The Apple Store Experience

May 19, 2011Android | iPad | Kindle FireRichard

I don't love Apple Computers. For years I've used my windows based system both for the control it gives me, and the business compatibility. Late last year, it became obvious that I needed to understand the mobile experience. Thus, I now have a HTC droid phone, and an Apple iPad 1.

With two business trips in May which involve significant presentations, I decided I needed to get my iPad working with projectors (learn more … prior post). Although I could do the Apps research on my iPad, last Friday, I ultimately needed to drive over to the Apple store at a suburban Minneapolis mall. Taking an early lunchbreak I made the trip … expecting a deserted mall … after all it was 11:00 a.m. on a weekday. Everyone should be at work. Wrong!

While the mall itself was deserted, the Apple store was packed … wall to wall people. I had stumbled on a love fest of retirees, housewives, and a few business people like myself. Within seconds three different Apple employees approached me and offered to assist me. I explained to all my need for a VGA out cable. I was given direction to the rear of the store, next to the "Genius Bar"?

I easily found my cable, but then I was confused … not a cash register in site. Within seconds a fourth Apple employee approached and explained … electronic checkout via his handheld device. Wow. I was impressed. He politely asked if Apple could email me my receipt (why not … gave him my SPAM account). However, I was impressed … point of sale connection between customer, purchase, and email account.

While I still prefer the control my windows computer gives me, I am a convert when it comes to the Apple Store shopping experience. These folks know the customer! In addition, my middle son while home briefly from his graduate studies noted to me … Dad … you're not on your laptop that much anymore. You seem to really like that iPad!

Now if I could just get Flash, and a more seamless Google & Microsoft experience on my iPad. I'm still watching the Android tablets, but nothing impresses me yet.

If you desire, read about some of my Android Land experiences.

Post update on August 3, 2011: I've actually created an iPad Business Apps Manual

The Power of Web 2.0

May 13, 2011Android | iPad | Kindle FireRichard

People say blogging is dead, well I say phooey! Last night I passed 320,000 total page views for NorthstarNerd.Org. Over the years I have posted 1,059 times for an average read per page of 302 views. I would say that's not bad for a nerd from northern Minnesota!

Seriously, while everyone else tweats in small bursts of limited value, give some thought to the traditional blog. If you invest the time, the payback is HUGE. Via NorthstarNerd.Org I have met some amazing people, and learned valuable knowledge … both via the effort of posting and the community which interacts with me.

For this 1,060th post I would like to add some value beyond just an opinion. As stated previously, one solid advantage of this blog is the ability to keep learning. One resource which I've found recently particularily useful is MakeUseOf.Com. This site constantly provides updates with usefil tips about optimizing your use of technology. In addition, they have a great page of End User Guides (downloadable free pdf's) which range from digitial photography to LINUX. I've directly linked their iPad guide (28 pages) on my site as an example (screenshot of cover given below).

Will you be my 320,001st viewer? Stop by NorthstarNerd.Org and leave me a comment! What do you like about this domain? What could I do better? Thanks for your visit!

Do you think?

May 10, 2011UncategorizedRichard

I spent my Saturday at minnebar along with 1,200 other techies. While most of the concepts and technologies reviewed were not in my area of expertise, they all made me think. It is all too uncommon an occurance when we take the time to actually really sit back and reflect … to think.

One of my faorite sites over the years to get quick doses (or long) thinking inspiration is Stanford's eCorner. Thought leaders from Silicon Valley present (free video or audio) on their ideas.

Here is one of the leading venture capitalists, Geoffrey Moore. You can watch 1 minute and 47 seconds on "When Big Companies Get Stuck" (follow link for excerpt … full presentation is given below)

I Yam what I am!

April 27, 2011UncategorizedRichard

The Minnesota DNR has delayed the Fishing Opener, thus you have NO excuse not to attend Minnebar!

Seriously, if you are in Minnesota (geek or not), attend the best (free) technical conference in Minnesota. Over 600 individuals will be at Best Buy's headquarters on Saturday, May 7th. Register quickly because this event always fills up very fast.

If you are familiar with barcamps, these events are "unconferences". Any topic is allowed, but the focus is normally technical. The ability to learn about what is driving technology throughout the world is unparalleled. You also get free pizza, beer and a t-shirt!

I plan to both attend and present. One day's investment in your knowledge will have a great return.

For those of you who don't live in Minnesota, and are not enjoying our late Winter, plus the ability at attend minnebar … barcamps are hosted around the world. We are lucky in Minnesota that our barcamp is normally one of the largest anywhere.

My session description: From skunkworks project to integrated production application. Learn how a a Fortune 100 company grew a 3 person private cloud microblogging network to a 5,000 person technical community which is integrated with Sharepoint and the Corporate Intranet. Expect a live demo. You've heard about Facebook for the Enterprise. See it in action with a business focus.

Participants are most welcome to show their own corporate social networks. Bring your laptop! Sign up to attend my session.

The Headless Woodpecker!

April 17, 2011UncategorizedRichard

It's important to understand and appreciate "the other guy's" technnical acumen. How often have you thought … I can do that! Working in the software field for years, it's sometime too easy to not grant enough credit to what your peers or competitors have accomplished!

On to the "Headless Downey Woodpecker" story, and you'll understand what I am talking about. Ever since I was a little boy I have enjoyed watching birds, and can name more birds by sight or sound than most people, other than true "birders". For my birthday a few weeks ago, my wife less me pick out my own gift. I chose a Canon SX30 Powershot Camera. This camera edges me into the world of advanced phtography. While not a digital SLR camera, it's close.

Thus, I decided to become John James Audubon. Two weeks ago I started hiking through the leftover snow in the northwoods. My goal was to take some wildlife photography of birds. After chasing many birds through the woods, my only photo was of the dreaded headless downy woodpecker (see below … click to expand).

My realization … there is a good reason wildlife photographers spend hours building blinds, and then wait days if not weeks for the local residents (birds and animals) to grow accustomed to the new part of the landscape. The idea … let the animals and birds come to you … have the camera set up and waiting. After all, birds move fast through a 360 degree spectrum.

I now have a good bird feeding station outside (deer proof!), and I'm starting to get better photos. Enjoy some new efforts which include two decent photos of Blue Jays, but also include the Headless Junco and Tailless Tree Sparrow. Craig Blacklock has nothing to fear from me at this time! He is a well know nature photographer in the Lake Superior region, and I now have a much greater appreciation for his work!

Click upon any image to view full sized!

First the headless Junco and tailless Tree Sparrow …