 I convinced a colleague of mine to buy some speakers that I’d been wanting to try out. He was looking for a cleaner setup without a bunch of wires and a subwoofer on the floor.
On the basis of a ton of good reviews from reputable audiophiles, I recommended a set of Audioengine 2 (A2) Premium Powered Desktop Speakers. These are simple, self-powered desktop speakers that will connect to just about anything. They come with all the cables you’ll need to hook them up to your desktop computer, TV, game console, or iPod. (One of the guys on the Audioengine team was formerly with Apple, and their products show an Apple-like attention to detail. That connection also helped me make the sale to my colleague, who is a major Apple fanboy.)
Audioengine also makes a larger, bookshelf speaker, the 5, which has more power. But the 2’s are getting even better reviews for their sound than the 5’s. Both systems can be used with a sub if you want more bottom end. But they sound great right out of the box. Also, my colleague is an iPhone user, and unshielded speakers tend to buzz in proximity to his phone. We didn’t experience this issue with the 2’s.
At $199, the 2’s are a bargain. They sound large. The sound seems to come from beyond the speakers, creating a “soundstage” with more width and depth than the physical space they occupy. They’re also attractive, with hand-polished wood cabinets. I was impressed! If you’re looking for realistic, uncolored sound, look no further.
markCTO can help you design and install a sound system that’s perfect for your space and your budget. Call 713-569-3845 or send us e-mail to make an appointment.
I get a lot of questions from clients about storing and backing up data. Before I can answer, I usually have to ask my own questions:
- How much more space do you need?
- What will you use it for?
- Who needs access?
- Does this data need to be available online?
- Where will any new devices go?
- How do you want them connected?
Working out a plan for storing and backing up files is complicated by the wide range of choices available these days. …[READ MORE]
 I’ve loved the ProMedia speaker line ever since I heard them back when I was working at the Apple store. Now Klipsch has introduced the ProMedia 2.1 Wireless iPod/Computer Speaker system. You won’t believe the sound coming from this setup! The price is right at $199, and the wireless capability makes them a great choice for a living/working environment. These speakers ROCK! You’ll be able to close your eyes and imagine that you’re listening to a full rack stereo and tower speakers.
“2.1” means that this system includes left and right speakers plus a subwoofer. In the ProMedia system, the subwoofer contains the power supply for the other two speakers. The simple installation begins with setting up the left and right speakers wherever you want within the 30-foot range …[READ MORE]
Last week, Apple revealed the future. It’s called the iPad.
 There are already lots of reviews talking about the iPad’s features, so I want to start mine by addressing the most common criticism: that the iPad is just a great big iPhone. Even if that were all it is, I think detractors have forgotten how radically the iPhone changed the world of mobile computing. Many tasks are easier to accomplish on the iPhone than on a desktop or laptop computer. For example, perusing music is quicker—and more fun, really—using my iPhone as a remote control for iTunes or just listening in iPod mode. (It’s like using a jukebox; remember how much fun that was?) …[READ MORE]
 The Jabra Cruiser is a good mid‑priced car speakerphone that retails for about $70. Laws against talking on hand-held cell phones and driving-while-texting are going on the books all over the place—and I’ll go on record as supporting such laws! A lot of newer cars have built-in Bluetooth so that you can make and receive calls hands-free. When you link your phone to these devices, most of them download your phonebook so that the car can display who’s calling.
But not too many of my clients are driving new cars. So I went looking for some speakerphone solutions for older cars, and I found lots of options. …[READ MORE]
A favorite client called to ask me to take a look at her all-in-one inkjet printer. It was dead. She knew it, but she wanted me to confirm her diagnosis. Then off to the store we went!
 HP Officejet 6500 without wi-fi retails for $99. Two HP color inkjet models caught our eye—one with wi-fi, the other without. Other than that single feature, the models were identical. I talked her into the one without wi-fi. I know you’re shocked! The tech guy picked WHAAAAT!?!
But I have my reasons. Let’s start with price …[READ MORE]
Do you ever have trouble retrieving information on your Mac when you need it? Most of us get tons of e‑mail and surf dozens (or hundreds) of web sites every week. We also play—and work—in social-media sites where our friends and colleagues bombard us with quotations, links, images, audio and video files, and more. Lots of this information is interesting, and plenty of it is useful—if you can ever find it again later.
There are a lot of software products available to help you organize information, but Circus Ponies™ Software’s NoteBook is one of the most powerful tools we’ve encountered. It uses the visual metaphor of …[READ MORE]
This is the first in a series of posts describing the services that markCTO offers and how we can help make your office work for you.
 Starting with a well-designed system of computer hardware and software is essential to running an efficient, productive office, whether you’re launching a new business or expanding or replacing your old system. You have the talent and the passion to succeed—now you need the right equipment for the job: enough processing power, storage space, and memory—and the software and peripherals to support the work you do. You’ll save time, stress, and money by putting some planning into your purchasing and setup decisions.
markCTO can be your partner in the system design process. We have extensive experience with the whole array of products from Apple, as well as familiarity with third-party software and equipment. We constantly research product upgrades and new releases so we can supply our clients with the latest, best information. We can help you design a system that fits your technical needs, your workstyle, and your budget.
Call 713-569-3845 or send us e-mail to find out more about how markCTO can design the right system for you.
Sony has announced a challenge to the Amazon Kindle with its new line of e-book readers. Last week at the New York Public Library, Sony unveiled the Sony Reader Pocket Edition (PRS-300, $199) and the Reader Touch Edition (PRS-600, $299), both of which support the EPUB format.
EPUB support is big news because Google has made a million titles available for free in the EPUB format, and the Kindle—until now the market leader in the product category—can’t natively read EPUBs. (Google’s offerings are classics and public-domain titles.) Sony reader users will also be able to “check out” books for free from libraries that offer lending in the EPUB format.
Sony rounds out their reader line with the soon-to-be-available Reader Daily Edition, featuring a 7″ wide screen and 3G wireless, which gives users instant access to newspapers and magazines, as well as all the usual books. Like the Touch Edition, the Daily Edition includes a touch screen.
Read a full review at CNET.
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About markCTO.com Mark A. Herrera, YOUR Chief Technology Officer, offers consulting, repair, and maintenance of Macintosh systems, software, and networking in Houston, Texas. MORE ›
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