Archive
First Post On Asus Transformer
We decided to deploy some tablets for work. Testing stage as we call it. IT guru JR chose these ASUS Transformers, so I get to test one, too. This led me to think about the applications I use for work. There are a couple that I just like and use on multiple devices. There is one that is the main reason we are testing the ASUS.
We use Google Apps, so the GMAIL app is the major winner. Email is the app of daily use, multiple times a day. We all know that. How much of you email is done on a computer today? We all seem to have smartphones, tablets, and i-Somethings.
The Messages App for text messaging is used too. How else can you get info in a a timely manor and in 160 characters or less and not disturb them with a phone call. Say what you will, but I find text messaging efficient over the phone call formality, especially if what you need is not need it now moment. That’s when the phone comes in the best.
Speaking of social media apps, I use TweetCaster for tweeting on Twitter. It allows me to post to Facebook simultaneously. Even though I do not use FB much anymore, it is there. The interface is nice. It is easy to use. I’ve tried HootSuite, but grew tired of it. I may try again because the first company that incorporates Google+ into the mix will win my business, at least to start. Google+, or G+, is my first choice of social media over FB, now. The G+ app is on all my devices. Rounding off social I have Foursquare which is just fun to use sometimes and I do have LinkedIn. This one is a good connection site and some of the groups do have interesting topics under discussion.
Productivity leads me to Evernote. How does anyone in the connected world not get by with this one. Sure I have Google Drive for documents and the like, but Evernote seems to be there for everything. Hmmm? Thus the “Ever?” With the desktop app and a web interface my notes are synced to all devices in a jiffy. I mentioned Google Drive. That is now getting more use as we expand to our mobile world. For me, I upload and sync important manuals since they all seem to be in PDF format today. That way if I’m at a transmitter site I have the latest information with me.
Now for a very big one that comes with the ASUS and I find almost indispensable now. It is called SplashTop. With the VPN connection, and soon to be a Flash version (yes we are beta testing), you can connect to your desktop from anywhere and operate it as if you were there. Very similar to Remote Desktop. Full control. All you do is install the desktop app to run in the background. Very cool, very useful. As for the VPN, as we use “legacy” Cisco concentrator JR discovered the one VPN app that actually seems to work properly called VPNcilla. It works. It’s easy. As we upgrade to Pix or other more modern devices, then the phones will get access too.
Now for a list of other apps I use:
DolphinHD browser. I find this one has worked the best in the smartphone and tablet world. I can even connect directly, yes, directly to my Nautel NV transmitters. I use this to connect to the web interfaces of my Burk ARCPlus remote controls. The new version 3 has a cleaner look and looks to be promising. I plan a write-up on the Burk soon.
Maps by Google is very useful, too. Locating sites and getting to where you need to go.
Under a folder I made named Utilities I have Ulysse Gizmos the BEST GPS compass ever. Used this many times and it is pretty accurate. Satellite AR for when I need to quickly spot a satellite for rough dish alignment. Intel’s CPU Decoder if you ever need to get specs on Intel CPUs. ElectroDroid when I need to cheat on some electrical thing be it simple calculation because my old brain doesn’t work any longer or need a quick pin-out on a connector. IP Calculator quick subnetting if necessary. RealCalc is a full featured scientific calculator. It even does RPN, so it feels like my HP calculator. I even have FuncGen, an audio function generator if I need quick audio for tests, sweeps, and various waveforms.
Any geek would not be complete without WolframAlpha. This one is pretty fun to use. I live in earthquake country so I have Earthquake Alert. My optional field of work would have been geology. Also we need our coffee, so yes, I have the Starbucks app. I use Pulse as a news reader.
I can go on. What useful apps do you have? I obviously have WordPress as I am writing on my ASUS right now using the app. Please share your discoveries.
As for this ASUS, I’ve had it 5 days. I have grown very attached to it this weekend. The optional keyboard that doubles as it’s case is great. The tablet itself is smooth and does what I need. You might say I’m digging it.
Device list:
HTC Thunderbold Smartphone
ASUS Transformer
B&N Nook Color, hacked with CM7 android so it works as a tablet.
Amazon Fire for books.
Apple iPad for the child and games.
Cheers!
NAB Convention Is Upon Us!
I sit here gathering up my “notes” and listening to my Blues channel on Pandora; NAB is around the corner. No way, it is here! I leave tomorrow! Wow. I have an agenda. The company has an agenda. The show has an agenda. My job is to make them all mesh. Of course it will not prevent me from doing some “vendor disruptions”.
I need to visit vendors regarding remote controls. Burk, Audemat, and Davicom come to mind. Any other suggestions? I’m familiar with Burk. I like the concept and white paper by Audemat, though some reports from the local boys across town will curl your hair. Davicom I’ve seen via web meeting and should be usable. How far do I want to go? This could be fun.
We will attempt to crash the NexGen, so be prepared RCS. We like to dig and we want to push buttons; simultaneously. We did this to WideOrbit and they passed. Others failed in an endless loop in the past, so maybe everyone is robust compared to then. Should be fun.
I will be at the NUG (Nautel Users Group) on Sunday. Hey, that app you posted in the Waves newsletter does not work through VPN. I look forward to seeing what’s new and how things are. I also want to see the advanced AUI presentation.
To bad Verizon won’t be there. Maybe even HTC and Samsung. No VPN through hotspots? NAT issue? Come on, now. How do we run our stuff securely, leave it on an open network? Security first, people. If WiFi is available on the floor or nearby, I will be happy to show you a VPN connection w/VNC to my Nautel transmitters on an eReader, a.k.a. cheap tablet.
I will be talking with SAS (Sierra Automated Systems) regarding my system and integration with our next automation system being mandated by the company. (I’ll elaborate later, and will be a subject of review) I have a studio upgrade coming.
Tieline will get a visit. I see a new box and they did not send me one to play with. Does that mean I can break it at the show? Also I noticed an application to manage the Tieline remote gear. Well, where is it? I know I have 8 boxes I could manage. I like pushing updates. I also like to add and subtract profiles as necessary. Let’s have at it! Oh, and where is the Android app?
I will visit Sage and ask to tear about the Digital Endec. EAS and CAPS is coming and we are to upgrade this year anyways. Just a few questions and a look at the box. This is the one we have decided on.
I’ll visit with Studer as they want to meet with me regarding consoles. This is not a formal thing, but would be cool if it led somewhere. I am quite happy with my SAS Rubicons and SLs. If it leads to anything, it is design, like I know anything about that; I install and make ’em work.
It just piles up. I notice a hard time for Audemat. Hopefully we are discussing remote control and not that stupid Golden Eagle box. I had to reboot that thing 3 times yesterday just to get diversity delay readings! Ouch. The multipath at the studios isn’t much help either.
I think I will swing by Harris and tell them that my Flexstar dropped off once again without any reason. Once in 1 year is a major improvement! Of course a week after that occurred I get an email talking about their new transmitters. WT>>>> I have a “young” transmitter, I cannot get another. There is other competition out there! 😉 (See my article in the Waves newsletter….) I want to see the STL solutions provided by these guys, too. This means I will be visiting Moseley, too. I have Moseley and Intraplex.
Gosh, I just remembered I wanted to look at some audio test gear and modulation monitors that work. The ones I have are in a word, worthless. They will make good air monitors for HD, though.
I will hit the usual suspects as time permits. I have a lot to do with only 2 days on the floor. I’m a bit disappointed I may not get to see interactive and video. I want to delve into some of that and see what ideas I can come away with.
Hope to see you all at the show! Walk up and smack me if you wish to talk.
Cheers!
Tech Notes from the Field 