With less than one day left before I leave for CES 2010, it’s time to make sure I have all the right equipment and to give you a run-down on how to follow the MIDMoves, UMPCPortal and Carrypad news from the event but first I need to say ‘thanks’ to the team at Intel that are bringing me over to CES as part of my ‘Intel Insider’ status. Not only do I get to go over as a guest, I get involved in some interesting stuff both in front and behind the scenes too. I can’t give any details at the moment but there will be at least a few great opportunities to bring you some exciting news. While I’m out there I’ll also be working very closely with Sascha and JKK, my partners on Meet:Mobility.
Kit List.
I love putting the kit together for events like this. There’s always a chance to optimise the kit, to include new software and use better techniques in order to bring you better, faster and more detailed coverage. Interestingly though, my hardware doesn’t change much at all since the last event. I’ll be using three main computing devices.
I’ve searched high and low for something better than the N82 to use as a phone-cam and PIM but every single cameraphone I’ve tried in the last year has disappointed me. The Xenon flash and sizing is unbeatable on the N82. The reliability and the fact that I’m very familiar with the software makes it difficult to change up to. I’m also a big fan of Ovi Maps as a pedestrian navigation system. Coupled with the high quality GPS, pre-loaded maps and web-based planning tool, it’s been unbeatable for me.
Much the same applies to the Gigabyte T1028M netbook that I use. It’s been upgraded with 3G and a Runcore SSD and has been working perfectly for 8 months. I’m efficient with the touch screen, I have all the software and data I need on the device and with the additional extended battery, I’ve got a good 7hours working time with the device. I doubt I’ll ever be able to find an upgrade within the netbook category although I’m looking closely at the T101H, S10 and after today’s news, the Lennovo S10-3t as possibilities.
As for the U820, well once again it’s a case of being truly at one with the device now. I’ve been using it for about 10 months and find it to be my favorite two-handed productivity device. It’s got that Runcore SSD upgrade too which, when combined with the Atom 1.6Ghz CPU and the clean Windows XP install makes it fly. Standard and extended batteries give it a total of about 7-9hrs active use and the docking station means it can be used as a desktop PC given a USB keyboard/mouse and external monitor.
In addition to the main kit i’ll be taking an Archos 5 IT (as my flight companion), a Mifi unit, the i-up power bank and the usual array of cables, USB mic, headset, Canon S2IS (I’m still recording video with this. VGA format is quick to edit and upload to YouTube)
The Channels.
As always, I’ll be using a range of internet channels to publish my work but everything from Flickr to Youtube and Twitter will end up on of my three websites.
MIDMoves for the Intel-related activities I’m getting involved with at CES. This includes sneak peeks and reports from events and private meetings.
UMPCPortal for pro-mobility news picked up by myself and the editors.
Carrypad for consumer-related mobile computing news. Large format smartphones and consumer tablets, smartbooks etc. Again, a lot of this news will be coming from the UMPCPortal and Carrypad team.
On both UMPCPortal and MIDMoves you’ll find a column of information coming in near real-time from Flickr, Twitter, YouTube and other sources. Check back regularly to get information on my movements and things going on behind the scenes.
MeetMobility will also be at CES. MeetMobility is the podcast I do with Sascha (Netbooknews) and JKK (JKKMobile) and i’m excited to be involved with our first live podcast!
And now it’s time to get back to the packing….
