Microsoft Gadgets

Microsoft seems to be getting a bit of the “me too” syndrome with their Gadgets feature. Gadgets are a similar in function to Yahoo’s Konfabulator and Apple’s Dashboard. However, based on the MS Gadgets blog, it looks like they have plans for Gadgets to be more than just widgets. While the idea sounds really cool, the examples given seem a bit misguided. An embedded messaging display in a keyboard? A task list mini-display on the outside of a laptop? Cool to be sure, but useful? I think not. After all, when was the last time you actually looked down at your keyboard while using the computer? (not including the hunt-n-peck folks) If I were MS, I’d put a little more thought into function, and a little less into flash.

The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile – Sync Mac OS X to Pocket PC, Windows Mobile and Smartphone

I was a dedicated Palm fan until one day my office bought me a iPaq PDA. Color 320×240 touch screen, 400Mhz cpu, and awesome battery life. I was hooked, and the Palm began to collect dust on a shelf. Now I’m switching to a Mac and thought I was out of luck until I found this gem. Looks like I’ll be syncing with the Mac after all 🙂 Now if I could just find a way to sync tasks and notes between Entourage and Exchange…

CNN.com – Backpack generates power from walking – Sep 9, 2005

From students to day-hikers, this little invention should help with our ever growing power needs. Just imagine a long hike with no worries about the batteries on your emergency cell phone running out.