brian habbe | window to my world

February 27, 2005

An LCD at last

Yes I’m a little slow at times but I just didn’t want to give up my 21″ CRT until I found a good replacement. Thanks to the brother in law I was able to move up from a 15″ to the 21″, and WOW what a difference. Even though it could only due 1024 x 768 still it made a lot more room on the desktop. I was glad to use it for the last few years. At least I think that’s how long I’ve had it.

Sitting at the computer for 8 + hours means you need a good keyboard, screen and chair. I have no problems with the keyboard and chair. The last couple weeks though the monitor has been getting on my nerves. I think mainly cause the office is going to get redesigned soon and the 75lb monitor that takes up a big chunck of the desk is well, getting in the way. So to take a break the other day I headed up to Best Buy to check out what they might have. I really wasn’t going to buy anything either just wanted to see what I could get for the $300 – $400 dollar range. Needless to say I should not have gone.

I did not check any reviews on flat screens, I had not gotten that far yet. But when walking by the flat screen displays I knew I was in trouble. LG’s Flatron L1920P, 19″ flat screen with USB ports plus analog and digital outputs, $450 with rebates.

I wasn’t even going to go that big, I thought 17″ would be enough. But at that price, with digital, well lets just say I did not expect it. Yes it was an impulse buy but that price was only good for another day and they had one box left. Now maybe I could have done just as good or even better with a Dell or a NEC, but it’s not like I work with video all day. Using the digital output is great and the screen is excellent.

It’s been only a few days now and at this point I can say I’m feeling good. Now in three months when LCD prices drop and I could have gotten the same thing for $50 less, well then I might have to second guess the impulse by. But for now it’s worth it.

Now as long as I don’t do the same thing with the truck !!!!

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February 14, 2005

Carrying your laptop

Now that I’ve had the new laptop for a while I’ve found myself doing a little traveling and in need of some type of carrying case. I have a Targus Notebook Backpack but that has so many pockets I find myself throughing everything in except the kitchen sink. Of course since the new laptop has a 12 cell batter and I’ve been getting 4 – 6 hours out of it I figured it was time I went with something a little lighter. So after hearing about a sleeve on a forum or two I went searching and I must say I found a great company with a great product.

My requirements were the laptop needed to fit snug and provide protection, but that’s it. No need to worry about pockets to carry cables or cords, just make it simple. After a bit of searching I ran across a place in San Francisco called Waterfield Designs. This company makes a variety of protective cases for laptops, ipods, ipod gear, keyboards, cables and wallets. I’ve had it now for about a month and it is great. What I got was a Sleeve Case exactly like the one pictured. Made from high grade neoprene with ballistic nylon shell it is rugged and looks great at the same time. You can select from 14 different laptop manufactures with all there current models and customize features such as orientation, closing flap, sholder strap, or a piggy back.

If you have a similar need and are looking for something unique, this is it. Not to mention they are made in the USA, at $45.00 with no extras it was well worth it.

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