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Vista Lab After Hours

in

January 6, 2005

Tony & Tina’s Wedding

The entire group of Vista RTM Lab Invitees went to see Tony & Tina’s Wedding, a dinner theater play currently showing nightly at the Rio.

I had thought I would be super bored by the event, but the actors roped us in. at times I felt that I was reliving a bizzaro wedding I had been to in the past.

I recommend it.

Also, guess who I met there?

Darryl K. Taft.

After reading his articles for the longest time and listening to his podcast with Mary Jo Foley this past June, I was ready to meet the man.

He turned out to be more than I expected: a very genial, welcoming man.

Also turns out that Darryl had been to Nigeria! And knows about palm wine!

Definitely good to meet him.

Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for SmallBizVista.com®

The Vista RTM Lab: Day I

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Introduction & Welcome

Nick White, Microsoft

This is the largest Vista Lab ever, with a lot more new faces, even a Microsoft MVP from Nigeria.

Nick welcomed and thanked us for being there.

Thanking us for being there and our contributions? When we should be thanking him, Terri, Brandon, Aaron, and by proxy, Microsoft for this opportunity to get ahead in the game!

Loaded sessions, NDA stuff, lots of information to be imparted, food, contacts, yada, yada, yada...

Session 1: 3P Hardware

The Vista hardware logo certification program.

We were informed of several stats about the logo program: over 2000 devices certified for Vista, over 4000 devices have pass the basic certification process – both certified and basic Ready for Vista. There have been submissions by over 200 device manufacturers for the Vista logo program.

It is pleasing to note that Microsoft has taken the initiative to require a certification process for hardware as opposed to only a 'Works with Vista' logo.

However, I see a fault in this approach, also eloquently asked by attendee Ryan Hoffman, "Are you telling us that a Vista-certified device may or may not work with Vista x64?"

The silence was deafening!

As usual, a trait demonstrated by Microserfs was displayed: the presenter actually listened. I must remember to send a follow-up email to see if this issue has been or will be adequately resolved.

Session 2: (A Day In the Life of A Bug) Incorporating Customer Feedback

The Vista beta test program.

Turns out that when Microsoft released stats about the Vista beta, they knew what they were talking about!

For the first time, Microsoft was able to accurately determine just how many Vista™ beta images were actually installed; as opposed to ‘just throwing the beta images over the fence and hoping and praying that they were installed and tested. How beta testers were funneled, chopped, diced, and sorted according to their PIDs.

The presenter took us through the way they were able to accurately note, without PIIs, the total numbers of actual installs of each vista beta, the source of the PIDs, etc.

He also told us how generated feedback was processed and results worked on, with daily shipper meetings, etc.

All in all a very informative session.

Session 3: 3rd Party Software

Speaks basically to why makes Microsoft such a power: the ability to make partners better. Not the cliché, but the real thing.

(Under NDA)

Karsten then demonstrated WPF. A kiosk program currently running in all North Face stores was shown. People, this thing is niiice! The WPF engine and controls makes stuff easy for developers to tap into the power of Vista.

Next, he showed us Expression Blend. This program is so powerful and seemingly easy to use out-of-the-box that it has become my new love.

The ease with which Expression Blend allows both expert developers and mere dabblers to create cannot be adequately described. Indeed, it is a seeing-is-believing program.

It automatically creates XAML code on the back end for designers to use if so desired!

I cannot wait to get back to UniMatrix Zero-1 to try it out.

Session 4: Vista UX

As with all T's sessions, this is under permanent NDA.

Session 5: (Under NDA until January 20)

Copyright © 2007, John Obeto II for SmallBizVista.com®


.


© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

Vista Lab I

in

Introduction & Welcome
Nick White, Microsoft

This is the largest Vista Lab ever, with a lot more new faces, even a Microsoft MVP from Nigeria.

Nick welcomed and thanked us for being there.

Thanking us for being there and our contributions? When we should be thanking him, Terri, Brandon, Aaron, and by proxy, Microsoft for this opportunity to get ahead in the game!

Loaded sessions, NDA stuff, lots of information to be imparted, food, contacts, yada, yada, yada...

Session 1: 3P Hardware

The Vista hardware logo certification program.

We were informed of several stats about the logo program: over 2000 devices certified for Vista, over 4000 devices have pass the basic certification process – both certified and basic Ready for Vista. There have been submissions by over 200 device manufacturers for the Vista logo program.

It is pleasing to note that Microsoft has taken the initiative to require a certification process for hardware as opposed to only a 'Works with Vista' logo.

However, I see a fault in this approach, also eloquently asked by attendee Ryan Hoffman, "Are you telling us that a Vista-certified device may or may not work with Vista x64?"

The silence was deafening!

As usual, a trait demonstrated by Microserfs was displayed: the presenter actually listened. I must remember to send a follow-up email to see if this issue has been or will be adequately resolved.

A Day In the Life of A Bug
The Vista beta test program.

Turns out that when Microsoft released stats about the Vista beta, they knew what they were talking about!

For the first time, Microsoft was able to accurately determine just how many Vista™ beta images were actually installed; as opposed to ‘just throwing the beta images over the fence and hoping and praying that they were installed and tested. How beta testers were funneled, chopped, diced, and sorted according to their PIDs.

The presenter took us through the way they were able to accurately note, without PIIs, the total numbers of actual installs of each vista beta, the source of the PIDs, etc.

He also told us how generated feedback was processed and results worked on, with daily shipper meetings, etc.

All in all a very informative session.

3rd Party Software
Speaks basically to why makes Microsoft such a power: the ability to make partners better. Not the cliché, but the real thing.

(Under NDA)

Karsten then demonstrated WPF. A kiosk program currently running in all North Face stores was shown. People, this thing is niiice! The WPF engine and controls makes stuff easy for developers to tap into the power of Vista.

Next, he showed us Expression Blend. This program is so powerful and seemingly easy to use out-of-the-box that it has become my new love.

The ease with which Expression Blend allows both expert developers and mere dabblers to create cannot be adequately described. Indeed, it is a seeing-is-believing program.

It automatically creates XAML code on the back end for designers to use if so desired!

I cannot wait to get back to UniMatrix Zero-1 to try it out.

Vista UX
As with all T's sessions, this is under permanent NDA.

(Under NDA until January 20)

Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for SmallBizVista.com®

Velocity Micro HTPC preliminary review

in

On December 26, 2006, I received a Velocity Micro HTPC (Home-Theatre PC) for long-term review courtesy of Microsoft and AMD as part of a reach-out (to bloggers) project.

The system has the following specs:

  • AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000
  • Dual 400GB SATA RAID-1 Hard Drives
  • 2GB DDR2
  • Lightscribe DVD RW
  • AMD Radeon 1950XT 256MB
  • AMD TV Wonder 650 HD Tuner
  • Microsoft Wireless Media Center Keyboard
  • Microsoft Media Center Remote
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition
  • 2007 Microsoft Office Professional System
  • HTCP form factor case.

This mini-review covers the following points: unboxing, OOBE, initial thoughts, and initial test impressions.

UNBOXING Unboxing the HTPC was rather easy, and somewhat disconcerting.The system was packaged securely in the box, but the flush-fitting cover over the combo floppy drive/multi-format card reader/front-panel input-output ports was ajar, a definite no-no based on the ease with which such covers break in transit. The inclusion of the 3.5” floppy disk drive, an anachronism in today’s computing, seem so incongruously out of place both in today’s computing, and marred, in my opinion, the elegant and impressive facade of the system.

Also included in the shipping package was an accessory box containing the keyboard, remote control unit, the HD antenna, and various cables and connector for the system.

OOBE The system itself is a sturdy, stylish HTPC-format black metal case with virtually nothing on the fascia letting on that this was a PC.

Inserting it into my music rack, it sat easily with the Carver M1.5t, and looked like an updated version of the original Macintosh CD player.

Included with the system was an OEM version of the Microsoft MCE (Media Center Edition) wireless keyboard and wireless MCE remote control unit.

From all perspectives, this is a well-built and well thought-out unit

Initial test impressions For this test, I decided to utilize the Vizio 37” LCD monitor in my office for the 10-foot experience of Windows Vista Ultimate.

The Velocity Micro HTPC booted up and, did not recognize the MCE Keyboard.

Say what now?

How much of a cooling of one’s ardor for this system is that?

Undaunted, I tried to get the device initialized and went online to find a fix. Unable to find one, I got in touch with Michael J. Reyes, CEO of The Hardware Geeks, ( he received a demo unit as well, and had installed his a few days before me) who informed me that 64-bit drivers were the culprit.

I installed a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000; reconfig’d the test area by bringing the HTPC closer to my desk and using a Viewsonic VX2235WM 22” LCD monitor on my desk.

I fired up the HTPC again and it breezed through the POST and went directly to a pre-defined user account.

I immediately started the Device Manager applet to see if there were any other devices needing drivers but total success.

Since Elements of the Logikworx Standard Business Desktop were installed, all I needed after that were Windows Live Mail Desktop, Windows Live Writer, and Adobe Acrobat. While both Windows Live properties are still in beta, they have become an indispensable part of my desktop.

Apart from the keyboard, everything on the computing part of this system works. And works fluidly.

While almost meaningless, the system has a Windows Performance Index of 5.1.

INITIAL GRIPES Since it was a test of a yet-unreleased product, I sent a preliminary gripe list to Velocity Micro, where they have assured me that my concerns have been forwarded to the right quarters for resolution.

My gripes are:

  1. The unit did not come with a Windows Vista (re-)install DVD, Should anyone have a need to reconfigure the system and reinstall Vista.
  2. The unit did not come with a supplemental driver disk. As a 64-bit box for which a lot of drivers are still unavailable in the wild, your box performs fluidly. However, I want to be able to reconfigure at my leisure.
  3. The unit did not come with an Office 2007 disk
  4. The system, while it came with a series of cables and connectors, left much to be desired as nOObs would undoubtedly have a lot of problems figuring them out.
  5. While system startup is relatively fast,, restart, and shutdown seem to be very, very sloooooooooooow!

Furthermore, packaging could be better, reducing the amount of returns and tech support truck rolls.

Still, for a 64-bit system, the included drivers are a tribute to the thoroughness of Velocity Micro.

INITIAL THOUGHTS This device is fast, and eerily quiet!

It also has all the markings of a potential home run.

However, it remains to be seen if a) my concerns listed are resolved, and b) if the system is introduced at an attractive price point.

The multimedia capabilities of the HTPC have not been used at all, but that would change as testing continues.

So far, the system has not been put through the paces since I am preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the 2007 International CES. There is also going to be the Windows Vista™ RTM Labs and assorted other events in Las Vegas which I’ll be blogging about as soon I can.

.

HTPC Mini-review #1

in

On December 26, 2006, I received a Velocity Micro HTPC (Home-Theatre PC) for long-term review courtesy of Microsoft and AMD as part of a reach-out (to bloggers) project.

The system has the following specs:

  • AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000
  • Dual 400GB SATA RAID-1 Hard Drives
  • 2GB DDR2
  • Lightscribe DVD RW
  • AMD Radeon 1950XT 256MB
  • AMD TV Wonder 650 HD Tuner
  • Microsoft Wireless Media Center Keyboard
  • Microsoft Media Center Remote
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition
  • 2007 Microsoft Office Professional System
  • HTCP form factor case.

This mini-review covers the following points: unboxing, OOBE, initial thoughts, and initial test impressions.

UNBOXING
Unboxing the HTPC was rather easy, and somewhat disconcerting.The system was packaged securely in the box, but the flush-fitting cover over the combo floppy drive/multi-format card reader/front-panel input-output ports was ajar, a definite no-no based on the ease with which such covers break in transit. The inclusion of the 3.5” floppy disk drive, an anachronism in today’s computing, seem so incongruously out of place both in today’s computing, and marred, in my opinion, the elegant and impressive facade of the system.

Also included in the shipping package was an accessory box containing the keyboard, remote control unit, the HD antenna, and various cables and connector for the system.

OOBE
The system itself is a sturdy, stylish HTPC-format black metal case with virtually nothing on the fascia letting on that this was a PC.

Inserting it into my music rack, it sat easily with the Carver M1.5t, and looked like an updated version of the original Macintosh CD player.

Included with the system was an OEM version of the Microsoft MCE (Media Center Edition) wireless keyboard and wireless MCE remote control unit.

From all perspectives, this is a well-built and well thought-out unit

Initial test impressions
For this test, I decided to utilize the Vizio 37” LCD monitor in my office for the 10-foot experience of Windows Vista Ultimate.

The Velocity Micro HTPC booted up and, did not recognize the MCE Keyboard.

Say what now?

How much of a cooling of one’s ardor for this system is that?

Undaunted, I tried to get the device initialized and went online to find a fix. Unable to find one, I got in touch with Michael J. Reyes, CEO of The Hardware Geeks, ( he received a demo unit as well, and had installed his a few days before me) who informed me that 64-bit drivers were the culprit.

I installed a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000; reconfig’d the test area by bringing the HTPC closer to my desk and using a Viewsonic VX2235WM 22” LCD monitor on my desk.

I fired up the HTPC again and it breezed through the POST and went directly to a pre-defined user account.

I immediately started the Device Manager applet to see if there were any other devices needing drivers but total success.

Since Elements of the Logikworx Standard Business Desktop were installed, all I needed after that were Windows Live Mail Desktop, Windows Live Writer, and Adobe Acrobat. While both Windows Live properties are still in beta, they have become an indispensable part of my desktop.

Apart from the keyboard, everything on the computing part of this system works. And works fluidly.

While almost meaningless, the system has a Windows Performance Index of 5.1.

INITIAL GRIPES
Since it was a test of a yet-unreleased product, I sent a preliminary gripe list to Velocity Micro, where they have assured me that my concerns have been forwarded to the right quarters for resolution.

My gripes are:

  1. The unit did not come with a Windows Vista (re-)install DVD, Should anyone have a need to reconfigure the system and reinstall Vista.
  2. The unit did not come with a supplemental driver disk. As a 64-bit box for which a lot of drivers are still unavailable in the wild, your box performs fluidly. However, I want to be able to reconfigure at my leisure.
  3. The unit did not come with an Office 2007 disk
  4. The system, while it came with a series of cables and connectors, left much to be desired as nOObs would undoubtedly have a lot of problems figuring them out.
  5. While system startup is relatively fast,, restart, and shutdown seem to be very, very sloooooooooooow!

Furthermore, packaging could be better, reducing the amount of returns and tech support truck rolls.

Still, for a 64-bit system, the included drivers are a tribute to the thoroughness of Velocity Micro.

INITIAL THOUGHTS
This device is fast, and eerily quiet!

It also has all the markings of a potential home run.

However, it remains to be seen if a) my concerns listed are resolved, and b) if the system is introduced at an attractive price point.

The multimedia capabilities of the HTPC have not been used at all, but that would change as testing continues.

So far, the system has not been put through the paces since I am preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the 2007 International CES. There is also going to be the Windows Vista™ RTM Labs and assorted other events in Las Vegas which I’ll be blogging about as soon I can.

.

© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

Wseley Autrey

in

Reading this article about Wesley Autrey's saving of a teenager who had fallen onto the subway tracks just as a train was pulling into the station just sent chills through my spine.

Even with his own two daughters waiting on the station!

What a humanity-affirming event for both his daughters and the rescued kid.

In his own words after refusing to be called a hero, “I don’t feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help, I did what I felt was right.”

Mr. Autrey, you are a HERO. In fact you are my first American Hero of 2007.

Please take a bow.

One Love, Bro'.

Wesley Autrey, 1st American Hero of 2007

in

Reading this article about Wesley Autrey's saving of a teenager who had fallen onto the subway tracks just as a train was pulling into the station just sent chills through my spine.

Even with his own two daughters on the tracks!

What a humanity-affirming event for both his daughters and the rescued kid.

In his own words after refusing to be called a hero, “I don’t feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help, I did what I felt was right.”

Mr. Autrey, you are a HERO. In fact you are my first American Hero of 2007.

Please take a bow.

One Love, Bro'.

© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

2007 International CES

in

Where I'll be blogging about the Vista RTM labs, the 2007 International CES, the Vanishing Point Game, etc. etc.

The Toshiba Tecra M7 Tablet PC has not arrived yet; despite being ordered on the 19th of December - my rant about Toshiba's (supposed) customer service will have to wait for another day - so I have to use a regular laptop. Urgh!

The Zune is locked and loaded: DISCO, 80's pop, and Ragga/SKA riffs. Movies on the device are The Da Vinci Code, The Inside Man, Snakes on a Plane, The devil Wears Prada, Code 1: The Hades Factor, and Lucky # Sleven.

Needless to say that clients who have a requirement to reach me know exactly how to.

Off to Las Vegas

in

Where I'll be blogging about the Vista RTM labs, the 2007 International CES, the Vanishing Point Game, etc. etc.

The Toshiba Tecra M7 Tablet PC has not arrived yet; despite being ordered on the 19th of December - my rant about Toshiba's (supposed) customer service will have to wait for another day - so I have to use a regular laptop. Urgh!

The Zune is locked and loaded: DISCO, 80's pop, and Ragga/SKA riffs. Movies on the device are The Da Vinci Code, The Inside Man, Snakes on a Plane, The devil Wears Prada, Code 1: The Hades Factor, and Lucky # Sleven.

Needless to say that clients who have a requirement to reach me know exactly how to.

© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

Windows Live (insert product name) Update Notifications

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One of the things missing from the Windows Live products, especially the impressive Windows Live Writer (WLW), and the equally impressive and excellent Windows Live Mail Desktop (WLMD) client, is the lack of built-in update checking.

The latest version of WLMD, build 8.0.1223, which I downloaded incidentally in the process of reviewing my Velocity Micro HTPC, is so much faster than earlier versions and does not require the turning-off of DEP in order to work correctly without crashing.

Indeed, it has worked for the past four days crashing.

© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

Ars Technica

in

Articles like this are the reason why Ars Technica is on my reading list.

These lines from the article are especially revealing:

First, the essential details: Microsoft directly contacted a number of bloggers to offer them loaded laptops as "review units" (their language) which bloggers could chose to review, or not. Microsoft said that bloggers had the option of returning the laptop, giving it away as a prize, or just flat out keeping it. Many bloggers jumped at it, because a) Vista has not been released at the retail level yet, and b) having a laptop all ready to go means you don't have to futz with installing it on your own machine (and many of the bloggers were Mac users, to boot). The rest, as they say, is drama history.

[...]

Do you really think Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal goes to some secret underground Apple Store to buy his hot new iPod to review a month before it's even announced? Do you think hardware review sites sneak into processor fabs late at night to gain access to hardware samples that won't be on retail shelves for months? Do you really think they're sending all of that stuff back? Some are, some aren't, and to be honest, I have no idea if Mossberg keeps the top-secret stuff he's sent or not. For someone like Mossberg or someone like me, keeping the stuff isn't one-fifth as important as just having access to it in a timely fashion. That whole angle has been largely lost in this discussion, and it's a shame.

[...]

In fact, let me suggest where the real concern should be directed: at publications that aren't giving full disclosure when relying completely on PR-provided goods. In this situation with Microsoft, the only faux pas I see would be one wherein a hypothetical author wrote a glowing review without admitting that their access was completely provided by Microsoft. But I ask you, when's the last time you've seen a WSJ or CNET review prefaced with: "this review unit was accompanied by an NDA from Company X"? An editor at a big publication might roll their eyes at the idea of disclosing such things, but I can tell you as someone who has done the "tiny site with no recognition" thing, access can make or break you in a way that any benefits from keeping a review unit simply cannot.

Wow!

The conclusion is particularly telling, isn't it?

Now you know why you should bookmark Ars Technica.

My absolute final on the subject. Earlier posts here, here and here. Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for SmallBizVista.com®

Ars Technica on Review Units

in

Articles like this are the reason why Ars Technica is on my reading list.

These lines from the article are especially revealing:

First, the essential details: Microsoft directly contacted a number of bloggers to offer them loaded laptops as "review units" (their language) which bloggers could chose to review, or not. Microsoft said that bloggers had the option of returning the laptop, giving it away as a prize, or just flat out keeping it. Many bloggers jumped at it, because a) Vista has not been released at the retail level yet, and b) having a laptop all ready to go means you don't have to futz with installing it on your own machine (and many of the bloggers were Mac users, to boot). The rest, as they say, is drama history.

[...]

Do you really think Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal goes to some secret underground Apple Store to buy his hot new iPod to review a month before it's even announced? Do you think hardware review sites sneak into processor fabs late at night to gain access to hardware samples that won't be on retail shelves for months? Do you really think they're sending all of that stuff back? Some are, some aren't, and to be honest, I have no idea if Mossberg keeps the top-secret stuff he's sent or not. For someone like Mossberg or someone like me, keeping the stuff isn't one-fifth as important as just having access to it in a timely fashion. That whole angle has been largely lost in this discussion, and it's a shame.

[...]

In fact, let me suggest where the real concern should be directed: at publications that aren't giving full disclosure when relying completely on PR-provided goods. In this situation with Microsoft, the only faux pas I see would be one wherein a hypothetical author wrote a glowing review without admitting that their access was completely provided by Microsoft. But I ask you, when's the last time you've seen a WSJ or CNET review prefaced with: "this review unit was accompanied by an NDA from Company X"? An editor at a big publication might roll their eyes at the idea of disclosing such things, but I can tell you as someone who has done the "tiny site with no recognition" thing, access can make or break you in a way that any benefits from keeping a review unit simply cannot.

Wow!

The conclusion is particularly telling, isn't it?

Now you know why you should bookmark Ars Technica.

My absolute final on the subject. Earlier posts here, here and here.
Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for SmallBizVista.com®

© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

Review Unit Envy II

in

I had said I wasn’t going to say any more on this subject here, but a comment by Dan Warne on my previous post leave me no choice but to pen this post.

In his reply to my post, Dan comments (my replies in blue ink):

Err, you accuse me of being tilted in my (obviously rhetorical) question at the end of my post, and you find it necessary to dot dictionary definitions for 'invidious' and 'spiteful' through your post?

In order to help you better understand what I see as the backgrounder.

Anyway, to answer your question: if you'd read my post thoroughly you'd have seen that there's a whole section dedicated to the fact that of course we get freebies. However, in the case of material things, they're usually reasonably low value, such as components that have been sent directly from Taiwan, where the manufacturer doesn't consider the cost of a return international courier justified against the wholesale cost of an item.

In the case of material things? Does software count? Do you do the same with software? What kinds of things are immaterial? Or ethereal?

Who determines what the maximum customary price point for giveaways is? Should giveaways be tchotchkes or of real value? Is there a rulebook somewhere bloggers should swear by?

Sometimes companies leave products with us on long term review -- with a clear-cut loan agreement that they will pick up the product at a later date.

Do you explicitly state that fact to your readers? With every review? Do you also state the fact that the cost mentioned in the review is a SWAG? As in Stupid Wild-A$$ed Guess, a version of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price which has no bearing in the Real World!

And yes, we give products away to readers (though this rarely has anything to do with the journos -- these sorts of offers are usually sorted out by the advertising or marketing departments.)

You guys answer to a higher moral authority?

The whole point of my post is not that having access to technology is bad: it's obviously not. In fact, it's essential to being able to do the job of a technology reviewer.

What -does- muddy the waters, though, is Microsoft's offer to let bloggers -keep- the units. It's totally unnecessary: a three or six month loan would have totally done the job of allowing a thorough review of Vista to be done, without the ethical ambiguity of allowing a blogger to keep it.

Microsoft has, of course, now remedied the situation somewhat by asking bloggers to either return the units or give them away to readers, but at the time my original story was written, Microsoft hadn't yet made that offer.

It is only an ethical ambiguity if it influences the result of the bloggers’ review. Has it?

  • · The principle that there is a presumption of innocence in favor of the accused is the undoubted law, axiomatic and elementary, and its enforcement lies at the foundation of the administration of our criminal law. [156 U.S. 432, 454]
    COFFIN v. U.S., 156 U.S. 432 (1895)

In United States jurisprudence, the presumption of innocence is sacrosanct. That presumption of innocence also permeates all forms of society in the civilized world. Supposedly!

Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for SmallBizVista.com®

Commenting is closed for this thread.

© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

HTPC Review unit envy?

in

This is my last post on this topic!

In an article here, Dan Warne of APC Magazine, after a rant on the Microsoft/AMD review units sent to certain bloggers, asks the following question, "Is it a bribe, or is Microsoft buying good reviews?"

How tilted is that question?

A fairer question would have also asked readers if it was no big deal.

I wasted no time in commenting:

Bribe?

Buddy, get real!

Your premise is somewhere between ridiculous and ludicrous.

Moreover, the two choices you present to your readership is insulting to all bloggers.

In the computing business, we receive review units all the time. Most of the time, these units are then given to charity.

Virtually all of the recipients of the review units, myself included, already have Windows Vista and Office 2007. Most also got a free copy as members of the Vista beta process.

Personally, there must be at least four (4) free licenses floating about at my home, not to mention the ten (10) that we at SmallBizVista.com receive as part of the Microsoft Partner program.

If that takes care of the monetary issues, what else is left?

Do you think any blogger would risk their credibility for the Velocity Micro Media Center unit or a Ferrari 1000/5000?

Do you think any self-respecting blogger would descend into irrelevance for a PC – of any kind – when our homes, and indeed our workspaces are filled with computers of all sorts?

Could *you* be bought with such a trifle trinket?

Look inwards.

Search yourself.

Is it sour grapes? So you weren’t on *The List*. C’est la vie. It is OK. Maybe next time?

Turn the page.

Then redo this column.

His comeback:

No, I'm not pissed off

:-) No, I'm not pissed off that I didn't get one. As the longest running PC magazine in Australia, we can always get a loan of any hardware we'd like to review. The difference is, though, they're loans, not gifts.

The cost of a computer might be minimal to you in "the computing business", but I'd say that for many bloggers who earn money on the side from their blog only in the form of Google Adsense revenue (perhaps $100/mth at most) a free, high-spec laptop turning up on their doorstep would be a considerable bonus.

To which I now reply here:

Dan, longest running PC magazine in Australia or not, you didn't get one.

Period.

Have you ever had a review piece of anything? Ever?

invidious
adjective
Definition:
1. unjust: making or implying an unfair distinction an invidious comparison
2. unpleasant: unpleasant because producing or likely to produce jealousy, resentment, or hatred in other people placed in the invidious position of appearing to criticize from the sidelines

As to review units, it would be hard to imagine that your magazine has never had any vendor hardware or software gifted to the magazine for raffling to your readers.

If you have ever done so, what is your point right now?

What you glaringly forgot to note in your rant is that the review units were sent to influential Microsoft bloggers and evangelists.

Operative words being Microsoft bloggers and evangelists.

In other words, to those who dissect and use Microsoft products and technologies on a daily basis. Not to fence-straddlers or onlookers, but to those who had displayed some dexterity with Microsoft-based software.

BTW, how many in the media got an iPod? Or a MacBook? Or a Zune?

Did you?

spiteful
adjective
Definition:
vindictive in petty way: full of or showing petty maliciousness

Where's the outcry?

If you didn't get a review unit as well, maybe, just maybe it is time to reconsider the credibility provenance of your magazine. As seen by OEMs and vendors, not log-rolling, a$$-kissing commenters on your website.

Have a Happy New Year.


Well, now back to reviewing the Velocity Micro HTPC!


EDIT: Dan Warne was kind enough to comment further on this topic. While our views differ, his opinion is very well laid out and I fully respect it.

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© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows

My Christmas 2006 Gifts

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The very good thing about a Christmas Day birthday is that the gifts keep getting better as your family and friends become, more, well, well-off!

It was a very, very profitable haul this Christmas for yours truly, even by Ferengi standards!

Check this out:

  1. Canon Digital Rebel XTi
  2. Zune in Black: Wifey, retro payment for my Zune
  3. 3 mugs for my collection
  4. (Really Big) Shirt
  5. Paciotti Shoes
  6. Toshiba Tecra M7 Core 2 Duo, 2GB Tablet PC
  7. Velocity Micro Media Center box: Microsoft, AMD, Aaron Coldiron, Nick White, The Hive
  8. Sony PSP and 2 games
  9. Fashion shirt
  10. Several sugar-free cakes
  11. Flat-panel sound-sensitive light
  12. Jamaican Rum cake: really alcoholy!
  13. Buzz Lightyear soft shell car for ages 2+
  14. Ca$h

Thanks be to God for his kindness and for allowing peace to rein during this Christmas season.

Props to all who gave, and also offered felicitations, including, but not limited to:

  • Wifey, I love you always and forever
  • My kids, John & Trevor
  • My parents
  • My big bro', Chris and his wife Janet
  • My siblings, Gracie, Mary, Greg, Lucille, and their families
  • The next generation: Chris II, Senami, Brennen, Sessi, Emmanuel.
  • Taiwo and her family; Dippy, my godson Jack, Jennifer, and Amanda
  • Isi and her family
  • 'Sosa and my goddaughter, Karyn
  • Abbey Babayemi and his family
  • Chuk Ndulue
  • Mike Reyes and family
  • Kabyr and his family
  • Fredricka Sule
  • Mummy G. O. Inneh
© 2005-2009, John Obeto for SmallBizWindows