'm not referring to the hours it took you to download... or your empty bank balance after upgrading to a new iPhone 5C or 5S this past weekend-- but sick from the transition animations built into the most popular software upgrade of all time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">Also, we touch on a security update to iOS 7, out today, version 7.0.2 which you should download if you haven't already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><a href="http://brianwestbrook.com/mp3/komo_iOS7sickness_20130926.mp3">Listen to my report</a> on the subject with KOMO Newsradio's <a href="http://www.komonews.com/radio/people/135459353.html">Tom Hutyler</a> and let me know what you think. (<a href="http://brianwestbrook.com/mp3/komo_iOS7sickness_20130926.mp3">MP3</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">Is iOS7 giving you nausea?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06825143563756648613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-38831876993303546872013-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-30T07:08:27.025-07:00Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt: Strong lock for NW lifestylesFor the active Northwest family, keeping your home secure while constantly heading out to enjoy the outdoors can become problematic quickly.
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFPDhwDxrtawaAPTHIm-vCAjW8QyBCWuulJYXoxdKawvJDA8Nl84HrtokiIeSqNRvzYS_po54xlusoVpARGbq71zQXcFvCOlOPoZZK_HldWxs18N-18m5MsUVG6bzjK9DvTYcQFRowf7P/s1600/Touchscreen+Deadbolt+HighRes_Camelot,+Satin+Nickel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFPDhwDxrtawaAPTHIm-vCAjW8QyBCWuulJYXoxdKawvJDA8Nl84HrtokiIeSqNRvzYS_po54xlusoVpARGbq71zQXcFvCOlOPoZZK_HldWxs18N-18m5MsUVG6bzjK9DvTYcQFRowf7P/s320/Touchscreen+Deadbolt+HighRes_Camelot,+Satin+Nickel.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enter the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Schlage%20Touchscreen%20Deadbolt">Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt</a>. Its sleek pad comes to life with a quick tap. This convenient security device contains the convenience of a touchscreen with the strength and confidence of <a href="http://consumer.schlage.com/Pages/home.aspx">Schlage</a>, a brand known for security.
<br />
<br />
After the fine folks at Schlage graciously sent me a device for my own home, I was excited to replace our standard builder-provided, generic, deadbolt with this connected solution.
<br />
<br />
The installation process was relatively straightforward, even for the novice DIY’er. I hate to admit that I did consult the instructions a few times, but someone experienced with installing locks and deadbolts could likely leave the surprisingly easy-to-read instructions in the package. I had mine installed in less than 25 minutes. I suspect if you’re installing more than one (say, on a back door or side access area), you could have a few minutes off subsequent installs.
<br />
<br />
You won’t, however, want to ignore the directions when it comes to programming the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt. With capabilities such as holding up to 30 programmable codes, it’s perfect for guests, housekeepers and neighbors that need temporary access.
<br />
Given our front door is on the first level, I’ve assigned custom codes to various friends and family members to save myself a trip downstairs to let them in. <i>(Sure, call me lazy- but technology is supposed to make our lives easier? :-) )
</i><br />
<br />
In addition to the custom codes – that can be easily tracked – the lock has sensitivity-adjustable alarms. The alert can act as a deterrent for break-ins making me feel secure that my home is protected – and ensure my friends won’t be left banging on my door for too long if they come for a surprise visit.
<br />
<br />
Within about a week I was adding and removing codes without consulting the directions—but the power of this smart home security device was really taken to the next level with its z-wave compatibility.
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhY_UYdTbsA70NAH98MYxSbZ0Ait2XY3bj-00T6QnqrI0wS_wN8Cjg0QueS-PzoPF5WZ4GiZmP9lOSKjap651weB_CWb3rJbWLtlDOZwl1ZSnG0dxrm38TY2LOr0Q-GXAJYeYpucCbTLI/s1600/Nexia_hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhY_UYdTbsA70NAH98MYxSbZ0Ait2XY3bj-00T6QnqrI0wS_wN8Cjg0QueS-PzoPF5WZ4GiZmP9lOSKjap651weB_CWb3rJbWLtlDOZwl1ZSnG0dxrm38TY2LOr0Q-GXAJYeYpucCbTLI/s320/Nexia_hub.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nexia Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As if the lock isn’t loaded enough with features for you, the Touchscreen Deadbolt connects to your home automation system like <a href="http://www.nexiahome.com/nexiahome.aspx">Nexia Home Intelligence</a>. By using the <a href="http://www.nexiahome.com/products/productdetail.aspx?model=043156168392">Nexia Bridge</a>, your Nexia system’s workhorse, you can access your lock via an internet-connected device. Unlock your front door with your phone or Ipad, program codes remotely, keep track of who has entered your house and when, and receive text alerts about alarm triggers or activation—all from a simple and intuitive interface.
<br />
<br />
While the power of the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt was further maximized with the addition of the Nexia Bridge, for many households the smart, strong lock will provide convenience all by itself. Imagine a world without remembering or losing your house keys!
<br />
<br />
Find yours in a variety of custom finishes and two distinct styles and a variety of finishes to match your décor at Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, or other hardware stores for around $199. <i>(The optional Nexia Bridge is available from the same sources under $100 with a reasonable $9/month subscription price.)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-66725940012716918222013-03-20T14:00:00.000-07:002013-03-20T14:40:05.960-07:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: "Travel Tech 2013" - 20 March 2013 (KING-TV)<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As we hit the road this spring on adventures by plane, train, and automobile- there are various devices that will make your vacation or business trip more pleasant. Here, as featured on KING 5's New Day Northwest, are some travel tech recommendations:</span></div>
<script src="http://www.king5.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=199174701&pos=top&swfw=470"></script><span style="background-color: white;"><object data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" height="264" id="_fp_0.1598802013322711" name="player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="transparent" name="wmode"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /> <param value="config=http://www.king5.com/?j=embed_199174701&ref=http://www.king5.com/new-day-northwest/Must-have-products-to-make-traveling-easier-199174701.html" name="flashvars"/></object><script src="http://www.king5.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=199174701&pos=bottom"></script>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<u><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Slingbox 500</b></u>: No more missing your favorite TV shows while you travel! Watch your own TV, from back home, via. the internet using the Slingbox 500 and players available for smartphones, tablets, and portable computers. Pause, replay, and fast-forward your own DVR as if you were sitting in your living room. No monthly subscriptions or usage fees once you’re online! (<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$299</strong>, <a href="http://slingbox.com/" style="color: #002e64; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">slingbox.com</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lytro camera</b></u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">: </b>The innovative camera that lets you adjust the image’s focus AFTER you get home! <span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It's great for travelers because it can be operated with one hand and requires just one click to capture a picture-no focusing required, so you never miss a moment.</span> (<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$400+</strong>, <a href="http://lytro.com/" style="color: #002e64; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">lytro.com</a>)</span><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Globalgig</b></u>:With a bag full of connected gadgets, you’re going to be scrounging around for a WiFi hotspot on the road. With the Globalgig international hotspot, you can stay connected anywhere there’s wireless data in the world. With flat-rate pricing and simple operation, you can ump online with up to five devices. (<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$99 (device) $17/mo</strong>. (1GB service),<a href="http://globalgig.com/" style="color: #002e64; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">globalgig.com</a>)<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Computer Apparel Laptop/Tablet Hoodie case:</span></b></u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></b><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sure there are plenty of laptop cases and slipcovers out there… but this one really caught my eye. Disguised as your favorite hoodie, this case is made from soft cotton sweatshirt material. Made for laptops up to 15” and tablets such as the iPad. (<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$40+</strong>, <a href="http://computer-apparel.com/" style="color: #002e64; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">computer-apparel.com</a>)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt:</span></b></u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></b><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The touchscreen deadbolt will alert you when family members, the housekeeper, or other authorized guests use their unique code to enter your house. Part of the Nexia Home Intelligence family, you can control lights and open/close blinds making your house look “lived in” even when you’re thousands of miles away.(</span><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$199+, </span></strong><a href="http://www.schlage.com/" style="color: #002e64; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.schlage.com/</span></a><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">)</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">UClear HBC220</span></b></u><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">: </span></b><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Uclear creates a wireless Bluetooth-powered conversation without cell phones or crazy radios. Simple helmet-mountable devices create a web of communications on-the-fly and is the perfect solution for staying in touch with family on spring adventures. (<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$250</strong>, <a href="http://uclear-digital.com/" style="color: #002e64; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">uclear-digital.com</a>)</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.1875px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">What are your must have gadgets for the road? Leave your recommendations below or "like" my <a href="http://facebook.com/brianmwestbrook" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> to comment!</span></div>
BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0TV, Bellevue Square Association, Bellevue, WA 98040, USA47.6168914 -122.2048368000000147.6168494 -122.20491580000001 47.6169334 -122.20475780000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-23217180024214978912013-02-19T21:00:00.000-08:002013-02-19T21:29:04.684-08:00Live @ 7: Cybersecurity - 19 February 2013 (KGW-TV)<p>On Monday it was <a href="http://twitter.com/burgerking">@BurgerKing</a>. Today? <a href="http://twitter.com/jeep">@Jeep</a> </p>
<p>Apple, Facebook, Twitter, major media outlets and even government agencies have admitted to being hacked. While some are pointing to the Chinese government, there’s a consensus that cybersecurity is a topic we’ll discussing for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>Tonight, on <a href="http://kgw.com/thesquare">The Square Live @ 7</a> w/Stephanie Stricklen, we tackled the topic:</p>
<object name="player" id="_fp_0.001763748936355114" width="470" height="264" data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="transparent" name="wmode"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /> <param value="config=http://www.kgw.com/?j=embed_191940721&ref=http://www.kgw.com/thesquare/Tech-Box-Cybersecurity-191940721.html" name="flashvars"/></object>
<p>No doubt it’s been a rough week for these brands on Twitter. While these calculated attacks targeted specific brands, they serve as an important reminder for everyone from major companies to individuals, that online security is an important topic.</p>
<p>To make matters, some might say, worse, MTV & sister-company BET got in on the action through an unfortunate PR stunt. The “fake” attack today following the Jeep compromise made light of the attack against Jeep & Burger King. One can certainly see the temptation–Jeep gained approximately 10,000 new followers (the account typically gets a few hundred per day according to <a href="http://twittercounter.com">twittercounter.com</a>).</p>
<p>When I consult with major brands, we change the passwords often, use secure hard-to-guess codewords and remain cautious of who has those keys. If you are a brand and value your online reputation—take a look at your own strategy much as I’m confident Twitter is also doing.</p>
<p>This is certainly not a problem limited to major companies-- I advise even small businesses and individuals to have a security plan, one they review often, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.</p>
<p>If they’re NOT reviewing them today—they will (or SHOULD) be by tomorrow.</p>
<p>While we may not have the budgets of the Federal Gov’t or a fortune 500 company—nor, hopefully, the risk that goes along with it—there are definitely some simple things we can do to stay protected:
<ol><li>change passwords often</li>
<li>avoid common passwords</li>
<li>don’t reuse passwords</li>
<li>never share access information</li>
<li>watch where you login</li>
<li>have a security plan</li></ol><br>
<i>What is your cybersecurity plan?</i></p>BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-34277735069065195392013-01-10T16:00:00.000-08:002013-01-24T12:12:21.959-08:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: CES Recap - 27 June 2012 (KING-TV)
Check out the gadgets I brought back to KING 5's <a href="http://king5.com/newday">New Day Northwest</a> with Margaret Larson on the Thursday, January 10th show:
<object name="player" id="_fp_0.9820028599351645" width="470" height="264" data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="transparent" name="wmode"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /> <param value="config=http://www.king5.com/?j=embed_186353621&ref=http://www.king5.com/new-day-northwest/Inside-CES-186353621.html" name="flashvars"/></object>BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-87468074390279135262013-01-08T16:00:00.000-08:002013-01-23T14:07:06.155-08:00Live @ 7: Live from CES 2013 - 8 January 2013 (KGW-TV)Here's my appearance on KGW's "Live @ 7" w/Stephanie Stricklen from the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.
<object name="player" id="_fp_0.962415689136833" width="470" height="264" data="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="transparent" name="wmode"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf" /> <param value="config=http://www.kgw.com/?j=embed_186112142&ref=http://www.kgw.com/thesquare/Tech-Box-Live-at-CES-2013-186112142.html" name="flashvars"/></object>BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-24704860596143811242012-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:002012-09-21T15:16:10.728-07:00Apple's iPhone 5: Launch Day Recap
It was a late night / early morning for those needing to have the latest in a series of Apple iPhones. Today's launch of the iPhone 5 marked the sixth time fans have lined up to own the latest smartphone.
And those willing to camp out overnight, and in many cases MUCH longer, did not disappoint.
As I've done in the past, I checked out the line for news partners <a href="http://kxl.com">FM News 101</a> (KXL-FM, Portland) and <a href="http://kgw.com">KGW Newschannel 8</a> (NBC, Portland).
Here's a collection of reports from the (long!) morning:
<script src="http://www.kgw.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=170687746&pos=top&swfw=470"></script><object id="bimvidplayer0" width="470" height="264" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param value="true" name="cachebusting"/> <param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"/> <param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf?x-bim-callletters=KGW" /> <param value="config=http://www.kgw.com/?j=170687746&ref=http://www.kgw.com/video/featured-videos/KGW-gets-an-exclusive-1st-look-at-iPhone5-170687746.html" name="flashvars"/> <embed src="http://swfs.bimvid.com/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf?x-bim-callletters=KGW" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470" height="264" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" flashvars="config=http://www.kgw.com/?j=170687746&ref=http://www.kgw.com/video/featured-videos/KGW-gets-an-exclusive-1st-look-at-iPhone5-170687746.html" bgcolor="#000000" quality="true"> </embed>
</object><script src="http://www.kgw.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=170687746&pos=bottom"></script>
LIVE with Portland's Morning News on FM News 101 KXL: <a href="http://www.kxl.com/common/global_audio/418/76749.mp3">8:19am</a>.
<i>Listen to my reports weekly on FM News 101 KXL. I'll have more on the story tonight at 7pm with <a href="http://www.kgw.com/thesquare">Live at 7</a> with Stephanie Stricklen on KGW-TV.</i>BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-10421992372903316952012-06-27T17:09:00.000-07:002012-06-27T17:12:46.112-07:00GOOGLE I/O: Dramatic skydiving entrance with Google Glass & Hangouts 'On-Air'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Google sure knows how to make an entrance... </i></div>
<br />
Today at the Google I/O conference at San Francisco's Moscone Center, the Project Glass team demonstrated a Hangout On-Air using Google Glass. Watch the video.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hxmbbtuRszA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Also, we now know preliminary availability-- $1500, in 2013, but pre-orders are ONLY being taken by those at the developer conference happening this week in SF.BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-70824247877080255232012-06-27T12:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T14:39:43.373-07:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Summer Travel Tech - 27 June 2012 (KING-TV)If you're like me, summer (or what we in the Northwest like to jokingly refer to as "the second weekend in August") is a time for travel-- and keeping you organized, and connected, while away from the home is what these gadgets do best.<br />
<br />
Jumping back on KING 5's New Day Northwest with Margaret Larson, I shared some of my favorite finds for Summer Travel Tech 2012. <br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="264" id="bimvidplayer0" width="470"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/>
<param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/>
<param value="high" name="quality"/>
<param value="true" name="cachebusting"/>
<param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"/>
<param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf?x-bim-callletters=KING" />
<param value="config=http://www.king5.com/?j=160522555&ref=http://www.king5.com/new-day-northwest/Teach-expert-Brian-Westbrook-shows-items-that-will-help-keep-you-organized-and-safe--160522555.html" name="flashvars"/>
<embed src="http://swfs.bimvid.com/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf?x-bim-callletters=KING" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470" height="264" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" flashvars="config=http://www.king5.com/?j=160522555&ref=http://www.king5.com/new-day-northwest/Teach-expert-Brian-Westbrook-shows-items-that-will-help-keep-you-organized-and-safe--160522555.html" bgcolor="#000000" quality="true"> </embed>
</object>
<br />
To get you there, or around while at your vacation destination, the portable Greenzone folding bike fits in a trunk, suitcase, or stashed away in your RV. Taking up very little room, the bike still retains all the features of a bulky full-size pedeler. Shimano components and a sturdy, yet easy-to-collapse, construction mean you'll be whizzing around the campground and out exploring in very little time. They start at $200 for the "Value" model and each bike comes with a handy carrying bag (helpful to keep your car's carpeting clean from grime and dirt the bike picks up during your adventure). Get yours at <a href="http://www.greenzonebikes.com/folding-bicycles.html%29" target="_blank">GreenZoneBikes.com</a> or ask at your favorite local bike shop.<br />
<br />
Seattle company Brenthaven makes a line of urban-friendly bike and messenger bags for bicyclists and travelers alike. Among the more fashionable is the Kona backpack with plenty of storage, great weight distribution and a rugged construction. The <a href="http://www.brenthaven.com/project-2-courier-bags" target="_blank">Kona Project 2 Courier Bags</a> are stylish and functional, perfect for your laptop, and start at $150. <br />
<br />
The entertaining behaviour-changing Striiv caught my attention as the perfect on-the-go fitness device. More than a pedometer, the digital coach helps motivate activity through game play, challenges with your friends, and real-time performance monitoring. Compete with your friends and raise money for charity (through Striiv's corporate donors!) just by staying active! The <a href="http://www.striiv.com/" target="_blank">Striiv gizmo is $100</a> and the energy you'll gain by staying active is priceless. [We gave two Striivs away to audience members on the show-- all the more reason to come down to the studio and <a href="http://king5.com/newday" target="_blank">join us</a>!]<br />
<br />
Want to watch movies in your hotel room? backseat of the car? Perhaps on an airline tray-table? Brookstone makes a case for your iPhone 4 that turns the phone into a portable projector! Complete with battery-boosting, the case slips over your iPhone 4 and lets you play movies, slideshows, and more to any surface. While the case works best in lower-light (look for even brighter models in the future), I didn't find the image quality to be at all disappointing. Brookstone's got it for <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/pocket-projector-for-iphone-4?bkiid=SearchResults%7CCategoryProductList%7C755165p" target="_blank">$229 online</a>.<br />
<br />
PivotHead puts a FULL HD camera right into your sunglasses. Stay active, record video, capture images and keep your hands free. Simple one-button recording takes full sweeping 1080p video with glasses that are discreet without a lot of extra bulk. Watch the clip above for sample footage. <a href="http://pivothead.com/">PivotHead.com</a> to pick your frames and lens colors/style.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gR97LHKtr0Ovwf26R7qYeEVCVHTOWbht0h6k1VPK9g0RgMBBcfjWxEof8SmaJvtBJBGHzqKrITBH3M8OFgswH-9Oelf6Vs6sYWBXAIUJ1uroX9vVgX1ofIUMUfjrscSMHLGQPvjYlF0/s1600/liquipel-screengrab_250x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gR97LHKtr0Ovwf26R7qYeEVCVHTOWbht0h6k1VPK9g0RgMBBcfjWxEof8SmaJvtBJBGHzqKrITBH3M8OFgswH-9Oelf6Vs6sYWBXAIUJ1uroX9vVgX1ofIUMUfjrscSMHLGQPvjYlF0/s1600/liquipel-screengrab_250x250.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquipel in-action: My iPhone 4 gets wet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you asked me what one gadget I couldn't live without, I'd tell you my phone. <i>(Camera being a close second.)</i> Imagine my fright at the concept of being without my phone for two days so a company called Liquipel could treat it with a special process that would make my phone completely watersafe?! Today on the show, I dunked my PERSONAL iPhone 4 into a bath of water. And despite being extremely nervous-- the phone survived!! Sending in your phone takes a few days, but having your phone work after falling into the toilet thereafter? Dropping into the pool? Splashing into a puddle? I was amazed when I heard about the technology-- and now that I've tried it? In a word: Impressed. Watch the clip above to see my reaction the very first time my phone got wet. Liquipel has won awards for this technology, and like the water wisking away from the components of my iPhone-- so did my own nerves. Revolutionary technology. Treat your phone at <a href="http://liquipel.com/">liquipel.com</a> starting at $59. <br />
<br />
Keep all your gadgets organized on the road with the Targus Demolition Backpack. Mine's black, and has pockets for phones, tables, laptop, and all the charging cables/accessories that go along with the high-tech traveler. Targus has been making travel gear for years, and you can really tell between the comfortable wear and the durable construction. Check out the entire line at <a href="http://targus.com/">Targus.com</a>.<br />
<br />
What travel tech can you not live without? Ready to get your most prized gadget... WET? Let me know what you take with you on the road and as always, find me online:<br />
<br />
<b>Twitter</b>: <a href="http://twitter.com/BMW">http://twitter.com/BMW</a><br />
<b>Facebook</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brianmwestbrook">https://www.facebook.com/brianmwestbrook</a><br />
<br />BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0KING 5 Televisoin: Seattle, WA USA47.621473 -122.34304247.6187975 -122.3479775 47.624148500000004 -122.3381065tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-90865745438533401602012-02-06T10:00:00.000-08:002012-02-06T10:58:17.207-08:00TECH TIP: How to Spot Fraudulent Email With Bogus LinksA listener forwarded me an email that appeared to be from LinkedIn notifying them of a "new message".<br /><br />What concerned this gentleman, and quite wisely, was that he didn't know a "Catherine Patterson". While only one of many clues, it was enough to raise the caution flag and seek assistance. Fortunately he asked questions before clicking the links. <br /><br />I shared the following; perhaps it will be of value to you as well:<br /><br />You can check the validity of links in Outlook emails by holding your mouse over the link URL. If the URL shown in the mouse-over does not match EXACTLY the URL you’d expect (i.e. linkedin.com -> linkedin.com or at least somethinghere.linkedin.com) you can bet this is bogus. In the example you forwarded, the URL *displayed* is www.linkedin.com but the email code would send you to some crazy amrpartners dot com dot br URL. <br /><br />While it’s POSSIBLE this is an email re-direct from their email provider, the “.br” domain, among other clues (i.e. you don’t know Catherine Pathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifterson) makes me confident it’s fraudulent. You can always log in to linkedin.com separately to see if Catherine HAS in fact sent you a message.<br /><br /><u>Short version:</u> If the mouse-over URL does not equal the displayed URL (and the domain of the site you’ve heard of), simply <span style="font-weight:bold;">press delete</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0go311fgkRwTPh1Rqvxs_x2TZS1nU6EzNBek4CZ53CSDV7FTU9Nl7Nz6kvWNCdAHAnFT5iEmS2ZHGPKXWWZJM1TyXpawo-8ng80I380Zj4B1_1eC51ElUb7GNK1z1M6iTjdqbhL5_Tc/s1600/bogusemail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0go311fgkRwTPh1Rqvxs_x2TZS1nU6EzNBek4CZ53CSDV7FTU9Nl7Nz6kvWNCdAHAnFT5iEmS2ZHGPKXWWZJM1TyXpawo-8ng80I380Zj4B1_1eC51ElUb7GNK1z1M6iTjdqbhL5_Tc/s400/bogusemail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706098904021018978" /></a><br clear=all><br /><br />More <a href="http://about-threats.trendmicro.com/Spam.aspx?language=uk&name=Spoofed+LinkedIn+Message+Leads+to+Malicious+Sites">information on this topic</a> from anti-virus maker Trend-Micro.<br /><br />What clever tricks have you seen from spammers? If you have a tech question, feel free to reach out: techexpert AT brianwestbrook DOT comBMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-27394481621936039592012-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:002012-02-01T10:30:01.329-08:00Washington State Broadband Office 2011 ReportDid you know? The "Washington State Broadband Office of the Washington State Department of Commerce" is an actual, it seems, entity? They sent me a press release with information on the use and availability of broadband in the State. <br /><br />Among the findings: "3.88 percent of all Washington households do not have access to broadband" (that number, the report states, is an improvement from 2010).<br /><br />The press release follows, and more information is available at: <a href=" http://www.broadband.wa.gov/">http://www.broadband.wa.gov/</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Washington State Broadband Office Releases <br />2011 Annual Broadband Report<br />Access improves, private investment increases<br /><br /><br />Olympia, WA – The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) of the Department of Commerce released its second annual comprehensive report today on broadband access, availability and use in Washington State. <br />Highlights of the report include:<br />• Just over 44 percent of all Washingtonians have a choice of four wireline providers.<br />• Gaps still exist: 3.88 percent of all Washington households do not have access to broadband – down from 4.3 percent in 2010.<br />• Grantees began work on more than $200M of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act broadband infrastructure projects.<br />During 2011, private investment in broadband increased dramatically, particularly among wireless providers which are expanding their 4G service areas. In the state’s most populated areas wireless speeds jumped from 10 mega bits per second (mbps) to 25 mbps.<br />The report also outlines the goals of WSBO during 2012 and is available online at: http://broadband.wa.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2011BBAnnualRptFINAL.pdf . In addition to the report, updated maps that include broadband availability, upload/download speeds and feedback options are available under the mapping tab at the WSBO website: http://www.broadband.wa.gov/ <br /></blockquote>BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-42097271856717571452011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-09T06:57:44.447-08:00TECH NEWS: Disaster Communications Receives Passing Grade at VTechVirginia Tech, apparently, earned a graduate degree in crisis communications in the four years since the tragic 2007 shootings. When shots were fired on campus yesterday, campus officials used text message alerts, even Twitter, to keep their community and the public at-large informed. <br /><br />One simple message, sent minutes (not hours) after initial reports of a gunman loose on campus --and several timely updates later-- informed students and staff to simply stay indoors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UsdNEJyqL4hhBLX8k-7e1pMr_e7nrEfHI1RPRa_0xAt1MrXGnaWu7E29fbmh0A4faJPGhsxd7MJH_pMdcAlagvcly-b8kly01lysowAgTqOFqJuI0wz1po2jj_aKmifQIu6j8giPfrM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-09+at+6.38.09+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UsdNEJyqL4hhBLX8k-7e1pMr_e7nrEfHI1RPRa_0xAt1MrXGnaWu7E29fbmh0A4faJPGhsxd7MJH_pMdcAlagvcly-b8kly01lysowAgTqOFqJuI0wz1po2jj_aKmifQIu6j8giPfrM/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-09+at+6.38.09+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684139689428804018" /></a><br /><br />After receiving a failing grade during the previous campus tragedy, VT went high tech, installing a outbound text alert system amplifying the message from the administration offices to personal cell phones in pockets across the community.<br /><br />Such systems are becoming commonplace in universities, hospitals, even municipalities around the world.<br /><br />One <a href="http://oregonstate.edu/is/tss/cn/techtips/osu-alert-system">local school campus</a> installed a similar program to notify students in a variety of emergency situations with instant updates in the aftermath of the VT shootings.<br /><br />If you have a son or daughter in school, yesterday's news from VT should serve as a reminder to check the contact information on file with your campus. Alerts are useless if sent an old or incorrect phone number.<br /><br />While no one technology is foolproof, even in the best of circumstances. Outages, errors, even dead batteries can thwart complex systems when they're needed most. <br /><br />Always have a backup. <br /><br />Think about your own, personal, communications plan: What will you do when the next emergency hits?BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-7723354222835706042011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:36:24.952-08:00KXL: The 25 Worst Passwords<i>Just in time for the Holiday shopping season...</i><br /><br />Once again, the list of <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/11/17/worst-internet-passwords/" target="_blank">25 worst passwords</a> is out and the results (as Rebecca asked: "How many years have we been talking about this?") are still somewhat surprising.<br /><br />1. password<br /> 2. 123456<br /> 3.12345678<br /> 4. qwerty<br /> 5. abc123<br /> 6. monkey<br /> 7. 1234567<br /> 8. letmein<br /> 9. trustno1<br /> 10. dragon<br /> 11. baseball<br /> 12. 111111<br /> 13. iloveyou<br /> 14. master<br /> 15. sunshine<br /> 16. ashley<br /> 17. bailey<br /> 18. passw0rd<br /> 19. shadow<br /> 20. 123123<br /> 21. 654321<br /> 22. superman<br /> 23. qazwsx<br /> 24. michael<br /> 25. football<br /><br />If your password is on the list (or could be), here are some quick tips to choosing a good password:<br /><br /><ul><li>Make it easy for you to remember but hard to guess.<br /><li>Use a phrase, lyric, or quote rather than word or simple numbers.<br /><li>Add capitalization, punctuation, and symbols.<br /><li>Change your passwords regularly and when you suspect compromise.<br /><li>Do not give your login information to anyone (especially over the phone!).</ul><br /><br /><i>Do you have additional tips? Have you had your accounts hacked? Leave a comment below... and thanks for joining us on FM News 101 KXL.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-48319402842121169542011-11-10T20:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T00:16:13.293-08:00KGW: Five Facebook Privacy Settings To Check NowMany of us use Facebook every day. <br /><br />But do we really know what information the social media giant is sharing with others? <br /><br />I recently spoke with KGW-TV (NBC/Portland) Reporter Abbey Gibb about some of the most important settings and how to protect what others see about you.<br /><br /><object id="bimvidplayer0" width="470" height="264" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param value="true" name="cachebusting"/> <param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"/> <param name="movie" value="http://swfs.bimvid.com/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf?x-bim-callletters=KGW" /> <param value="config=http://www.kgw.com/?j=133656343&ref=http://www.kgw.com/news/Expert-explains-privacy-settings-on-Facebook-133656343.html" name="flashvars"/> <embed src="http://swfs.bimvid.com/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf?x-bim-callletters=KGW" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470" height="264" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" flashvars="config=http://www.kgw.com/?j=133656343&ref=http://www.kgw.com/news/Expert-explains-privacy-settings-on-Facebook-133656343.html" bgcolor="#000000" quality="true"> </embed><br /></object><br /><br /><blockquote><i>Few take advantage of the updated security options - possibly because users aren't even aware they're available.</i></blockquote><br />Of course, the tip not listed if you really don't want your information out there? Don't share it on the web at all.<br /><br /><i>For more perspective on this, or any tech story, drop Brian an email: techexpert AT brianwestbrook DOT com.</i>BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-85066851691914938012011-10-12T15:00:00.000-07:002011-10-13T13:21:00.591-07:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Remembering Steve Jobs - 12 October 2011 (KING-TV)<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="420" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B3fzAApxChY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />How will you remember Steve Jobs? Which of these products do you remember?<br /><br /><br />For more visit http://tech.brianwestbrook.com or follow Brian on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMW/BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-82874741692454340802011-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T10:17:27.840-07:00Google+ Gets Updates, Now Open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0viDnzXxMFByfaaIfbWl67-mjDQfTu6RGiecXkiGGaW6H84S7H8qoj1H_gYC-prDKRkXlPWsAS6ri2DofsXQI7vHNsfYk5oHfMoErYRlb5hq7eNHlhBv_VJJlSswiyO6gfv7B56n7oRU-/s1600/google_plus.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0viDnzXxMFByfaaIfbWl67-mjDQfTu6RGiecXkiGGaW6H84S7H8qoj1H_gYC-prDKRkXlPWsAS6ri2DofsXQI7vHNsfYk5oHfMoErYRlb5hq7eNHlhBv_VJJlSswiyO6gfv7B56n7oRU-/s400/google_plus.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654491683376443058" /></a><br />Noting the nearly three months since Google+ hit the web, the tech giant announced improvements (nine to be exact) to the social networking site competing with Facebook.<br /><br />Google+, at approx. 10 million users according to some reports, http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhas a fraction of the traffic of the more-established Facebook at 750+ million users. That hasn't stopped Google from devoting massive resources to the project. <br /><br />Today's <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/google-92-93-94-95-96-97-98-99-100.html" target="_blank">announcement</a> brings, among other improvements: enhanced features for Hangouts (Google+'s group video chat product), the launch of a <a href="http://googleplusplatform.blogspot.com/2011/09/introducing-google-hangouts-api.html" target="_blank">Hangouts developer API</a> for creating apps and interfaces, as well as the news that invitations are no longer required.<br /><br />Much to the dismay of many loyal Google users (including myself), they did NOT release support for Google Apps accounts-- the custom "bring your own domain" solution for companies, small businesses and power users with their own branded presence online. <br /><br />Also notably missing from today's launch is the much-anticipated business profiles feature allowing those non-user accounts from businesses and brands to stake their outpost on the newest social network on the block.<br /><br />Both features are said to be in testing now and are expected to be released soon.<br /><br />Are you using Google+? Will these features impact your experience with the social network? What would you like to see added to Google+ next?<br /><br />Check out Google+ for yourself (invites no longer required!): <a href="http://google.com/+" target="_blank">http://google.com/+</a><br /><br /><i>DISCLOSURE: Despite my best efforts, a family member working on the Google+ team coudn't, wouldn't and didn't share any information prior to today's announcement or influence coverage about this news. Maybe next time?</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-5688199212316408252011-08-24T21:00:00.000-07:002011-08-24T22:01:56.081-07:00KGW-TV's Live @ 7: Apple CEO Steve Jobs Resigns - 24 August 2011 (KGW-TV)
<br /><object id="bimvidplayer0" width="470" height="264" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param value="true" name="cachebusting"/> <param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"/> <param name="movie" value="http://media.bimvid.com/designvideo/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf" /> <param value="config=http%3A//www.kgw.com/%3Fj%3D128361188%26ref%3Dhttp%3A//www.kgw.com/thesquare/How-Steve-Jobs-redefined-technology-128361188.html" name="flashvars"/> <embed src="http://media.bimvid.com/designvideo/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="470" height="264" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" flashvars="config=http%3A//www.kgw.com/%3Fj%3D128361188%26ref%3Dhttp%3A//www.kgw.com/thesquare/How-Steve-Jobs-redefined-technology-128361188.html" bgcolor="#000000" quality="true"> </embed>
<br /></object>
<br />
<br />Steve Jobs has clearly set the bar for what it means to move forward in any industry, let alone the technology world. News of his resignation hit the tech community with the intensity normally reserved for world conflicts and natural disasters. Replacing Jobs is Apple Inc. Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook.
<br />
<br />The company's board immediately accepted Jobs' recommendation to appoint Tim Cook as CEO and Jobs as Board Chairman.
<br />
<br />Medical issues have forced Steve Jobs to take a leave of absence from day-to-day duties three times since 2004.
<br /><blockquote>I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO," Steve Jobs wrote, "I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."</blockquote>
<br />After founding the company in the 1970's, Steve was ousted by the board before returning in 1996 after Apple acquired NExT computer. He was CEO from 1997 to 20011.
<br />
<br />Prior to starting Apple with Steve Wozniak, Jobs enrolled in Portland's Reed College in 1972.
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-38541559729159391542011-08-19T21:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:08:30.171-07:00KGW-TV's Live @ 7: Back To School Gadgets - 19 August 2011 (KGW-TV)<object id="bimvidplayer0" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="236" width="420"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"> <param value="high" name="quality"> <param value="true" name="cachebusting"> <param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"> <param name="movie" value="http://media.bimvid.com/designvideo/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf"> <param value="config=http%3A//www.kgw.com/%3Fj%3D128109938%26ref%3Dhttp%3A//www.kgw.com/thesquare/Brian-M-Westbrooks-back-to-school-gadgets-128109938.html" name="flashvars"> <embed src="http://media.bimvid.com/designvideo/bimvid_player-3_2_7.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" flashvars="config=http%3A//www.kgw.com/%3Fj%3D128109938%26ref%3Dhttp%3A//www.kgw.com/thesquare/Brian-M-Westbrooks-back-to-school-gadgets-128109938.html" bgcolor="#000000" quality="true" height="236" width="420"></embed>
<br /></object><script src="http://www.kgw.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=128109938&pos=bottom"></script>
<br />
<br />Shopping for Back to School? Check out these picks for a gadget-enhanced education:
<br /><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">HP Pavilion G6</span>— An ideal PC-based laptop for those heading off for college that won’t bust the bank. Improved cooling, a biometric swipe for sign-on, and an HD webcam for keeping in touch with family back home. The brilliant 15.6” LED screen and optional Blu-ray player make it perfect for winding down after a long week of studying. ($600, <a href="http://hp.com/">hp.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse</span>—The first mouse that connects using Wi-Fi to your PC, the innovative mouse contours to your hand and has multiple controls to easily navigate the web. ($49, <a href="http://hp.com/">hp.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kobo eReader Touch</span>—the well-designed touch-screen Kobo sports a lightweight design and using E Ink technology to provide an easy-to-read display. Available in four colors, this lightest-weight eBook reader supports a variety of open standard bookstore formats. ($130, <a href="http://kobobooks.com/">kobobooks.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amazon Kindle</span>—the standard-bearer of the eBook revoluation, the Kindle continues to dominate e-reading. New this year, the Kindle store offers textbook rentals of any length from 30 to 360 days which can be read on your Kindle or any of a variety of phone/computer platforms. ($114, <a href="http://amazon.com/">amazon.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">HP Envy 100</span>—The sleek and compact wireless Envy 100 won’t wake your roommate and supports AirPrint and an easy-to-use print-by-email feature. This printer has memory card slots for photo printing and a scanner to make digital copies of class notes and handouts. ($200, <a href="http://hp.com/">hp.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grace Digital Audio Microsystem</span>—The perfect bookshelf system for background music while studying or cranking the tunes to let loose after finals. Get content from various sources via. the buit-in WiFi connection, load songs from your USB device or connect any portable music player. With five alarm settings, it’ll also wake you up! ($250, GraceDigitalAudio.com)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">GriffinTech TechSafe Cable Lock System</span>—Keep your laptop secure… lock it up. Look for an optional Anchor Clamp that turns any table into a secure place to lock down your laptop. ($30, <a href="http://griffintechnology.com/">griffintechnology.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">PowerSkin Battery Pack</span>—with hours between chargers, you can’t afford to be without juice for your smartphone. The PowerSkin battery pack is a case that doubles as a battery pack keeping you in touch with friends and family. ($50-80, <a href="http://power-skin.com/">power-skin.com</a>)</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">RageGage: RageGage Smash Pad</span>— a stress-reliever button that contains fun and cheeky expressions to blow off steam during late-night study sessions. A perfect gift for those students heading back to class—sure beats taking your frustration out on the dorm walls. Save the damage deposit and pick up the $20 Smash Pad instead! ($20, <a href="http://ragegage.com/">ragegage.com</a>)</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grace Digital Audio Microsystem</span>—The perfect bookshelf system for background music while studying or cranking the tunes to let loose after finals. Get content from various sources via. the buit-in WiFi connection, load songs from your USB device or connect any portable music player. With five alarm settings, it’ll also wake you up! ($250, GraceDigitalAudio.com)</p>
<br />BMW-SRShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11905594845990188640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-72199455540025963572011-08-10T12:00:00.000-07:002011-08-10T20:14:42.317-07:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Back To School Gadgets - 10 August 2011 (KING-TV)<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="420" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pwcpfgKsWDM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br />Once upon a time, we sharpened our pencils and bought notebook paper to go back to school, but times have changed. Now, there are more gadgets and gizmos than we can count... but how do you know you're buying the right ones for your kids whether they're headed off to middle or high school, or college? Tech expert Brian M. Westbrook shows a bunch of high tech gadgets for Back To School... including:
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kobo eReader Touch</span>— The well-designed touch-screen Kobu sports a lightwveight design and using E Ink technology to provide an easy-to-read display. Available in four colors, this lightest-weight eBook reader supports a variety of open standard bookstore formats. ($130, kobobooks.com)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amazon's Kindle</span>— The standard-bearer of the eBook revoluation, the Kindle continues to dominate e-reading. New this year, the Kindle store offers textbook rentals of any length from 30 to 360 days which can be read on your Kindle or any of a variety of phone/computer platforms. ($114, amazon.com)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Epson Stylus NX625</span>— All-in-one printer that has build-in WiFi and prints from mobile devices (including the Apple iPhone). Sporting a 2.5-inch color LCD and built-in memory card slots, you'll be printing those reports and homework in brilliant quality. ($130, epson.com)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HP Pavillion G6</span>— An ideal PC-based laptop for those heading off for college that won't bust the bank. Improved cooling, a biometric swipe for sign-on, and an HD webcam for keeping in touch with family back home. The brilliant 15.6" LED screen and optional Blu-ray player make it perfect for winding down after a long week of studying. ($600, hp.com)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse</span>— The first mouse that connects using Wi-Fi to your PC, the innovative mouse contours to your hand and has multiple controls to easily navigate the web. ($49, hp.com)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Verbatim: Store 'n' Go® Clip-It USB Drive</span>— These tiny USB thumb drives are perfect problem-solvers for transferring photos, projects, or notes back and forth between machines or as a backup. Starting at $23, they're cheap insurance for students of all ages. ($23-60, verbatim.com)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">RageGage: RageGage Smash Pad</span>— a stress-reliever button that contains fun and cheeky expressions to blow off steam during late-night study sessions. A perfect gift for those students heading back to class—sure beats taking your frustration out on the dorm walls. Save the damage deposit and pick up the $20 Smash Pad instead! ($20, ragegage.com)
<br />
<br />And finally, a handy organizer for your tablet from <a href="http://www.cocoonbags.com">cocoonbags.com</a>!
<br />
<br />For more visit http://tech.brianwestbrook.com or follow Brian on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMW/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-39725438844788872982011-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:002011-04-07T13:03:01.697-07:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Eco Gadgets - 5 April 2011 (KING-TV)<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="420" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xX9c9D-zTLA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-34517547015064649612011-03-21T18:00:00.000-07:002011-04-07T13:01:44.777-07:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Travel Tech - 21 March 2011 (KING-TV)<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="420" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2vrfnRFk_TU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-29238132067533157652010-12-14T19:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T21:37:36.859-08:00KING-TV's New Day Northwest w/Margaret Larson: Holiday Gadget Guide - 14 December 2010 (KING-TV)<object width="420" height="261"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qjpyTUShXvk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qjpyTUShXvk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="261"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HP Touchsmart 310</span> – Perfect new computer for the entire family. Has a built-in TV tuner and HP’s touch software for navigation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Epson Artisan 835</span> – Family-friendly wireless printer makes printing activities and brilliant photos fast and easy!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sodastream home soda maker ($80+)</span> – make soda from your own kitchen using regular tap water!<br /><br />http://www.sodastreamusa.com/store.aspx<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Logitech Harmony 650 All-In-One Remote control ($75)</span> –Universal remote cleans up the clutter and controls up to five devices for under $100.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />Blackberry Torch White ($100 w/service)</span> – Blackberry’s latest smartphone is now available in winter white! Runs the newest operating system from Blackberry and has a sliding keyboard.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Samsung Galaxy Tab from AT&T ($650)</span>—full-screen web browsing and multimedia on a brilliant 7” display running the Android operating system.<br /><br />http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/galaxy-tab.jsp#fbid=BkgwgvmUt1c<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Speck Products Port Pack 10 and Core Pack Fly ($50 each)</span> –slim profile cases feature protection for electronic devices, netbook, digital readers and cell phones. <br /><br />http://www.speckproducts.com/laptop-bags/portpack-10.html<br /><br />http://www.speckproducts.com/corepack-10.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-10038459774311751192010-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:002010-10-28T14:14:50.503-07:00KING-TV's "New Day Northwest" w/Margaret Larson: TV Tech - 26 October 2010 (KING-TV)<object width="420" height="261"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XScOuxz07Og?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XScOuxz07Og?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="261"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Logitech Harmony programmable remote controls ($50-250)</span><br /><a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/universal-remotes">http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/universal-remotes</a><br />Dump the multiple remote controls for receivers, televisions, entertainment devices and simplify your life with one easy-to-use Logitech Harmony remote control. Easily programmable on your computer, these marriage-saving gadgets make using the various functions as easy as pressing the cleverly-named “Watch TV” button.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Slingbox ($180-300)</span><br /><a href="http://www.slingbox.com/">http://www.slingbox.com/</a><br />Take your television programming with you anywhere you are! Watch your home TV, live, over the Internet using software on your laptop or smartphone at the office or while on vacation. Imagine letting your kids watch the same television back home in the backseat of the car! Use with the free computer software or pick up a handy Sling Player app for your mobile device.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">SlingPlayer Mobile ($30)</span><br /><a href="http://www.slingbox.com">http://www.slingbox.com</a><br />Used in conjunction with a standalone Slingbox, or with a compatible satellite receiver from DISH Network, the SlingPlayer Mobile takes your TV viewing experience on-the-go! Android, iPhone/iPod Touch, Blackberry and more phones are $30 each, a high-definition iPad version is “Coming Soon”.<br /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Google TV / Logitech Revue ($179+)</span><br /><a href="http://www.dishnetwork.com/GoogleTV/">http://www.dishnetwork.com/GoogleTV/</a><br />This companion box to your DISH Networks receiver adds the web into your TV viewing mix. Look up information while watching TV, browse the latest in web videos, run apps designed to enhance your home entertainment experience, or listen to streaming radio—all using your television. It’s been tried before, but Google TV finally gets it right. Look for further convergence of the TV and Internet in the coming year.<br /><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">DISH Network VIP 922 Slingloaded DVR</span><br /><a href="http://www.dishnetwork.com/receivers/vip922/customer.aspx">http://www.dishnetwork.com/receivers/vip922/customer.aspx</a><br />Everyone needs a DVR! The ability to pause live TV, record shows when you want, and –dare I say—skip commercials… if you’re not watching TV with a digital video recorder, this one has it all. It comes “Slingloaded” so you can watch your TV anywhere using the Slingplayer software on your computer or smartphone, but also has dual-tuner capability and the largest built-in hard drive available! <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Apple TV ($99)</span><br /><a href="http://www.apple.com/appletv/">http://www.apple.com/appletv/</a><br />Forget trips to the video store—Apple TV brings HD movies and TV shows to your television via. the Internet. Watch Netflix, stream video clips from your local network, and “rent” movies and commercial-free TV shows for under a dollar an episode. This super-slick and tiny second-generation Apple TV requires an HDMI port on your television and connect via. WiFi or Ethernet cable to your network.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Westinghouse 32" TV ($350)</span><br /><a href="http://westinghousedigital.com/products/led/32-40/ld325/">http://westinghousedigital.com/products/led/32-40/ld325/</a><br />Great content requires a great television! The Westinghouse LED TVs have a brilliant display, energy-efficient LED technology (as opposed to LCD), and won’t bust the bank. When looking for a television, look for features such as number of inputs, consumer reviews, and manufacturer warranty.<br /><br />Any tips for others on how YOU watch TV? What devices are an essential part of your home entertainment system?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-33097800720453064262010-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:002010-09-15T09:44:12.073-07:00Video: Parallels Mobile-- Windows apps on your iPad?A friend of mine created and passed along this video... (apparently it was 'last night from a hotel room-- whatever dude, it looks great). I'm a VMWare Fusion user myself, but I gotta say-- this video makes the Parallels argument pretty compelling. I'll give it a whirl, but in the meantime, watch:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z2I-jCY4N9I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z2I-jCY4N9I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Looks like the guys over at Parallels found a way to separate themselves from the competition. Seems an easy way to run Windows apps on a Mac you're away from. Sure, sure, there are inherent limits-- but for many this is a brilliant solution. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/parallels-mobile/id295531450?mt=8">Get it</a> at iTunes store for iPhone and iPad. <br /><br />Let me know what you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660077497749326094.post-57273146708397363452010-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-06T06:37:25.810-07:00KXL: Back-To-School Tech Guide 2010 EditionIn less than a month students will be heading back to class, and with them... the latest tech gadgets.<br /><br />Let's start with some fun gadgets I've found for this year's back-to-school shopping:<br /><br /><b>Neverlate 7-day Alarm Clock ($35, <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com">ThinkGeek.com</a>)</b><br />Set each day's wake-up alarm based on your class schedule. Set the snooze time from 1-30 minutes and up to 7 independent daily alarms. The 5" cube has a battery backup and even has a "nap" timer. Brilliant!<br /> <br /><b>USB Memory Watch ($20-$40, <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com">ThinkGeek.com</a>)</b><br />It's a watch! It's a USB memory stick! This handy combo-accessory comes in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB versions and is even shock proof and anti-static. <br /> <br /><b>LightWedge Reading Light ($20-$25, <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com">ThinkGeek.com</a>)</b><br />An ideal accessory for late-night studying, it wedges between the pages and illuminates the entire page. Available in paperpack and textbook sizes, the LightWedge Reading LIght runs on 4 AAA batteries for up to 40 hours of light.<br /> <br />Speaking of reading... what about the e-book readers? A good idea for students or a waste of money?<br /><br />It all depends on your situation. Think about what titles are available for a specific platform of e-book readers, and consider the pros/cons of lightweight travel vs. not being able to highlight in the books or, potentially, sell used titles back at the end of the semester. Do the math, often the pricing is only slightly cheaper for electronic titles. That said, e-book readers such as the Amazon Kindle have dropped in price dramatically and may be the perfect back-to-school accessory.<br /><br />Many listeners ask about which computer they should buy. I hear often: netbook vs. notebook... and Mac vs. PC. Here are a pair to consider, one of each (I happen to use both regularly):<br /> <br /><b>HP Mini 210 in Preppy Pink ($300+, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00318CGBO?ie=UTF8&tag=brianwestbroo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00318CGBO">Amazon.com</a>)</b><br />Ultra-portable netbook from HP slides from class-to-class with lightweight ease. Available in six colors including "preppy pink" he netbook boasts battery life that leaves its bigger brother laptops in the dust. The 93% keyboard takes some getting used to, but the portability will more than make up for it. Not the best bet for those seeking degrees in graphics design, programming, or other technical fields.<br /> <br /><b>Apple Macbook Pro 15" ($1800+, <a href="http://www.apple.com/store">http://www.apple.com/store</a>)</b><br />Graphics and creative students may opt for a Mac OS X-based Macbook. Starting at $1000 for the basic Macbook and two hundred bucks more for the Pro series, Apple notebooks are well-designed robust systems. Add Parallels, Fusion or Apple's own bootcamp for full Windows support.<br /><br />If you have other questions about gadgets and tech for back-to-school, leave them in the comments or email: techexpert AT brianwestbrook DOT comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1