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Gadget Gabbing With the Beach Boys' Bruce Johnson

by Tom Samiljan, posted May 12th 2008 at 4:31PM

The Switched Questionnaire: The Beach Boys
If there's one band we love to whip out come warmer weather, it's the Beach Boys, who are a natural fit for summer fun. Maybe that's why we're once again whipping out this interview, which was conducted just before last year's release of The Warmth of the Sun (Capitol), a compilation of greatest hits that were hand-picked and sequenced by members of the band (including Brian Wilson). The album also includes six new tracks remastered in stereo for the first time. Switched was lucky enough to score an interview with Bruce Johnson, who joined the band in 1965 after Brian Wilson left. We figured Johnson would be into his MacBook -- he's a musician after all -- but we were pleasantly surprised when we found out he's a big fan of AOL, which were happy about considering we're owned by AOL. (Just so you know, we didn't ask him to give props to AOL -- he really likes it!)


What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

I always travel with my MacBook and tons of DVD's. I plug in my Apple Airport Express in order to be wireless in hotel rooms. I video chat via AIM/AOL with my four sons when I'm touring in the Beach Boys world of wonder. I suppose I should add an iPod one of these days but I'm always playing my iTunes while I work on my MacBook (listening through very cool Bose noise cancellation headphones).


What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a reliable clunky low tech and steam-powered year-old Nokia....I can talk, text, pick up messages and not take fuzzy pictures....Perfect for an old surf guy.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My recent text was from my 25 year old son Justin telling me about his new job in corporate strategic planning at a major Las Vegas hotel group (recent MBA paid for by Dad's surf music career...Thanks Mike & Brian!). One more thing: Justin also texted me to send him money for unforeseen 'expenses.'

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?


I go to AOL to see if I still have a friend or two & then I camp out on Google (the world's Ouija board!).


What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

I love having an iPod...I dislike dropped cell phone calls...but I wish I could marry AOL & also marry my MacBook! I'm not really annoyed at much except for having to choose between a Democrat and Republican soon! Hmmm....I should probably write in Christina Aguilera on the ballot.


Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my technology could help me figure out a way to create a workable and realistic U.S. flat tax.


What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I'd like a gear in my car that says "Home, no tickets" after a vodka martini.


You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Stranded on a desert island? I'd have a water maker, sun block, and a satellite phone (powered by solar cells). Also, I'd have a surfer girl there to keep me company.


Tell us what's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

As I'm still without an iPod but listening to iTunes...anything recorded after 1954 by Frank Sinatra is always at the top of my playlist. Remember, I was born before guys wore untucked dress shirts and used four letter words in front of girls. FYI: I also check out tunes on AOL Radio.


BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?


A Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo won't be in my life 'cuz my fingers are too large and my eyes require atomic glasses these days.


Are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?

Not yet. I kinda like using my cell phone but I also chat over AIM/AOL via camera or voice on my MacBook. For now that's all I really need.


What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I do not play video games. I'm usually working with ProTools and the MacBook in my studio trying to chase one last elusive songwriting hit before I retire to only surfing (and I'm serious about the waves).


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Lenovo U110: The Sexy Little Laptop That Could? (Video)

by Tom Samiljan, posted May 2nd 2008 at 12:09PMBreaking News


We were lucky to get a couple of days to play around with the sexy, new Lenovo U110 ultraportable laptop. It's only 2.3 pounds and, as you can see, small enough to fit into the teeniest of backpacks. It's also one of the slickest looking notebooks we've ever laid our eyes or hands on, with oversized keys that make typing surprisingly smooth (for such a small laptop).

Handling-wise, it's not fair for us to say, since we had access only to a pre-production unit, but with up to 3-gigabytes (GB) of RAM available, the U110 has the potential to be the little computer than could....

Man Stabbed In Line to Buy 'Grand Theft Auto IV'

by Tom Samiljan, posted Apr 29th 2008 at 2:05PMBreaking News



In the latest case of life imitating art, violence erupted last night among eager video gamers waiting to buy 'Grand Theft Auto IV,' a title that encourages players to engage in virtual criminal acts to complete the game. First, a 23-year-old man waiting in line in for the game outside a video game store in London, England was stabbed repeatedly by a passer-by. Then, in a separate incident outside of a different store (also in the United Kingdom), an 18-year-old was attacked by two assailants, who took off with the freshly-purchased copy of 'Grand Theft Auto IV' and left the poor teen with a broken nose and mouth.

The UK is no stranger to game-related violence, but it's usually of the soccer-hooligan variety. Now it seems as though the UK is joining the US as a breeding ground for crazy gaming consumers who somehow can't wait for the real thing (the game) to start the violence, so they're resorting to the actual real thing (i.e. real, live violence). It's either that, or these British gamer thugs just don't want to pay the 40 pounds (about $80) that 'GTA IV' costs in the UK (it's only $60 here in the US).

Either way, it makes us wonder, are video gamers becoming the new soccer hooligans? In the UK, at least, it seems as though they are. [Source: TimesOnline]

Buying a Laptop? Read This.

by Tom Samiljan, posted Apr 10th 2008 at 2:09AM



Looking for a new laptop? We've got you covered. From essential tips on what to look for in a new computer and round-ups of the handiest laptop accessories to hands-on-reviews of the latest high-end MacBook Pros and even sub-$500 Asus eeePCs, the 2008 Switched Laptop Guide will help you make the right purchases.

Check back here every day for the latest laptop news and reviews, as well as a boatload of how-tos to make sure you make the most of your brand-spanking new notebook. Happy hunting!


Hands On With AT&T Mobile TV (and Samsung Access)

by Tom Samiljan, posted Apr 2nd 2008 at 6:01PM

Samsung Access Hands-OnWe weren't too sold on live TV on mobile phones when the feature first launched on Verizon Wireless phones a year ago, but the slim and sexy Samsung Access, which we got to play around with here at the CTIA Wireless mobile phone show, may just sell us on the concept.

Imagine a Samsung BlackJack II with bigger keys and no glitchy Windows Mobile, and you pretty much have the Samsung Access. It's slim enough to slip into your pocket without creating any bulges, but doesn't skimp on features, including stereo Bluetooth, stereo speakers, 3G capability, and Video Share, which lets you do live video conferencing with other Video-Share-enabled AT&T phones.

As we mentioned earlier this week, the Access will also be one of the first phones to run AT&T's new live TV service, which comes off crisp and clear on the 2.5-inch LCD screen. (Alas, the screen quality was not really captured so well on the crappy pic we took with our iPhone, but we couldn't resist the eerie dual-candidate image that was frozen in time when we snapped this.) We briefly tried out AT&T's service, which has a few things we like over the Verizon version, including a tiny screen in the top right corner that keeps the show you're currently tuned in to playing while you search through the attractive and user-friendly guide.

One thing we didn't love, though, at least in this still-not-ready-for-prime-time iteration of AT&T Mobile TV, was the relative slowness of the channel changing. The program titles came up instantaneously as we switched channels, but the actual video took about three to five seconds to appear, which makes channel surfing less than satisfying on this little phone.

Also, what's with the crappy 1.3-megapixel camera? Sorry, but at this point, 1.3 megapixel cameras in phones should just be banned. The grainy pictures (at least when blown up) they take are more or less useless.

Then again, you probably won't be using this service for much more than a live sports game or news, right? Any TV show that's not pressing or in real-time is better watched at home on a big screen.

The Samsung Access should be launching in and around the May launch of AT&T's Mobile TV service.


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Customizable Samsung Instinct Can Be Controlled By Voice (Sort of)

by Tom Samiljan, posted Apr 2nd 2008 at 9:03AM

The days of actual tactile buttons seem to be numbered, at least that's what a slew of new cell phones would have you believe. Samsung's new Instinct, which made its official debut at the CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas yesterday, makes use of two currently hot ways to control your phone -- touchscreens (made popular by the iPhone) and voice-recognition.

Slim and light, the Instinct is jam-packed with state-of-the-art features, including EV-DO (for fast surfing, downloading, and live TV watching), GPS with turn-by-turn directions, a music player with direct-to-phone download capability, and a 2-megapixel camera. So far, a lot of these features are found on plenty of other phones, so why exactly should we care about the Instinct?

What makes the the Instinct stand out is its robust voice-recognition capability, which lets you do more than just dial numbers. In fact, by just pressing the "talk" button on the side and uttering commands such as call and text and then some names or numbers, you can save yourself a few keystrokes when you want to call or send text messages -- something that can come in handy when you're driving. Combined with GPS turn-by-turn navigational software, the voice-activation even lets you get results for nearby fast-food restaurants when you utter a word like McDonald's, for example.

Unfortunately, the voice-recognition stops there, as you'll have to physically press a button on the touchscreen to actually get the directions (a similar let-down comes when you're texting, since you can only use voice recognition to literally call up a number and send the text, not to actually type the text).

We got some hands-on with the phone yesterday, and found the touchscreen to be responsive, for the most part (the phone is still in test phases). The screen features haptic technology, which uses the cell phone's vibrate function to give the user the feeling that he or she is actually pressing down on physical keys.

We also liked the phone's customization features, which essentially let the user pick a series of widgets for music, mailing, GPS and other functions to show up on the phone's main screen.

The phone is due out by the end of June, on Sprint, and will cost $199.99 with a two-year contract. It requires purchasing an unlimited data plan, so the cheapest monthly rate will be $69.99 (which might make signing up for Sprint's $99 Simply Everything Plan a good idea).

For a deeper look at the Instinct's cool interface and functionality, check out Engadget's video walk-through of the device.


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LG Debuts 18K Gold, Limited-Edition 'Ironman' Phone

by Tom Samiljan, posted Apr 2nd 2008 at 8:01AM

Ironman LG Shine

Regardless of whether or not Jon Favreau's movie version of 'Ironman,' which opens on May 2, turns out to be any good, you can bet that a certain limited-edition, 18-karat gold Ironman/LG Shine handset will be a hit, at least among the lucky few who have a chance to win one. According to LG, the phone is worth about $2,000, and the gold covers the entire back end, as you can see from the above picture.

We got a sneak peak yesterday -- a solid gold back certainly makes a statement, in our view, but other than the red and gold body, it's pretty much a standard issue Shine slider, with tri-band GSM that will work with any T-Mobile or AT&T Wireless SIM card. Be glad you can't even pay the $2,000 if you wanted to -- in other words, you can only win one by going to the 'Ironman' Web site after April 15 (okay, maybe you could buy one off an enterprising contest winner on eBay for considerably more than $2,000).


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Best Phones For Texting and E-Mailing

by Tom Samiljan, posted Mar 19th 2008 at 12:11PMFeatured Story


The iPhone is certainly the worlds' greatest iPod and portable Web-surfing cell phone we've ever seen, but its keyboard still stinks -- we can't tell you how many typos the touch-sensitive thing has forced us to make while writing text-messages or e-mails over the past eight months. That's why we recommend phones with actual, physical keyboards to anyone who tends to send a lot of text-messages or e-mails. Luckily, most of the smart phones out there feature actual keyboards. To find out the three we like best, check out the above Switched-exclusive video.

Five Essential Laptop Accessories (Video)

by Tom Samiljan, posted Mar 9th 2008 at 10:12AM



Laptops may fit into almost any backpack or carry-on bag, but their compact size means you'll still need a few accessories to stay productive and happy while you're on the road (or down the road, at a Wi-Fi cafe). We picked five of our favorite notebook peripherals that no road warrior should be without, and decided to go on and on about them in this here video. Take a look!

The Switched Laptop Guide 2008

by Tom Samiljan, posted Mar 5th 2008 at 2:45PM



Looking for a new laptop? We've got you covered. From essential tips on what to look for in a new computer and round-ups of the handiest laptop accessories to hands-on-reviews of the latest high-end MacBook Pros and even sub-$500 Asus eeePCs, the 2008 Switched Laptop Guide will help you make the right purchases. Check back here every day for the latest laptop news and reviews, as well as a boatload of how-tos to make sure you make the most of your brand-spanking new notebook.

Happy hunting!

The 2008 Switched Laptop Buying Guide Is Here

by Tom Samiljan, posted Mar 3rd 2008 at 7:09PM



Looking for a new laptop? We've got you covered. From essential tips on what to look for in a new computer and round-ups of the handiest laptop accessories to hands-on-reviews of the latest high-end MacBook Pros and even sub-$500 Asus eeePCs, the 2008 Switched Laptop Guide will help you make the right purchases. Check back here every day for the latest laptop news and reviews, as well as a boatload of how-tos to make sure you make the most of your brand-spanking new notebook.

Happy hunting!

Oscars 2008: Stars' Faces On Their Best Behavior For HDTV

by Tom Samiljan, posted Feb 25th 2008 at 1:01PM

Stars HDTV Oscars 2008

We all know by know that HDTV has thrown the entertainment, lighting and make-up industries for a loop, since the high-definition resolution of 720p-and-up TVs (along with bigger screens) reveals blemishes and wrinkles on stars' faces in ways that standard-res broadcasts do not. We were hoping to have a big snark-fest to dish about which stars looked great and which stars looked bad under the high-res glare of HDTV, but we were simultaneously pleased and disappointed to see that on last night's Oscar telecast, most stars passed looked just fine in 1080p. It seems as though the production, lighting, and make-up people have wised-up to the cruel lens of the HD camera, at least as far as people up on the Oscar stage are concerned. (Now, we're only referring to the onstage Oscar telecast itself -- the red carpet, on the other hand, is another matter.)

Sure, we could make some comments about how Katherine Heigl's blush looked a bit too heavy or how the sunglasses-induced-tanlines on the noses of Owen Wilson and Patrick Dempsey were distractingly apparent, but it would be too nitpicky. Yes, in HD, Cate Blanchett does have crows' feet when she frowns or smiles on the red carpet or in the audience, but her more or less expressionless face while up on stage betrayed no signs of aging.

Continue reading Oscars 2008: Stars' Faces On Their Best Behavior For HDTV

Best Laptops Under $500

by Tom Samiljan, posted Feb 19th 2008 at 11:47PMFeatured Story

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on a laptop. Thanks to cheaper chips, more efficient software, and the fact that an increased amount of our computing is done online (meaning your computer doesn't need to be as powerful), plenty of notebooks can be had for less than $500 (in fact, Intel is developing new technology that will help push powerful PCs to the under-$250 price point). We scoured the tech landscape and found five laptops that will do all your basic computing needs, and then some, but still keep your budget balanced. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any Mac-based laptops – even in the used/refurbished bins – but you'll have to take that up with Steve Jobs. In the meantime, check out our picks for best bargain-basement laptops.






The Windows One: Acer Aspire 5315

Acer's full-fledged Vista-enabled mainstream laptop may not be the fastest, sturdiest, or prettiest, but it'll certainly do when you absolutely, positively have to have Windows for less than $500.

Who it's for: Students on a budget who still need Windows-compatible software (such as PowerPoint and Word for class preparation); parents and grandparents who don't want to do much more than word-process, balance the checkbook, or surf the Web.

What we like: The huge 15.4-inch LCD screen is great for movie-watching and slideshows, and the built-in stereo speakers are surprisingly powerful (considering they're made of plastic!). Sure, it's 6.2-pounds -- more than twice as heavy as the MacBook Air -- but that's not as heavy as we expected at this price point. It has three USB ports, which is generous. The keyboard is spacious and comfortable to type on, and includes a one-touch key for wireless and battery management, and a Wi-Fi on/off button. Most other laptops in this price category don't have a DVD/CD-RW drive, so music rippers and DVD watchers will be pleased that the Acer Aspire does have one.

What we don't: With no dual-core processor (just a Celeron 450) and 1-gigabyte of DDR2, this baby can be slow to start and a bit lethargic when running several programs at once. Battery life – at just over two hours – can leave you stranded at the Internet café if you're not near a power outlet. Plus, the plastic casing feels a bit cheap.

Verdict: It does the trick for $500, but if you have an extra couple of Benjamins, go for the Aspire 4710, or any laptop with a dual-core processor.

Cost: $500 (the version we tested out was available exclusively at Wal-Mart for $470, but you can search around online for similar deals).

Best Laptops Under $500-4

by Tom Samiljan, posted Feb 14th 2008 at 2:12PM


The Long-Lasting One: Everex Cloudbook

Similar to the Asus eeePC, the Everex Cloudbook is a two-pound ultraportable with a fast, Linux-based operating system that offers up a suite of programs for most basic computing needs -- and lasts about five hours on a single charge.

Who it's for: Photographers on the go, frequent business travelers who need to access e-mail or the ability to shoot off quick documents in the airport lounge. Also, kids who need their first PC.

What we like: It uses mostly online versions of basic apps for word processing, chat, and e-mail (namely, Google Docs, Google Mail, and Meebo), which frees up the PC for other types of content (such as photos and music). You can store all your documents and files with one-click via online storage service Box. Also, dedicated icons for YouTube, Facebook, and other popular sites means you can get funny videos or update your online profiles with just one click. It has some decent hardware built-in as well: The Webcam next to the 7-inch screen can be used for videoconferencing, while a memory card slot lets you quickly transfer images, videos, or music files quickly (which is a good thing, since this baby doesn't have a DVD/CD-RW drive). Also: a DVI port lets you plug this into a bigger monitor when you're at home. Lastly, its understated black casing and rounded edges belie its low price.

What we don't like: Startup time was slow (about a minute), especially when compared to the eeePC. Getting onto our wireless network was confusing and glitchy (we finally got it up and running). The right-and-left click buttons and touchpad are in an awkward location at the top of the keyboard (we recommend plugging a mouse into one of two USB ports). Needless to say, the keyboard is a bit small for longer documents, but will do in a pinch (and certainly beats that of any smart phone). Granted, we got an early version of this laptop, so take these criticisms with a grain of salt, as final versions of the PC may run more smoothly.

Verdict: The Cloudbook is a fun, lightweight PC with an impressive five hours of battery life (about 1.5 more hours than the rival eeePC) that lets you do most of your basic computing tasks can do without breaking your back (or the bank). That said, you'll need to be online to use some of the most basic apps, so keep that in mind if you have trouble finding Wi-Fi hotspots.

Cost: $399 (available exclusively at Wal-mart when released on February 21).


Best Laptops Under $500-3

by Tom Samiljan, posted Feb 14th 2008 at 2:11PM



The Cute, Ultra-Mobile One: Asus eeePC

The Asus eeePC is an all-white, paperback-sized, subnotebook PC with solid state (read: shock-resistant and energy-efficient) that runs on a custom version of the Linux operating system (which operates pretty much like Windows and Mac and will look familiar to anyone who has used Windows or Mac computers).

What we like: This lil' thing boots up in about ten seconds, so no more waiting around for all those annoying startup programs to install on most Windows or Mac computers. The eeePC has pretty much everything you'd need for basic computing: word processing/spreadsheet programs, Skype, Instant Messenger software, and Mozilla Firefox (for Web surfing). It also has music, photo, and video managers, which come in handy when you transfer media files off of an SD card (thanks to a built-in memory card reader). The eeePC also has built-in Wi-Fi as well as an Ethernet port (for wired connections) and a generous three USB ports (for mobile broadband modems or other peripherals). The built-in stereo speakers on either side of the 7-inch screen emit surprisingly defined, robust sound.

What we don't: Though QWERTY-based, the keyboard is a bit small for truly extended computing or long documents, and the touchpad can be tiring after mousing around for a few minutes (so you'll want an external mouse). In order to save power and keep the size small, Asus omitted the CD/DVD drive on the eeePC, so forget ripping any CDs. Also, battery life was surprisingly low in our experience (only about 3 hours). Despite the fast startup, the computer's speed in general can be slow at times when opening programs and the like.

Who it's for: Mobile professionals who don't want to spend $2,000 on a MacBook Air and need something bigger than a BlackBerry for responding to e-mails or writing of office docs on the fly. Students and kids who need a starter computer that won't break the band.

Verdict: It's the most affordable mini-PC on the market today, at least until the Everex Cloudbook actually hits stores. We recommend it to anyone who needs to stay in touch with the office or do basic computing on the go, but doesn't want to break their back or tire their arms out by carrying a heavier computer around with them.

Price: $400 (4-gigabyte) (8-gigabyte version available for $800).



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