One solution we have been considering can be found here.  Makes your heart flutter just watching.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9XAC-BvUyo

Due for release around mid year, it even looks like a mouse.

Check out the full article at:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/3280980/NZ-next-gen-mouse-on-its-way

We haven’t noticed huge demand so far but that is probably more a comment on the previous less than ideal launch of Vista than the capability of Windows 7 – the hangover from all the problems that Vista created is still there and people seem to be a little hesitant to be the bleeding edge trialists of a new OS.

It’s also possible that users may also be hanging out for the launch of Google’s new operating system – Google Chrome OS – which is expected to be ready for release in late 2010.

Windows 7 seems light years ahead of Vista – although Vista probably received a lot of undeserved criticism, Windows 7 does appear to be most things that Vista was going to be but never was. Where Vista was glitzy and invasive for the user, Windows 7 is unobtrusive and stands in the background until needed.

And it’s stable, fast and lightweight. Windows 7 went through very extensive user testing in the market where it was released in various versions to the public for almost a year and this seems to have ironed out most of the bugs.

One nice feature of Windows 7 for business is the new XP mode – if you need access to programs designed for Windows XP that have not been upgraded to Windows 7 then you can run a virtual environment with XP which is a nice insurance policy and should void a lot of the problems that Vista suffered on release (only available in the Pro and Ultimate versions).

Another positive is Windows Media Centre which comes with the Home Premium and Ultimate versions. Whereas in the past it has been problematic, the Windows 7 version is easily operated and miles ahead of previous versions in terms of compatibility and competes with the likes of MySky for functionality.

If you’re buying a new PC we would strongly recommend Windows 7 over Vista and indeed XP (which is still fairly widely available on business PCs).  However models with Windows 7 have been fairly slow coming onto the market – there still being a fair bit of Vista loaded stock around.

If you want to upgrade your current PC from Vista or XP, the costs are fairly high (for example $499 for an upgrade from XP or Vista Pro to Windows 7 Pro and $249 from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium) but in our opinion worth it.

Finally - and this is pretty shallow - it just looks nice  :)

So maybe just a touch of self interest here, but this month sees the release of one of the years’ biggest films – purportedly one that will change the face of cinema.

In his first directorial role since Titanic, James Cameron’s Avatar is coming out on 17 December (we get to see it first in good ol’ NZ).

Cameron penned Avatar many years ago and waited until technology had developed sufficiently to allow him to make it the way he wanted.  Enter Weta Workshops and the rest they say is history.

The vast majority of the live action scenes were filmed over two years ago in Wellington and since then the film has been in post production and putting together the extensive CGI (which makes up some 50% of the content ).

The cast has its share of big names such as Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez but you’ll also recognise a fair number NZ actors in small roles and in the large cast of extras.

To get the full benefit of Cameron’s vision the film really needs to be viewed in 3-D, Avatar being the first big budget block buster to be filmed entirely in this way.

Below is a snap from the film – if you look closely you might even recognise the bald guy.

You can also check out the preview at www.avatarmovie.com

The law, an amendment to the existing Road User rules which will be enforced from 1st November 2009, bans the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, as well as a number of other changes.

The ban includes calling, texting or any other mobile use.

If you need to make phone calls while driving you will need to invest in a “hands-free” calling kit.  The laws exempts drivers who use one of the following kits:

• A wired earpiece that allows the driver to make and receive calls without handling the phone

• A wireless hands free kit that offers the same features. If you install a secure mobile mounting point in your car, you will also be allowed to handle the phone briefly and infrequently, making a phone mount well worth investing in.

What does it cost?

You may have received a wired earpiece and microphone when you purchased you phone. You can use that with your mobile provided you are not handling the phone to make or answer calls. A new wired headset should start at around $20 depending on your model. You can also purchase a wired car kit for most mobiles that plugs into your stereo and may include a microphone, so that you can use your car’s stereo to hear your caller.

There are several kinds of wireless headsets depending on your needs:

• Wireless Earpiece – This is a device that sits in your ear and connects to your phone via bluetooth. It will let you answer your phone without touching the phone, and the better models also allow you to use “voice activated dialing” to simply say the name of the person you want to call, and your phone will call them. Starting at around $50

• Wireless Hands-Free kit – This is a device which sits on your sun visor or is mounted below the windscreen, and would include the same features as an earpiece. Starting at around $200

Mounting your mobile

You should seriously consider installing a phone mounting point into your car. This will hold your phone securely in one place, making it easier to connect other hands-free devices to it, as well as allowing you to make calls provided you only handle the phone briefly. Starting from around $20, there are many kinds of mounting kits. Some will need to be screwed or bolted onto your dashboard while others use a suction cup or sticky pads to stick to your dash or windscreen. You should make sure you purchase a mount that fits your mobile snugly and has the appropriate holes if you need to connect your headset or car charger.

Links:

• For more info on the new laws, check out the LTSA Website: www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/q-and-a/

• BlueAnt – Hands-free www.myblueant.com

• Parrot - Hands-free: www.parrotminikit.com