NASA Microsatellites

I thought these were pretty crazy - tiny satellites about 2ft across - launched in threes from a jet-launched rocket. Even though they're so small they're fully functional, with propulsion systems and communications. Soon everyone'll want one!

Wired News: NASA Microsatellites
Nasa.gov Page

Vista...Ultimate!...?

I spent this evening installing Windows Vista Ultimate for the first time on my Media Center PC (Alienware DHS-2). While it didnt exactly go smoothly...no audio drivers...wrong TV Tuner drivers...no Front Panel display...it gave me a good taste for whats to come. Looks very cool. This is the first time I've tried Vista - never even bothered messing with Longhorn - and I like what I've seen.

I tried installing again, this time as an upgrade to the XP Media Center build (from the Alienware Respawn image). But that failed. Vista rolled back the installation successfully though, which I was impressed with.

So I'm trying a fresh install again. Maybe this time I'll give it more time trying to work around the driver issues.

UMPC - Origami right?

This is even more bizarre. Intel's UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) website, apparently hinting at the same device that Microsoft refers to in the Origami Project, also has a teaser for something about to be unveiled. But whereas the Origami site says 9th March, Intels date is the 7th March.

Is Intel going to gazump Microsoft then?

"Stay tuned"

hello...do you know me?

This must be the most bizarre marketing launch Microsoft has ever been involved in:
Origami Project

Quite a crazy set of flash animations - part 1 and part 2 have been released to date.

Apparently this is the project to deliver Microsoft's iPod-killer device. I guess we'll know more on the 9th March.
CNN Money News Article

Maybe Checkpoint won't get Snort after all

I thought this news was pretty crazy. The FBI & DoD are objecting to CheckPoint's acquisition of SourceFire (which was announced last year), as they don't want security technology such as Snort to be owned by a foreign company. I wonder whether they'll get their way...seems a bit strange when Snort is an Open Source product anyway. Maybe it's the proprietary "Sourcefire" pieces that they don't want to see going offshore.

U.S. Objects to Snort Purchase by Israel-Based Check Point

Laptops...Tablets...

I need to get myself a new laptop...but which make/model should I select? There's so much choice when you're shopping for yourself, and not stuck to any corporate standards or budget constraints.

My top choices so far:

1. Apple MacBook Pro
- Would get one tomorrow if VMware for Mac was available
2. Toshiba Portege M400
- Would be nicer with a screen larger than 12"
+ Might be nice and light though...
3. Toshiba Tecra M4
- Would be nicer with a dual-core processor and a fingerprint reader ;-)
4. Acer Travelmate C310
- Would be nicer with a dual-core processor and SXGA res

I also like the new Asus laptop with the "SideShow" external display designed for Windows Vista. Very cool idea...but can't wait that long.

BREAKS CO-OP

I was flying back from Singapore on the weekend, flicking through the various entertainment channels and came across some new music released by NZ band BREAKS CO-OP. I thought it was very cool, so bought the CD "The Sound Inside" yesterday...been listening to it since. There's some great songs on it.

I used to listen to one of the threesome, Zane Lowe, on BBC Radio-1 in the UK. Excellent radio show, with some great music. Not sure how he's fitting in the radio show while recording/touring/performing with Breaks Co-Op...must be busy!