Read This!

Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook

eReaders!… Just a short-lived and recent craze amongst avid readers, or a legitimate at-its-peak method for enjoying novels on the go? Even as a technology enthusiast, I have only in the past few days begun to consider my possible desire for such a device. The interesting part is that I’m the complete opposite of a die-hard book sleuth. I have not picked up a book for purely the enjoyment in ages. I think that could change.

I think of what my passion is… Technology! The consistent evolution of technology really motivates what and how I do things. I used to resist Twitter, and now I see it as a major form of communication. Back in my prime days of Myspace, I soured at the thought of starting a Facebook account. But today, I look back and many things have changed. This is why I think that technology can aid in my enjoyment to read. I believe that such sophisticated, top of the tech market items like the Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook could potentially re-ignite my interest to read.

But what do you think? Is it fair game for someone to change their reading habits due to a new item of technology? Thinking about it, isn’t that quite a positive factor eReaders can have?

And where are eReaders going? Have they reached their most significant peak in technology? It is known that color e-ink is in the works, but for the most part novels these days are still printed in black and white.

What’s captures your fancy?… The Amazon Kindle or the Barnes & Noble Nook?

F5: jBlog (Micro) Rework

Hey… so I spent a couple of hours tonight revamping jBlog (Micro). I just didn’t like the idea of a half-assed mini version of my pride-and-true jBlog, so I completely seperated the two projects, keeping each one with its own identity. I plan on creating a new logo for my Tumblr site now named “John-and-Tonic”. I’m thinking about doing like a lime graphic, but still keeping my swoosh-like “J” through the center. So check it out –  I hope you like it.

http://johnhicks.tumblr.com

Product Review: Teac HD-1

Over the last couple of weeks, have been looking for an iPhone-friendly alarm clock to replace my original iHome iH5. One day a couple of weeks ago, I had just finished up ordering new contacts at Costco Optical, and I just happened to see the Teac HD-1. It was perfect – a little large, as I was hoping to get something more compact than the iHome, but what coaxed me to purchase the item was its HD radio capability.

I will skip the nonesense, but everything seemed OK about it, until I left the radio on for a few minutes. That’s when I noticed the it was no longer playing crystal clear HD radio from my bedroom anymore. I went to check out what was up and discovered that it switched to AM band by itself. The Teac HD-1 did this several times, so I returned it to Costco for a full refund.

Anyone have suggestions for a completely iPhone friendly, $100 or less, somewhat small bedside alarm clock that you think would be good?

jBlog Micro

Here is the big reveal!…

I’m introducing jBlog Micro, a sort of experimental project of mine which I will use to post snippets and such. Consider this new mini blog as a form of replacement and enhancement to the Scribbles I write here on jBlog. The real difference between jBlog and the micro version is the simplicity and devotion of time put forth to each production. jBlog is still #1 and still gets all my attention. Just like tweeting pictures, links, etcetera on Twitter, jBlog Micro is my site to quickly and easily jot down various types of media, from basic text to music or video. It will be great… and I hope you visit it soon!

http://johnhicks.tumblr.com