working on tech

working on tech

Mission Statement

This blog should be a safe place for anyone who wants to talk, read, listen, and experience technology in safe GOD fearing way. I am a believer and follower of JESUS CHRIST MY LORD AND SAVIOR WHO I BELIEVE CAME DOWN AS GOD IN THE FLESH TO SHED BLOOD SO WE MAY BE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD AND HE WILL ACT AS WITNESS ON OUR BEHALF BECAUSE NO MAN CAN GET TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BUT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST and it is those who believe mission to spread this message of love to all people for GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD! I strive to live righteously and I pray you do to and understand that we should do that in all that we do even when we are enjoying my favorite hobby, all things tech! that's why I am a techie in CHRIST I am a tech nerd that is grounded in the LORD. GOD BLESS !
Showing posts with label acer c7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acer c7. Show all posts

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Leaving Macbook/Chromebook/Nexus 7 for the Surface Pro 2: My Surface Pro 2 review

So after a whole year for debate I finally purchased the Surface Pro 2. I know as a techie, it is odd I would wait that long to get a new gadget but this was different. Let me explain. I have been using Macbooks for years and I was a self admitted, apple fanboy! I even grabbed the mac mini , and Imac just to finish the spread. Of course I had to compliment it with IOS devices from Iphone to ipads. Like most in the tech industry, if we are being honest, we grew bored of OSX and IOS as of late. I was waiting for ios 7 but it was new for the worst. So for the sake of my thirst for something new, I hoped on Chromebook, and wow here we go again! I became fully immersed in Google and I was loving the new updates and the tons of opportunity for tinkering. Then I hit another big wall. I find myself constantly trying to find workarounds! Google tech should be called the work around tech. In the back of my head I kept debating should I dive back into windows despite the biggest deterrent the $1250 estimated expense for getting what I want in the surface pro 2. After a year, GOD blessed me with my wife deciding I can have a Surface Pro 2 as a Christmas gift. Especially because I sold my Macbook,, Chromebook, and Nexus 7 to finance. So now I give you my first week review written with my SP2.

Initial impressions

The first thing I thought while taking the surface from its packaging was , "whoa is this heavy!" Now mind you before this I had a nexus 7 so I was use to a feather light tablet. I guess that's the curse of having it in a tablet form factor, people naturally expect it to weigh like a tablet. This is a real computer and you can feel it. It didn't feel as heavy as my Acer C7 Chromebook or even much heavier than my ipad 3 but it was definitely no ipad air or nexus 7 (duh!). I love the smooth metal. I give that reaction when I see a luxury sports car, like woah. The surface pro looks like something apple would make, trust me that's a compliment.




First boot up

The initial boot up was 15 seconds, this is amazing on first starts and it asked the usual set up questions. I know it isn't as fast as the log in for Chromebook, but I think its faster than the macbook. It's a lot faster than typical windows pc's so I was impressed. I thought it was cool how it automatically pulled in the desktop background from my actual desktop computer I have in the basement. It was all tied to my outlook account. Coming from apple and Google, of course I LOVE SYNERGY!

Initial Experience

I quickly became immersed in this gadget. It was fun again! I had the unfamiliarity with using touch on windows 8 in a new form factor. I also was impressed with the quick speed. I forgot how real multi tasking worked. I didn't have the pause state of ios, or the awkward windows of osx. I wasn't just regulated to tabs like in chrome but I was side by side with the snap feature. Watching YouTube tutorials on surface , (out of necessity) , on one side, and trying out what I learned on the other. It was great.

Lets break it down further to the things I like:



  • Snap Windows / multi tasking - I just covered that above. To add, I like being able to research two things at once. I was in love as I was watching +MKBHD on YouTube while scrolling through my Google+ on the other side. I was showing off , switching between screens on one side while constantly watching my video.



  • Type Keyboard: - It is weird that from my memory, the surface is the first gadget to be judged by an accessory that doesn't even come packaged with it. I guess because the type keyboard is specific for the gadget and its built by the same manufacturer. Anyone who pays attention know that Microsoft was trying to avoid the sticker price of a $1,000 tablet but every person covering it mention how you will be like me walking out about 1250 for a 128 gig with touch keyboard and tax. I am happy though because the touch keyboard makes this a laptop. I am typing on the keyboard right now and its phenomenal ! I LOVE a good keyboard and that's what I liked best about my Acer C7. I was thinking I was going to have to give it up when I went to the type keyboard but its nice. It has a plastic but mechanic feel to it. I like the sound of the touch keys and I can feel the keys spring back to my fingers. I have never been able to type so fast on a table. I forget that this is just an accessory! I constantly kept using my track pad rather than the touch screen. I guess its muscle memory. I like that I can touch with most of the items but when its something that needs precision , I can just use the trackpad. The keyboard also shines when it comes to the biggest headache of portable computing, filling out forms! I know apple is trying to fix this with key chain , but there is nothing like pressing tab to input in different fields, and I get less errors with a real keyboard, and for the few times I do error, I have the precision of the trackpad and cursor vs the pain of trying to use your finger (highlighting by accident, moving text etc).. .I don't want to leave this without mentioning, back-lighting. As a busy husband and father I am usually regulated to typing at night and the back-light helped me not wake my wife and kids while exploring my new toy! 



  • GAMING BABY!!!!!  - Steam ,,,,,,,,,,, I just wanted that to marinate. I like other pc gamers are used to high graphics, but the built in i5 processor gives us console quality games (at leaste the wii u) and when I'm on the go,  I got a console with me. I was excited to install Mortal Kombat and Bioshock Infinite. Bioshock is set on low settings but still looks beautiful and console quality. Mortal Kombat keeps crashing forcing me to Google up the answer, I found out it hates the resolution so that wasn't a surface problem. The headache came with my Xbox wireless adapter. I don't know whats going on, but I guess its my device because now its not working with my monster desktop. So I used a ps3 controller with motion joy emulating like a xbox controller oh yeah baby! I wish it worked Bluetooth but from my knowledge so far, I have to choose between my keyboard and controller so im stuck on usb. I also got a emulator running roms from my 80s past... gaming is the show off part I was looking for , nothing an apple fanboy can do to outshine steam! 



  • Networking- I got it hooked up to my home network. Windows excels at talking to my networked computers! I went into my gaming rig to get games and files I needed. I was amazing that it pulled up my playon folder on my monster desktop. I printed a document automatically with no drivers needed or copy and paste or an APP! 



  • Less Need for APPS - Apple is genius. They managed to make the world expect everything to come as apps to make up for a lack of multitasking, flash, or customization. It worked. Almost every review you read will mention the lack of apps hurting the surface pro but they fell to note, it's A FULL COMPUTER!! Apps where invented because you couldn't just go to a website with flash, or download a legacy app. Guess what, I can here. I already mentioned steam. Instead of looking for an gaming app I just used steam and then when I wanted a emulator I just searched for it and downloaded it. When I wanted the big three browsers I just downloaded it! I then went to my school website flash based. I can get the full version of any site , I used to hate how even with a nexus 7, ign.com defautlted to the mobile version of the site.  I can just go to the actual website vs searching for an app in twitter, facebook ,google plus (save that for later) ... 



  • Waacom Pen - man this pen is amazing! I cant believe how amazing this pen is! Microsoft doesnt tout it enough. That was what I been showing off the most, the pen makes people go wow! I can write out anything and it turns it into text. It even reads cursive writing! I was even drawing pictures of people and drawing on it! I like that its pressure sensitive and it rejects my palm. I ususally put my tablet down and opt for a pen and paper when I am trying to do a quick note, a quick number , and draw something, but this thing can make me paperless, this means a lot for a highschool teacher. I cant stress it enough try it!! 



Enough of the mushy stuff lets talk a little about gripes. 


Two days in and I refreshed because I downloaded some questionable programs. Programs not apps , closed ecosystems protect us from our stupidtiy but windows allows us to make catastrophic mistakes, but wow I still got to put it in here. I also had my chrome browser crash when I was running it in windows 8 mode.

Chrome needs help! Its sooo washed out. I am using it now because thats what I am used to using. I like chrome but the look of it is horrid. Not to mention the icons are just like you see on a chromebook so I have to use a type keyboard. I know I like it but its worth noting. It doesnt work in windows 8 mode unless you make it a default app, but once you do that internet explorer only opens in desktop mode so basically you have to chose. this is both of thier fault. Googele+ is single colum on IE and renders wrong. I guess google hates the surface. cmon google . The saving grace is the apps launcher on my desktop. I love that I can just click on the apps launcher to get all my google goodies. I still need a more pixel friendly chrome browser.

No pen slot - I cant find it, I havent been out so I have hope but I am nervous that my pen is not in one of my kids toys. It supposed to be held in the power adapter slot but if I got it plugged up , wouldnt I be most likely using my keyboard and NOT a pen? hmmmm

Track Pad- yes I praised the trackpad earlier for precision and highlighting the text but while editing this document I discovered that I need a clickable trackpad which will help it be easier to drag to highlight.


Friday, October 11, 2013

New chromebooks got me ol gitty!

I am so excited about the new Chromebooks, one is the $279 HP Chromebook that will have a white macbook like casing with accent colors, that brings me back to the days when i was toting the light fun laptop. The hp 11 coolest feature is the ability to charge of usb, thats one less cord to carry. Every one who has commented on the the hp 11 has said the same thing. I love the thought of a toy like laptop that is awesome for quick blogging and reading the web. Lets be honest, that is what we mostly do. I am currently doing it right now in fact. The people that actually use the computer for much more are definitely NOT considering a computer sub $500.
The second awesome Chromebook I seen was the Haswell Acer c7! for $250!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to type the extra punctuation to punctuate my excitement. I am typing on a c7 which I purchased over the Samsung Chromebook mostly because it has a Intel chip. The Intel chip is useful when it comes to Linux because that enables me to run programs like java run time. The thing that holds the c7 back was the slow processor. It works but it was slow and still not comfortable. Geeks know what I mean when I say something works but it  is not fun. I look forward to the more powerful battery sipping chip to make Linux fun! I heard so many good things about the Chromebook pixel because it had the nice ivy bridge processor. Don't troll me, I know this haswell chip wont be an i5 level chip but I think the power should be awesome. The pixel was 1500 , I am just happy I can get a better Intel chip with a cheaper price than the arm based hp.

So for my readers who want to take care of business like regular people ie : pay bills, scroll for information, use Facebook, Google plus (wishful thinking) etc. a Chromebook is perfect. These two Chromebooks are cheaper than full size tablets and they are far more convenient when using a trackpad and keyboard to fll in forms rather using your finger and zooming in sliding your finger to fix typos haha. Watch out Apple, Microsoft , the world is chachca cha chainging!

GOD BLESS

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Things I heard 9/14 iphone, 8.1, nexus lte , chromebooks, nexus 5

It has been a while isnce I updated so forgive me if some of this is dated but I just wanted to talk about the things that caught my eye or ears or ...whatever

1. Chromebook updates- I am sure windows is nervous because it seems as though there is a new buddy in town. All of the big vendors from lenovo, toshiba, to hp are making their own version of the chromebook. The chromebooks range from arm low powered arm chips, mid range atom refreshed bay trail processors, and surprising cheaper haswell. For non geeks this means the chromebooks will be able to run longer on the battery, run faster, and have better graphics! I love my Acer A7, its my go to machine for creating content because most of what I do is using google apps. This will just make things smoother for me when I ad a linux os on the side.

2. Possible Nexus 5 FCC leak - this was pretty cool people seem to be freaking out like it was an iphone. I see android fanboys can be just as passionate. I found myself clicking on every story I seen mentioning the nexus 5. That speaks a lot when your device gained so much loyalty, people cant wait to the next iteration. You have previously only seen that on the iphone and recently galaxy.

3. iphone 5c preorders- it is a lot to this story because what people are not talking about is the fact that I don't hear anything about iphone 5s orders ? Why not? Does apple realize that the announcement is underwhelming? Are they trying to build up a artificial sense of demand? I don't know , i guess I am a hypocrite because I seem to be excited about a processor bump to chromebooks when it is the same thing but I made fun of apple! I guess its just hard for those on top!

4. new windows 8.1 devices - i heard something about Asus coming with an 8.1 transformer type device for about $350! Wow if this is the case I am definitely interested. The problem with windows tablets is the price. The low price of android tablets helped people leave their comfort zone of the ipad but the surface was too expensive. As a government employee who is forced to use windows at work, I think I would like to have a portable device that runs windows and windows product. I have to admit though Im interested, it will be hard for me to part from my nexus!

5. Nexus LTE is here! - Im so excited! I have talked often about how I wish I had a device to rule them all, I was excited about the note 3 and I got really excited about the Sony Ultra Z but I have been waiting on the Nexus 7 LTE. I heard that tmobile will give a free month when you activate the sim card that it comes shipped with. I currently subscribe to verizon lte for my old ipad but I would love to switch it out. I now face the hard part. I need to seel my nexus devices so I can purchase a lte nexus 7 and maybe a cheap flip for backup. Any body want a nexus package? I need like 400 to cover tax. Leave comments for suggestions and let me know will using this as a phone and tablet will be a good choice!


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

things i heard 9/3


Microsoft brought Nokia - Wowzers this set the Internet on fire with thousands of nerds looking! I hear many saying this makes no since for Microsoft because it was almost as if nokia was exclusively tied to Microsoft anyway. Some say it was rumors that Nokia was debating jumping to the free android platform on some if you like microsoft put a ring on it! haha sorry

Kitkat - Android new operating system will be called kitkat, its funny people was angry because it was a 4.4 rather than a 5.0 but numbers is just numbers right, as long as it adds functionality and improvements what are you mad at? hmmm are people growing weary of android like they where until IOS 7 ? I guess this shouldn't be a big issue because most people android is different due to samsung  and htc clones, but us nexus folk is another monster. Leave a comment if you have time of what you would want to see.

Acer 6 inch - the bigger news is that thing can record 4k . Wow the unfortunate thing is that no one has a 4k tv! So whats the point? Lets put it in the boast category, and that's not it, its only dwarfed by the 6.3 mega from what I know , and a quad core 2.2 i think processor makes a techie drewl. I just never heard of acer phones, i know some people hate acer, including myself until I had the pleasure of using the c7 chromebook. I am typing on it now and I literally smile and make a mental note on how much I love the computer every time I use it and its been 2 months! I guess you can say im excited!

apple invite for sep 10th event - i thought i broke the apple curse now that im google all the way but its something about apple in the press or maybe its the crowd or whatever but the invite prompted me to watch a youtube video as a refresher on what to expect with ios7 and things looked so much more awesome than it did this summer at wwdc. I guess its the hype that gets us, GOD FORGIVE ME! The flyer had colors that seem to relate to the leaked photos of colors that supposedly come with the new cheaper iphone 5c. This isn't much a surprise because of the business since outside us for Tim Cook at the risk of loosing the luxury mystique of apple. Also this the phone most influenced by Johny Ive at his new position of authority and we know he was one of the major player behind the star burst macs!

Verizon buys out vodaphone- this is more of a business story but I guess I preferred personally American own corps like at&t despite hating giving them my business also. I know that is somewhat a old way of thinking especially knowing that in the international market very few corporations are truly or at least purely American. We are in a global economy but I am curious what will Verizon do now without outside influence.

xbox one features- xbox one is finally getting back in the news for good things, like for me personally, the nfl app will include red zone, which is fun to work with especially because the men in my family play a friendly game off office pickem each weak. It also has espn updates. The coolest thing I saw is support for 8 controllers, I don't have an idea off hand why would this be needed but what if madden had controls for a coop 8 captains.(qb, rb, 2 wides/ corners, mlb, de) wow or marvel heroes.

GOD BLESS





Sunday, August 18, 2013

When you notice Chromebook works

So here I am laying in a bunk bed because my son is sick. He was fussy so I stayed in the room while he was falling asleep. I was naturally trying to figure out how to multi-task so I quickly grabbed my Chromebook. It was so light. I actually exclaimed that out loud to my wife because I was just using her macbook which seemed pretty heavy. I liked that it was light enough to hold in one hand as I carried my son up the steps because of course being sick took away his 2 1/2 body's ability to walk up the stairs. He kept tossing and turning so I thought to myself, I am sure glad this thing doesn't have a loud fan while using it. Who needs a loud fan when your running an browser operating system, (mind you I am using an Intel at that). I was able to quickly type up my sermon reflection for this blog without breaking a sweat. The keyboard felt so good in my hands I didn't notice how much I wrote. I was able to reshare my blog post with all of the social networks because the large screen and track pad made this task seem relatively effortless compared to trying to re post using a tablet. I felt so good I decided to type this post tonight as well due to the fact the keys feel so good its soothing to my hands as I prepare for bed. I didn't read much in terms of keyboard for this Acer C7 Chromebook but I think this may be the greatest feature of this product. 

So summing up my ah ha moment, when I noticed Chromebook works: 

  • I love its portability due to lack of weight. 
  • The lightweight operating system creates a quiet low powered, no fuss working environment. 
  • The keyboard is phenomenal on this machine and makes me want to type all day! 
  • The laptop layout with track pad help to make multiple or complex tasks easy, tablets still haven't matched the precision of a keyboard and track pad. 
    • FYI I'm explaining to my wife why I haven't left the room yet now that my son is fully asleep while I'm typing this out, aka multitasking
  • oh and did I mention this thing is cheap? I mean for real like I read my C7 is 129 on Acers ebay page. 

So as I wrap up this "unbiased" haha post about why Chromebook works I will sum it up like this. If you only think internet when you think computer, can deal with cloud based word processing and excel, a blogger as a hobby and maybe professionally, and love to save money. Don't spend money on a fancy macbook, or a spam packed cheap windows computer. Get a delightfully affordable Chromebook! 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

My journey with Acer C7 chromebook a teachers perspective

So I purchased the chromebook last week because it was on clearance open box at best buy and I was pretty excited. I am a fan of gadgets and a big fan of google so it was a perfect combination, (a cheap google gadget!) and quickly I decided I needed to load Linux on it. I am a teacher and many of the programs we use require java run time so I was forced to add java and that meant Linux. Luckily google makes it easy of course with the help of the open source community, namely this chrUbuntu blogger!

First impressions

  • its pretty light, i mean its no macbook air, but its comfortably portable
  • I LOVE the keyboard! 
  • the track pad sucks! 
  • this thing gets hot with Linux 
  • time to use blogger to talk about it! 
I pray that I am able to keep up with logging of this experience. If anyone follows me on twitter, they know I start initiatives sometimes don't finish but we will see how this goes, I am using blogger now and it seems to be quick and easy for me to maintain and I hope I can realize my dream of doing this to scale. GOD BLESS