18/08/2008 by Gavin.

GottaBeMobile - Throw Away Technology : Tablet PC & Mobile PC News & Video Reviews, and Tablet PC Forums

A thought provoking post over at GBM!

Here’s my comment:

Good article Matthew.

I work in the Environmental sector and am acutely aware of how my love of gadgets (and cars!) can be at odds with my profession.

In Europe we have the ‘WEEE’ regs, http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/275207/1631119/?version=1〈=_e,  which will hopefully go some way to reducing the amount of electronic waste that finds its way into the Environment, and I am a strong believer that it is manufacturers who must take more responsibility for the ultimate disposal of their products, be it TVs, computers or phones.  And that doesn’t mean farming off disposal to the cheapest bidder who ships it to a developing country to contaminate THEIR environment.

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/recycling-of-electronic-waste

I was also reading an interesting article earlier about recyling of mobile phone screens in Japan http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/08/15/mobiles-recycled-palm-sized
So it’s not all necessarily about having enforced legislation, the market can develop workable solutions too.  There are also a number of ‘freecycle’ groups here in the UK where you can get rid of items to those who need it.  You’d maybe struggle to sell an old printer but someone is likely to take it for free.

Remember however, that all this tech will eventually have a real end of life.  Even by donating and giving stuff away, we’re only postponing by a few years the inevitable.  If you’ve an old 386 PC in the garage, nobody is going to take that off you!  Therefore it’s important that there are genuine, easily accessible disposal routes for this stuff.  Where I live our recycling center has an area for PCs and other electronic waste.  I’ve recently asked our local Council for information on where they then dispose of this waste under the UK freedom of information act and await a response.

Posted in Environment, Gadgets, General | Print | 2 Comments »

19/06/2008 by Gavin.

James Kendrick of JK on the Run has posted a common question on favourite gadgets and if you could only have ONE device.  Here’s my reply:

Very difficult question.  If it REALLY had to be just ONE device then yes, it would be the HTC Advantage (T-mobile AMEO) as I could use it for everything I do.  Yes, other gadgets can do individual things better but hear me out!

I can surf the web.
I can read RSS feeds.
I can email.
I can IM.
I can make telephone calls.
I can record meetings.
I can use GPS with TomTom software.
I can watch movies, look at pictures and listen to music.
I can read ebooks.
I can play SCUMM
I can play DOOM, Heretic and Hexen
I can edit excel spreadsheets vis pocket Excel or even better, Planmaker which supports advanced functions.  Similarly with Word and Textmaker.

I can give training presentations via powerpoint using the VGA out capability.
I can carry out audits and take pictures/videos via its 3 megapixel autofocus camera on sites and input into Onenote.
I can review CAD drawings
I can read PDF files (anyone know of ny PPC PDF editors)?
I can remote access and control my desktop and other family PCs.
Finally, I can use a full size monitor, mouse and keyboard via USB host or BT.

Whew, bound to have missed stuff but it would be possible to use only the HTC Advantage to fulfil my needs.  Course, I wont be giving up my iPod Touch, Portege M700 or Fujitsu P1610 anytime soon!

Posted in Gadgets | Print | 1 Comment »

03/06/2008 by Gavin.

The Inquirer is reporting that only 5% of gadgets returned to suppliers are actually faulty, according to a survey by Accenture.  Wow, file this one under ‘impulse’ buying!

More here.

Posted in Gadgets, Are you having a laugh? | Print | 1 Comment »