October 2006

By Cliff Millward, Editor cliffm@xmission.com

Further Fumbling Finale
As I stated in last month’s edition I will inform you about the differences in the music writing programs Finale and Sibelius. Here are this month’s discoveries.
I am writing a composition for Oboe d’Amore et Cor Anglais et String Orchestra. In so doing I, of course, am including a cadenza (a part of the composition in which the soloists play at liberty without the string orchestra.) The differences between Finale and Sibelius are profound as illustrated below.

Finale

Sibelius

As you can see, the differences in note spacing are quite obvious. The notes in Finale are almost impossible to read whereas the notes in Sibelius are spaced evenly and very easy to read. Also, the notes are smaller which is the style when writing a cadenza. Smaller notes can be produced in Finale also, but it requires a bit of manipulation. I gave up on writing this composition in Finale when I encountered the cadenza problem -- as much as I tried, I could not get Finale to space the notes evenly. Pay no attention to the “grayed out” time signature. This action is what you must do to write a cadenza in either program. You write the cadenza, count up the number of beats it requires, and produce a measure of this length. (The grayed out time signature will not print.)
Needless to say, the more I use Sibelius, the more I like it. Perhaps Finale will catch up with Sibelius, but until that time, if you are in the market for a music writing program, I heartily recommend Sibelius.
Other News
How about a wireless keyboard and mouse operated by something similar to Bluetooth? The Finnish communication giant Nokia announced it recently. It is called “Wibree.” They both operate at 2.4GHz and have a similar range.
The difference lies in the continuity of the data being transferred. Bluetooth is suited to streaming data or voice connectivity. Wibree is ideal for infrequent bursts of data. It is similar to wireless LAN but optimized for smaller devices. It could be used for heart-rate monitors, sports watches, wireless keyboards and mouses.
It is rumored the name derives from a combination of “wireless” and the fictional village Bree from The Lord of the Rings.
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Will Intel buy Nvidia now that AMD has bought ATI Technologies? Some think so as Nvidia’s share price jumped nearly 10 percent last week (Oct.4.)
However, the deal (if it ever goes through) will be expensive as Nvidia’s market capitalization stands at $11 billion! The big question is, what will Intel do to counter this move by AMD; or does it really need to counter it? Keep tuned for further information.

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You can now load Lotus Notes software, data and personal files onto a flash drive or iPod using features of the 7.0.2 release of IBM’s Lotus Notes and Domino, just released.
The action will also allow users to create blogs from within their Lotus applications and to create RSS feeds (define) for the content they create.
This program will also allow users to load their Lotus client, personal identification information, security credentials, bookmarks and other customized elements onto a USB-compatible device, and launch it on any host machine running the Windows operating system.

Moreover, the host machine will run the instance of Notes contained on the flash drive or iPod, thus avoiding version compatibility issues and allowing users to launch the application even if Notes is not installed on the host machine.

Notes files are removed from the machine when the device is unplugged from the USB port, which addresses an important security issue associated with portability.

Finè

Index

Meeting Memorandum for Sep 13, 2006

The meeting was convened at 7:11 pm by President Rick Gregory

The evening’s presentation was by Allen Wyatt who reluctantly calls himself, “The Reluctant Guru.” His talk was titled, “The Reluctant Guru, How to maintain your sanity when dealing with Office in the office.” Allen is an experienced writer having written more than 35 books, including, “Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies” which must have been intended for Blue Chips members. He has long been a guru for Word for Windows and Windows Excel. He publishes a newsletter and maintains a website containing over three thousand of tips on using Word and Excel. The newsletters are published weekly and are available through subscription free through email or in PDF form which is not free. All past issues are also available online at www.vitalnews.com. What is the source of new tips? People who subscribe to the newsletters (approx. 60,000) send in questions. These questions are placed in the help wanted section of the newsletter and readers reply. Allen then compiles these answers into the newsletter.

Allen then talked about the process of becoming a guru and how to do the job the best you can. Each of us is a guru to someone else, someone who knows less then we do. Every office has someone who is the “go to person” in the office on some product. Chances are that person just knows slightly more than anyone else in the office and is accessible.

Allen described some guru-ish things you can do that probably won’t help much. You can acquire some fashionable clothes. Or you can move your cubicle to a mountain to add to the allure of your position. Try learning to levitate.

Here are some real things you can do to be a better guru.

Acquire a few good books geared toward different levels of users. A few recommendations for Word and Excel are:
1.   Almost any book “For Dummies”
2.   Using Microsoft Office Word 2003, Special Edition
3.   John Walkenbach’s Favorite Excel Tips & Tricks
4.   Microsoft Office Excel 2003 Bible

Learn where other gurus hang out. Find forums, mailing lists and newsgroups. Get involved and answer questions.

Bookmark some good websites. Here are some good ones.
1.   www.VitalNews.com
2.   support.microsoft.com
3.   Excel: www.j-walk.com/ss
4.   Excel: www.ozgrid.com
5.   Word: word.mvps.org
6.   Word: www.wordsite.com

Develop you own collection system for tips, a binder, a Word file, a text file, the Internet. Allen has a Word file that has every tip for Word he has collected. It is the mother of all Word file (over 3000 pages).

Learn how to use Word styles and teach them. This is his recommendation for the one thing to learn to be more effective with Word. Styles decrease complexity, increase efficiency, allow quick changes, and are easy to use once you learn how. Styles divorce content from appearance. Styles define how the words in the document appear on the page. Consult his Word tips on how to use styles.

Develop a love affair with the Paste Special dialogue box in Excel. Most people ignore this very useful feature. There tons of things that can be done with. Again, consult his Excel tips on how to use this feature.

Learn how to use macros. Allen recommends jumping right in by doing some mundane, repetitive tasks. It is easy to create a macro using the recording feature of Word. Editing them is also easy. Just as many people learn to swim by jumping in the water. Use macros others have created and published and adapt them to your needs. Finally, keep a reference manual handy. There is a lot of power in macros. Don’t try to remember it all.

Here are some things “not” to do. Don’t worry about certification unless it is required for a job. You can learn just as much on your own. Don’t be afraid you will break anything. Don’t do others work for them. Teach them how to learn to do it. Don’t be afraid to share what you have created and learned.

Skills to develop. The fine art of mind reading is invaluable. Not all people speak the same language. You have to be able to translate what others are saying into Office terminology. Help others to learn that terminology. Perhaps, you can teach a class to do this.

Develop and appetite for learning. There is no end to tips available to you. Learn about building blocks that are the basis of the program. Read new information weekly about whatever program you use.

Develop the patience of Job. You will be asked the same questions over and over again by the same people over and over again. Once people are trained, they will be replaced by new people who will ask the same questions over and over again.

Thanks to Allen Wyatt for most informative and interesting presentation.

Prepared by Stuart Gygi

Index

8 GB US Monstor Drive

Reviewed by Don Nendell

Manufacturer: US Modular, LLC
34-B Mauchly Irvine, CA 92618 Web Site: http://www.usmodular.com
Phone: (949) 770-6400

Monstor Drive System Requirements: Power Supply: Power-less: Powered by USB bus power. No external power is required
Drivers:
No driver is required for Windows XP/ME/2000, Mac OS 9.0 (or Later) and Linux 2.4.2 (or Later)
Drivers are needed for Windows 98/98SE Only
Specifications: Type: USB Hard Drive
Memory Size: 8 GB
Write Speed: USB 2.0
Size (LxWxH): 42.8x36.4x5.0 mm
Shipping Weight: 4.6 ounces

Pricing:
MSRP $99.99US
Available at local electronics outlets such as: Radio Shack, WAL-MART, Office Depot (coming in November), et al.; Internet e-tailer’s such as: Tiger Direct, PC Mall, Buy.com, Amazon, Radio Shack, Office Depot, et al.; and, Corporate resellers everywhere.
Customer Service US Modular is dedicated to providing customer comfort and the right solution the first and every time. All US Modular Products include 24/7 tech support. Each Monstor Drive has a three-year Warranty along with the 24/7 tech support
Note. US Modular has a lower defective product return rate than their competition and every Customer Service call is handled by a live person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also Please Note. US Modular states, “The Company’s team concept from Design to Shipping means unsurpassed communication with our customers every step of the way. Highly-qualified engineers, sales professionals, procurement experts, quality management personnel and a technical support staff make up the US Modular team.” E-mail: techsupport@usmodular.com
Toll Free Phone: 877-USMODULE Local: 949-770-6400 Fax: 949-770-6422
About US Modular US Modular offers memory and storage products and solutions for industrial and consumer applications. US Modular was founded on the principle that utilizing global supply chain and commodities markets can help deliver products faster and with less cost than their competition while delivering an unmatched level of personal service.
US Modular specializes in standard and high-density memory modules, cards and drives for custom and standard applications. US Modular also develops innovative storage solutions, using flash, DRAM and Rotating Media. Aftermarket upgrades of PCs, servers, notebooks, digital cameras, and other devices are also part of US Modular’s complete product offering.
So, Why Should You Choose
US Modular Products?
US Modular touts itself as possessing the following strengths: More than 100 years of combined team experience; Fastest turn-around time in the industry; Lower overall costs; Global supply chain management expertise; Meets SBA qualifications; 24/7 live person tech support; 100% tested; JEDEC Compliant; and, Unexcelled Standard and Custom solutions.
They further state that its quality standards are among the highest in the industry. Their engineers use the latest technology and most advanced architectures to provide the fastest speed and highest densities possible. US Modular’s design and engineering teams can also help their customers outsource testing and module qualification when such resources are not available to them.
Unrivaled US Modular Customer Benefits Are: Lower Cost; Faster Turnaround; Engineering; Expertise; Unmatched Customer Service; Technical Support; Standards and Custom Solutions; BTO; Manufacturing Model; JEDEC Compliant; 100% Tested; and Upside Requirement Response.
Bottom Line. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to call the US Modular Service Staff at (877) US Module.

Prolog
It goes without saying, I have an obvious, definite, personal and over-abiding interest (those who have followed me here in the Blue Chips Magazine (BCM) over the years certainly know of such things) in USB Flash Drives (UFDs), and consequently have reviewed a number of them in BCM. A partial list of a few of those reviews includes, by Product/BCM Archive Location (See at www,ucs): VIP AutoEnc(54) Security Suite (i.e., USB Flash Drive Adaptation) (Aug. 2006); SanDisk’s Titanium USB Flash Drive (Dec. 2005); SanDisk’s Micro USB Flash Drive (Dec. 2005); SanDisk’s CruzerLock 2.1 USB Flash Drive (Dec. 2005) Verbatim’s Store ‘n Go USB Pro HD (Feb. 2005); Kingston’s USB Data Traveler 2 (Feb. 2004); BioSlimDisk’s USB Biometric Flash Drive (Jan. 2004); M-System’s USB DiskOnKey (Jan. 2004); and, JMTek’s USB Hard Drive (Feb. 2003).
I think I can safely say, given UFD’s importance, acceptance and notoriety in today’s security scheme of things, plus their more recent explosion throughout the marketplace, the time is most certainly ripe for another UFD product review.

Get to know the US Modular Product Line
That said, the Monstor Drive, the principal object of this review, fits very nicely into the above picture like an especially fine tooled, handcrafted leather glove. But before we begin with specifics, I think it is particularly noteworthy that US Modular offers a long line of other quality memory and storage products in addition to their Monstor Drive(s) (See them all at their web site). US Modular is literally a “One-Stop-Shop,” “Get-It-All-Right-Here” sales solution, and then some! Seems to me they certainly bear looking into.
Of special note, in their digital data storage line, they offer:

The US Modular QuikDrive™, a portable USB Flash Drive (UFD), allows you to easily store and transfer files via the USB 2.0 port on any Windows or Mac compatible computer. Most importantly, QuikDrive security helps keep confidential data secured and is topped with a 10-year warranty that goes with it. They come in storage sizes of: 64, 128, 256, 512MB, and 2 and 4GB; and in three (3) distinct flavors: 1) Regular Storage, 2) Password Protected files, and 3) Encrypted files.
Note. US Modular proudly proclaims that the QuikDrive is assembled and packaged right here in the USA. “I second the notion!”

US Modular’s Dragon Drive, a 2.5” External Hard Drive Enclosure (EHDE), is perfect for anyone needing a high capacity portable storage device. The Dragon Drive turns any 2.5” Hard Drive into a convenient portable storage drive that can be used on any system with a USB or Firewire port. The rugged aluminum casing protects the drive from overheating and vibration.
Note. I also mentioned such EHDE’s in my review of VIP AutoEnc(54) Security Suite in the August 2006 BCM. Therefore, US Modular now becomes an additional source to look into for your EHDE’s - which, since I have about 10-15 older hard drives with very valuable information on them just lounging around somewhere, makes consummate sense to me.
The US Modular Biometric USB Flash Drive is another highly desirable type of portable USB Flash Drive (UFD) which has a storage capacity of up to 1GB, however, the stored digital data on them is protected by fingerprint recognition, instead of “Static” password protected access.
Note Biometric, vice “Static” password protected access, is presently the preferred type of UFD, that is, if you need strong, 2-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your priceless digital data. That said, biometric is generally the most expensive of all types of UFD’s. However, it is well worth the price, if you absolutely feel you need that type of protection.
Note. For an inexpensive, alternative UFD 2FA method, see also my review of the VIP AutoEnc(54) Security Suite in the August 2006 BCM. FYI AutoEnc(54) will work exceptionally well with any US Modular’s storage device(s). So, head for US Modular’s (or other) web site right now, and stock up
US Modular also does beautiful, specialized, promotional advertising on their UFD storage devices - should you ever need such a service.

Make Your Information as Mobile as You Are
“Ideal for MP3 of video files, important jpeg files, or even redundant storage for irreplaceable data, the Monstor Drives requires no external power and is both Mac and PC compatible - making its appeal universal. Proving that big things do come in small packages, these drives are the ideal mobile mass storage medium for executives, road warriors, students or anyone on-the-go. Monstor Drives come in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, and soon in 12GB,” says US Modular.
Quick question. Have you heard of what separates the men from the boy’s? “It’s their toys!” Oh, and I dearly love these tiny things!

Let’s talk about the 2GB Monstor Drive (MD) first, but only because it’s the lowest priced model of the group. US Modular boasts that it costs about the same as a 512MB flash drive(*). The MD weighs only about half an ounce, is sturdy, has a cool form factor, is made of stainless steel, and it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, but it packs enough memory to store more than 600 MP3 songs, over 350 photos or about 30 minutes of MP4 video!

(*) Well, let’s just see about that pricing claim? OK?
Sample Pricing Obtained especially for this review is as follows:
My local Radio Shack phone call quote for a 4GB Monstor Drive (that’s all they had left in stock) was $99.99.
And, since a picture is worth a 1000 words, Let’s just allow the graphics speak for themselves from here on.
During my visit to the Internet, I found the following:
I couldn’t find a price at Radio Shack for any Monstor Drive, but I did find a price for an Edge DiskGo! 8GB USB Drive.

At Tiger Direct the price for an 8GB USB Monstor Drive was $99.99 (less a time-limited $30.00 Rebate at the time of my visit)

(Quick Comparative Note: About a year and a half ago I paid $199.99 for a 5GB Seagate USB Mass Storage HD, which is about the size of a scaled-down hockey puck).
At Buy.com the price for an 8GB USB Monstor Drive was $97.95 (less a $30.00 Rebate, which totals out to be $67.95).

At Amazon the price for a 2GB USB Monstor Drive was $39.90 (not only is this similar to the price of a 512MB USB Flash Drive, but in reality, it’s probably less than ~).

Well, I guess that about says it all then - Case closed! ;-)

Whether it’s got 2GB, 4GB, 8GB or 12GB storage capacity, any adorable little Monstor Drive will undoubtedly revolutionize the way you store, transfer and transport files. Just think? My HP12 calculator math may be faulty, but that ultimately means no more piles of floppy disks (i.e., for a 2GB MD that figures out to be approx. 1.39x105of them), CD’s (approx. 3.08), ZIP 100 disks (20), Syquest disks (approx. 14.81), SuperDisks (approx. 16.67), etc., you know, those things that are chained to a Desktop PC; or maybe even those cumbersome “portable” hard drives that always seem to turn up missing, are hard to carry, or possibly even get in your way? Now, multiply all these figures by 2x, 4x and 6x, respectively, and you can get a much better idea of the tremendous potential of these beautiful, hand-sized, easy-to-carry, all-purpose, utilitarian Monstor Drives.

Bottom Line. Each portable, small, lightweight, easy-to-carry Monstor Drive provides fast, reliable, secure, cost-effective storage for any Windows or Mac device with a USB port.

Also, Remember, “He who dies with the most toys wins!” ;-}
US Monstor Drive Features, i.e., Boring Techie Stuff:
2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 12GB high-capacity, high-performance ruggedized USB Portable Pen Drive; Industry standard USB 2.0 interface; Reliable storage performance for any device with a USB port, including PCs, digital media players, handheld computers & other portable devices; Low power consumption; 1500G shock resistance rating; Ultra lightweight & compact (weight 16 grams); Media type: Glass; Rotational speed: 4,200 RPM running on liquid bearings; Media transfer rate: 52.4-99.6 Mbits/sec; Transfer rate: 3.3-6.5 Mbytes/sec; Seek time (avg.): 10 msec; Error rate (unrecoverable): 1 per bit; Head load/unload cycles: 300,000; Voltage: 3.3/5.0 VDC +/- 5% Auto Detect; Current (write): 275 mA; Current (idle): 18 mA; Dimensions: 42.8 X 36.4 X 5.0 mm and shipping weight only 4.6 ozs; Temperature: 0° to 65° C operating; Relative humidity: 8 to 90% operating; Shock (half sine): 175G (2ms) operating; Vibration (swept sine): 1G 0-pk (5-500 Hz) operating; and, a Three (3) year Warranty for good measure.

Getting Down to “Big Daddy -
Brass Tacks”
Imagine having the Hard Drive from your personal computer with you all the time while you’re on the go, and it could fit in the palm of your hand. Imagine that you could store, transfer and carry all your digital data/media/important stuff right there with you wherever you go! US Modular’s Monstor Drive is just precisely such a device. It is a portable flash storage drive which allows you to easily store and transfer files via the USB port on any computer, Once plugged into the USB port, the Monstor Drive is detected by any computer, and recognized as a removable disk. You may immediately start saving/transferring your business, or personal data just exactly like you do on your Desktop computers own hard drive.
The sleek, tiny, absolutely beautiful new 8GB Monstor Drive has monstrous capacities indeed, with enough memory to store up to 96 hours of MP3 music, 48,000 digital photos or 32 hours of video! Weighing only about a half an ounce, this 8GB Monstor Drive will revolutionize the way you store, transfer and transport files, or better still, back up irreplaceable data. The 8GB Monstor Drive employs the latest micro-circuit technology, also requires no drivers or external power, and is both Mac and PC compatible. It provides fast, reliable, cost-effective storage for any device with a USB port - perfect for executives, students or anyone on-the-go.
Bottom Line Then. Monstor Drive is:
1. Very inexpensive, and very professional;
2. Well worth its cost - at any price or weight;
3. A real headache saver, as well as, a “Big-Time, Big Time” saver;
4. Simply amazing - besides saving all that time and money. Oh yes! And almost forgot (NOT!)!
5. Also, helps to do “utilitarian work, very fast, and simply!”

Final comment. I simply love all of these little beauties, and I truly believe they are the wave of the future in portable, handy mass digital data/media storage devices.
Note. As I mentioned above, simply add AutoEnc(54) to any MD and you’ve got the best of all worlds; fabulous Two-factor authentication (2FA) plus portable, easily accessible “secure” digital data. Such a country!

In Conclusion
The ideas surrounding Monstor Drive’s adaptability and usefulness are virtually endless. But you know, I still haven’t quite figured out yet why US Modular named it, the Monstor Drive? Maybe it’s because it’s so small, yet it’s doing such a “Herculean job” for its size; then too, maybe it’s a contraction of Monster Storage (Monstor)? That too! Whatever? However, I have absolutely no doubt, what-so-ever, that all of you will appreciate, enjoy and cherish your own US Monstor Drive immensely, as well as I do!

You know, I’m not altogether sure I have a strong enough magnetic clip holder on my filing cabinet to hold my new half ounce Monstor Drive when it’s back home again, but that “simply stunning’’ US Monstor Drive simply has got to take its place right up there at the top along with the best of the lot. What I am absolutely sure of though, is that the US Monstor Drive is another one of those, in a neat long line of “Perfect Keepers” where, “Happiness is definitely a working computer!” See you all next time!

Ciao!