The OC Fair app puts some important fair information right in your hands.

The app was tested on the new iPhone 4 and it crashed a couple times in a span of around five minutes, but it does make available some important information.

The main screen of the app gives you some useful at-a-glance information: There’s a more detailed calendar that lets you look up shows at the fair: With how hot it has been, it’s nice to see they thought to include the weather in the app: The Twitter and Facebook pages for the OC Fair are included as well. Use #OCFair on Twitter to see what people are talking about at the fair live in real time. A map is also included in the app. It is supposed to also let you mark where you parked your car so you can get back to it, but that functionality hasn’t been tested yet. Mention @hmltn on Twitter and let me know if you have any fair tips for those with a smart phone or if you’ve tried out the app. Let us know how it works for you actually navigating the fair.

Posted via email from OC Unwired

Mashable just linked the first real trailer for “The Social Network.” There’s a great poster for the movie as well. Anyone interested in seeing this now?

Posted via email from ianhamilton

Add this as the 11th question Apple needs to answer tomorrow.

Bloomberg reporting:

Apple Inc.’s senior antenna expert voiced concern to Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs in the early design phase of the iPhone 4 that the antenna design could lead to dropped calls, a person familiar with the matter said.

Last year, Ruben Caballero, a senior engineer and antenna expert, informed Apple’s management the device’s design may hurt reception.

Is this report true? What happened?

Posted via email from ianhamilton

If you wanted an Android phone with the size and capabilities of the Evo 4G but on Verizon’s network, Droid X has arrived.

Anybody getting one? Have one? How is it?

Posted via email from ianhamilton

Hopefully we’ll get answers to these questions.

NY Times

Posted via email from ianhamilton

The modules will be used on military platforms including missile guidance, secure radio communications and precision guided munitions designed with global positioning (GPS) capability. Weapon systems with GPS have the ability to strike fixed targets in all weather, day or night, while reducing the number of rounds expended and minimizing collateral damage. The anti-tamper features on these defense platforms prevent reverse engineering and other covert methods that could be used to gain access to sensitive data. 

Press release: http://investor.microsemi.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=487967

Posted via email from ianhamilton

Stump the PC Club is a free tech-advice column written by members of the North Orange County Computer Club, which has been in existence since 1976. Visit the club’s site at noccc.org. And don’t forget to stop by the Gadgetress’ home for the PC Club, at ocregister.com/link/pcclub, to find out how to ask a question and read past answers.

QUESTION: I’d like to purchase an external hard drive. There are so many choices what should I look for and do they come with backup software?

PC CLUB:  Not all external hard drives are created equal. For example, the HP Simple Save does not behave like a traditional drive. HP states the following about its drive:  “What automatically starts backing up your PC the minute you plug it into your USB port? It’s our SimpleSave 1TB Portable Hard Drive. This practically hands free device comes with software that runs directly from the drive (no need to install anything”. The term 1TB means one terabyte which is equivalent to 1,024 gigabytes.

During my initial encounter with this drive I attempted to simply back up a client’s Internet Favorites and could not. This is because the drive only runs in a fully automatic mode. This mode allows you to configure which file types to back up but it does not allow you to choose a specific folder. The drive is not meant to be used as a traditional external hard drive.

However, this may be just the ticket for novice users who want to leave total control up to the drive. It will back up hundreds of file types, which should cover most users. Just don’t ask it back up a folder of your choice.

Conventional drives on the other hand can be used as follows:

• In the manual mode where the user copies files and folders of their choice to the drive.
• In conjunction with the software bundled with the drive, which varies with the manufacturer.
• In conjunction with any third-party backup software of your choice.

External hard drives also come in a variety of capacities and 1 terabyte drives are becoming more prevalent. This could be overkill unless you want to back up many, many videos, pictures and lots of music. The average user can get by with 300 to 500 gigabytes.  It also may be safer to not put all your eggs in one basket and invest in several smaller drives.

When you purchase one of these drives, free backup software is usually included. A CD is normally not included since the software is pre-loaded on the drive. When the drive is first plugged in, a wizard will open with step-by-step instructions.  This software may be easier to use than other third-party software but may lack the custom features that you need. I recommend using the bundled software initially so you can learn more about the process before spending more money.

External hard drives are available in several configurations including a small portable size that requires no external power and a book-like size that does utilize AC power. I have found that the smaller ones are slightly less compatible with all PCs and that the larger ones are compatible 99% of the time. Regarding the software that comes bundled with these drives, some programs are better than others. The program is usually easy to set up and can be scheduled to backup your data daily if you wish. When you’re ready to move up to more advanced third-party software, Genie Backup, available at http://www.genie-soft.com/ for $49, is one of the best programs. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. The product is called Genie Backup Manager Home 8.0.

Some drives are password-protected and this feature can be annoying. The drives also come with a variety of interfaces or connections including USB, Firewire and eSata. I don’t recommend paying any more for anything other than a USB connection since it is quite fast. Both Firewire and eSata will be phasing out in the near future, especially with the new USB 3.0 starting to show up on newer hardware.

One of the best features of these external drives are that they are plug-and-play, which means that they can be connected or disconnected without turning off your PC’s power. You should use the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature to safely disconnect the drive since if you unplug it while data is being backed up, some of the data is likely to be corrupted. Many new drives have no power switch but they do go into a sleep mode after a period on being idle to save power.

~Ed Schwartz, NOCCC member. View his Web site at www.edwardns.com.

But all good things must come to an end and the Gadgetress blog is retiring. That’s because after nearly 10 years at the Orange County Register, I’m leaving this great gig — and Orange County — for that mysterious “to pursue other opportunities.”

It’s really a mystery to me what I’ll be doing next. I’m taking a break for a few months. Seriously. I may return to the world of tech journalism. If you want to keep track of what’s next for me, just head to my personal site at tamara.net.

I enjoyed every minute, especially the interaction with readers. Thank you readers, fans, critics, the companies and even Time Warner Cable. I’ve learned a lot from all of you and hopefully vice versa. I’ve updated the story archives so if you’re looking for an old post on TV service, here’s where to go:

• Time Warner Cable
• Cox Communications
• Verizon FiOS
• AT&T U-verse

For all other tech-related stories and questions, here are a few people who may be able to help you:

• The PC Club Q&A will continue. Readers can still submit questions to gadgetress@ocregister.com with “Help Me” in the subject head.
• John Dunphy, OC Register editor who oversees technology coverage: jdunphy@ocregister.com
• Ian Hamilton, OC Register reporter who covers tech in Irvine and has a soft spot for all-things Apple: ihamilton@ocregister.com

Farewell good readers. I’ll be on Twitter, Facebook and who knows where else? May we meet again!

Signing out,

Tamara “The Gadgetress” Chuang

My prediction: This is going to be a big year for TV. But not because the last episode of “Lost”  airs next month. Or because yet another season of “American Idol” is one of this year’s highest rated shows.

What’s changing is how we watch TV. Hulu.com, which offers a ton of recently aired TV shows, is a mainstream hit. There are trials by Time Warner Cable offering subscribers access to some cable TV shows on the Web. Dish announced something similar (read: “Coming soon: Dish to let users watch TV online“).

Cable TV companies are losing subscribers. Online video sites, which allow users to pick and choose what they want to watch, are gaining viewers. And for the first time last fall, a major cable provider took its fight against the ever-increasing fees paid to networks to rebroadcast shows public. Something has got to give!

While the state of paid TV is undergoing a monumental change, several services are already available to help consumers pay for only what they want to watch. Now, there’s probably more than 10 suggestions on how to watch web TV on a TV, but you get the picture.

While you can hook up a computer to your PC (a la Windows Media Center or some other DIY software), I’ve tracked down some newer alternatives to pipe TV shows from the Web to your big screen TV.  I’ve listed some below, but I’m sure every reader has his or her own favorites. Please share with the rest of us in the comments and if I’m able, I’ll elevate them to the list below.

How else can you watch TV?

What is it: One of the easiest ways to watch Hulu.com on a TV. It allows a game console (Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii) to access Hulu.com and other online video on a TV.Investment: $40 for the software (search deal sites to get it for less), plus a compatible game console or DLNA device, a home computer and home network. Monthly fees: Need high-speed Internet service subscription. No additional Playon fees at the moment What you get: One of the easier ways for a TV to access Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, podcast videos and other online video. On-demand content includes TV shows from CBS.com, ESPN.com, plus plugins (thanks to 3rd-party sites) Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Fox News, HGT, MTV, NBC, NFL, Nickelodeon, SyFy and Spike TV. Cons: The game console isn’t the one going online to fetch the TV shows. It relies on a home computer to do so. The computer with PlayOn software must be left on. There’s some DIY involved, but this is by far, much easier — and more aesthetically pleasing — than hooking up a laptop to the TV. How to get it on TV: Besides the game consoles, PlayOn works with the NETGEAR Digital Entertainer Live EVA2000, Moxi HD DVR, VuNow VN1000SD/HD and HP MediaSmart TV. Check the latest devices HERE. On this same user guide is a list of other devices like DirecTV and D-Link boxes that work but are not officially supported.			Read about PlayOn user Jeremy Baker’s experience: “Ditching cable for Xbox saves Seal Beach man $70/month.” Got a PC and fast Internet? You have the basic tools to access dozens of web sites offering free or cheap access to TV shows. Here are a few: ► Hulu.com — This joint venture includes owners from NBC Universal, News Corp. and The Walt Disney Company. It’s become one of the most popular sites online to view regular TV shows. ► LocateTV (locatetv.com) — Offers a directory of what’s on TV offline and online. If the show is online, users can watch immediately on a PC. ► Fancast.com, brought to viewers by Comcast Interactive Media, offers free TV shows on demand. ► AT&T Entertainment (link: entertainment.att.net/tv) from AT&T of course, offers similar selection to Hulu.
What is it: Watch Instantly is an extension of Netflix’s popular video rental service but you don’t have to leave your house to pick up or return movies. Moves are streamed to your TV from the Internet. Investment: A Netflix-friendly device, which include game consoles, connected TVs and others (see list below). Monthly fees: Minimum plan of $8.99 gets user unlimited access to Netflix streaming library of thousands of movies and TV shows. User will also need high-speed Internet service subscription. The minimum plan includes one DVD rental at a time, which is returned by snail mail. What you get: Watch entire seasons of TV shows, including “The Office,” “Weeds” and “Lost” for one price, albeit a season later than everyone else. Netflix’s online library continues to expand. New releases, as of April 6, include “Julie & Julia,” “Angels & Demons” and season 5 of “Weeds.” Cons: This won’t help if you need to know what happened last night on “Lost.” Available episodes are dependent on the last DVD release. For example, the first 5 seasons of “The Office,” now in season 6, are the latest available. Selection is limited and not as vast as Netflix’s DVD library. But the library continues to grow. Also, there’s still a subscription fee though new customers qualify for a free month. One inconvenience: If viewing Netflix service on a Wii or PlayStation 3, a special disc needs to be inserted. Xbox 360 users must subscribe to Xbox Gold Live for an additional fee. How to get it on TV: Numerous Internet devices pipe Netflix videos to the big screen including the 3 major game consoles, the Roku digital player, plus several HDTVs and Blu-ray players. Here’s a complete list: LINK.			A la carte TV? On a PC, you can pick and choose which full episodes you really want to watch for free. ► CBS at cbs.com/video ► NBC at nbc.com/video ► ABC at abc.go.com/watch ► FOX at fox.com/fod ► PBS at video.pbs.org ► Discovery Channel dsc.discovery.com/videos/ ► Disney Channel home.disney.go.com/tv ► Lifetime (full episodes of ‘Project Runway’), mylifetime.com/video ► ComedyCentral.com ► ESPN at espn.go.com/video ► MLB.tv offers full out-of-market games 90 minutes after they air. Or watch all games online at MLB.tv for a minimum of $20/month or $120/year. ► Got another? Comment below. Thanks!
What is is: The first hardware built to put the Boxee online TV service on a TV. D-Link Systems, based in Fountain Valley, happens to be the first company to build a device for Boxee. Investment: Price TBD. Users will need the box in order to pipe the Boxee video service to the TV. Alternatively, users can hook up a PC to the TV and access the free Boxee service. Monthly fees: Besides high-speed Internet, there should be none. What you get: Boxee connects viewers to several sources of Web videos online, including Netflix, Youtube, Cons: It’s not out yet. How to get it on TV: Because D-Link is building the box, this will plug into a TV and Internet with the usual cables. No need to add a PC to the home entertainment center anymore.			From readers (thanks all!): ► Irvine’s www.koldcast.tv Have another? Comment below What’s coming:► Redbox, which has DVD vending machines, wants to get into “low-cost video streaming,” says PC Magazine. More AltTV on TV: ► Vudu - On-demand HD movie rental site available as a feature on several TVs and the Vudu box. ► WDTV Media Player — Western Digital’s TV-in-a-box that attaches to a big TV and Internet. It offers viewers access to PlayOn software, which in turn can access Hulu.com.
What is it: Sezmi.com is a new TV service that mixes over-the-air broadcasts with select cable TV channels for a monthly fee of $5 to $20. Price: The key is the $299 1-terabyte DVR that fetches shows online and over the air and feeds it to users based on preferences. Monthly fees: Monthly fee of $4.99 offers access to over-the-air channels, Youtube and other web videos. For $19.99/month, around 15 cable TV channels are added. User provides own high-speed Internet service. What you get: Access to broadcast TV channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS and other over-the-air channels available in your neighborhood. The premium plan includes access to Animal Planet, Bravo, Discovery Channel, TNT, TLC, MTV, CNN, TruTV, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network, TruTV, SyFy, USA, TBS and VH1. Both plans offer access to YouTube, on-demand movies (which may include rental fee), and thousands of video podcasts. Cons: Service requires up-front investment with the $299 DVR, plus installation is DIY. Read the review, “Sezmi TV a deal at $20/month but not for everyone, says tester.” How to get it on TV: The box connects to the TV and home’s Internet using the usual cables.			REVIEW: Reader Josh Kaplan reviews Sezmi: “Sezmi TV a deal at $20/month but not for everyone“ What about broadcast TV?If you’ve got a good roof-top antenna, digital TV or digital converter box, you should be able to access most of the over-the-air TV channels for free. It’s a great alternative if you can actually get the channels to come in. Some tips: ► Visit AntennaWeb.org to get a general idea of how good reception will be at your house. ►Check TitanTV.com to see what digital channels you should already be receiving.
What is it: They look like regular HDTVs or Blu-ray Disc players, but they’ve also got an Internet connection. That gives these connected devices access to dozens of video sources online. TV makers are creating their own library of video services, which includes companies like Vudu (rent or buy HD movies), Amazon on Demand (rent or buy), Netflix and more. Price: These connected TVs start around $1,000 while Blu-ray players are around $200 and up. Monthly fees: Depends on what “app” you use. For example, there’s no subscription fee to Vudu, but you pay $3.99 or more to rent or buy the movie. What you get: Access to  nearly every movie or streaming video available online but usually for a small fee. Cons: You’ll need one of these devices. And these don’t give you free access to the Internet, so you likely won’t be watching Hulu.com TV shows on TV. Also, each manufacturer is working on agreements with the various video sites so offerings will differ from company to company.
► There are many more options out there but I can’t list them all (Apple TV, Windows Media Center…) For all the experts out there, other readers would appreciate your suggestions so please comment below. Thanks!

For more on TV services, see the following links:

					* Time Warner Cable * Cox Cable * Verizon FiOS * AT&T U-verse		* DirecTV * Dish Network * Web TV * All TV

The 3G cell sites includes the recent upgrade to High-Speed Packet Access 7.2 technology, which should speed up Internet browsing and data transmission on the cellular network.

The company also announced new sites in San Bernardino and Chino and one in Kern County’s Shafter.

AT&T plans to add 200 cell sites in California, which should be good news to local iPhone users.

Latest news on cell sites:

	Read more:

In his quest to find an alternative to cable TV, Josh Kaplan signed up last fall to test a brand new TV service called Sezmi. This hybrid online, over-the-air broadcast would ultimately cost $4.99 to $19.99 a month when it launched in February 2010. But as a tester, the Long Beach resident got it all for free.

His verdict? Not ready for prime time.

“I really want them to be successful,” said Kaplan, who lives in Long Beach. “I love to hear of an upstart that’s challenging the status quo. I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised by the quality because I wasn’t expecting much.”

Sezmi launched in the Orange County market in February 2010 offering a different kind of TV service. Besides the usual free over-the-air channels like CBS and Fox, the Sezmi box also offers around 15 cable channels, including CNN, Nickelodeon and Discovery. The Belmont, Ca. company has contracts with Turner Broadcasting, Discovery, Viacom and NBC Universal.

The $4.99 price includes the over-the-air channels and Youtube access; the $19.99 price includes everything else. That’s a steal compared to Kaplan’s current TV bill of $175 for Verizon FiOS TV and Internet service, which continues to creep up.

But set up was off putting to Kaplan. He had difficulty connecting the box to his home network so Sezmi sent him a Homeplug kit that routes Internet service over the home’s electrical system. Still there were issues but after “about 4 to 5 days, I happened to get it to work,” he said.

Also, the system’s antenna has to be positioned just right to get the best picture quality. The screen shows users the signal strength of the TV channel, but he ultimately did not get every channel.

“I don’t think it’s ready for prime time because the installation is not as smooth as they’d like you to believe it is. I really had to go through a series of challenges to get it set up. Not that it was difficult but most people are used to Verizon, DirecTV or Dish. Whey they leave the house, everything’s working.”

He had to get used to the idea that there were no channel numbers, but there was a really nice channel guide. You have to page through channels to get to the one you want. If there’s an easier way, it’s not intuitive. “I’m from the school that if I have to read the manual, it’s not for me,” Kaplan said.

But there were features he really liked about Sezmi. The software creates user profiles and if you tell it what you like to watch, it’ll start grabbing other stuff you may like. There are no sports channels but Kaplan doesn’t watch a lot of sports. He’s been watching the Discovery Channel and USA with his kids. The Sezmi service also comes offers pay movies-on-demand library, which feeds his occasional desire to watch a movie. And he’s impressed with the video quality, though he’s not a videophile who wants to see every blade of grass.

“And it’s kind of  and it is kind of cool to flip over and have access to Youtube,” he said.

When his test is over, however, he probably won’t keep the service even though he can purchase the DVR for half its $299 price. The good thing is that the monthly service fee is good for all boxes in his house, but with 5 TVS, he’ll have to cough up around $1,350 if he wants every TV connected.

“I don’t think I want to spend $1,200 to buy 4 boxes from them,” Kaplan concluded. “I’ll probably go back to Dish Network because it’s inexpensive.”

For more on TV services, see the following links:

					* Time Warner Cable * Cox Cable * Verizon FiOS * AT&T U-verse		* DirecTV * Dish Network * Web TV * All TV

	DITCHING CABLE: Jeremy Baker gave up cable after he lost his job. But he still watches the latest shows thanks to services like PlayOn, Netflix and others. Photo by CINDY YAMANAKA

Everything changed when Jeremy Baker lost his job in November 2008 — including how he watched TV.

The Seal Beach resident  didn’t watch a ton of TV but his cable bill had crept up to $130 a month. Scrambling to cut costs, he canceled cable and bought a Microsoft Xbox 360 game console.

	Read more:

“I know it doesn’t make sense but I did the math. After 6 months, the Xbox was paid for,” Baker said.

It’s what he did with the Xbox that helped him save money. By changing the source of his TV service, Baker was able to watch most of his favorite shows on his TV for half of what he had paid the cable company.

He purchased PlayOn software for $30 and got a subscription to Netflix. For $8.99/month, Netflix offers unlimited access to its online video library, which includes thousands of movies and TV shows, plus one DVD rental at a time. PlayOn gave him access to several TV shows plucked from sites like the popular Hulu.com, ComedyCentral.com (including ”The Daily Show with Jon Stewart“) plus an assortment of on-demand shows from MTV, Food Networks, HGTV, SyFy and Discovery Channel.

The best part? He can still watch it all on his regular TV, thanks to the Xbox.

“I got really into watching the old ‘Law & Orders’ and every ‘SVU’ and ‘Criminal Intent,’”  Baker said. “I’m probably paying $60 a month.”

Of that, about $50 is still going to Time Warner Cable for high-speed Internet, the rest to Netflix. PlayOn was a one-time investment. Occasionally, he’ll visit a RedBox vending machine if he can’t find a new movie online or on Netflix. He also pays $35/year for Xbox Live, which allows him to stream Netflix videos. (PlayOn also works with the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii for no additional cost.)

“About a year ago, a Time Warner guy was going door to door and asking, ‘What can I do to get you to pay for TV?’ I was like, ‘Wow, you’re desperate,’” Baker said.

Of course, he doesn’t get the same access to TV shows he used to when he paid $130 a month. He misses live news, but not sports. He was never a big sports fan. And his girlfriend is a big fan of “Project Runway,” which can’t be found without a paid-TV subscription. She has her mother TiVo the series.

“There are some HBO shows that we miss, but if it comes around on demand, like Dexter on Showtime, we can get all that for free. We just have to kind of wait,” he said.

Other than that, he has few regrets about canceling cable.

“We have more free time. Before I got laid off, I was commuting 3 hours a day. We’d get home and sit on the couch and watch TV. Now, it’s off most of the day because I work from home now,” he said, estimating that he now spends about 8 to 10 hours in front of the TV a week.

“We go to other peoples houses and it’s like wow, commercials! What are those?  And everyone’s like maybe we should just get cable. But do we really want to spend that extra $1,000 a year or do we want to do something fun?”

For more on TV services, see the following links:

					* Time Warner Cable * Cox Cable * Verizon FiOS * AT&T U-verse		* DirecTV * Dish Network * Web TV * All TV

Time Warner, however, will only offer the coverage on demand, unlike other cable providers Cox Communications and Comcast Corp. (see “Cox getting into 3-D; ESPN 3-D starts in June“). Those companies are offering viewers a mix of live 3-D broadcasts and on-demand coverage.

Offering 3-D broadcasts is a big step for cable companies, which are maxed out when it comes to channel capacity on existing cable lines. Hence, they tend to be behind the competition for the number of HD channels offered. While Cox is using switched digital video technology to convert some channels into a type of on-demand channel so they’re not broadcasting 24/7, Time Warner has been moving the space-hogging analog channels to digital.

Time Warner’s 3-D coverage will be available until April 30 to customers with a cable HD box and HDMI cord. But to get the full 3-D experience, consumers must also have a 3-D HDTV.  (Read related story: “Should your next HDTV be 3-D?)

“We remain committed to bringing our customers not just the latest programming, but the most innovative ways to watch it. The Masters coverage and these viewing parties will provide a good test for the future rollout of 3-D TV in our footprint,” said Melinda Witmer, Executive Vice President of Programming for Time Warner Cable in a statement.

If you don’t have a special TV but were hoping to watch the game in 3D, Time Warner is hosting two private viewing parties. Looks like anyone can sneak in to the San Diego event. Here’s where to show up: The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo on Saturday, April, 10th, from  1:00 PM – 4:00 PST, at 12280 Greens East Rd, San Diego, CA 92128. More details at Time Warner’s site.

Previously on 3-D TVs:

Time Warner is the only one with an official announcement on the freebie. The baseball package, which will broadcast “well over 2,000 out-of market baseball games” this year is $179 for the whole season from Time Warner if you order by April 11. After that, it goes up to $199.

Some special features for this season include a way to watch the same game broadcast from the home team and the visiting team. You choose. Also, there will be a multi-screen mosaic so viewers can watch multiple games in the same TV frame.

In Orange County, Cox Communications also offers the MLB package. Consumers can check with their local TV service to see if the MLB free preview is available. More details at www.getbaseball.com or by calling 1-888-SPORTS-iN.

Previous TV coverage:

• Reasons why you can’t order Verizon FiOS TV
• Verizon FiOS plans 3-D TV broadcasts by 2010 holiday
• Verizon reveals where FiOS really is in Orange County (Drumroll please…)
• AT&T U-verse TV non-update update for Orange County
• Cox getting into 3D; ESPN 3D starts in June
• AT&T’s U-verse Internet speeds up 33%
• Forget Hulu, cable TV! ‘Daily Show,’ ‘Colbert’ heads to TV alternative
• Not another TV channel dispute! This time, it’s DirecTV
• What happened to Cox Cable’s mobile phone service?

Pretty soon, tablets could be everywhere.

But now, as you read this, people are just figuring out how they’re going to handle what is arguably the first mainstream tablet – the iPad. There are the guys and gals who see themselves sipping coffee at Starbucks while they read the New York Times. Others who envision long plane rides watching movies and playing games.

There are also the people who are going to do the exact same things while sitting on the porcelain throne.

The question is, what’s the proper etiquette involved? Can you take it into the bathroom at home? At work? Do you wash the tablet afterward? Do you wash your hands first? Do you warn other people before they handle your tablet? Do you even let others touch the device at all? How is it different from taking your smart phone or e-reader to the bathroom with you? Are there different etiquette policies?

I’ll be the first to admit this isn’t the most comfortable of topics, but hey, somebody had to ask the question.

Kudos to the person who uses the most creative euphemism for going to the restroom in the comments.

More on the Apple iPad:

Stump the PC Club is a free tech-advice column written by members of the North Orange County Computer Club, which has been in existence since 1976. Visit the club’s site at noccc.org. And don’t forget to stop by the Gadgetress’ home for the PC Club, at ocregister.com/link/pcclub, to find out how to ask a question and read past answers.

QUESTION: I have an IBM ThinkPad T41p (aka – Type 2373, Model 315) and will hopefully soon be getting a T60 as a replacement. The question is this – how can I move files (and if possible, installed applications) from the T41p to the T60? I have had it suggested to me that ‘just’ connecting a USB cable between the two machine as a kind of hardwired 2-node network would allow me to see the hard drive on the T41p from the T60 and then move or copy files, etc. It sounds too good to be that simple. Please help me understand what I actually need to do.

PC CLUB: You’re correct, it is too good to be true that simply connecting an “ordinary” USB cable can’t be used to transfer files from one PC to another. However, there are other types or “special” USB cables that will do the job quite well. Unfortunately, installed applications cannot be copied from one PC to another. You will have to reinstall these applications using the original CDs, DVDs or by downloading the software from the Internet.

As far as cables go, there are several different types of USB-USB cables on the market. The one used to connect two PCs is called a “bridged” “USB networking” cable, because it has a small electronic circuit in the middle allowing the two PCs to talk to each other.

There also are the so-called A/A or Male to Male USB cables that, in spite of having two standard male USB connectors at each end, don’t have a bridge chip and cannot be used to connect two PCs. So, these A/A USB cables are completely useless for your needs.

A/B or Male to Female USB cables are used to connect your computer to peripherals such as printers and scanners, so they also won’t fit your needs.

Suppliers of the A/B type which will do what you need, include the Targus High Speed Transfer Cable available at Amazon.com for $30 ( see http://bit.ly/targususb) and the Startech cable also available at Amazon.com for $19 (see http://bit.ly/usbstartech). Laplink and Belkin also supply these cables.

Many of these devices do not require any software installation in that the software is contained within the cable itself. Here what Targus states:

“The Targus High Speed File Share Cable is the premier file and data sharing solution for PC and Mac users. With Easy Suite software embedded inside of the cable there are no drivers or software to install, making it a quick and easy way to transfer large amounts of data. Transfer e-mail, music, photos, videos and document files from one computer to another, at speeds up to 480 Mbps. Compatible with Windows XP and Vista, as well as Mac operating systems, the High Speed File Share Cable is ideal for those transferring important files to a new computer and also allows you to quickly transfer music or video files to a friend’s computer. Whether transferring from PC to PC, Mac to Mac, Mac to PC, or PC to Mac, the High-Speed File Transfer Cable is compatible and provides a direct computer-to-computer file transfer to save time. It is excellent for those who often share files with friends or transfer data between two computers.”

Even though Windows 7 is not explicitly mentioned, the cable will work under the new operating system. I connected a Windows XP PC to a Windows 7 PC and it worked flawlessly.

The Belkin and Targus cables use different approaches. With the Belkin cable, you must install software in order to use it with Window XP or Vista. Windows 7 will recognize the cable without installing the software. If you have an older Belkin cable and misplaced the software you can download it from http://bit.ly/easytransfer. The Targus cable, as stated above, has the software embedded in the device. I personally prefer the Targus approach. Staples and Office Depot frequently carry these products in their retail stores from $27 to $39. You can call them or check on line before going to the store. ~Ed Schwartz, NOCCC member. View his Web site at www.edwardns.com.

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The company listed 19 zip codes in area cities that may qualify for the fiber-optic services that boasts Internet speeds of 50 megabits per second and a slate of the most HD channels nationwide. But as I mentioned in the original post, this doesn’t mean that EVERYONE who lives in those zip codes can order FiOS TV and Internet service. Jon Davies, with Verizon, offered the zip codes to help readers, not frustrate them.

“I was hoping it would help readers get a better sense of where we are — I didn’t mean to cause frustration! But, as you know, the biggest challenge we’ve always had with FiOS is making it available to everyone who wants it,” Davies said.

So, to help clarify availability in those zip codes, I’m listing reasons why you may not be able to order FiOS for your home.

1.  You live on the wrong side of the zip code. Zip codes don’t conform to the boundaries of Verizon’s footprint so some customers in these areas may be AT&T customers. Verizon is targeting its existing wired telephone base first before it expands outside its territory.

2. You’re part of the 52 percent in Verizon territory who can’t order service. Verizon hasn’t deployed fiber everywhere in its footprint, so that may be why some residents can’t get FiOS. In its last earnings report, Verizon said that 48 percent of people living within the Verizon service area (typically those who can order landline phone service from Verizon) — or 12.2 million premises — can now order FiOS capable. But of those, only 24.5 percent of potential customers do. That penetration rate, however, continues to grow. Last year, it was 20.8 percent. (Read the earlier story, “48% of people served by Verizon can order FiOS but most don’t.”) It’s also looking less likely that the remaining 52 percent will ever be able to order FiOS as the company has put expansion plans on hold in many cities nationwide. But we’ll have to wait for the company’s next update.

3. You live in an apartment or condo. Verizon is stepping up an effort to win over landlords and condo associations. Without them, there’s no way those residents can order FiOS. Here’s an older story about the topic, “Verizon FiOS TV heavily targeting apartments, condos in O.C. and more.”  If you are a tenant, you should check with the owners. My personal story? I rent and asked my condo’s owner to check with the board for FiOS. The next thing I know, I’m getting free Showtime and a digital box from Time Warner Cable. The cable provider is just as aggressive with keeping existing customers.

4. Verizon’s FiOS availability database is not up to date. Verizon hasn’t confirmed this but I’ve had complaints from readers who plugged in their phone number or address to check availability and were told they live in Menifee, Ca. Or were told it wasn’t available even though a neighbor just ordered it. I suggest calling Verizon and getting someone on the line to verify whether you can get FiOS or not. That number is 1-888-591-6076.

More reasons? Comment below. I’ll add to the list. Thanks!

More on Verizon FiOS:

• Verizon says FiOS now available to 1.2 million in SoCal March 6, 2010
• Time Warner toys with raising Internet pricesMarch 2, 2010
• New soccer channel debuts on Dish, DirecTV and FiOS March 1, 2010
• 2 Verizon phones can now turn on the TVFebruary 19, 2010
• National Geographic Wild starts in March, replaces Fox Reality February 15, 2010
• Verizon FiOS gets high-def MSNBC TV February 11, 2010
• How to get Google’s new 1 Gbps Internet service to launch in your cityFebruary 10, 2010
• Verizon adds paperless coupons for phone, FiOS TV users February 4, 2010
• 48% of people served by Verizon can order FiOS but most don’t January 26, 2010
• Verizon FiOS Internet upload speed hits 35 Mbps! January 19, 2010

Stump the PC Club is a free tech-advice column written by members of the North Orange County Computer Club, which has been in existence since 1976. Visit the club’s site at noccc.org. And don’t forget to stop by the Gadgetress’ home for the PC Club, at ocregister.com/link/pcclub, to find out how to ask a question and read past answers.

QUESTION: I’m thinking of making my next PC a Notebook PC instead of a Desktop. What features should I consider and what are the pros and cons?

PC CLUB: Let’s start with some definitions:

Desktop PC –This is actually a misnomer since these types of PCs usually sit on the floor and the case is often referred to as a tower.

Notebook PC – These are often referred to as Laptops since that was their name when portables first arrived on the scene. They were too heavy to be totally portable and sat on your lap – hence the name Laptop.

Netbook PC – These recent arrivals are intended for the “Internet, Email and Word Processing” user. They are extremely portable due to their sub 3-pound weight. They have a relatively slow processor and lack a built-in CD/DVD drive.

Tablet PC –These are characterized by a touch screen and are available as Notebooks and Desktops. They allow you to draw directly on the screen using a stylus or your finger depending on the technology.

Should you buy a Notebook- first of all, the main advantage offered by a Notebook is portability. The second most important advantage is that they require less desk space than desktop PCs. These features alone may be enough to sway you towards a Notebook.

There is also a class of PCs known as Netbooks. These PCs are typically lighter and smaller than the average Notebook but have less capability. They are primarily intended for Internet and e-mail use and will not be discussed here.

After reviewing the unique characteristics of Notebooks below, the choice between Desktop and Notebook PCs should be easier to make.

Runs on batteries – This allows you to operate the PC away from AC power. Battery life typically varies from 3 to 8 hours and is a major consideration for applications such as watching DVDs on an airplane. Setting up the Power Options on a Notebook is quite different than on a Desktop. See the recent article titled “Everything you always wanted to know about Standby, Sleep and Hibernate” at (link: bit.ly/poweroptions) for details. There is an icon on the lower right, in the System Notification area that indicates the remaining time when running on batteries.

Difficult to upgrade – Adding additional ports and hardware can be challenging with Notebooks. Certain features can be added including external CD/DVD drives but this can defeat the portability benefit.

PCMCIA and PC Express slots – These slots allow you to add additional features such as a Phone Card and are quite different from one another. You should research the type of add-ons first to see which type of slot is more important to you. Some Notebooks offer both.

May lack Optical disc drive – Some of the Ultra-lights exclude the CD/DVD drive so consider its importance first.

Built-in mouse – This is a matter of personal preference but modern external mice are getting smaller and often utilize a very small USB receiver that can remain plugged in to the Notebook without significantly increasing the profile. I, personally, prefer an external mouse such as the Logitech VX-Nano wireless mouse. It uses a laser rather than a LED which conserves power and is more precise. It’s available at bit.ly/nanomouse.

Smaller screen – This can be important if you do a lot of graphics editing or writing. You can always connect an external monitor when you’re at home to overcome this. Also, be aware of highly reflective screens. If you can see your reflection on the screen, it’s liable to result in headaches. Docking stations are frequently available allowing you to use an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Portability – This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage since theft is more likely with a Notebook. You should use extreme care regarding what you store on your Notebook when traveling. There are locking devices available to make it more difficult, but not impossible, to steal.

More expensive – Feature for feature Notebooks are more expensive due to their small size but the gap is lessening.

Smaller keyboard – You should always attempt to try the keyboard before buying a Notebook. Factors such as the layout, size of the keys and touch can be important. With a Desktop you can always get a new keyboard, especially if you like to drink Pepsi while you type. Some Notebooks have spill-proof keyboards. Some manufacturers employ a full keyboard including a numeric keypad.

Built in wireless – There are several specifications for wireless including Wireless g and the newer Wireless n. If you want to take advantage of the newer n specification you will need a router with this capability also. Most Notebooks have a switch that allows you to turn off the wireless to conserve power.

Built in web cam – This feature, if included, allows you to video conference and create quick videos for Youtube or other online sites.

If you plan to use your Notebook for gaming, working with HD (High Definition) video and graphics editing, you will need more horsepower than if you just plan to surf the Web, write letters and send e-mail. Whatever you do, before making your decision, be sure to read all of the on-line reviews and evaluate the PC in person if possible. ~Ed Schwartz, NOCCC member. View his Web site at www.edwardns.com.

Visit the Gadgetress’ PC Club page at ocregister.com/link/pcclub. To get this answer delivered to your computer automatically, sign up for the e-mail update HERE. Recent PC Club answers:

Aaron Cirilo, from Foothill Ranch, was a relative latecomer to the release of the iPad, only getting there around 45 minutes before the store opened at 9 a.m. He didn’t reserve his device. “I don’t know if I’m going to get one – that’s the life of someone without a reservation. But I’m here as long as it takes because Steve Jobs told me to. “He waited 3 and a half hours, but he got his iPad.

Joby Doffek, Irvine resident, was there with her husband. She has a Kindle with around 65 books on it. “I’ve abandoned all hardcover books if I can get them on Kindle.” Both she and her husband Scott were in line for iPads – a device few had even touched. “I love the Kindle,” she said, “but the backlight and the touch sensors [on the iPad] appear to be better. But who has touched it so far?”

	Read Ian’s latest posts:

Thomas Lai, 10, an Irvine resident, spent the night outside the Apple Store with his dad and brother. What’s the first thing he planned to do with his iPad? “Just use it.” he said. “For everything.”

Russ Taylor, owner of Fusion of Ideas, a place directly across from the Irvine Spectrum Apple Store that sells protective films, coatings and custom etchings for electronics, got in line at 3 p.m. the day before. He and a coworker had two swanky red chairs they slept in. “If we’re going to wait in line, we’re going to wait in line in style,” he said. He was the first to get the iPad, emerging from the Apple Store to applause with one clutched in each hand like Moses descending from the mountain.

Stephanie Saunders and her husband Tedd had the following conversation while waiting in the reservation line.

Tedd: “The only problem is I’m not going to be able to use it for a month.”

Stephanie: “Why?”

Tedd: “Because you’re going to be using it. This is my only chance to actually see one.”

What was the first thing brothers Benny and Edgar Vences, who each waited all night for the iPad, planned to do once they got theirs? “Download Apps,” Benny Vences said.

This blog update come to you straight from the iPad.

I’m typing right now using a Bluetooth keyboard connected wirelessly to my 16 GB wifi-only iPad. It works great.

This isn’t a review. A review would give the positives and negatives about a device and the features it does and does not have. A review would be meant to help you make a purchase decision. That’s not what this is. This is a statement of what the iPad means to me and what I’m going to try to do with it.

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My personal laptop will likely be deeded to my wife. The battery only lasts 2-3 hours, if I’m lucky. It’s clunky and huge by comparison. It burns my lap when I actually put it on my lap.

I don’t think I’ll miss it.

In its place I will use the iPad, wireless keyboard and iPhone to report, write, photograph and shoot video of things I cover. I don’t know how well this will work out and I’m sure there will be problems, but I have a sneaking suspicion the days of the laptop are numbered.

Stay tuned.

Contact the writer: Twitter.com/hmltn or ihamilton@ocregister.com or 661-450-8884 or fb.me/ianhamilton

Watch the video:

There are two lines stretching to either side of the Apple Store, one for reserved devices and another for purchases. At 8 a.m., one hour before iPad goes on sale, the reserved line was about 40 strong and the other line has about 30 people in it.

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The first person in line, Russ Taylor, got in line at 3 p.m. on Friday. He has a vested interest in grabbing his two pre-ordered 64GB wifi iPads – he owns the store directly across from the Apple Store. It’s called Fusion of Ideas and they make protective films and do custom etchings for electronic devices.

The first people in the non pre-ordered line – brothers Edgar and Benny Vences – got here at 11 p.m. last night and slept on a nearby bench. They snacked on cookies and sour patch kids and a friend made a 3 a.m. run to Jack In The Box for them.

“It was really cold,” said Benny Vences. They decided to get in line on a whim and only had a couple of blankets to keep warm.

How many iPads does this Apple Store have?

“We have plenty,” said a passing Apple Store employee who offered coffee to the chilly people waiting in line.

This morning, O.C. Register reporter and Mac fan Ian Hamilton heads to the Irvine Spectrum Apple store to grab one of his own. He’ll be blogging about it right here later today.

As of 8 a.m., there are 40 people in the pre-purchase line and 30 others wishing they had pre-ordered. The first person was in line since 3 p.m. Friday.

If you’re standing in line too (or have been all night), he wants to hear from you. Tweet him at @hmltn or e-mail him at ihamilton@ocregister.com.

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The iPad is Apple’s first tablet-like computer. It’s a touch-screen marvel with Wi-Fi and option to add 3G wireless. Its pièce de résistance? It can access thousands of apps from the iTunes store.

Some prices: $499 for the 16 GB version, $599 for 32 GB and $699 for the 64 GB. These are all Wi-Fi versions. With 3G, add $130 to each model so the prices jump to $629 $729 and $829. Data plans start at $14.99/month for 250 mb of data or $29.99 for unlimited data. AT&T is providing the service plus offering free Wi-Fi hotspot access.

More specs: It has Internet, of course. There’s also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11n), some will have 3G wireless service built in (see prices above). All 3G models will be unlocked.

It’s very slim at 0.5-inch thick and weighs 1.5 pounds. There’s a 9.7-inch LED-backlit display and it has a virtual keyboard. It’s powered by a  1 GHz Apple A4 chip. It will be available in 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. There’s an accelerometer, compass and microphone. As for battery life? Apple says it can get 10 hours.

The iPad comes with a dock connector to USB cable, a 10W Power Adapter and documentation. Additional accessories will include a dock, a keyboard dock, a full-sized keyboard and cases. Full specs now on Apple’s site.

It’s on sale today at Apple stores.

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