As I write, a recording of pianist/conductor Murray Perahia’s performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 in C (K. 503) is filtering into my workspace. A small video camera is at the ready, if I want to have an online chat. And then there’s the Motorola MPx200, a wireless phone discussed here before: I’ve found new possibilities for it.
All these are connected in “small” ways to my computer, but each can play a big part in making computing life a tad better and easier.
Let’s start with the Mozart and Mr. Perahia, who celebrated his birthday yesterday. I’m hearing this rather marvelous piece of music thanks to WQXR-FM in New York City, which is transmitting its broadcasts over the Internet. Big deal, you say. Stations have done that for years. Yes, but I’m listening not with Real Networks’ “RealPlayer,” but with Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Media Player.
I’m doing it on an Apple Macintosh G5 desktop running OS X version 10.3, also known as “Panther.” There is a version of Windows Media Player for the Mac, which you can find at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/software/Macintosh/osx/default.aspx, free of charge.
It’s good to have alternatives, and though many Macintosh die-hards will smirk at the irony of Microsoft providing a nice alternative to Apple’s ITunes and RealPlayer, that’s the reality. I hope the Microsoft folks will continue to support Mac users with its media software, which can bring the wonders of great music to one’s desk.
Another nice item are the JBL Creature 2.1 Computer Speakers by Harmon Kardon, available for less than $98 at Office Depot’s online store. These “Creatures” produce fantastic sound in not too much space. The subwoofer doesn’t look out of place on a desktop. The “right” speaker has touch-sensitive volume controls, although a keyboard “mute” button is still a good idea for when the phone rings or a colleague drops by. The Creature speakers are suitable for PC and Mac systems.
Equally impressive is Apple’s ISight, a $149 video camera (with built-in microphone) that uses a FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable to convey picture and data to the computer. The product works only with Macs at this point. What I find striking is the small size, easy setup and stunning picture the device provides.
One thing that should become more widely available in the weeks ahead is the Motorola MPx200, which lists for $499 but can be had for half the price, or less, depending on the deal you strike with AT&T Wireless or one of its dealers. I’ve seen prices ranging up and down the line, all the way down to free after rebates.
The MPx200 can handle e-mail, Internet browsing, MP3 music files (stereo headphones are included) and a range of other tasks, including contact management, appointments and task lists. All this in a “flip” phone that is not at all too much to carry or remember. It’s stylish, rugged, and has worked well for me in and around Washington, D.C.
Best of all, the phone now can synchronize addresses, photos, calendar items and to-dos with my Mac, thanks to PocketMac Smartphone 3.0, $28.88 from www.pocketmac.net. The program supports file transfers between Microsoft’s Entourage for Mac, as well as Apple’s Address Book, Mail and ICal programs.
E-mail MarkKel@aol.com or visit www.kellner.us.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.