UPDATED: getting Windows XP

Joyce called the radio show and we discussed the availability of Windows XP...

Some computer manufacturers might allow you to purchase a computer, and then purchase a version of Windows XP for that computer.

For lifecycle information on Microsoft products, see their Support Lifecycle Index page, and the Support Lifecycle Index.

On June 30, Microsoft stopped distributing Windows XP...but you might be able to get it from stores and "system builders" (until January 2009).

(I have been informed that Systemax, Seneca Data, and Cheap Guys Computers are "system builders"...)

--------------------------------------------

There are reports that Windows XP Professional could be available (from "OEMs") until May (and July) 2009. As of (2008) December 22, I have not been able to locate that information on microsoft.com.

notebook/laptop cooling

In an attempt to take care, and extend the life, of my notebook computers...I ALWAYS use coolers and/or a lapdesk. (A lapdesk is a tray that sits on your lap, and a notebook computer is placed on it. Strong, sturdy ones are best.)

There are many manufacturers of these types of units...shop around. Here are a couple I feel that are worth noting...

-----------------------------------------------------------

Targus seems to have the widest selection of them.

The Targus Chill Mat for Mac has "optimally positioned dual fans deliver a cool-down right where the most heat is generated...two quietly powerful fans direct targeted cooling to Mac notebook hotspots..." (I found it's also available at Walmart.)

The Targus Notebook Chill Mat has an on/off switch.

Since power from USB ports can vary, I prefer units like the Targus Notebook Chill Hub (AWE01US). It includes an AC adapter to power the USB 2.0 ports.

------------------------------------------------------------

You can adjust the height of Belkin's Laptop Cooling Lounge.

The Laptop Cooling Hub can accomodate 17-inch laptops. I found it to cost $49.99 from Belkin, $22.99 from Costco, and $19.98 from Walmart.

What I consider to be better than nothing, is Belkin's Laptop CoolStrip: it lifts your laptop so more air can circulate under it.

Keyboards for Blondes

A super functional and highly popular gift for the holidays.

Talking-key software popular with media and Web sites as OMG pink keyboard beats recession

The newly released, ultra-user-friendly Keyboard For Blondes(TM) is getting great reviews and a surge of orders despite sluggish holiday sales for many retailers. The buzz for the exciting keyboard keeps building, with coverage in major daily newspapers, popular Web sites and high-traffic technology blogs.

"The response has been overwhelming," said Camilla Loveid, spokesperson for Keyboard For Blondes(TM). "The large spike in sales and the buzz that the roll-out has created proves that a fun and user-friendly keyboard with more functionality is needed in the U.S. marketplace."

"Millions of hits on our Web site are turning into periods when we receive five to 10 orders per minute. At some points, the delivery company's software had all it could do to handle the inflow of orders to our Web site," Loveid added.

Playing off the overt humor of a bubble-gum pink keyboard for "anyone who has ever had a blonde moment," the keyboard has keys that actually say things like, "Oops!" "Duhhh?!" "Yes! I want it!" "No way!!!" and "You are so smart!" The keyboard can even make a cash register ring for the dollar symbol.

The good news for text messaging enthusiasts is a series of special keys that type out "OMG," "ALI" (Absolutely Love it!), "LOL" or "XOXO," among others. And, finally, here is a keyboard that actually has the "any key."

"The software and keyboard even let you tap out musical notes on the number pad," Loveid said. "There are 64 renamed keys, plus 70 unique features in all. It's very encouraging that even in a downturn economy people still remember how to have fun."

With such strong Web traffic and sales, staffers at the company are suggesting that Black Friday be changed to Blonde Friday, and Cyber Monday to Uber-cool Keyboard Monday.

While people get the humor, they also see the benefit the keyboard offers to anyone who sees the computer environment as impersonal, boring or cold. Blonde, brunette, red, white or blue hair -- it's a totally functional keyboard with robust, easy-to-download software at a very affordable price.

Keyboard For Blondes(TM) and its Keynguru(TM) software is available now at http://www.KeyboardForBlondes.com.

The keyboard and its unique software sell for an introductory price of $49.95, plus shipping and handling USA$9.99 (subject to change). Keyboard For Blondes(TM) is manufactured by European Trends Etc.

Stay out of the Doghouse this Christmas - Great Video!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1370868150/bctid3130509001

vCards, and hCards

vCards are electronic business cards They can be used by Personal Information Managers, e-mail applications, web browsers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other computer programs. A vCard can contain more than a printed business card. Not only names, addresses, telephone numbers, graphics/pictures, and website addresses...but also audio, geographic and time zone information, and can support multiple languages.

You can create a vCard at http://www.vicintl.com/vcf/

-----------------------------------------------------

The next generation, if you will, are hCards...HTML vCards...for use on webpages.

The template at http://tantek.com/microformats/hcard-creator.html allows for:
name
company
street
city/state/zip code
phone
url (website address)
and a photo url (web/internet address).

The template at http://microformats.org/code/hcard/creator has more options:
given name
middle name
family name
organization
street
city
state/province
postal (zip) code
country name
phone
email
url (website address)
photo url (web/internet address)
AOL Instant Messenger screenname
Yahoo! Instant Messenger screenname
Jabber screenname
and allows for tags.

Pownce is closing

Per Rejaw:

"We would like to support Pownce import- if you have a Pownce export file, and you want to help us out, please forward it to support@rejaw.com, so that we can decipher the file format..."

Which I will do, but I must wait until I receive it from Pownce:

"...we've built a simple export feature that will help you move your notes to a new blog."

After I chose the link to export the data, I saw:

"Thanks for exporting! We are processing your data...This might take a few days. We will email you when it's complete or you may check back here at any time."