Lynda.com - The ultimate location for Software training

One of the problems with tackling big software packages is actually learning how to use them. They carry so many options, menus, interface buttons. Overall they can be quite intimidating to someone who is looking for something straightforward.

There is a ton of information either through published books or on the world wide web, that teaches you about the software packages. The problem though is finding the time to actually sit down and read about this. Let's face it, reading manuals on software (or anything ... ) is boring and half the time you will end up forgetting the information put in front of you. The words on the page will be meaningless after roughly 15 mins.

Lynda.com brings you a new way to explore sofware packages like you've never seen before. It features a massive library of video tutorials that guide you through, step-by-step.

From my personal experience, I decided to put it to the test. I have always wanted to learn Logic Pro , but it always seemed extremely complicated. There is so many options, tools and icons. I watched the series on "Logic 9 - Essential training"

I found that the videos available on the site are very straightforward. They pay careful attention to detail but at the same time, everything is user-friendly. The screenflow system whereby the narrator is showing you his screen is nothing short of brilliant. The quality is so clear and a special effort is made to ensure you as the student aren't lost. Audio is clear and concise.

The subscription for lynda.com comes in 2 flavors. You can subscribe monthly or yearly to either videos or videos and example files. For my money, taking a subscription to Lynda.com is far better than buying a book. It's fun and you will learn something new each time you take on a new lesson.

Try it now for 24 hours and I promise you will reap the full benefits

Kodak ZI6 review

While shooting video on YouTube can prove a very difficult task; it is always important to have a camera that can shoot precise video when needed. It is this reason that I decided to buy the Kodak ZI6 camcorder.

For the purposes of this review; I'm going to refer to this Kodak ZI6 as a camera even though there is certain ambiguity over the real genre of this device

In coming to choose a perfect camera to shoot youtube videos; I was tied down to two devices ; the Kodak ZI6 and the Flip Ultra. I had read many reviews on each ; they both served the same purpose ; ideally, a camera that could shoot easy video and this could be uploaded to youtube in an instant. It was the Full HD capability that lead me to purchasing the Kodak zi6.

Kodak zi6 unboxing


The camera comes with a handy pouch for storage; a set of AA rechargeable batteries and conviently ; a charger with the 3 pin plug. All the necessary manuals and CD software is included.

The camera is fully compatible with iMovie 09 and the files can easily be extracted in the software for editing. What works out very handy is there is no coversion software required for the viewing of video clips on quicktime for Mac for instant viewing. One of the things that really struck out to me, was how fast the data was transferred from the camera to my computer. This is usually a long process but when using the Kodak ZI6 the video was copied almost instantly.

The main feature of the camera is the flip USB connector that allows you to plug it directly into your computer with the need for a card reader or seperate cable. The downside to this is when plugging into USB ports hidden in the back of the desktop computer; the camera is sometimes forced to hang directly from the USB and this is putting strain on the USB connector. Over time this could prove a worry so it is advisable to buy a USB extender cable. It would have been a good idea for Kodak to perhaps, include this as part of the package.

The large 3.5" screen on the camera allows you to preview the content very easily and even if you are not near a computer; you can still view the clips with full sound playback. While this may not be the best way to judge the quality of the video, it is certainly a good feature for shooting those all important clips and viewing them at an instant.

The video is shot in 3 different modes: VGA, HD 30fps and 60fps. It is a good idea to only shoot at the highest rate if you have a large sized memory card. Kodak allows you to use the new high capacity SD memory cards up to 16GB. So far I've been using a 4gb SD card and I have not run out of memory.

The background noise is not picked up too much on the cameras microphone but at the same time there is no issue with hearing precise commentry made by the video photographer or the the subject whom he/she is shooting.

If you are not in posession of a computer then don't fear; this camera can be connected to a HD television using the RGB component cables for full high definition picture quality. They even supply cables to connect to a DVD recorder for keeping those home movies backed up.

Overall this is an excellent quick point-and-shoot video camera and does exactly what it is meant to do. It shoots video for instant viewing and instant upload to YouTube. The only bad point I have found with the camera is the battery life. I found that while using this; I would only get about 1-2 days usage. I would have liked if Kodak included Lithium batteries instead of the Metal Hydroxide ones that won't have the same lifetime.

9/10

[Caption]

My views on the capsule rebel by switcheasy

Hey guys,

Just thought I've give you my thoughts and opinions on the capsule rebel.

As outlined in the You-Tube vid below, this case is really amazing. I love the look and the feel.

I think I'll be choosing the plastic cases over the silicone or rubber cases in future!

If you can recommend me a good plastic case for my iphone 3g please leave a comment below.

At the moment I'm trying to reach out to the manufacturers to see if they can send me some cases to try out an review for you guys.

Anyway, here's the vid

Capsule rebel review

Capsule rebel (black and yellow) for the iphone 3g

Capsule Rebel (Black and Yellow) for the iphone 3g

First few weeks with the iphone 3g- my first impressions compared to the original iphone

I have been using the iphone 3g for approximately 3 weeks now and I just thought I would give you my first impressions.

I have the original iphone and have been using that for the last year. In terms of software I find that the iphone 3g is performing much faster than its predecessor. I used to have a problem on my original iphone where it would take ages to input text as there was a large amount of lag between pushing the buttons and the text showing up on screen.

As well as that, youtube is back up running. For some strange reason, youtube was not working on my old iphone. It never actually loaded the video. I am not having that problem on the new iphone 3g.

I have found that the iphone 3g has very good phone signal. I am getting a full 5 bars on a regular basis. I am finding the range of the wifi radio is also stronger. I'm not sure if this is to do with the plastic on the back versus the aliminium on the older model; I just find it so much better.

The only disappointment I have found with the iphone 3g is the backward compaitibility with the old iphone's accessories. For example, while driving to work the other day, my iphone battery was running


low so I plugged in my Griffin iTrip FM transmitter. It immediately came up on the screen "Iphone charging not supported with this accessory". It basically means that I have to go out and buy a new car charger.
I don't know why apple decided to do this; I am guessing that there is a difference in voltage between the two dock connectors. I dunno; maybe you guys could leave a comment and let me know. And, if this is the case then that would mean that the old iphone speaker docks won't charge my iphone 3g. It's very inconvenient for any person who has upgraded from the previous model.

I love using the 3g feature on my iphone to view web pages. This is really really good; much much faster than edge. It does drain the battery significantly. I might see if I can get one of those external betteries from Richard Solo and maybe bring it to work with me so I'll always have a charge.

Anyway, those are just a few points about the new iphone 3g and how I have gotten along with it in the past few days

Capsule Rebel for the Iphone 3g unboxing

Hey guys,

Well after my disappointment with the ifrogz case, as you may not know, I had to use my old iSkin Revo for the original iphone. This actually fitted the iphone 3g really well. It felt snug and the iphone was well protected. The only thing that prevents me using that as my iphone 3g go-to case, is the case is really old and well worn. So much so that the case is actually tearing down the sides.

So, I went ahead and decided to get a new case for my iphone 3g. I watched a You-Tube Video on youtuber's itsmemorphious' site which was entitled "My top 5 iphone cases". The one that came out best was the Capsule Rebel by SwitchEasy. I checked their website and they do deliver to Ireland. I bought a white one from them for 25 euro excl. P&P.

The case arrived last Monday and I though I would shoot an unboxing of the case and applying the case to the phone.

Capsule Rebel case for the iphone 3g unboxing

The iFrogz silicone wrapz case for the iphone 3g

Hey guys,

I bought this case for my iphone 3g and it hasnt been good. I don't like this case one bit.

So why, I hear you ask, do I not like it? Well, there are a number of reasons  for this.

Firstly. I don't like how much bulk it adds to the phone. I find that the phone feels like a brick in my hand. It's very clunky and holding it up to my face just feels wrong.

Secondly, I don't like the silicone on the case. It's very tacky and sometimes it's impossible to pull the phone out of my pocket. There have been times where I have needed 2 hands to pull it out of jeans pocket. While I do like the safety of this feature, it's not something that I want to keep on having to do everytime I need to read a text message or answer a phone call.

Finally, The area around the screen presents a problem for me when writing text messages. I find it hard to push the space key and the a key as they are too close to the edge. I would prefer something that is a bit more flush to the screen.

In saying all the above, it's a case that offers very good shock protection and I would recommend it if you are looking for something that gives that.

Overall I would give this case a 4 out of 10.

Early review of the Samsung nc10 netbook

This is a video review of my Samsung NC10 netbook. It's running Windows XP home edition and has the following specs

1.6 ghz Intel Atom processor.

1 gb ram DDR2-5300

160 GB HD

10.2" screen

6 cell battery.

I use this netbook for when I'm travelling and my other laptop; the Apple macbook is too heavy to carry around with me. This thing is super light and does everything I want it to do.