Jeremy Tanner

Five Weeks with a Dell Mini 9

Jeremy Tanner — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:11:22 +0000

After seeing how well OS X ran on the Dell Mini 9 and how easy it was to install, I decided to buy one. I ended up with 3, but that’s a story for a different day. It costs about a 1/10th of what a MacBook Pro does so it’s an excellent 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) computer. Audio in and out works, WiFi works, external monitors work, it reads SD cards and has 3 USB ports.

Software
I’m not going to discuss the OS X install as that’s been done here, here, here, and here. OS X is well suited to small screen use, I’ve gained a new appreciation for Dashboard, Spaces and Exposé. Safari 4 beta has a few new features that help keep you from typing urls all the way out; such as the new Top Sites view and they way suggestions and recent searches are laid out in the search box. 1password helps to keep from having to type out (or even remember) complex passwords. Shovebox stores notes and grabs webpages for offline viewing, I usually switch long articles to print view and then store them to read on the plane. Dropbox is an easy way to move files back and forth to your “real” computer. Using MobileMe or Google Sync keeps both computers in lock step.

Hardware
Inspiron Mini 9n (’n’ is the “Meant to be sold with Linux” variant)
Intel® Atom Processor® N270 (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache)
Obsidian Black
2GB DDR2 PC6400
16GB Solid State Drive
Glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024X600)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950
Wireless 802.11g Mini Card
Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam

To install OS X you’re going to want the 16GB SSD, I’ve found it works just fine with 1GB. Black and White are the standard colors, others cost a bit more. The webcam is only really of any use in well lit rooms or outdoors. The computer is spec’d abut the same as one of the first White MacBooks. The main limit is the screen size. I’ve been using the Logitech VX Nano, the small receiver and overall size make it easy to keep with the netbook.

Music
Most of you are already using Pandora and Last.fm. For listening to music while an interenet connection is present, I’ve been on the hype machine and thesixtyone lately. Both excellent sites with tons of new music.

Video
While Hulu and other streaming sites will work, I find I mostly watch video off of a SD card, USB drive or plugged in iPod; and then mostly on airplanes or airports where I don’t have a decent internet connection.

I’ve used the MacBook Mini for the past few weeks as a travel computer, it saves on space, it fits on an airplane tray, it’s easy to grab and hop onto your flight as there’s nothing bigger than a paperback book to snap shut and run. I’d like to see Apple make the same thing, but I doubt they could do it for the same $325.

Try it. You’ll like it. If you don’t like it and have to sell it off, you’ll only be out $20 or so.

The Fiesta Makes it Across the Pond

Jeremy Tanner — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:31:30 +0000

So begins my Fiestaventure. I picked the Fiesta up at the track Wednesday with 150 miles on it. We were able to familiarize ourselves with the car in the paddock area and get the feel of the standard gearbox. My last 2 cars (VW GTI, Audi 4000 Quattro) both featured a standard transmissions. It’s not like riding a bike, but it does come right back to you. Ford brought out instructors from some of the top driving schools, I had the good fortune to be paired with Jay Tischler for a few laps around the track at High Plains Raceway. I found myself smiling when I wasn’t concentrating too hard on cornering… the inline 4 only produces 119 HP, but it’s a fun little car. (A 60HP version is available in Europe, I shudder to think of it’s 0-60 time.) Speaking of Europe, though the car was manufactured in Germany I think that who it was designed for made a larger impact than where it was assembled. To drivers in Europe, small doesn’t mean cheap, it just means better on gas, easier to park and possibly, more fun to drive. These Fiestas have leather steering wheels, the keyless system found on the more expensive Lincolns, USB ports, some have heated leather seats. I favor the European style, I’d give up cup holders and cruise control to get a tighter suspension, a standard gearbox and summer tires.

Thoughts from the first 48 hours:

The fuel system is capless it makes a funny “Woosh” noise when you put the nozzle in and it unseals.
Being able to leave my keys and phone in my pocket is somehting I could get used to.
This green is VERY green.
A rear foglight is nice when driving up into the clouds out here
I can see ~~how~~ why this car ~~could be~~ is outselling every other car in Europe

In conjunction with the Fiestamovement there’s a ride and drive tour coming across the states with the goal of giving 100,000 test drives. A fleet of Fiestas will be downtown Boulder next Wednesday (May 6th) and around Colorado through the 10th.

Ride and Drive Dates

I’ll be driving mine around the Front Range and out to different motorsport events; I’m most excited for Rally, American Le Mans, MotoGP and the Pikes Peak Hillclimb… what else shouldn’t I miss?

Fiesta Countdown now at 10 days

Jeremy Tanner — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:42:03 +0000

I got the call(s) last month form the Fiesta Movement, for the next 6 months I’ll be a Ford Fiesta Agent, test driving the Euro-spec Fiesta, providing feedback for the Americas version being developed and talking about my experiences. Out of 560 or so, my application video was one of the 100 that the selection committee liked, paired with my love of cars from Germany (This Fiesta is put together in Cologne) and a promise to write and make videos. I’ve been a small hatchback fan for quite a while, my last car was a MkIII VW GTI VR6. Last month the Fiesta beat out the VW Golf in sales to be Europe’s best selling car. Many of the best cars never make it across the Atlantic, I’d like to see more of this going on.

I’ll be picking up a neon green one in Denver next Wednesday, then driving it up for Ignite Boulder. I’m unsure what else the summer holds, likely a few road trips and a Rally America event or two… I’ll keep you updated.

Another Jeremy enjoyed his time piloting the Fiesta on Top Gear:

Looks like fun, Who wants a ride?

Disclosure: Ford will be providing a Euro Fiesta, Insurance and Gas for 6 months.

Where The Fun’s At Episode 5: Post SXSW

Jeremy Tanner — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:36:24 +0000

I’ll be posting a full wrap-up or rather some thoughts on the conference / festival soon. Until then, enjoy 9 minutes of Where The Fun’s At…

Show notes:

SXSW
Interactive, Film, Music.
RiP a Remix Manifesto
Number One with a Bullet
Jake and Jeffrey Show
Threadless TV
BJ Novak
Where The Fun’s At
The Ill Doctrine with Jay Smooth
Baratunde
Paul Stamatiou
Startup Weekend
Skribit
Mugasha
BizSpark Accelorator
Gary Vaynerchuk
Slingshot Wine
Laughing Squid
32 Bit Party
Shout Now
Kirtsy
BlogHer
Rediscover
These United States
Shirock
the Wrens
Shout Out Out Out Out
Silversun Pickups
Decemberists
Startup Weekend Detroit
Web 2.0 Expo SF
Kegs and Kites
My Ford Fiesta Movement video application
-Jeremy and Andrew

Where The Fun’s At SXSW Tips

Jeremy Tanner — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:28:59 +0000

So Andrew’s Canon 5D Mk II fell dead to the dreaded error 30 so episode 4 comes to you in LoDef. Sorry I forgot to mention Sched

Crunk Energy on Where The Fun’s At

Jeremy Tanner — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:07:20 +0000

So there are a lot of other great shows out there. We figured doing a “tribute” episode would be fun. Since it’s a bit early in the day for wine, we’re trying Crunk Energy Drink. There are also more ways to watch now. Andrew grabbed a domain – wtfatsign.com. Look through the previous episodes, watch this one larger or read the show notes at thefun.blip.tv. We’re coming soon to the iTunes podcast store. And blip.tv is providing rss of the full files for each episode so you can add us as a channel on Boxee or other media centers that accept rss. Tell us what we’re doing wrong, what we’re doing right and as always, send large bags of money.

Edit: Berry Crunk Energy provided for review by Crunk Energy.

The Social Network That Beats Twitter AND Facebook

Jeremy Tanner — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:04:21 +0000

I talked about contact management applications last week with a friend who does Business Development, it seems many people’s communications have shifted to various social tools (Facebook, Twitter et al.) This is fine and many are fully on-board the “Wave of the future.” I’m not convinced. I’ve found an more effective social network than either Twitter or Facebook. The downside, it’s pay to play, costing me upwards of $70 a month. The up side? It’s 10 times larger than Twitter and Facebook combined. It’s the cellular network. Your telephone. Too many underestimate the value of a phone call. You know that your message reached who it needed to and you get instant feedback. It requires nothing more than a handset and service. It has privacy settings (If it’s not a good time, don’t answer!) You can text one or many privately. Recently had to find a source on short notice: colleague sent a Twitter @ message, I picked up the phone. GAME OVER. “Phone calls don’t scale” Perfect! The limited amount of hours in everyone else’s day is what keeps them from being able to talk to the same people I do. Inability to call thousands makes receiving a call / text message somewhat special. I’ve met people I’ve liked immediately, but even then, making friends and building relationships requires putting in time. In romance if you can’t meet face to face, you take it to the phone, why should your other meaningful interactions be any different?

Why aren’t you on the phone?

Where The Fun’s At

Jeremy Tanner — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:22:47 +0000

Where The Funs At from Andrew on Vimeo.

Announcing “Where The Fun’s At”, a show that Andrew Hyde and myself will be making. WTF@ for short. This sprung from the both of us wanting to make more videos. Andrew I’m sure needed to justify last week’s purchase of the Canon 5D Mark II (After only a short time hands-on, it’s my favorite gadget of the last year. Jared has one you can play with on the cheap, don’t touch it unless you’re serious though, the check will start to write itself for you.) There’s a few reasons as to why I’m involved. I want to be more comfortable on video. I’m looking to improve my writing. I’m learning to be a more effective communicator. I have a few ideas that are perfectly suited for a video show. Making videos is a great way to accomplish these. WTF@ is tongue in cheek enough and sounds more interesting than “The Jeremy and Andrew Show” So there is is. We have a lot of ideas as to what the show will become, but before that,

What would you like to see?

PostScript: Andrew’s Thoughts on the matter…

You Owe Me Nothing (My Twitter Policy)

Jeremy Tanner — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:39:34 +0000

In the realm of electronic communications, you owe me nothing. Not a follow-back on Twitter, not a response to an @ reply, not an answer to my emails. You don’t even have to pick up the phone when I call. Counterpoint. It goes both ways. Earlier while talking Twitter with a few friends, I realized that I have no published Twitter policy. I’ve recently seen a few disappointments that stemmed from users not setting expectations for communication with them. I do not follow everyone back who follows me on Twitter. When I follow you, it’s because your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. It’s not a ploy to get you to follow me back, that’d make me a spammer. I follow missrogue, dickc, gruber, badbanana, Armano one-way because they have consistently excellent streams. Not being followed back on Twitter isn’t an indictment of our relationship, I have plenty of dear friends who I don’t follow. Twitter’s not a great place for conversation, for those I’m a bigger fan of friendfeed, facebook and the phone. I can’t take all of Twitter unfiltered and the only filter Twitter allows is Follow/ Don’t follow. “Follow me back on Twitter so we can talk.” Is bordering passive aggressive if there’s multiple other ways to contact me. I make myself available over email, by phone and on facebook.

Note: This works for individuals. If the Twitter account is for business / customer service, it may be better to follow all back and use monitoring tools. That way, all your customers feel listened to and have an additional means of contacting you (direct message), always a good thing. The downside, all those aggregate streams coming in make keeping up with the tiny newsletters that you ARE interested in impossible. That’s the trade.

Who are you on Twitter for?

I Don’t Want to do Anything This Year

Jeremy Tanner — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:26:26 +0000

I’m only three weeks into the new year, that means there’s still plenty of time for navel gazing introspective posts. 2009 is the year that I don’t want to do anything. This does not mean I’m looking to be a slacker, completely the contrary in fact. It’s just that in previous years I’ve wanted to write more, wanted to take more photos, wanted to travel more, wanted be a better friend. Sometimes things worked out. Sometimes they did not. I don’t want any of that this year. I will write more. I’ll work to become a more effective communicator. I’ll speak at more conferences. I’ll be organizing more community events. I’ll work more with video. (New weekly show TBA this weekend) I’ll share more pictures. Wanting is one step removed from wishing. Making a list of wants / wishes without resolve is a roadmap to disappointment.

Are you wanting, wishing or working?