Your Tech Weblog

Dell PCs to run Mac OS X? Hmm, not likely...

Dude! Dream on...

On the other hand, stranger things have happened...

I don't dig satellite radio. But HD Radio?...

My radio needs are pretty simple. I require a single preset: my local National Public Radio station.

So I've regarded satellite radio and its much-ballyhooed digital transmissions with ambivalance. I'm not interested in all those wacky music and talk channels. And while satradio's public-radio offerings hold some appeal, the lack of local flavor is a deterrent. Besides, I'm just not keen on paying monthly fees for radio.

HD Radio? Hey, that's different. Terrestial broadcasters such as Minnesota Public Radio have begun upgrading to digital FM transmissions, which are said to sound as good as satellite radio (with AM sounding about as good as standard FM). And the digital broadcasts are gratis. Hey, sounds good!

Now, I just have to wait for prices on those newfangled digital receivers to fall. $250 to $500? Ouch.

Update: But wait! Maybe you can get your radio for free!

Perfect geek-commuter bag: an update

I tested a whole bunch of messenger-style bags for office-type commuters a while back, and finally settled on Brenthaven's Messenger Bag as my favorite. (I wish I could point you to the bag, but the maker's awful Flash-based site precludes that.) In fact, I bought one.

This is an update to tell you I couldn't be happier with my purchase. It's turned out to be the ideal work bag for someone like myself who carries a lot of stuff and needs lots of pockets in all shapes and sizes for papers, gadgets and lunch containers.