James Simmonds

...from a blog entry I wrote back in November 2004, " PocketPC (PPC) users beware...I think that form factor is going into a convergence period with Portable Media Centres (PMC). PPC with no phone capability are dead, having to carry a phone as well just doesn't work. The c500 is small, lightweight, has very good battery life and I think its a historic device - the first useable, multi-function device that sits easy in the pocket and doesn't require charging every 5 minutes!" ...and now this has just been published - IDC report [via Gizmodo] " According to market intelligence firm IDC, sales of PDA devices without phone capabilities are down 9 straight quarters in a row. Obviously, with smartphones having more and more PDA functionality due to faster chips and better software, people don't feel the need to carry around both a cellphone and a PDA." Hmmmm, its nice to see a prediction coming true...some others, UMPC form factor will catch on as a consumer...

... Mr Hanselman for introducing me to Orb . Have a PC at home connected to the internet? Want to listen to all your music anywhere in the world on any internet connected device? Want to view to all your pictures anywhere in the world on any internet connected device? Want to view to all your videos anywhere in the world on any internet connected device? Want to view to all your recorded TV anywhere in the world on any internet connected device?* Want to view Live TV anywhere in the world on any internet connected device?* You do? Thought so! Then install Orb...5 minutes after install and minimal configuration later I connected over GPRS from my C600 smartphone and was watching some recorded TV! Orb software allows turns your Home PC into a streaming server - if you can get an IP connection to it then you are connected to your media collection - simple! I'm primarily digging this as I can listen to my music from home without having to mirror it onto my laptop. I think that come th...

(via Chris Laniers blog ) Finally, proof that a God of Gadgets exists...and he or she listens! "...meaning these little touchscreens can serve as a slave to any MCE in the house, so users can play recorded content, exploit Online Spotlight, use the electronic programming guide -- anything they can do with other MCXs (and most things they can do with an MCE)." http://www.cepro.com/news/editorial/7819.html Now Gadget God, if you're listening...remember to add a fingerprint reader to the UMPCs, ta!

Well I've had the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader installed for a few days now and thought I'd feed back on it. It's awesome!! Simple to install and set up with the supplied software. Works flawlessly! I consider this an excellent gadget because I would miss it if it was taken away - it's that simple. The software is pretty clever - any form, Win or Web (IE only I believe..I have tried with Mozillla and it didn't work) can be interrogated for input fields and your fingerprint used to associate the credentials required when submitting that form. This includes, VSS login, web page logins, windows credential prompts. Remember that corporate and banking details are not recommended to be secured using this device however there are plenty of other uses for this and the reality of this device being compromised is very low. Now some suggestions. Device and hardware manufacturers please please please take note if you are reading. Someone integrate a fingerprint reader into a w...