New iPods
 

Actually, you don't need to wear Nikes. You can rig the sensor to your laces, or create your own under-the-insole divit for it. Plenty of talk about that on various running web sites. Lots of people don't like Nike running shoes.

New iPods
 

There was a piece on it this morning. That wasn't you from the Portland Running Company, was it?

(Also on NPR this morning, related to running, a piece on Chi Running, though I suspect this is a discussion for another board.)

Wiiiiiiiiii
 

Nintendo Wii to hit U.S. stores Nov. 19
Video-game giant says successor to GameCube will cost $249.99

I might buy it just because I like the name.
And it's cute.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Co...0a.hmedium.jpg

The Wii's game controller breaks the mold of console controllers: It's a slim wand that communicates the user's movements wirelessly to the main machine. Nintendo demonstrated a bowling game where the player moves the wand like he's throwing a ball down the lane.

Nintendo hopes the innovative controller, low price and popular game franchises like Mario Brothers and Zelda will recruit new gamers to console gaming.

Camcorders again
 

We are weighing using our Citi Thank You points to get a digital camcorder and I thought I'd solicit opinions on the models available. (I'm not looking for a debate on whether this is an efficient use of the points, or whether I'd get a better camera by paying cash for one.)

Unfortunately they don't give model numbers or very much detail, so looking for c-net reviews on each one will only give me more information and thereby make decision-making even more difficult for me. I plan to call for more details about my desired model before actually ordering it, but am trying to narrow the field before the call.

So, to the extent any one of you is inclined to click on these links and consider the choices, which models among the following would you consider? Burger, I know you think DVD has no real advantage over Mini-DV so no need to restate your advice to SEC Chick. )

https://www.thankyounetwork.com/rewa...entoryId=67114

https://www.thankyounetwork.com/rewa...entoryId=67116

https://www.thankyounetwork.com/rewa...ntoryId=102090

https://www.thankyounetwork.com/rewa...ntoryId=127083

I tend to think any of them would be fine. I have a Panasonic Lumix camera, so to the extent that the Pana camcorder uses the same memory card for its still picture function, I guess that would be in its favor.

Camcorders again
 

Get more details, but yes. You have two choices: MiniDV v. DVD and Sony vs. Panasonic.

I have a version of the panasonic 3 CCD MiniDV camcorder. excellent picture quality, except in low light. (This was what the review said too). The sony is better in low light, but may not have as good picture quality. If you opt for MiniDV over DVD, make sure it is in fact MiniDV. The panasonic doesn't say there--I'd reject it if it uses any other type of tape.

Camcorders again
 

How low is low light? How often do you find yourself shooting in low light, and then disappointed by the lower quality?

Camcorders again
 

I'm ignoring your admonition--why not use the points for amazon gift cards (or Best Buy or Circuit City) and get whatever one you want?

Sticking with one of the proposed, for example, the Pana miniDV seems to be the PV-GS300 (link: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-PV-G...e=UTF8&s=photo ), $507.14 from Amazon, which would only cost 63,000 points and leave you with enough money to buy a couple of tapes, too.

The Pana DVD is probably the VDR-D200 ($447.10/54000 points on Amazon), which seems to have been superceded by the VDR-D300, which is a 3CCD like the other Pana (ie it has three image sensors each the same size as the VDR-D200).

Hopefully helpful even tho I ignored part of your request. We have a Sony miniDV which we have been happy with in its limited use. The Sony models were a little harder to figure out, so I gave up. We've been really happy with our Lumix, so we'd probably go Pana if we were in the market now.

Camcorders again
 

It's fine in a room at night with most of the lights on. The real issue is white balance.

But if most of the lights are off, it comes out pretty dark.

Camcorders again
 

Cletus, you're the greatest. Thank you for ignoring my admonition and teaching me this points maximizing strategery!

Camcorders again
 

No problem. I really don't want to do the work on my desk. Actually, I was surprised at how close the spread was--I mostly have Amex points and their stuff is usually 30-50% higher than the gift cards on points/dollar. I thought the 10% is pretty good.

Make sure you check Best Buy and Circuit City for prices, too, b/c those cards have more favorable point exchange rates than Amazon, even though you'll have to pay sales tax.

Nintendo
 

Video of the new Nintendo Wii

I've always used body English with the controller, now it actually does something.

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

So, I finally broke down and got a 20-inch iMac to replace the aging Thinkpad with dial-up service. Setting it up last night, and found, thanks to the wonders of the modern wireless world, that I was pirating internet access from some neighbor or another. I was a bit surprised, as we live in a hilly neighborhood with lots of big trees and a fair amount of space between houses. But anyway. Ethics aside, are there reasons I shouldn't be taking advantage of this (i.e., risks to my hardware or information)?

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

I think that they cannot access anything but your public folder but you can probably wipe the PC's hard drive.

Also, you cannot connect to any computers and/or printers also on your wireless network.

Seriously at one point, I was unable to print to the color printer attached to my son's mac mini. I plugged and unplugged, tested reconfigured and the thing still had disappeared as a printer choice from my laptop. Then I realized that he had been inadvertently signed onto a neighbor's wireless network for more than a week.

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

Do you have your own internet access? Why not use it?

I wouldn't rely on a neighbor forever. I would selectively use it--e.g., downloading porn and pirated mp3s.

And, as secure as a mac is, if you're on their network and they're sophisticated, they might be able to gain access to your files. On the other hand, if there network is that insecure, they're probably not a hacker.

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

We've been living under a rock (a rock called "dial-up internet access"). Plan is/was to get the new computer and then get either DSL or cable. Still the plan, but I guess we now have more time to research our options.

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

I was not aware that dial-up internet access was still available. How much do they charge for that these days?

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

I think we pay like $20/mo for Earthlink dial-up. We've sort of been on the "we'll go broadband when we get a new computer" path. And now we've got the new computer, so...

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

At least around here DSL is less than most dialup, at least at the low end. If you want higher than the basic speed (which is 10X dialup), you pay more.

I'd just suck it up and move on. "Dude, get your own internet"

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

That's the plan. DSL here is a bit more than dial-up, but not that much. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't causing any problems by "borrowing" access while we're waiting for the DSL guy.

Document management systems
 

Currently, my firm has no document management system. I am serious. Files are stored on hard drives whever the saver feels like saving. The PCs are networked but there is no systematic approach to anything and no one is required, taught or encouraged to save anything in any particular place. I have tried to bring this up for years but the response I get when I am looking for a brief to remand is "Just ask around."

Now, however, I have a big person's ear for like six minutes so I put these questions to you:

What document management systems do you guys use?

Is there a system that will work symbiotically with an imaging system?

Avast, ye scurvey dogs
 

We have DSL through Verizon for $14/mo. It's plenty fast. Time for you to upgrade.

Speakerphone
 

Anybody have a good speakerphone at home with good voice quality on the other end -- that is, a decent mic? I've got a conference call on Monday (!)- an all day drafting session (!)- and I want the option of doing it from home. I'm actually going to be participating from time to time rather than putting the sucker on mute and surfing the net, and I don't want to be some lame-ass, can't-travel- to- the-client- because-she's lactating, crappy- inaudible-speakerphone-mic-having, passive-aggressive, this-is-what-you-get for-making-me-work-today kind of associate.

Well, actually, I don't mind any of those things, except having the crappy speakerphone. That's annoying.

All I need is a corded phone - don't need VM, caller ID, or anything else.

Speakerphone
 

How's your cell phone plan?

And does your cell phone have bluetooth?

If you have enough minutes, get a decent bluetooth headset, and you'll be better off than with a speaker.

Speakerphone
 

I've got a 2+ year old Samsung - A610 I think -- it was free with the Verizon plan.
No bluetooth. Plus, the phone won't hold its charge for eight hours.

Document management systems
 

If you get a good scanner, it should come with a decent enough doc management system for a small firm. If you have more than 12-15 users, you should probably get a designer to recommend both hardware and software, and tweak it for your firm's needs.

Speakerphone
 

2+ years? You're eligible for an upgrade! (and you could plug it in).

Problem is that most phones built for consumers have very basic speakerphones. They're okay for listening, but the mic sucks.

Can you borrow a polycom from the office for the day?

Document management systems
 

We will have about 200 users. I know it's shocking. I always said that if I wanted to do this sort of thing, I would start my own consulting firm.

I need something that categorizes created word processing documents such as briefs, letters, etc. and by type, matter number. That sort of thing.

Document management systems
 

You need a consultant. Most document management systems work on file cabinet and drawer concepts. They assign a document number automatically, but someone will need to set up the fields to enter/search and also to set up different subdirectories for each user, which you will also want with that many users.

Document management systems
 

Figured that. After I was volunteered for the task, I figured "What the fuck am I doing this for?" Just 'cause the partners are to stupid to realize we are wasting 1/2 of our time looking for stuff, I am supposed to act like McKinsey & Co. for free?

So what I was looking to do is get some product names, bring some people in and leave it at that.

Document management systems
 

Both firms I have worked for use iManage. Pretty user friendly. No idea about expense of that system. I think it is the big firm standard, but maybe it has some competition.

Document management systems
 

Most of the billing and time management systems have document management modules. You might want to start there simply because you know it will be compatible with your other systems. Another one I used at my last form was called DMS. I have no idea who the vendor is.

Sorry I can't be more help.

new laptop
 

I think i am shelving the plans for a mac for now, as it will be too painful dealing with IT on it (instead we will go apple at home come january).

I am leaning towards Sony Vaio now. Dream specs please?

new laptop
 

What are they telling you? It's BS, whatever it is . . .

new laptop
 

I know, but with slave as my witness, it ain't worth having to deal with. most days i am only a few steps away from taking a run at hurling myself out of my window as it is. more it headaches will cinch that deal. then my former wife will be out boozing it up for years to come with the kids insurance proceeds. i ain't give her that satisfaction.

new laptop
 

Translation: My IT people are stupider than pony's.

In my place, they claim "security issues." This is the same place that blocks the SDNY web page but lets me get to girlsgonewild.com

new laptop
 

Mine implemented a new policy for remote access that requires spyware and antivirus software, that they supply at no charge. You have to prove you have it with a screenshot. I haven't determined whether a screenshot of the OS X label will suffice.

new laptop
 

Porn at work, yes or no?

All the more reason . . .
 

Mac book pros get an upgrade http://images.apple.com/macbookpro/i...op20061024.jpg

Document management systems
 

For your size firm, just go with industry standards, which means iManage for document management (clear standard) and probably CMS for billing (less clear standard) and outlook for emails. If nothing else, this means fewer laterals will need to learn something new.

Do you have professional IT staff? If so, they should put all the proposals together. But a consultant also takes the political risk off.

All the more reason . . .
 

Bastard! what to do.....what to do......aayyy yi yi.