Monday, December 3, 2007

Affordable high-end PC


Dear blogger.com,
Your friend thought you'd like to see these products.
This is an affordable-but-almost-top-of-the-line PC. It has SLI-capable two Nvidia 8600GTS video card, Creative X-treme audio, 320 GB RAID HD, 4 GB DDR3 RAM etc.

Qty.
Product Description
Savings
Total Price
1
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor
Item #:N82E16819115017
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

$279.99
1
Thermaltake CL-P0114 120mm CPU Cooler
Thermaltake CL-P0114 120mm CPU Cooler
Item #:N82E16835106061
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$49.99
$44.99
1
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Item #:N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Items Return Policy

$5.99
1
ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP  LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813131025
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

$179.99
2
GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX22GB6400UDCA=
GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820144062
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
-$40.00 Mail-in Rebate
$159.98
($79.99 each)
2
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Item #:N82E16822148262
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

$139.98
($69.99 each)
1
Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Business for System Builders Single Pack DVD
Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Business for System Builders Single Pack DVD
Item #:N82E16832116207
Return Policy: Software Return Policy

$144.99
2
ASUS EN8600GT SILENT/HTDP/512M GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Super Silent Video Card
ASUS GeForce 8600GT EN8600GT SILENT/HTDP/512M Super Silent Video Card
Item #:N82E16814121098
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

$279.98
($139.99 each)
1
Thermaltake Xaser V Damier Silver Chassis 1.0 mm All aluminum made  Front  Door Aluminum made ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Thermaltake Xaser V Damier Silver Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811133160
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$119.99
$99.99
1
COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-650-ACAA-A1 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply
COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-650-ACAA-A1 650W Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817171023
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$139.99
$109.99
1
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomics Keyboard Mouse Included
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 Black Keyboard
Item #:N82E16823109156
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$21.99
1
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Sound Card
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 Sound Card
Item #:N82E16829102017
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$65.99
1
ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T
ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T
Item #:N82E16827135156
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$39.99
1

SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor
Item #:N82E16824001096
Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
-$40.00 Mail-in Rebate
$339.99
$309.99
Grand Total:
$1,883.83
Add all items to your cartAdd all items to your cart»

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The affordable dream PC























































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Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price


1




ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T







ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail



Item #: N82E16827135156

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy










 



$39.99






1



Thermaltake Xaser V Damier Silver Chassis 1.0 mm All aluminum made <br />Front  Door Aluminum made ATX Mid Tower Computer Case








Thermaltake Xaser V Damier Silver Chassis 1.0 mm All aluminum made
Front Door Aluminum made ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail


Item #: N82E16811133160


Return Policy: Standard Return Policy







-$20.00 Instant

 



$119.99

$99.99





2



Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive








Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM


Item #: N82E16822148262

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy












 



$139.98

($69.99 each)




1



SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor








SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail


Item #: N82E16824001096

Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy











-$30.00 Instant
$40.00 Mail-in Rebate

 


$339.99


$309.99





2




ASUS EN8600GT SILENT/HTDP/512M GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Super Silent Video Card







ASUS EN8600GT SILENT/HTDP/512M GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Super Silent Video Card - Retail



Item #: N82E16814121098

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy










 



$279.98


($139.99 each)




1




Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Sound Card







Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Sound Card - Retail



Item #: N82E16829102017

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy










 



$65.99






1



COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-650-ACAA-A1 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply








COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro RS-650-ACAA-A1 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply - Retail


Item #: N82E16817171023


Return Policy: Standard Return Policy










-$30.00 Instant

 


$139.99


$109.99





1




Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomics Keyboard Mouse Included







Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomics Keyboard Mouse Included - OEM



Item #: N82E16823109156

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy









 



$21.99





1



Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound








Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM


Item #: N82E16835100007

Return Policy: Consumable Items Return Policy









 



$5.99






2



GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX22GB6400UDCA=








GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX22GB6400UDCA= - Retail


Item #: N82E16820144062


Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy










$40.00 Mail-in Rebate

 



$159.98


($79.99 each)




1




ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP  LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard







ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail



Item #: N82E16813131025

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy










 



$179.99






1



Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600








Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail


Item #: N82E16819115017


Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy











 



$279.99






1



Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Business for System Builders Single Pack DVD








Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Business for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM


Item #: N82E16832116207

Return Policy: Software Return Policy









 




$144.99





1




Thermaltake CL-P0114 120mm CPU Cooler







Thermaltake CL-P0114 120mm CPU Cooler - Retail



Item #: N82E16835106061

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy









-$5.00 Instant

 



$49.99

$44.99



Subtotal: $1,883.83

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No Payment until January 1, 2009 with your Newegg Preferred Account
Grand Total:* $1,883.83







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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

HP LaserJet 1020 on Mac OSX

I purchased a LaserJet 1020 printer for our home use. While it works fine in Windows and Ubuntu Linux (with proper hackery applied) getting it to work on OSX is not straight forward. If you google around you’ll find both success and horror stories on this printer. It seems HP supports the newer 1022 model officially but not the 1020. Turns out the 1022 driver will work fine for a 1020 if, and that’s a big IF, you get Mac OSX to list it in the printer list. This thread on macosxhints.com was the most informative of all. I tried the suggestions a couple of days ago but to no avail. This morning I tried again and with success! All the steps seem to be there, but the following order worked for me:

Download http://www.railsguru.com/assets/2007/4/16/1601_LJ_1022_Series_OSX.dmg;
If you have anything for the HP 1020 in ”/Library/Reciepts” delete it.
Delete anything for the HP 1020 in Printer in “Printer Setup Utility”
Install the downloaded printer drivers
Remove all files from /Library/Printers/hp/laserjet. Leave the 1020 subfolder! You’ll need the contents in the next step;
Move all files from the 1020 subfolder to /Library/Printers/hp/laserjet (the parent);
Restart Mac OSX, just for luck;
Add new printer in “Printer Setup Utility”, select HP LaserJet 1020, driver should come up, click ADD

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Preventing an Application from Opening Using Rosetta

To prevent an application from opening using Rosetta, add the following key to the Info.plist:


LSRequiresNativeExecution




Monday, October 22, 2007

Why Windows Mobile is a loser?

I am not really a religious zealot of operating system in mobile gadgets, but much more to its quality, for sure.

I have had my HTC 8125 cellphone for about 2 years now and the longer I have it the more frustation I've experienced due to its lousy Windows mobile 5.0 O/S. For example, it gets slower and slower if I open multiple applications (why don't they put those applications running in the background in lower priority). Another thing is lack of its (free) development environment. Where you can find the latest development for free? sure you might get the free one provided, but it's gonna be 1 or2 generation older (for Mobile 4.0 or older).

Another thing is that everything is too tiny on the phone, unlike on iPhone which icons are made bigger and suitable for touch screen.

(to be continued...)

Wireless ActiveSync Attempt results in Error 0x80072EE2 in ActiveSync

Workaround:
Disable the Windows Mobile DNS cache. This requires a registry
modification. Windows Mobile does not include a registry editor, but
free third-party editors are available (such as one from www.phm.lu).

Change the value of:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\InternetSettings\DnsCacheEnable
to 0
If DnsCacheEnable does not exist, create it as a DWORD value.

A soft reset is necessary for the change to take effect.

Friday, October 19, 2007

My dream Sound Recording System

















The mixer, encoder and a pair of mics above can be purchased ad www.zsounds.com with the above prices.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Lamont Adams' Ten Commandments of Egoless Programming

  1. Accept your mistakes - the important thing is to locate and deal with them in a timely manner.
  2. Do not invest your emotions in your code - this can lead you to taking critiques of your code personally.
  3. Seek out the input of others - programming is a collective effort.
  4. Consult your colleagues before you rewrite a sequence of code. Any such revisions should be part of a team-based review process.
  5. Show deference to those who know less than you about a project. To show impatience reinforces a stereotype of developers as egotistical prima donnas.
  6. Be open to new technological developments - the world of programming changes rapidly, and you need to keep up to date. You should welcome new developments as opportunities to improve your work.
  7. Knowledge is the only real determinant of authority on a software project - you should defer to anyone better informed than you, regardless of their place in the pecking order.
  8. Understand that sometimes your ideas will not be accepted. This is part of the experience of being a team member. Don't make a big deal of it if it turns out later that you were right.
  9. Work in an open, collaborative environment. Those who code alone tend to be less effective than others.
  10. Criticize code rather than programmers. Your critique should be positive in tone and should be for the purpose of improving the code.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Weakness on Mac (Finally!)

OK, after sometime getting used to this new OS, I finally found some weakness as compared to Windows or even Linux GUI. First of all the font rendering. Unlike Windows' ClearType font rendering that is sharp, OS-X fonts are blurry, especially from close distance. Some people on the Internet mention that OSX' fonts look better if we see them from a few feet. Hey, I don't want to work with my keyboard a few feet away from my monitor. How about inevitable built-in laptop screen?

The second weakness is its ability to display true color. Turned out it is not 24-bit RGB. This results much less than 2^24 colors as it supposed to be (my Compaq laptop has true millions of colors. I couldn't find any artifacts/washed out colors when playing movies from DVDs). Don't get me wrong, this issue is only seen on Macbook (or Macbook pro) built-in LCD screen. If we hook up to external LCD monitor, that's gonna be different. I have seen the iMac screen, it is much better.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

How fast is Apple Macbook?

My Macbook has Intel Core2 Duo 2.1 GHz. I wrote a small program to do very simple math (trigonometry computation):

#include
#include


int main()
{
double x,y;
long i;

x = 1/3.1415692653;
for(i=0; i<1000000; i++) {
y = i/100000*x;
printf("%lu) sin(%lf) = %lf\n", i, y, sin(y));
}
}

Compile it with:

gcc -mtune=nocona -m64 -msse3 -mfpmath=sse -O3 sin.c -o sin

and execute is as below:

time ./sin

The result is:

real 0m12.345s
user 0m2.624s
sys 0m3.554s

The "real" gives result 12.345 seconds to do 1E6 iterations!, or for each iteration it'd take 12.345E-6 second (12.345 microseconds). Wow!

OS-X is 64-bit Unix

Just to prove that my Macbook is a 64-bit machine, I build the following simple program:

#include

int main()
{
printf("sizeof(long) = %d\n", sizeof(long));
printf("sizeof(double) = %d\n", sizeof(double));
}


Compile it with:

gcc -mtune=nocona -m64 -mfpmath=sse -msse3 -O3 test.c -o test

and execute test. If the size of long is 8 bytes, it's 64-bit!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Making ipod video files from DVD

Search google for "handbrake", and install it.

Edit/create a new shell script, and paste one of the following:

For low resolution:
HandBrakeCLI -f mp4 -w 320 -l 176 -s 1 -N eng -e x264 -b 700 -2 -d -E ac3 -B 160 -R 48 -T -x "--threads 2" -i /dev/dvd -o $1

For high resolution:

HandBrakeCLI -f mp4 -w 640 -l 368 -s 1 -N eng -e x264 -b 1500 -2 -d -E ac3 -B 160 -R 48 -T -x "--threads 2" -i /dev/dvd -o $1


The /dev/dvd is where the DVD device is located (might be different that this one). While the output file is the only parameter in that script.

Say the script file is named "dvd2ipod". To make a m4v file, we just type:

dvd2ipod , where is replaced with the output file we want to make into. For example, the following is the result after I typed something.

linux-dell:/> dvd2ipod evil_cult.m4v
HandBrake 0.9.1 (2007090200) - http://handbrake.m0k.org/
2 CPUs detected
Opening /dev/dvd...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
+ title 1:
+ vts 1, ttn 1, cells 0->6 (2015335 blocks)
+ duration: 01:43:07
+ size: 720x480, aspect: 1.33, 29.970 fps
+ autocrop: 62/72/8/10
+ chapters:
+ 1: cells 0->0, 14566 blocks, duration 00:00:44
+ 2: cells 1->1, 270120 blocks, duration 00:13:49
+ 3: cells 2->2, 274760 blocks, duration 00:14:03
+ 4: cells 3->3, 330130 blocks, duration 00:16:53
+ 5: cells 4->4, 377811 blocks, duration 00:19:20
+ 6: cells 5->5, 345073 blocks, duration 00:17:39
+ 7: cells 6->6, 402875 blocks, duration 00:20:37
+ audio tracks:
+ 1, Unknown (AC3) (2.0 ch), 48000Hz, 224000bps
+ subtitle tracks:
Applying the following x264 options: --threads 2
Modified x264 options for pass 1 to append turbo options: --threads 2:ref=1:subme=1:me=dia:analyse=none:trellis=0:no-fast-pskip=0:8x8dct=0
x264 [info]: using cpu capabilities: MMX MMXEXT SSE


The HandBrake is an open-source application and supports Mac, Linux and Windows platform and is downloadable at http://handbrake.m0k.org/

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Internet everywhere with MacBook

This is how to connect to the Internet on the road via GSM phone provided by Cingular/AT&T Wireless (gotta have unlimited data plan though).

First, enable bluetooth on the Cellphone (mine is Cingular 8125) and check the "Discoverable" box. Do the same on Macbook. On the cellphone, add incoming port to this newly discovered device (Macbook). in my case, I use COM6.

From MacBook, click Apple -> System preference -> Bluetooth. Select the newly discovered device (cellphone), check both "Access the Internet with your phone's data connection" and "Use device as handset for this computer". It will auto-configure it. Ensure when we click "Edit Serial Port", it shows a virtual port (RS-232 compatible).

Now, to setup the dial-in configuration, from Apple -> system preference -> Network, add this under "PPP":

Telephone number: *99#
Account name: wap@cingulargprs.com
passwordl: CINGULAR1

Now, if you try to dial in, it will use the bluetooth to your cellphone (acting as a wireless modem), and badaboom...you're connected!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Xcode now is installed!

I now successfuly installed Xcode. The reason it couldn't be installed before was because the folder /Developer was there. After deleting this folder and redo the installation, it went thru successfuly.

Friday, August 24, 2007

I am a Mac Convert!

Since the very early stage of my computer learning (which might be more than 20 years ago), I never used or even learned to use Apple products (Macintosh etc.). I have been a devoted PC user wholeheartedly.

I had been thinking to get another laptop which is light, easy to carry, beauty in the look, robust, quite fast and surely is in the trend. I looked at HP, Sony, Lenovo, or Toshiba laptop, even Acer tablet PC but nothing to interest me. All of them run Micro$oft Vista (which I hate, mostly because of its resource hungry). Besides, I wanted to explore to other sides of the "dark side". Linux is another one, but then it has been my toy for years now.

Last week (Aug 14), I was curious about Apple's product and went to its site. I saw they were having a deal: buy one MacBook get one iPod nano for free (or with additional $50 to upgrade to iPod Video). Not bad, I said. The deal was especially for students.

One interesting pricing scheme is that the black color is about $70 more expensive. I don't know exactly what reason for the difference, but I didn't care because I like the white color better (it's so unique and slick, no PCs made with this color and style).

I opted to add an extra 1 GB of RAM (the standard one came with 1 GB). I also chose the 120 GB HD version, plus I ordered mini-DVI to DVI (to be able to hook it up to standard LCD screen). It came with apple remote (looks so cool), 2 MacOS+iLife Installation DVD. I also bought iWork '08 (Supposedly the Office competitor in Mac world). The Micro$oft Word 2004 was installed but it was actually a trial and I didn't want to waste couple hundreds of dollars for M$ product.

When the package came (the macBook was shipped from Shanghai, but took only 4 days to deliver), I saw the box was relatively thinner than average PC boxes (I took some pictures of it, but did not have a chance to uload them here yet). The manual is just a small booklet, but the rest of information is in the HD (PDF file). No big deal to me. Oh.., I love the power supply. It's soo cool and small, yet it can provide juice about 60 W. The connector to macBook is also a smart masterpiece made by Apple. Instead of snapping with lock, it uses magnetic and can be connected in both sides (no need to know the polarity). What a design!

After opening the box, I tried to weight the laptop. It's weight it is about average like other subnotebook (13' screen laptops). No caddy or tray to put CD/DVD. They just need to be inserted to the hole on the side. Keys on the keyboard is slightly different than PC keyboards. Most noticeable one is the apple key. It also has "FN", "CTRL", "ALT/OPTION" and CD-eject keys. There are two different ENTER keys (not sure what is the function for the extra one). There is only one button below the touchpad. The keys are made quite shallow but yet are comfortable to press. Barely hear the 'click' sound there.

One tiny web camera is on the top of the screen along with a tiny LED and microphone. There are two USB2 ports and 1 FireWire 400 Mbps port. The Audio in/out are very good as they are combos with optical audio in/out. 1 Gigabit Ethernet is also there. All these ports are located on the left side of the laptop (the right side is for CD only).

The Wireless network supports A/B/G/N standards, so it can go up to 100 Mbps (theoretically). The DVD is capable of reading/writing dual-layer +/-R and onto WR as well. There are two tiny speakers hidden close to the LCD hinge (guess they don't have enough power to make 'boom' sound).

One thing I am really not used to is the font. Unlike Windows fonts which are very sharp, Mac OS's fonts are kind of blurry. I read some article about it and it says that is because Apple has been following different path of how to draw fonts (font rendering). The main difference is fonts on Mac are more closer to what they suppose to be drawn on screen and printer.

Software sides, this is what Mac away excels than Micro$soft. From widgets, animated windows, zoomed toolbar, high DPI icons, etc. Mac Is undoubtedly the winner here. It also does not eat that much resources compared to Windows, especially Vista. I barely notice any slowdown on performance, while my office laptop (Dell Latitude D620 with 2 GB and Nvidia's dedicated graphic card) has been somewhat slower than when the first time I used it due to many softwares installed. No wonder, Apple is based on Unix (FreeBSD) which is known for its efficieny, stability and robustness. I also noticed the used space is comparably less than on NTFS, although MacOS uses Journaled HFS+ (see, they have been using journaling system long before Windows. Even current Vista doesn't have this journaling as they originally promised to include into WinFS). Imagine, my 120 GB (about 112 GB for the actual usable space) still has about 94 GB left, eventhough I'd installed many softwares (MS Office trial, iWork '08, Mac's Xcode IDE, many bells and whistle gadgets and tools I downloaded from the Internet).

Other softwares are so integrated and work flawlessly and smoothly. Most notable are iTune and iPhotos. GarageBand is also a very good one to try. It has virtual instruments that playable thru keyboard (and are polyphonic!) I did download some freewares there too, including Google Earth, Skype and Adium (for chatting. It recognizes most protocols including GoogleTak, Y!M, AOL, Gadu-gadu etc.)

The sleep mode is very stable and fast. We either just need to close the lid, press the power button for short time or go to Apple->Sleep. To wake it up, just open the lid or press the power button. Also the lid doesn't have mechanical latch. It uses magnetic and snap to the body. Full standing ovation to Apple for this.

Pricewise, this is not an expensive laptop as some people might think. $1099 is the standard price. But it comes with many extra and elegant stuff which can only be found on a few high-end laptops (such Sony VAIO, Toshiba or Lenovo).

I am, though, still unable to install Xcode + development tools to this one. I don't know why. But I will explore and google more to find out the reason.

The bottom line is, I am falling in love with my new MacBook. Probably I won't go back to Windows (unless I are forced to use because of some software or for work-related stuff). For other hacking stuff, I still use my SUSE Linux (installed both on my dual-processor desktop home-server and old Toshiba laptop).

Here I list the hardware data of my macBook (for security reason, I removed some of the condifential data):

Model Name: Mac
Model Identifier: MacBook2,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB21.00A5.B06
SMC Version: 1.17f0
Sudden Motion Sensor: State: Enabled

ATA Bus:

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857E:

Capacity: 516.57 MB
Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857E
Revision: ZB0E
Serial Number:
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk1
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
Low Power Polling: Yes
OS9 Drivers: No
S.M.A.R.T. status: Not Supported

Intel High Definition Audio:

Available Devices:
Headphone:
Connection: Combo
Microphone:
Connection: Internal
Speaker:
Connection: Internal
Line In:
Connection: Combo
S/P-DIF Out:
Connection: Combo
S/P-DIF In:
Connection: Combo

Apple Bluetooth Software Version: 1.9.0f8
Hardware Settings:
Muhammad Lutfi’s Computer:
Address: 00-1b-63-5d-5b-ae
Manufacturer: Cambridge Silicon Radio
Firmware Version: 3.1965 (3.1965)
Bluetooth Power: On
Discoverable: Yes
HCI Version: 3 ($3)
HCI Revision: 1965 ($7ad)
LMP Version: 3 ($3)
LMP Subversion: 1965 ($7ad)
Device Type (Major): Computer
Device Type (Complete): Laptop Computer
Composite Class Of Device: 1057036 ($10210c)
Device Class (Major): 1 ($1)
Device Class (Minor): 3 ($3)
Service Class: 129 ($81)
Requires Authentication: No
Services:
Bluetooth File Transfer:
Folder other devices can browse: ~/Public
Requires Authentication: Yes
State: Disabled
Bluetooth File Exchange:
Folder for accepted items: ~/Documents
Requires Authentication: No
When other items are accepted: Ask
When PIM items are accepted: Ask
When receiving items: Prompt for each file
State: Enabled
Devices (Paired, Favorites, etc):
M.Lutfi:
Name: M.Lutfi
Address: 00-12-37-fa-60-85
Type: Palm Sized PDA
Services: Service Discovery, OBEX Object Push, Voice Gateway, Dial-up Networking, Audio Video Remote Control Profile, Voice Gateway
Paired: Yes
Favorite: Yes
Connected: No
Incoming Serial Ports:
Serial Port 1:
Name: Bluetooth-PDA-Sync
RFCOMM Channel: 3
Requires Authentication: No
Outgoing Serial Ports:
Serial Port 1:
Address: 00-12-37-xx-xx-xx
Name: M-1
RFCOMM Channel: 4
Requires Authentication: No
Serial Port 2:
Address: 00-12-37-xx-xx-xx
Name: Bluetooth-Modem
RFCOMM Channel: 4
Requires Authentication: No

MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857E:

Firmware Revision: ZB0E
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media:
Media Type: CD-ROM
Blank: No
Erasable: No
Overwritable: No
Appendable: No

FireWire Bus:

Maximum Speed: Up to 400 Mb/sec

Intel GMA 950:

Chipset Model: GMA 950
Type: Display
Bus: Built-In
VRAM (Total): 64 MB of shared system memory
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device ID: 0x27a2
Revision ID: 0x0003
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display:
Status: No display connected

BANK 0/DIMM0:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK

System Power Settings:

AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Automatic Restart On Power Loss: No
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Wake On LAN: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Battery Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 5
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Reduce Brightness: Yes

Battery Information:

Battery Installed: Yes
First low level warning: No
Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 5002
Remaining Capacity (mAh): 5002
Amperage (mA): 263
Voltage (mV): 12632
Cycle Count: 2

AC Charger Information:

Connected: Yes
Charging: Yes

Hardware Configuration:

UPS Installed: No

Intel ICH7-M AHCI:

Vendor: Intel
Product: ICH7-M AHCI
Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Description: AHCI Version 1.10 Supported

ST9120822AS:

Capacity: 111.79 GB
Model: ST9120822AS
Revision: 3.CAE
Serial Number: 5RM09N7A
Native Command Queuing: Yes
Queue Depth: 32
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
OS9 Drivers: No
S.M.A.R.T. status: Verified
Volumes:
Macintosh HD:
Capacity: 111.47 GB
Available: 94.33 GB
Writable: Yes
File System: Journaled HFS+
BSD Name: disk0s2
Mount Point: /

USB Bus:

Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBUHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x27c9
PCI Revision ID: 0x0002
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x3d

AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x87)
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: 1.1.9.3
Current Wireless Network: XXXXXXX
Wireless Channel: 6


Software
--------
AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x87)
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: 1.1.9.3
Current Wireless Network: XXXXXXX
Wireless Channel: 6

I will post more for the progress and tricks/info I'll have learnt.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Speed Test part 2

Here is a speed test result at my office:

My Next-gen Phone Feature Wish List

Here I list features should be added to next generation phone:
  • Very good quality voice (it is still a phone, right?)
  • Very high speed data access (1 Mbps or more)
  • Very low latency data transmission. The low latency is supposedly to be used for VoIP (Skype-like thing wirelessly) and also for video streaming.
  • A web browser software with full support of flash, javascripts etc.
  • Software to read e-book/documents.
  • Able to play high quality music and support for OGG/Vorbis, besides MP3 (and get rid of the DRM. I super hate it!)
  • Video conference. with 25 fps rate (resolution is not important, but I don't want to see sluggish pictures or to many dropped frames either)
  • Power efficient.

Active Collision Avoidance System

Avionics is not something new today, but autonics (automotive electronics) is still an emerging technology. Although most cars made today use some kind of electronics/microcontroller, either for fuel injection, climate control system or others, the use of microcontroller still more to 'behind the scene' kind of application.

Some newer cars have limited passive collision-warning system. For example, Toyota Sienna XLE Limited. It has 8 infrared sensors, 4 are on the bumper at the front and another 4 at the back. Alarm will sound and warn the driver when distance is too close to the car (like this feature). Some others even add back up camera to see what is in the back through a LCD screen on the dashboard.

Passive collision-warning safety systems seek to reduce the risk of a collision by warning the driver of an impending risk so that he or she can take action to avoid the hazard.

There are many systems which provide warnings to the driver. The first warning systems available on production vehicles were typically "parking assist" type systems, which provide an audible tone when parallel parking and approaching a stationary object such as another vehicle or wall. Such systems have also been implemented in school buses, to detect crossing children who may be out of the driver's view. Today there are much more sophisticated systems which use radar and warn occupants of potential impending collisions under normal driving conditions. A passive collision-warning system is shown. As this diagram illustrates, a visual and/or audible warning is signaled to the driver, but there is no active intervention by the system to avoid a collision.

Image from book

Active safety systems take the collision-avoidance philosophy a stage further by interacting with the powertrain, braking, and even the steering systems. Every manufacturer appears to have a slightly different approach, but the common goal is to sense objects which present a collision risk with the host vehicle, then take preventive measures to avoid an accident. An active collision-avoidance system is shown below. The active system diagram shows that action without the immediate control of the driver is taken in order to avoid a potential collision.

Image from book

Advanced active collision systems use many clever techniques, over and above object detection, to ensure that a collision-avoidance event is facilitated safely and efficiently. For example, a sensor on the windshield can be used to detect the presence of rain and thus a potentially slippery road surface. In this case, the braking distance would probably be increased, so the hazardous object would have to be detected sooner. Likewise, tire-pressure sensors may be used to report the inflation level of tires, which could also have an effect on stopping distance.

It should be noted that although both the passive (collision-warning) and active (collision-avoidance) systems require object detection, there are differences in how the object detection system is implemented. The object detection performance of a collision-avoidance system must be higher and more robust than object detection for a passive system. It is unacceptable to execute an emergency braking maneuver under false-alarm circumstances. False alarms, while irritating for the driver, are generally considered more acceptable in collision-warning systems. Although the passive systems may allow false alarms more often, a more timely response by the sensor is required, as the reaction time of the driver must be taken into account in the event of an avoidance maneuver.


Sunday, July 15, 2007

Most Common and Generic PIC uC

The following is the best choice of PIC microcontroller for general purpose applications.
First, my criteria is a uC that is flash-based, cost-efficient, enough program space (>= 3 kB), has EEPROM, has I2C and SPI interface, programmable thru my PicKit2 programmer, has enough I/O pin (>= 8 I/O), has WDT, TTL-level voltage, low power usage, and able to communicate via asynchrononous serial port to PC. One of the most important thing is the PDIP availability, so I can develop it on my breadboard.

The intention of my future project is to develop home automation. The uC should be able to interface to sensors (thermal, humidity) as well as on-off microswitches (open-close sensors). It shall be able to communicate to my Linux PC via serial port, able to display status via 4x16 LCD display (Hitachi compatible) and still have some extra pins to do extra stuff (probably reading keypad, interfacing to darlington chip or LEDs).

Searched on MicroChip website (www.microchipdirect.com), I got this:


Chip: PIC16F690
Status = In Production
Volume Pricing = $1.20
Architecture = 8-bit (Harvard Architecture)
Program Memory = Standard
Type = Flash
KBytes = 7
KWords = 4
Self-write = NO
Data EEPROM = 256 bytes
RAM = 256 bytes
I/O = 18
ADC Channels = 12
ADC Bit = 10-Bit
ADC Sample Rate (ksps) = N/A
Comparators = 2
Timers/WDT = 2-8bit 1-16bit Yes
HW RTCC = No
Interface = EUSART, I²C Compatible/SPI
Max. Speed MHz = 20
Int Oscillator (MHz) = 8
ICSP™ = Yes
BOR = BOR
LVD = NONE
ICD - # of Breakpoints = 1
CCP / ECCP = 0/1
PWM Channels = 4
PWM bits = 10
Parallel Port = No
Nanowatt = Yes
Vdd Min. = 2.2 V
Vdd Max. = 5.5 V
Pin Count = 20
Packages = 20/SSOP 208mil, 20/PDIP, 20/QFN, 20/SOIC 300mil

The unit price (PDIP only):

Part Number: PIC16F690-E/P
Lead Count: 20
Package Type: PDIP
Temp Range: -40C to +125C
Packing Media: Tube

Pricing:(USD)
1-25
2.00
26-99
1.95
100-999
1.90
1000-4999
1.75 *
5000-9999
1.67 *
10000+
1.59 *


Availability:
200
Order Quantity:







Part Number: PIC16F690-I/P PIC16F690 view datasheet

Lead Count: 20
Package Type: PDIP
Temp Range: -40C to +85C
Packing Media: Tube

Pricing:(USD)
1-25
1.85
26-99
1.80
100-999
1.76
1000-4999
1.62 *
5000-9999
1.54 *
10000+
1.47 *


Note:
The "E/P" in part-number is to tell it is "Extended operational themperature" (Industrial standard). This might fit to auto-mobile applications, where operational voltage is more extreme than home application.