WD My Book World Edition – Network and how I got burned

I have a plethora of USB drives and network drives to store data around the home and at the office.  I purchased the MyBook World Edition Network drive with the intent to store data over the wire.  The device  has a USB port on it and I ASSUMED I could plug in directly and make it a USB drive to transfer files from my computer.  So, I recently tried to load one with about 500 gigs of data to store offsite.  The device would not mount on any of my computers and after a while I got quite frustrated.

I then tried to plug it into the WD tv, and it failed there too.

After RE-reading the webiste I learned that the USB port on most of these devices is to extend the drives storage and not as a port to connect computer.  So the lesson – when purchasing external storage devices be sure HOW you can transfer data – and trust me it is worth the extra $10 to get the ones with the additional transfer methods.

Don’t get burned – read the Specifications and don’t assume.

James

WD TV Adventures – in lieu of XMBC

I am currently working to put in a technology to play my digital movie files.  I have a variety of formats pulled from camcorders, training seminars and .avi .mkv and .mp4 formats.  I have tested xmbc and plex and been pleasantly surprised by the capabilities; however, there is just too much management on each.  I also had a few challenges with plex and my monitor / televisions. xmbc on an xbox is good but no HD.  So, I tried a commercial solution – the Western Digital TV device.  It is very basic – an HDMI port, 2 usb, and composite.  Here are my initial results:

It works very simply.  I have played all of the above file formats with good success.  I have 2 files that have not played correctly and I am working to discover the encoding I used to see if that is the cause of the problem.  I was even able to play the video_ts folder without problem.

Quality – all depends on the video – DivX came out grainy and avi showed artifacts

It is quiet and perfect for a home entertainment environment.  Remote is cheap but gets the job done.

Most important of all – It is WIFE APPROVED.  She was navigating in seconds and content.

Also, you can pause a movie and return to it later on.

Bottom line:  Buy it – it is worth the cash.  Careful though the device is cheap but the HDMI cable will cost at least $50 (I bought the cheapest / shortest and it works great – I have a high grade hdmi cable that I will double check, but I expect similar results and will post update).

Happy Videoing,

James

Iphone and ZAGG

Last night I suited up my iPhone with the protective shield product by ZAGG.  I was convinced to buy it from a friend and got it for 30% off online during their sale.  I honestly do not think it is worth the full price.  Here are my thoughts:

Price:  Get it 30% off or do not buy it – you can buy a simple case in it place

Installation:  Not too difficult.  I read the instructions and applied as directed.  A couple of tips:

• spray your hands liberally (both hands)
• watch out for getting your finger print on the adhesive
• peel off the non-stick piece and not the clear piece of plastic
• Have a high powered light within a few feet to find any bumps / air bubbles
• Push the bubbles from the inside out

Cons:  Applying the back was a bear.  The corner pieces are very difficult to set properly.  I nearly cut them off and may do that if they become loose.

I will post any updates on the product as they come to mind.

Best,

James DeLuccia

btw – my ATV / PLEX vs WD TV vs XBOX XBMC debate is firming up and I will post the final results of my research and tests – thanks to everyone for their tips!

Book Review: Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

My brother pushed me to read this book eventhough it was on the ’shelf’ to be read in the near future.  The pushback has always been the length 1,000+ pages and the fact it is fiction.  I have read very little fiction for a long time in favor of history and scientific journals… Nonetheless I have finished it and here are my thoughts..

Great book.  Thought provoking and eye opening.  It is a tale describing what happens when those who work hard and support those who choose not to…decide to stop working for them.  What happens to, for example, the Auto companies in the U.S. if the bailouts stopped – what if, I a tax payer said ‘NO’.

The book is fiction, there is a tale and adventure, and while I was bored with the romance parts of the book in favor of the serious issues outlined by Ms. Rand it is well told.

Bottom line: Read it and have a knowledgeable position and not one of ignorance.

Best,
James DeLuccia