MarsEDIT updated

MarsEdit is my favourite Blog editor for MAC OSX. Its just been updated with some cool new features & bug fixes - check it out at the above link.

irrate about 'Podcasts'?

From my ASCILITE blog - a comment spurred my response:

Comment from: Moggy [Member]

Does a Podcast work on anything other than Apple software/hardware? Why are we calling them Podcasts? - iPod is not a genre, it is a brandname. The marketing guys must be laughing all the way to the bank. Do we soon require of students that they all buy the one brand of MP3 player to be able to view, just as many insitutions require of them Microsoft products? I'm curious because I own an MP3 player that isn't an iPod and I am of the opinion that iPod's are, on the whole, overpriced.

Anyone who has any experience is welcome to comment, I'm not being critical although it might sound I am, just interested in the crossplatformability of our stuff.
16/12/05 @ 15:56

My Reply

Comment from: Thom Cochrane [Member] · http://ltxserver.unitec.ac.nz/mediawiki/index.php/WirelessPalms
A podcast will play on any device that supports the audio codec used when compressing it. The term was coined by a journalist, just over a year ago, in reference to the most popular mobile audio device at the time - the iPod. A Podcast is any pre-recorded audio file that is available for download as an enclosure associated with an RSS feed (So strictly speaking my 'Podcasts' aren't - as they have no RSS feed associated currently.) allowing the listener to subscribe to podcasts as they become available.

My Podcast is compressed using the AAC format, not mp3 (because it creates higher quality results with smaller file sizes - the mp3 format is actually very old). However most modern mobile devices are capable of playing back both mp3 and AAC format files. The AAC podcast and screencast (podcast with video) play back great on my Palm PDA, as well as an iPod, a Mac or a PC.

While I think the iPods are great - I do agree they are over-priced, however you are buying into a great software solution when you go the ipod route as well (for recording, editing and distribution...). I was surprised how easy it was to do this (my first Podcast!), and can see great educational potential.
16/12/05 @ 20:51

PS - the other reason I used AAC format rather than mp3 is to subvert our IT department! - they have packet-shaped mp3 downloads out of our network - to stop students files sharing mp3s, but AAC format files get through fine ;-)
16/12/05 @ 20:55

Podcasts & Screencasts on Palm

The Podcast and Screencast I created as QuickTime movies for ASCILITE play back surprizingly well on the Palm LifeDrive! - I think there is heaps of educational potential in Podcasting/screencasting for mobile devices!

LifeDrive Update 2

Its FINALLY here - the loonnnnnnnnnnnng anticipated LifeDrive update. (Go to Palm support website to download) I had no problems installing the update - though I did need to re-enter the serial number details for a couple of applications, and needed to reinstall Verichat. But - I haven't really noticed any major changes - although I did have my LifeDrive running pretty sweet after several months of bug busting!

ASCILITE Presentation

Presentation PodCast

Download a PodCast (8.9MB, AAC, 20Minutes) of my presentation here. Will play in iTunes on Mac or PC, and iPod.

http://ltxserver.unitec.ac.nz/~thom/QuickTime/ACILITE_Podcast.m4a

Designed to complement my WIKI:
http://ltxserver.unitec.ac.nz/mediawiki/index.php/WirelessPalms

http://ltxserver.unitec.ac.nz/mediawiki/index.php/Main_Page

Also download my ScreenCast demoing several Palm wireless applications:
http://ltxserver.unitec.ac.nz/~thom/movies/PalmLifeDriveScreenCast_final.mov

Here's a screencast outlining the use of several wireless Palm applications - blogging, rss, IM, etc... The screencast is available in two formats:

1. 25MB QuickTime movie

2. 9.5MB video podcast for new video iPod (also a QuickTime movie)
http://ltxserver.unitec.ac.nz/~thom/movies/PalmLifeDriveScreenCast_final.m4v

ASCILITE 2005

ASCILITE 2005

Here's a post from my Palm Lifedrive, using uBlog!

PalmPDF

PalmPDF

Why pay to upgrade to DTGv8 when PalmPDF allows native PDF viewing for FREE!
PalmPDF

WooHoo!

WooHoo!

I've finally got PDAReach remote software for the Palm to work in Virtual PC on my powerbook!! I kept on having USB connection errors, but disabling the Palm transport background task in OSX, and copying a working virtual drive from my G5 to my Powerbook appears to have fixed the problem! As a bonus, i get back 2GB disk space, as my VPC image from my G5 is 2GB smaller than the one I originally had on my Powerbook. PS - I can't wait till next year for the MactEl Powerbooks - when they will be truely DUAL OS - booting systems - that will ROCK!!!

dotMac

I've been experimenting with dotMac recently - I haven't looked at dotMac accounts since you had to pay an annual subscription - it was great when it was free! Anyway, with the addition of group pages, and a boost to 1GB storage, plus the ability of WiFile Pro on a Palm to directly connect to dotMac iDisks, I thought it was time for another look.
So far I can see a lot of potential. dotMac can provide a highly collaborative environment for education, without the limitations of institutional IT infrastructures. Coupled with wireless 3G data access (as long as the price is low)... still experimenting with this idea.

MAudio Podcast Factory released

A bundle including MAudio 2x2 usb audio interface, microphone & stand, and Audacity software! (Audacity is an open-source audio app for Mac, PC, Linux)
Podcast Factory

Documents To Go updated

DTG version 8 released - now includes native PDF support!DTG

Bluetooth to WiFi

Bluetooth to WiFi

Using my cellphone as a modem, with a Bluetooth connection to my Laptop, and then sharing the connection to other WiFi devices via the laptop builtin WiFi works fine! BTW - I love these infrared keyboards for the Palms - they make typing so much easier!!!

3G update

Had another go at configuring the 3G to WiFi router at Unitec (should have 3G coverage on campus). I got better results by using the 3G card directly in the Powerbook and sharing the connection via Airport - managed to get 5 WiFi Palms happily connected that way. Using the 3G router, only certain devices appeared to be able to find & connect to the network. Conclusion - save $1500 and simply buy the 3G data card and share its connection directly from the Powerbook! Boonus is - you don't need a powerpoint to power the Powerbook, but you do for the 3G/WiFi router - hardly a 'mobile' solution! Currently testing download speed by downloading a 90MB HD QuickTime movie via 3G. Downloads in fits and starts. Its hardly moving at the supposed 500 to 700kbps! It took about 40mins to download a 90MB file = 300kbps. Not bad!

3G to WiFi Router

I've had a go setting up a 3G to WiFi router, and shared the with WiFi Palms and Mac Powerbook. Similarly inserted the 3G card directly into the Powerbbook & used 'sharing' to share connection via the Powerbooks WiFi top Palms - similar results! The 3G connection was sloow from home (outside 3G coverage), and similar to dialup speeds within 3G coverage area :-)
Connection was somewhat flakey - kept stalling/dropping. Maybe it was the Telecom end??? Be interested to compare with Vodafone 3G.
Anyway - got much better WiFi by simply plugging an Airport Express into LAN port, and used 'profiles' to switch between setups for home or Unitec networks!

Updtaed Palm Software

Good news! WiFile Pro (v2.08) and NetChaser (v 1.6) (two of my favourite Palm OS applications) have been updated to support the new Palm TX. I've also noticed that the latest beta of Verichat works better on the TX than the 'official' 2.18 release version!

Vodafone Expo

Well - just been to the Vodafone mobile 'expedition' expo! Apart from being a lot of fun (wearing a pith helmut & negotiating a simulated jungle!), I made some good contacts re wireless connectivity.

1. Renaissance (via Craig Bouvaird) sell the Telecom data card, and have written Mac drivers for it! They also resale a 3G to WiFi router. Looking forward to borrowing it & having a play creating mobile workgroups for laptops & Palms!!!

2. Discovered the resller of the Linksys 3G to WiFi router (WRT54G3G) = Ingram Micro, Matt Hoskin, matt.hoskin@ingrammicro.co.nz
Matt mentioned the WRT54G3G will resale for $600NZ including the Vodafone 3G card early next year. He also mentioned Vodafone data cards will go from 384kbps to 1.4Mbps next year - YAY!!!

3. Came across a company (dang - didn't get a card!) that supplies text services for enrolments/advertising etc. Currently used by UCOL & Wintec - lots of possibilities there!

4. Finally, stumbled across the mGovernment initiative (a spin off from the eGovernment initiative) - for qualifying institutions to bulk purchase Vodafone connections! - $30 access fee per month per mobile, zero cent for mobile-to-mobile within your organization. I discussed the idea of a student DATA rate, which I will follow up at a later stage! shane.grove@vodafone.com
mGovt@vodafone.com

All in all - a worthwhile outing!

MacTel

Check out http://osx.portraitofakite.com/ to make your PC look like OSX! - a cool freeware interface kit for WinXP.

ALSO: http://www.avvenu.com/

looks like the future for Palm devices - remotely accessing your PC/Mac. It appears to be a more user-friendly (and less functional) form of VNC.

Vodafone Media Release - 13th September, 2005 - High Speed Connectivity for Teams on the Move: ""

3G to WiFi routers appear to be the next thing in wireless networking solutions! I can imagine the possibilities for education here - mobile laptop workshops/work groups etc.
Coupled with Vodafones new unlimited 3G data connection (although rather expensive at $149/month), presents exciting possibilities for bypass the restrictive IT networks of most institutions!

(Via .)

GarageBand

I've been running a workshop on Digital Audio recording this week. it's the first time I've actually spent much time with Apples garageBand recording application (usually I stick with ProTools and Logic pro), however I've been pleasantly surprized at the power and simplicity of Garageband. Its a great app especially for non techy people who just want to get some musical ideas and inspiration down quick! I think I'll be using it regularly as a quick scratch pad for musical ideas form now on! Its also great that you can import your GarageBand sogs directly into Logic for deeper editing later. Great stuff Apple!

yeah

cool stuff

Blogger for Word Add In

Now you can post directly from Word to Blogger! First you must install the Blogger for Word Add-In. Note: Windows ONLY (surprize surprize!)

Treo Windows Mobile

Looks like Palm have sold out to the evil empire! Of course Microsoft would be nice to Palm to get them to use their OS on their handheld, as most of the big cellphone manufacturers have rejected WM OS. We'll have to wait & see if Palm OS survives...

Thom_Dunedin2005.JPG

Thom_Dunedin2005.JPG,
originally uploaded by thomcochrane.

Here I am at Otago Uni a couple of weeks ago - a fantastic City, nice cafes, plenty of WiFi access, but a bit cold for me though! :-)

PhoneAgent

PhoneAgent sounds like a nice solution for working with Sony Ericsson phones and Mac OSX.

Sage - Sage Project News

Sage version 1.3.6 is now available. Sage is a fantastic RSS extension for Firefox, providing standard RSS aggregator features within Fiorefox.

Posting via ECTO

Ecto is a cross-platform blog editing application, very well featured, but not free ($27.64 NZ) - you do get a trial period to put it through its paces though. It is cheaper than MarsEdit, Although MarsEdit is way cooler looking IMHO, but not cross-platform ;-)
Check out ECTO here

CafeNET - Wellington

CafeNET - Wellington

Cafenet is a great WlFI service in Wellington - Blogging on Palm using it!
cafenet

CafeNET - Wellington

CafeNET - Wellington

Cafenet is a great WlFI service in Wellington - Blogging on Palm using it!

Tungsten X

Well it looks like the Tungsten X will be released in mid October - and we are looking at filling our set of Palms with 8 of these instead of a remaining 8 LifeDrives - mainly from the stability factor. Hopefully Palm release a patch for the LD soon that fixes its many stability issues! The Tungsten X will be a more affordable solution for students, without an internal HD, but still with BT & WiFi builtin. Coupled with a large SD memory card it should offer similar feature set to that of the LD for a lower price. We shall see!
Engadget has rumoured specifications for the Tungsten X Here

PDAReach

PDAReach

posting from PDAReach remote controlling LifeDrive on Windows PC!

Embedding Audio

click here to listen

Blogging example

Blogging example

Blah

GPRS

GPRS

Finally made a GPRS connection via BT between LifeDrive & Cellphone (SonyEricsson T630)!
COOL!

Test

Test

Blah blah blah

802.1x client

Aegis make an 802.1x client for the Palm Tungsten C. First you must update the ROM, then install client version 1.1 or higher.
http://www.mtghouse.com

More LifeDrive Issues

Ah - the never ending story... The LifeDrive has been much more stable since last updates/removal of prob apps, but I've had an issue with Documents To Go that took a little bit to sort - couldn't load powerpoint files in DTG 7.006. DTG kept complaining that it had found an earlier version on the LD. So... I downloaded & installed the DatavizTechTool to LD, used it to unistall DTG, then from DTG on Mac, chose reinstall handheld applications, did a hotsync, and HEY PRESTO - SlideShow To Go works again!

One Tutor is having issues with LD not shutting down properly & consequently draining battery - LED contues to blink every few seconds when LD 'off'. I can't find a solution to this in any forums, the closest guess is that the LD is being shutdown before the harddrive is fully parked, OR IR or BT or WiFi services are trying to connect somehow - keep posted for outcome!

WiFi in Dunedin

WiFi in Dunedin

I spent 3 days in COLD Dunedin! While there I checked out WiFi access - over 24 access points within 100m of the Octagon several were open! Cool.

Dunedin

Dunedin

Blogging on LifeDrive in Dunedin - it s COLD down here!

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Posting via BT & CSD on Cellphone

Palm Saga

Palm Saga

LifeDrive appears more stable now. However I suspect Endnote v8 is problematic on LD. Will try v9

Quest for a Stable LifeDrive profile!

I've found crashes caused by the following apps: QuickNews v1.08, Plogit v 0.22, and Documents To Go v 7.005.
I've removed Plogit, and replaced with uBlog and Vagablog (now open source), and updated both DTG & QN to versions 7.006 & 1.1 respectively. Hopefully this has fixed these crashes - Stay Tuned for updates!!!

TimsCar.JPG

TimsCar.JPG,
originally uploaded by thomcochrane.

Tims new car!
Subaru Legacy B4- very cool, great to drive. Value for money

19August

19August

Getting frustrated with the instability of the LifeDrive.

Palm Wireless Network

I've setup the WiFi network for the School of Sport Palm trial - using an Apple Airport Extreme hub. I've configured it using MAC address filtering & WEP to make it secure - only devices with MAC addresses listed in the database can actually connect to the wireless network! By locating the WiFi access point centrally ( in one of the SOS Tutors offices) - we're getting coverage of both the admin/lecturers offices and the classroom, and a little outside coverage as well. All for $300 NZ! Both Tutor laptops and Palm Lifedrives are connecting successfully to the wireless network.

Palm Presentations

Another solution for demoing Palm PDAs to a group is to use a document camera attached to your powerbook/desktop tat is then connected to a video projector. An iSight camera works ok - easiest to use powerbook monitor clip to hold the iSight in place, then pull up a video preview window in iChat, and resize to fit screen. Downside is: picture is REVERSED! To get around this, use the new direct video recording feature of QuikTime Pro7 - the display video is not reversed as in iChat, however you can't resize the preview window, BUT using 'zoom' feature of OSX (alt+command+'=") you can zoom in on the video window - PRESTO!.

More info on PDAReach

Here's the url to find PDAReach
http://www.junefabrics.com/pdareach/index.php

PDAReach

A cool application for PC (no Mac support :-( ) that is basically a remote desktop app for Palm devices. Great for demoing the use of a Palm device to a large crowd. An alternative is to run the Palm OS Simulator - once again PC only - BUT it does work on a Mac in Virtual PC! Main downfall of Palm Simulator is the need to reinstall Palm apps whenever it is run - easiest way is to hotsync to a user backup or Profile to get back your apps and settings. Be careful though - the simulator is prone to crashing and sometimes a soft reset will hang it!

Forester.JPG

Forester.JPG,
originally uploaded by thomcochrane.

The joys of driving on the Auckland Motorway! - and crazy drivers!!!

Palm Lifedrive Trial

Well I've started the Palm Lifedrive trial process with the School of Sport at unitec - the staff are quite excited about the idea, so I'll be demoing the potential of the technology later this week. It's taken a while, and experimentation to create a stable 'profile' for the Lifedrives - certain apps crash the devices, and although the Lifedrive supports any data format in 'drive mode', attempting to install a non-recognised format media file using hotsync causes a crash. Best to use 'Drive mode' for installing large media files.

Palm LifeDrive

Palm LifeDrive

Blogging from a Lifedrive!

Quiet Week

Well its been a quite week after last weeks intense 3Day workshop. Installed OSX TIGER onto my G5 - no real problems, except for a bug crash with Logic Pro - turned out to be the Apple Pro Application Enhancer not automatically updating from OSX 10.3 to 10.4 version.
Will probably install TIGER on powerbook next week, after I find all issues on G5.

Finally! - Blogger supports images directly!!!

7/7/2005
Athenree

Workshop Home Run!

Tomorrow we'll look at the capabilities of DVD Studio Pro, and then you'll have time to finish your videos, and create your DVDs using either iDVD or DVDSP. The burning shouldn't take long as we're keeping the video files short, so around 15-20mins for burning (hopefully). Then we'll mark each others projects!

We survived two Days!

Well, we've finished the second day of the DVD Production workshop, tomorrow we will have an overview of DVD Studio Pro, and continue working on your Projects. Don't forget to put the outline of your project on the Moodle forum, and keep Blogging! Have FUN!

Day Two!

Today we're looking at Final Cut Pro - an awesome editing programme for DV. Hope you have fun!

RSS Feeds Available!

I've setup your Blog RSS feeds (for the DVD Production Workshop students) directly into Moodle - so you can see when each other posts to their Blogs.

DVD Projects

Good to see everyone getting started on their DVD projects - looking forward to seeing the results at the end of the week!

Workshop1

We survived workshop 1 !!!!
Yay time for coffee!

having Fun Moodling!

I've been setting up a course using Moodle - & i must say that I quite like moodle! It has some nice collaborative features builtin, and an effective file handling structure for uploading & storing files for a course (which can then be linked into course notes etc...). Moodle on....

BlackBoard CMS

The Content Management System add-on for BlackBoard uses WebDav as its format for shared folders. This means that CMS Folders can be used for hosting WebDav friendly files - e.g. iCal!
Then all you need is the url to the WebDav content, to be able to share it over the Internet.
My wiork iCal url is: webcal://kowhai.unitecnology.ac.nz/bbcswebdav/users/tcochrane/iCal/TC_LTcalendar.ics
(note - you need a BB CMS login and password to access it!)

Canesta_virtual_keyboard

Canesta_virtual_keyboard,
originally uploaded by thomcochrane.

I want one!

Flickr

thom,
originally uploaded by thomcochrane.

Here's my first Flickr photo into my Blog! Was pretty painless so far!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Posting Using ECTO

Ecto is a cross-platform Blog Editor
Power of the Gospel from the album "Burn to Shine " by Ben Harper

Experimenting with GPRS

I appear to have made a GPRS connection to the net - not quite sure if the settings are correct - the Vodafone PDF manual is pretty confusing! Anyway - looks like it works - seems similar speed to 56k dial-up. Hope it doesn't cost too much!

WiFi Card on T3

Yippie - got the WiFi card working with my T3!

Blah Blah
The Airport hub in CEM is finally working! It had a different password set!

Posting Via VAGABLOG on Palm
Can't seem to download and edit previous posts - only create & upload new posts :-(

Virtual Palm!

Here I am blogging using a virtual Palm running in the Palm Simulator inside of Virtual PC on a Mac!!!

RSS on Palm

Quickk News is a simple but functional RSS newsreader for Palm - available from www.standalone.com for US $14.95.

Vagablog
No where near as nice as Plogit - which is FREE!

first real mobile blog using PLOGIT on a Tungsten C

Posting from Plogit on a Palm!

Wow - this is so cool, blogging via a wireless Palm!

Embedding a movie worked!

I was a bit surprised to learn that you can embed a movie that is hosted on another server into Blogger posts!
Unfortunately my movie is a bit wide!! But anyway it works!

Embedding a movie?

3 Day Workshop - Day1

Well we all survived Day1 ! - probably the most hectic day as we introduced a lot of new tools and concepts that we will build on over the next 2 following days. Hopefully things will become clearer as we experiment with web technologies. See you all tomorrow! :-)

Its going great

putting in an image

use HTML to place an image e.g.

Abilon is a relatively well integrated RSS newsreader and basic
Blogging application. It has more features than 'Sharpreader'.

Blogging using w.bloggar on a PC!

w.bloggar is simple to setup, integrates with www.blogger.com well, but in comparison to MarsEdit, its UGLY!!!

Todays Tutorial

Today we're reviewing web site structure - storyboards (planning your website), and having a quick look at creating email forms. These are useful for creating a fan base etc...

Progress?

Well i hope everyone had a great Easter break - i see a few people blogged over easter! Time to get to work on those website assignments. Don't forget to ask if you have any specific questions. See you all tomorrow for the tutorial!.

Progress?

How's all the fantastic websites coming along? I hope to see some progress soon!

Easter

is coming next weekend - so would be a good time to get some work done!

Some Web Design Resources

Check out the following links:
iDocs guide to HTML
http://www.idocs.com/tags

Tucows HTML stuff
http://html.tucows.com

FAQs.org HTML Tutorial
http://www.faqs.org/docs/htmltut/index.html

Let me know whether these are useful or not!

The Quiet Earth!

It's awe-fully quiet out here in cyberspace! - there isn't much action on your Blogs for SPOR442a!

A reminder that you all need to spend time on your Blogs and website project besides the Lectures - as you'll run out of time to create your website otherwise!!!

Don't forget about AIM instant messaging as well - still haven't seen any of you online yet!

Todays Post

First class for March 7

First Class

Well - we managed to get thru our first class!!!

Welcome!

I'm looking forward to meeting you all tomorrow - should be a great class!

Bookmarklet

MarsEdit can place a 'bookmarklet' into Safari's bookmark bar. Clicking on this will automatically create a post to your Blog using MarsEedit with the current url from Safari quoted.

Yahoo!: "Frontpage"

(Via reference.)

MarsEdit Scripts

Currently playing in iTunes: What Goes Up... by Alan Parsons Project
Yahoo!

Trying out a Custom HTML tag

Here's a picture

Comparing Blogger & Tangelo

Blogger is certainly easier to setup.
Advantages of Blogger include:

1. Comments builtin


2. Easier to choose a template

Advantages of Tangelo include:

1. Can host on own server


2. Simpler Image Access


3. More control of template - BUT requires significant HTML & CSS editing

Headings

OK - so MarsEdit doesn't automatically create a heading for posts - so you need to use the heading tags from the HTML menu on your first line of the post to create a heading!

Here's a couple of pics of the new MacMini - very cool little machine!

Trying out the web browser syndicate feature of MarsEdit.

Apple - Mac mini: ""

(Via .)

My mug!

Testing the 'Post to Weblog' feature from NetNewsWire:

Pod My Ride: "OK, the simple solution is to buy a BMW with the iPod option. Other auto manufacturers have announced iPod compatibility too and for Apple this has been like adding hotels to Park Place and the Board Walk. Now for those of us who are not in the market for a new car just yet, I have some suggestions: read on.........

Read more...

Support Powerpage.org by shopping at Amazon.com!

"

(Via PowerPage.org.)

Whats the 'insert image' facility?

Here I am attempting to edit my Blog using

'MarsEdit'

, a blog editing application. Just trying to see what advantages there are in this approach, and what facilities.
It provides a useful, though limited, HTML wsyiwyg.

Tables?

1	2
3	4

Images 101

Inserting an image via html

Links 2

Hmmm... link rendered as plain text.
Lets try some HTML
http://www.powerpage.org

Links

So... how do external links render?
http://www.powerpage.org

Basically done!

Not much more to be done really. I like the group blog capability, and the external hosting option is interesting (via FTP). It will be interesting to compare Blogger.com to creating a Blog using 'Tangelo' on the ltxserver.

Blog Setup

Linking to an external image for my profile was as simple as pointing Blogger to my web servers image folder. Clicking on 'Settings' above allowed choice of basic setup needed. An atom newsfeed is crreated automatically. NetNewsWire reads the atom feed.

First Post

Setup has been very straightforward so far. Will attempt to get newsfeed working.