Windows 7 $30 for students

Never went to Vista so why am I thinking about going to Windows 7?  Because it is $30!

"Like so many of the recent Windows 7 promotions, it’s a limited time offer with more than a few caveats. But, details aside, Microsoft is offering college students Windows 7 for $29.99, according to a new deal announced on September 17." The http://www.win741.com/ site has the details.

Update: Flip UltraHD

I received my Flip UltraHD yesterday and am really enjoying it. It is sleek, and is ready to go right out of the box (just be sure to put the battery in). What is really impressive is how easy it is to use. Literally just point and shoot. I used it to shoot this video at the Detroit Airport.

The Flip UltraHD shoots 720p HD video and has an HDMI port so you can directly plug it into my plasma.

Once you are finished shooting just plug the Flip into your USB port on your computer, the software is already installed, and you are presented with an array of options on how you want to view, upload, or edit your video. The software lets you directly upload to your YouTube or MySpace account so you can share your video with anyone. I added Flip's music to the video, added a title screen, and credits in less than five minutes, very impressive.  Use it with the Gorillapod tripod and the Flip UltraHD is a must for any backpack journalist.

Zoom H2

My newest purchase for school: Zoom H2

From the Zoom website: "The H2 begins with a simple idea: provide brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. Now everyone can record pristine audio in an infinite variety of applications. From seminars and conferences, to electronic news gathering(ENG), interviews and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of recording you want to make, the H2 can effortlessly record it."

Home Theater

Over the past year I have put together my dream home theater system.  My wife's rules were that she didn't want to see any equipment (all the equipment is in a side closet out of sight!), no speakers running all over, and no wires. By shopping online I saved 34% over retail. Here is how it came out.