The Modern Materialist : computer

Take Shortcuts

Shaun Seneviratne — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:29:00 GMT

It's not too hard to get the hang of Photoshop, but you're certainly wasting a lot of time if you aren't using shortcuts! Problem is, there are a million shortcuts for intensive programs like Photoshop and Final Cut and it would take a very, very long time to learn all of them.

The Keyboard Shortcut Skins for your Mac comes to the rescue in your time of photo-editing need:

These skins are available for many varieties of Apple laptop and desktop keyboards. Just fit this right on top of your existing keyboard and the shortcuts will sink in in no time! Learn to master Photoshop, Aperture, Final Cut, Pro Tools, After Effects, and Logic.

[$30 - $40, Photojojo]

[Via Rare Bird Finds]

Related: Suite Dreams

When They Were Young

Steph Auteri — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:19:00 GMT

Forever ago, I found myself creeped about by this headless-dog speaker system.

But today, I was lucky enough to see a pic of them before they were all growed up (and decapitated):

[$40]

Find out more about these puppy speakers here.

[Via Gizmodo]

HandshoeMouse Goes Wireless

Steph Auteri — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:03:00 GMT

Back in the beginning of December, I test drove the HandshoeMouse, an ergonomic mouse that cradles your hand.

Since that times, updates have been made, and a new wireless version has become available for only slightly more money ($139).

The HandshoeMouse remains the most comfortable mouse I have ever used, but I still wonder: Is the cost worth it? What additional features do you wish the mouse included?

The Liberace of Mice

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:07:00 GMT

Wait for it...

[$32.99, Computer Gear]

Taa-DAAAAAAAA!

[Photo via]

Lenovo To Release PCs That Rival Apple's iMac and Macbook

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:58:00 GMT

Lenovo has been making pretty legit PCs for awhile, becoming a standard among businesses, but Lenovo's computers always had that dated look with the red trackpad in the middle. It seems that they've taken a tip from the Apple folk and are set to release more consumer friendly PCs that can be seen as worthy rivals to the Macbook and iMac.

Starting at roughly the same price as a Macbook ($1,000), the Lenovo IdeaPad Y650 is made from carbon fiber, making it the thinnest and lightest notebook in its class. It also enables a multi-touch trackpad, a built in microphone, and camera, making it even more Mac-like.

On its home computing front, Lenovo is releasing the IdeaCentre A600 to tackle the iMac head on. What separates it from the iMac is its speaker system (which includes a subwoofer), facial recognition log in, and a remote that doubles as a headset.

Both computers have options for BluRay as well.

If I ever had to switch back to PC, I'd definitely get one of these Lenovos. Since they recently made updates to the iMac and Macbooks, the Apple folks may not come up with something to blow consumers away by the time these Lenovos are released.

Lenovo just might save the PC, rendering the Mac as Apple sauce (a-heh-heh-heh).

[Via Uncrate and Gizmodo]

Because Cats Can't Type

Steph Auteri — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:36:00 GMT

Either their butts are in front of my monitor, or they're walking across my keyboard, causing me to accidentally inject typos into my Modern Materialist posts (srsly, that's the reason...).

So generally, the cats are NOT allowed up on my desk.

But this new one... how can I keep her away?

This little kitteh has four ports (three on her back, and one in her mouth). I am in lover with her, andcan only hope that a U.S. retailer starts carrying her because, at the moment, she is only available in lots of 100 from China.

This makes me sad.

Yet hopeful.

That is all.

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

Would You Pay: A PC That Looks As Good As A Mac

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:01:00 GMT

My first computer was a Compaq Presario from 1998. And I thought it was the coolest thing ever until Apple came out with the bulbous, multi-colored iMacs. Ever since, PCs never quite looked the same. Sure, it's not too difficult to make a custom PC with a case of your choosing, but most people don't have time for that.

Here is a nice looking PC that you can start using right out of the box:

Plush Department's PURE* dept. Design Computers are made with a ceramic casing and come in a variety of colors. And the specs aren't bad either.

However, some argue that you can purchase a PC that has the same specs as a Mac for half the price. At 4,500 €, this PC is more than double the price of an Apple Mac Pro.

Do you think approximately $5,700 is worth it for a PC with specs that you can achieve for under $1,000?

[4,500 €, PLUSHDEPARTMENT]

[Via sub-studio design blog]

5 Sparkly Things That Mesmerize Me

Steph Auteri — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:19:00 GMT

Swarovski jewelry
dichroic glass
fiber optic light wands
fireworks
this keyboard

[$199.99, Think Geek]

It's not just the fact that the keys on this keyboard glow in a vibrant array of colors. No.

It's the fact that I can assign different colors to individual keys, and make them light up only when I'm touching them. Which makes me feel like I'm performing magic or something. With pretty colors.

Typing in the dark hurts my eyes, but I wuold totally risk my eyesight just to have some twilit fun with this Luxeed keyboard.

A Habit That's Hard To Break

Steph Auteri — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:01:00 GMT

It's sad when you're so addicted that you feel you need to hide it.

It's sad when it becomes such an integral part of your life that you can't come close to stopping.

[$149.99, Think Geek]

Hello, I'm, Steph Auteri and I can't stop using the Internet. I blog in the morning...Twitter in the afternoon...and then blog some more at night (in addition to checking out the MediaBistro forums and catching up on my unmanageable Google Reader).

And this Leather 250GB Hip Flask USB Drive certainly isn't helping.

[Via Shiny Shiny]

Related: Fun With It: USB Flash Drives

Technological Subterfuge

Steph Auteri — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Top Secret Items On My USB Drive:

resume
collection of cover letters
essays and articles in various states of completion
to-do spreadsheets
my site logos

Okay, so it's not all that exciting. Still, when I want to put peepers off from sneaking a look at my file, this may very well be the easiest way to do it:

[World Wide Fred]

Be a Superhero on the Information Superhighway

Steph Auteri — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Batman had his utility belt. But all you need is this:

[$32, USB Brando]

[Via GeekAlerts]

USB Port Cubed

Steph Auteri — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT

I am still so agitated over the fact that my USB port is located at the back of my computer tower, so that I have to crawl around on the floor or tip the tower to access it.

But I'm picky about the things I clutter my desk top with. It's all about aesthetics after all.

[$12, USB Brando]

I love how colorful and compact these cube hubs are. They have an on/off switch, and four ports.

[Via GeekAlerts]

Old-World Style On New-World Item

Steph Auteri — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:30:00 GMT

For those of you who love the European-style tiling, you cano now incorporate it on more than your kitchen backsplash...

[19.95 Euros, laptopskins]

These laptop skins come in a variety of designs, and are made to measure for your laptop.

And tiling isn't the only style available!

[Via geeksugar]

Related: Round Up: Cute Laptop Cases

Social Networking Wars

Steph Auteri — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:30:00 GMT

My Morning Computer Routine:

Check Gmail
Notice I have a Facebook message. Sign in to Facebook.
Notice I have a MySpace message. Sign in to MySpace.
Catch up on my Google Reader.
Think of something to Twitter about.
Start blogging.

The other day, GeekSugar posted about Digsby, a downloadable application that allows you to keep track of all your instant messaging, e-mail, and social networking applications in one, convenient place.

Today, after many days of being too busy because I was gchatting, Twittering, Stumbling, blogging, etc., I decided to look into this further.

The application is easy enough to download and install and, soon enough, I was being prompted to log in.

After that, I was automatically brought to a screen that allowed me to begin adding all my social networking accounts.

Eventually, I had what looked sorta like an AIM buddy list, except that it included both my gmail and AIM buddies and, at the bottom, alerts on new messages I had over at Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. I would post an image, but I don't think my buddy list would approve.

Final verdict: Pretty nifty. But what about my accounts with StumbleUpon, Digg, LinkedIn, ShopStyle, ThisNext...

Obviously, I have a problem.

Bonus video!

Super Printer: I Could Use One Of These

Steph Auteri — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:30:00 GMT

[$216-$280, Brother]

Despite having my computer (allegedly) linked to my husband's printer, all of my print jobs have been getting stuck in the queue, not printing out until he prints something out from his computer.

I have no idea how to fix this, and would much rather spend almost $300 on a super-multitasking-printer than figure it out. The MFC-885CW is from a line of new printers Brother has coming out later this year, for their 100th anniversary. What it can do after the jump:

print
scan
copy
fax
photo printing from a flash card or USB drive and PC fax
cordless phone
built-in speakerphone
answering machine

Dude.

[Via Crave]

For the USB-Crazy

Steph Auteri — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:30:00 GMT

[$49.99, Kensington]

Since by now we own so many useless USB-based gadgets that we don't know what to do with them, I don't think it can hurt to have another, easy-to-reach USB hub (seriously, guys; I am so sick of crawling behind my desk to get to the two USB ports on the back of my tower).

In addition to two easy-access USB 2.0 ports right up top, the Ci70 keyboard has five keyboard hot keys for instant access to mail, media, search,and more, and media keys for volume control, track control, play and pause.

Plus it looks nice.

[Via Popgadget]

Intriguing: Another Search Engine Enters The Fray

Steph Auteri — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

I thought this was intriguing, so perhaps you will too. Or perhaps you and Google will just continue on your merry little way, holding hands, skipping down the sidewalk, declaring your undying love for each other. And that's fine, too. Because while there's a place for Google, I think there may also be a place for this.

Searchme is a search engine (duh) that allows you to see what you're searching for:

After inputting a search term, categories appear that relate to your query. You can choose a category to better hone in on your target destination.

Pretty nifty, huh? What do you think about it?

Useless Yet Necessary: Tengu

Steph Auteri — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:30:00 GMT

[(£24.99, Tengu]

The majority of USB devices out there are completely useless, and Tengu is no different, but he has a personality to him that's difficult to resist.

Designed to respond to sound, Tengu lip-synchs along to the things he hears, which I think is great, because then we could totally lip-synch along to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" together whenever we...I mean I...needed a work break.

Here's a video of him in action:

[Via Popgadget]

Judging a Book By Its Cover

Steph Auteri — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT

[$22, Mortimer Snodgrass]

I like the idea of having extra USB ports, as the two on the back of my computer don't really cut it. I especially like the idea of having a practical gadget that is also somewhat adorable. The USB Hub Man has four ports, and a fetching smile.

Outwit Your Witless Boss

Steph Auteri — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT

[$19.99, USB Fever]

Holy subterfuge Batman!*

Using this privacy mouse in tandem with the aforementioned rear-view computer mirrors, struggling writers torn down by the tyranny of the 9-to-5 job and it's frustrating tendency to interfere with their real passion may finally be able to write their novel while at work with a 0% threat of detection! Here's how:

This USB mouse functions as any other mouse would, yet — once super-secret hi-tech futuristic spy-enabled drivers are installed into your computer — the user is able to configure things so that, with the quick click of one mousy little button, all windows are concealed except for those specifically designated by him/her. No more fumbling around for the Show Desktop option on the screen by those with poor eye/hand coordination! No more close calls! No more smug looks from your boss when he catches you, for the trillionth time, playing Spider Solitaire.

Struggling cubicle dwellers! We will tear down the corporate infrastructure using their own technology!

[via Popgadget]

*I used to have a crush on Burt Ward and I actually own an autographed photo of him dressed up as Robin that I found in a record shop in Privincetown.