Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Data Breach Alert

If you're a physician, you should be aware that your personal data may have been compromised recently due to a laptop theft. A simple crime can cause a significant amount of havoc when the stolen device contains extremely sensitive information like social security numbers and other personal identifiers. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) sent a notice to physicians, but many really don't understand what they're supposed to do.

My suggestion would be the following:

• Check your credit ASAP
  
• Enroll in an identity theft protection program (credit monitoring services)
  
• Monitor your credit each year

You may be at risk if you don't do anything. If that laptop ends up in the wrong hands, then your personal information could be vulnerable. We can't make any assumptions when laptops get stolen.

HP Battery Recall

Take a look at this if you have an HP or Compaq laptop/notebook PC: HP Recalling 70,000 Laptop Batteries

Announcing MobileHealthComputing.com

I've decided to rebrand UltraMobileHealth.com as MobileHealthComputing.com

This new URL more accurately describes the purpose of the website. Instead of focusing entirely on ultra-mobile PCs, I will be evaluating laptops/notebooks, tablet PCs, netbooks, MIDs, and other mobile computing platforms.

RadioShack Trade-In Program

Have you heard about the RadioShack trade-in program? You can trade your old gadget for a gift card. Let's save the planet and go green! Dig up your old computers, mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgets. See if any of them qualify for a gift card.

Experimenting with Windows 7 (Build 7077)

I have to admit: I did not have high expectations for Microsoft Windows 7. I had the chance to test some of the earlier beta versions of Windows 7 (including the public beta) and they didn't really impress me. However, I recently installed the latest build (build 7077) and I have to say that I've been very impressed. I installed this version on a convertible tablet (Fujitsu) and an ultra-mobile PC (Samsung Q1 Ultra) It's very fast and responsive and it doesn't lock up like Vista. If you have an older notebook/laptop, you may want to give it a try.

At what point is a PC too small?

We live in a world of mobile technology. We see PDAs, BlackBerrys, iPhones, Smartphones, iPods, and all sorts of other mobile devices. Computers are also getting smaller and we see young people using UMPCs, netbooks, micro PCs, and other miniature computers. But at what point is the PC so small that you fail to be productive? At what point does the small size hinder your ability to do what you need to do? How do you balance size, weight, and functionality? After all, you can probably find a PC in a very small size, and then if you look some more, you can probably find another one that's 25% larger. So how should a physician, pharmacist, or nurse decide on the size of that mobile PC when working in the clinical setting? At what point is an ultra-mobile PC too small?

MobileHealthComputing.com

I secured a new URL today: http://www.mobilehealthcomputing.com/


I've been writing about UMPCs (ultra-mobile PCs), netbooks, MIDs, PDAs, Smartphones, iPhones, iPods, tablet PCs, and other mobile devices for a while now. I thought it was time to get a new URL for my old blog that focuses on these gadgets and mobile technology in healthcare. Welcome to the world of cloud computing.

I Love eBay

eBay is such a great way to get rid of old electronics and other gadgets. I just sold a few items and it's great to clean up some of the clutter around the house.

I also find eBay to be a useful source for cellphone accessories, computer parts, and other small peripherals. I avoid buying things from China because the shipping cost to replace/refund just isn't worth the hassle.

Is the Amazon Kindle 2 Worth It?

I've been reading some reviews from people who've purchased the Amazon Kindle 2. It's a fairly hefty purchase at $359. There are 432 customer reviews on Amazon right now and I'm guessing that most of those users are e-book readers (who probably upgraded to the Kindle 2). How many of those are students using the Kindle 2 for their textbooks? (how many college or medical students can afford to spend $359 on a textbook reader and then another whopping sum for the actual books?)

I wish I had more time for leisure reading. The advantage of a paperback book while you're traveling is that you can read it on a plane during taxiing, takeoff and landing. You'll have to turn off the Kindle 2 and flip through the SkyMall catalog during those same times.

So is it worth it? That's what I'm curious to find out. Is it worth it if you already have a briefcase that contains a laptop, an iPod touch, and a smartphone? You can read on the iPod and the smartphone, so why get a Kindle 2?

Improving Mobile Security and Patient Information

Modern mobile devices are set up so that data can be erased remotely if the device gets stolen. This level of security can help reduce problems related to personal identification and information theft. Imagine losing your UMPC, tablet, netbook, or laptop that contains ultra-sensitive patient information. Would you have the capability of erasing that device after you lose it?

Now, many devices come equipped with the capability to wipe the hard drive if the device gets stolen. This is also true for mobile devices. There are circulating stories of a prototype Windows Mobile 6.5 phone that was stolen last week. The reports state that the data has been erased on this mobile device. I don't think most thieves are thinking that someone is remotely trying to access the device to wipe it clean. Now if we can build a self-destruct mechanism, I think we'd be all set and laptop theft would decrease tremendously.

Netbook Prices

When I look at netbooks, I'm still amazed by their prices. You see, there was a time when I spent quite a bit of money to purchase a tiny little Sony VGN-T series that had a 10.6" screen and a built-in DVD drive. I didn't need the built-in DVD drive, so I would have been perfectly happy with a tiny device that had a 10.5" screen, a thin body, and no built-in optical drive.

Netbooks made by Asus, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung, Acer, and other companies currently range between $300 to $800. The cloud computing revolution is here! Some of the most popular models are the Asus Eee (many different ones to choose from), the MSI Wind, the Samsung NC10, the HP Mini Note, and the Sony Vaio P (which Sony refuses to call a netbook).

What do you do with your old laptops?

I've done several different things with my old laptops. What do you do when you replace your notebook PC?

Here are some things that I've done in the past with my old Apple, Fujitsu, Dell, HP, Sony, Toshiba, and Lenovo laptops:

• Donate to charity
• Sell on eBay
• Convert to a digital picture frame
• Use it as a server
• Extra PC in another room in the house
• Movie player connected to a larger TV for DivX, MPEG, AVI, and other formats not compatible with many DVD players
• Salvage it for parts
• Give it to a family member

So what do you do?

What is Cloud Computing?

With the recent popularity surge of netbooks and UMPCs, you may have heard the phrase "cloud computing" used in the news, blogs, and other websites. What does this really mean?

To start, you have to understand that the cloud refers to the Internet (it's a metaphor more than anything, but most people have a very difficult time grasping the concept of cyberspace). Next, some basics on software as a service (SaaS) and Web 2.0

Is this getting too complex? Let's make it more simple. Cloud Computing can allow a user to pick up any type of computer (netbook, notebook, tablet, UMPC, desktop, etc.) that has Internet access. Through the Internet, the user can then access specific applications and stay very productive. The computer can be just about anything. Hence, the beauty of the netbook starts to really shine. You don't have to reinstall all your software on every single device if you rely on Cloud Computing since your software lives on a cloud.

Microsoft Office Live Workspace is one such example. Google Docs is another. Have you tried working on the cloud?

My experience at Circuit City today

I visited the local Circuit City today. It was quite crowded, but I was NOT impressed by the deals. Only 10% savings on the laptops? Come on! You can get laptops (notebooks), netbooks, and other computers online for much better deals. There weren't many digital cameras left in the store. And the DVDs were a great bargain.

So when will the prices fall again? Right now the best deal is 50% off. Do you feel comfortable purchasing something expensive when there is a "no return" policy?

Excited about the Asus Eee 1000HE netbook

This netbook boasts truly long battery life. Some are saying over 7 hrs. Others are quoting over 9 hrs. What's the real deal? It probably depends on your power settings. However, this is a very impressive feat for such a tiny little device.

Are you happy with your battery life? Will this new netbook put some pressure on the Sony Vaio P series (that I still think is way too overpriced)?

Having owned several mini laptops now, I find that a full-sized keyboard with a screen that is at least 12" increases my productivity by leaps and bounds. I'm constantly typing and trying to multi-task, so a netbook would only serve me one main purpose: to browse the Internet. That's why they're called netbooks, right?

I'll stick with my Thinkpad X200 Tablet for now. I get so much more done on this fast machine and it has truly become my powerhorse when I travel.

Should the UMPC be called a sub-netbook?

Some of you may have no idea what I mean when I say "netbook." Typo? No. I don't mean notebook or laptop. I mean netbook.

The term netbook was introduced by Intel in early 2008. It basically refers to sub-compact notebooks that are also low-cost. The Asus Eee has been the classic, trend-setting netbook that others have been trying to beat.

So if netbook refers to a sub-compact notebook, then is a UMPC a sub-netbook? The problem with this logic is that many UMPCs are much more expensive than netbooks. Netbooks are supposed to run between $200-500. UMPCs are often over $1,000, and those that are $999 are praised for falling under that $1,000 price tag. The most expensive ('best') OQO model 02 configuration costs $2,999! I think I paid around $1,400 for my OQO model 02.

What is the future of netbooks? Will they turn into mini convertible tablets and bridge the chasm between netbook and UMPC? That only seems logical since many people want the touch screen interface and the ability to use their device while standing.

I've had a Fujitsu LifeBook P1610 for over a year now. This tiny convertible notebook/tablet has a 9" screen - so this thing is tiny! Fujitsu now has the P1620 that has an Intel Core2 duo processor. It's too big to be called a UMPC, and it's certainly much more expensive than your typical netbook. Plus, it's a convertible tablet with a touch screen. Should this be called the netbook pro? The netbook plus? The netbook tablet? The net tablet?

Most people probably won't be spending close to $2,000 for the Fujitsu P1620 if they can purchase an Asus Eee for $300. Traditionally, tiny sub-compact laptops would cost even more than a standard sized notebook. Now, the netbook phenomenon is changing the landscape of mobile computing. I can't wait until this trickles down and affects UMPCs. I want to see some UMPCs that are around $300-500. No, I don't mean MIDs. I mean UMPCs running full operating systems like Windows XP, Vista, Linux, or Mac OS X.

The other big factor that will impact mobile computing involves SSDs replacing standard spinning hard drives. The first generation SSD have some limitations - mainly price and efficacy. The next generation of SSDs should be less expensive and more effective. I can't wait to see how they get incorporated into mobile computing over the years.

DVI, S-Video, VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort?

Where are we going with display interface connectors? VGA will eventually get replaced. I seem to be finding fewer notebooks with S-Video ports. What will become the next "standard" for laptops and mobile devices? Will the smallest connector win?

Will it be the bulky DVI? HDMI? Or DisplayPort?

Will future laptops have 4 or 5 types of display interface connectors? I'm mainly thinking about tiny MIDs and UMPCs. The OQO model 02 has a HDMI port. The new Lenovo Thinkpad X301 has a DisplayPort.

1.8" mobile hard drives

Not all 1.8" hard drives are the same. Many UMPC and mini notebooks use a 1.8" hard drive.

Manufacturers include: Toshiba, Samsung, Hitachi, and a few others.

People often get confused when they start looking at the different connectors on these tiny drives.

The Hitachi TravelStar 1.8" drives are used on Sony and Thinkpad laptops, among other machines. These drives have pins sticking out and don't seem to be as popular anymore.

Older 1.8" drives use a 50-pin connector. My old Sony Vaio T-series and my Fujitsu Lifebook p1610 uses this type of drive.

Most 1.8" drives now use the LIF/ZIF connector with a PATA interface. My OQO and Samsung Q1 use this type of hard drive.

Even newer 1.8" drives use a SATA interface and have a totally different connector. Plus, the SATA drives spin at 5400 RPM instead of the slower 4200 RPM.

Do you know what type of hard drive is in your iPod?

Centrino 2 Processor

It's so great to see a new mobile processor come out. Many new notebooks/laptops using the new Centrino 2 processor have popped up from Sony, HP, Lenovo (IBM), Fujitsu, and several others.

I've used several laptops that had the older Centrino processor and I must say that those machines really struck an excellent balance between battery life and performance. The new Centrino 2 machines sound like they are even better. I can't wait to get my hands on the new Lenovo Thinkpad X200 Tablet. That looks like it will be a great machine!

Here's a great article from Laptop Magazine that describes some of the key highlights of the new Centrino 2 processor.

OLPC - One Laptop per Child

I'm very inspired by the OLPC project. In 2002, an MIT professor was inspired to provide educational computers to children living in developing nations.

It's so great to see how technology is rapidly changing and allowing researchers to develop a laptop that may reach the children living in developing nations. For that matter, the OLPC may also revolutionize the lives of underprivileged children living in industrialized countries.

The newest design (XO-2) incorporates a smaller design with two touch screens. Plus, it should be less expensive to manufacture. Amazing!