REARTH MacBook Pro Keyboard Cover - REVIEW

I received the REARTH MacBook Pro keyboard cover about 6 weeks ago and have been using it since. The Verco cover came in minimalist package wrapped in a plastic cover and cardboard box.

Build Quality
The Verco cover is made of a translucent, thin, plastic and sits very well on the MacBook Pro keyboard. The plastic is soft and moves well with the keys. The plastic is also thin enough to not interfere with the closing on the notebook. One issue in this area, the plastic is not completely clear. So it’s very easy to tell that something is covering the keyboard. A clear material can eliminate this issue.

Usability
I took six weeks to write this review because initially I wasn’t very keen about using the product. However, I decided to give it a longer try and I’m glad I did. Now, it doesn’t even feel like the cover is on. The key covers are softer in the center and the parts that make the key wall are stiffer. This makes it easy to type with the cover on.
The cover has been very useful in keeping dirt and particles out of the keyboard. Lifting the cover reveals a clean keyboard with no grease or dirt on them.

Result
After using the product on my computer my dad's already asking me to get him one so it goes without saying that I definitely recommend the product, but make sure you leave it on for a bit so you get use to it.

MacBook Pro - Hi Res screens, Light Peak, Optical Drives and more...

I recently got introduced to Mac computers and I must say that my experience has been incredible.  I've been a lifelong PC user but this shift to Mac has been very refreshing.  The hardware is incredible!  In my opinion that is the main selling point of Mac for me.  With that being said, new MacBook Pros are scheduled to make there debut sometime next week.  (Feb 24 to be exact).

Here are some of the alleged enchancements:
1.  Hi Res screens on all the models.
2.  Light Peak technology which is much faster than current USB.
3.  Possible removal of Optical Disk Drive.
4.  Higher battery life.
5.  Newer, smaller Sandy Bridge chips and better video integration.

What do you think is in store? 

"Big Salad"

Some of us "older" individuals know the joke about the "Big Salad" from the Seinfeld days, but this post isn't about Seinfeld, it's about the Big Salad my wife made for me for lunch today.

It was delicious so I thought I'd share the recipe with everyone. It's easy to make, healthy and tasty! Can't go wrong with that.

So here it goes:

Mixed Greens
Add:
Thin chunks of apple
Thin chunks of oranges
Cut strawberries
Crumbled walnuts
Small chunks of old cheddar cheese
Top this with a light Raspberry Vinaigrette

There you go!
Voila! You have a delicious salad ready. Didn't take much work either.

Let me know if you tried it out and if you liked it or not.

Bell Mobility FINALLY Launches Storm 2 in Canada

Finally, the day is here!
Today Bell Mobility launched the Blackberry Storm 2 9550 for it's CDMA network.  It's a much improved version of the disappointing Storm 2 9530 that was launched in December of 2008.  Telus lauched the Storm 2 back in December of 2009, but Bell, as always, is lagging behind.  This might be due to a possible exclusivity agreement between RIM and Telus.

What do you think?  Is the Storm 2 going to make up for some of the lost goodwill RIM received due to the poor performance of the Storm 1??

A joke I had to share!

This joke got a lot of response when I broadcasted it on my Blackberry so thought I would share it with everyone on here too.

"This is a great example of "did I say that out loud???" This actually happened at Harvard University.
In October of last year in a biology class, the professor was discussing the high glucose levels found in semen which gives the sperm all the energy for their journey.
A female freshman raised her hand and asked, "If I understand, you're saying there is a lot of glucose, as in sugar, in semen?"
"That's correct," responded the professor, going on to add statistical info.
Raising her hand again, she asked, "Then why doesn't it taste sweet?"
After a stunned silence, the whole class burst out laughing. The poor girl's face turned bright red, and as she realized exactly what she had inadvertently said (or rather implied), she picked up her books without a word and walked out of class, never to return. However, as she was going out the door, the professor's reply was classic. Totally straight-faced he answered, "It doesn't taste sweet because the taste buds for sweetness are on the tip of your tongue and not the back of your throat."

Now I'm sure this didn't really happen at Harvard but funny none the less!

To Buy or Not To Buy? That is the question!

The famous Apple iPad!  There has been a lot of buzz about it over the last week, since it's release.  Of course, out topic of discussion today is:  "Is the iPad worth it??"

As a device it looks very portable, attractive, and user friendly, but with a lack of Flash support, USB ports and Camera, is the device really worth it?
The 16GB runs you $500 USD.  For that price you can buy low ends laptops now days.  So is a giant iPod really what the market is looking for?

Apple sold 300,000 units on the first day (or at least that's what they say).  That sort of success comes rarely to a product, especially at that sort of a price.  But I'm still a bit skeptical.  My approach is going to be a "wait and see" one.  I will most definitely wait for the 2nd Generation iPads before I make any commitments. 

So what do you guys think?  Buy or not to buy??

GO TEAM CANADA!!

So after Team Canada's glorious Olympics 2010 Victory over the US, RIM decided to make 60 limited edition Blackberry Bold 9700 phones and give it to the Players + a few select Future Shop sales associates got them.

Seems like the phones are going for upto $10,000.

Pretty sweet!! Me wants!

Source

SONY 3D Technology

So I got a sneak preview of SONY's new 3D TVs and Accessories.

I must say, Sony is doing an awesome job with this new technology. The TVs look amazing! The 3D looks spectacular!

Somethings I picked up from the info sessions...

1. PS3 will be 3D capable in 2 months.
2. Sony is working on 3D gaming already.
3. The Sony XBR Models will be 3D/3D Ready. (LX will be 3D, HX will be 3D Ready.)
4. The TX1's new, waterproof brother is going to make a "splash". (Pardon the pun)
5. The X10 with Andriod has a very nice screen! For the first time I've been tempted by a non Blackberry device.

Things will be rolling out fairly soon, so we will see SONY stocked shelves very shortly.

I wish i had pictures to show you guys, but they wouldn't allow them.

Bell releasing the Storm 2 next week

The word is that Bell will be releasing the Storm 2 next week.

Bell has already been testing the Storm 2 for a few weeks and is going ahead with it. You can expect to see it on the shelves next week.

Being a Blackberry fan and a Storm 1 owner (I actually like the SurePress), I can't wait for Storm 2 to be released on Bell (under contract with Bell).

I will give a full review once I get mine!

CB4....

So last night the Raptors took a heavy loss against the Cavs. Not only did they lose the game but they also lost there star player, Chris Bosh (CB4) to an eblow in the face. The elbow belong to forward Antawn Jamison and was an accident (so don't expect Jamison to be suspended or anything).

Toronto media thinks that this might be Bosh's last game as a Raptop. His contract expires this summer and like all big time players, he might also abandon Toronto for a greener, American, pasture.

What do you guys think? Is he staying? Is he leaving? Why?

SLP - Strategic Leadership Program

I have reached Stage 2 in my quest to becoming a CMA.

Stage 2 = Strategic Leadership Program is a 2 year program which basically consists of 6 weekends of in-class work and a load of assignments and projects.

Year 1 is mostly individual assignments and concludes with a Case exam. That's the point I'm at.

Getting ready for the Case exam has been difficult as there is not set studying that can be done. The only thing you can really do is understand the steps of approaching a case.

Any of you guys out there been through this? Any pointers for readers and myself??

Missing...

Hi guys, sorry I had gone missing for a while there.

Had been extremely busy with "stuff", but fear not, I'm back.

This blog will become much more active and fun going forward. We will start talking about and discussing anything and everything.

Let's start with the NCAA Basketball game. DUKE vs BUTLER.
Who are you rooting for????

I'm gonna go with the underdogs, BUTLER. They've made it through some tough challenges and they might pull and upset here.

Let's get it started!!!

Bell's New HSPA System

I've been a Bell customer for about 13 years now. I've had a Bell cell phone since I graduated from Highschool pretty much. Sometimes things have been rough, other times it's been smooth sailing. I've had my share of issues with the "billing department", of course due to no fault of mine.

I have read many horror stories online about people's encounter with Bell's customer service and billing teams.

My question is, are you willing to, either stick it out, or move to Bell now that there new HSPA network will be rolling out in November?

Do you think things will get better? Is there hope? Is there a chance for redemption for Bell?
If you are totally ready to step into this new network with Bell which devices are you considering?

The lates leaked information suggests Bell will be launching with the following Devices:

LG Xenon
Samsung Impact
Samsung Omnia 2
Apple iPhone 3G 8GB
Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB
Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB
BlackBerry Bold 9000
BlackBerry 9700
Nokia 2730
Nokia 6350

One highly anticipated Handset is missing however. The Blackberry Storm2 does not currently show up on the list. One can only hope that it will be launched shortly after the launch of the new network!

Until next time...

Economists

Is it just me or are economists very pesimistic people??

Everytime I turn on the news there is some statistic that shows that our economy is on the road to recovery yet they can always manage to find one economist who says we are fooling ourselves and that the worst is far from over....

What do you think??

How is your employment status??
I've been unemployed for a long time now and have no potential prospects either at the moment.

How did you fare during this recession?


Until next time...

Certified Management Accounting (C.M.A.) Entrance Exam

So back in June I wrote the CMA Entrance Exam. I was thinking about bettering my career given all the recession and no jobs.

Now I have been out of school since 2003, so to suddenly get back into it was tough to say the least. I started the prep course 2 months before the Exam itself and considered postponing the exam a few times because I didn't think I was ready.

My prep class instructor pushed me and told me to write the exam. So June 16, 2009 came and I was at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto writing the exam.

I came out of the Exam thinking discouraged and thinking about what my study strategy is going to be when I am forced to write the exam again in October. The marking process took 6 weeks and they were 6 LONG weeks.

So I woke up to an email from my instructor saying the marks were now posted. I must say, I was very nervous while checking the marks but was pleasantly surprised to see a "Pass - Congratulations" listed.

The whole experience is really nerve racking. Just wanting to do well, while keeping your cool. Just a tough experience.

Now I'm on my way to starting the Strategic Leadership Program in Fall. My main quest however, is finding a job now. So if you have any leads, send them my way!


Until next time...

Coldplay

If the picture above seems fimiliar it is because it was recently seen on Nationalpost.com.

Concert Review: Elbow and Coldplay

The pictures were taken by yours truly. The concert was amazing and Chris Martin put on a really good show. I came back with over 500 pictures and some made it to the national post!

Look for more in the future!

Untill next time...

How much do you tip the Pizza Delivery guy?

So, I was sitting at home tonight, starving, so I decided to go online and order Pizza. Yes, you can order pizza online now. Welcome to the 21st century!

So I went to Domino's website and placed my order. Paid for the pizza by a credit card.

At the end of the order I saw a small little note, "Feeling generous? You can tip at the door when you sign your credit card receipt."

Since I was already on the computer, I decided to google, "how much do you tip for pizza delivery" and came across Tipthepizzaguy.com.

The website is decidated to the very same topic. How much to tip the pizza guy! Well the handy calculator quickly told me that i needed to tip the pizza guy $3.01 based on my total order price.

....umm, I gotta go look for $3.01! Damn I paid using a Credit Card cause I didn't want to have to look for cash!

Gotta go eat now. Don't worry I will find the Pizza guy some decent change!

Untill next time...

Sloan is Canadian!?!?!

Who knew?? Yes, Emanuelle Chriqui, who we love as Sloan on Entourage is a fellow Canadian. I never bothered to look her up in IMDB but recently saw her on Jimmy Fallon. He presented her with a basket of Canadian goodies. Ketchup chippppps.....smaarrrrties!!

She was born in the Good ol' Montreal! Ahhh Montreal does really house the beauties ;) (even though she moved to Toronto at the age of 2). Went to Unionville High School. How come I never saw her around?!?!

Support the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights

New Democrat MP Jim Maloway (Elmwood-Transcona) introduced a Private Members Bill that will provide compensation to airline passengers and a bill of rights protecting travellers in Canada.

The bill includes measures on compensation for overbooked flights, unreasonable tarmac delays, cancelled flights, the concern for late and misplaced luggage, and all-inclusive pricing by airline companies in their advertising.

“The legislation is inspired by a European Union law, where over-bookings have dropped significantly,” said Maloway. “Air Canada is already operating under the European laws for their flights in Europe. Why should an Air Canada customer receive better treatment in Europe than in Canada?”

The bill of rights will ensure that passengers are kept informed of flight changes, whether they are delays or cancelations. The new rules will be posted in the airport and airlines must inform passengers of their rights and the process to file for compensation.

“The changes are not meant to punish the airlines,” said Maloway. “If the airlines follow the rules, they will not have to pay one dollar in compensation to travellers.”

Air passenger bill of rights - Summary of key provisions


The above information was obtained from Jim Maloway's website.

Please support the bill and make travelling easier for yourself!


Untill next time...

This is why you never fly Air Canada!

So this is the response I got back from Air Canada.
It's funny how there delays are OK, where as a passenger who is 1 minute late is absolutely not acceptable!
I also really liket he part where the letter justified the rude behavious of Air Canada staff by putting the blame on the "passenger".



Thank you for your e-mail. We appreciate the time you have taken to contact us.

At Air Canada, we make every effort to respect the scheduled departure time of all flights. A delay of even a few minutes can result in the loss of a takeoff position. This, in turn, can impact an entire day's operations and further inconvenience a greater number of customers.

To help us provide ontime departures, the absolute deadline for the completed process of checkin, including any checked baggage, is sixty minutes for transborder flights. Kiosks are programmed such that they will not accept passengers after the cut off. Airport agents are unable to accept late running passengers.

Although there may be times that a passenger believes that he/she could possible clear security and 'make' the flight before it departs, this is not always the end of the matter. As soon as the checkin closes at sixty minutes prior to departure, planning for the flight commences, including fueling requirements, weight and balance calculations, catering orders, etc. As such, passengers who arrive after our cutoff for whatever reason are unable to checkin for their flight.

Passengers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they allow for sufficient time when planning their arrival at the airport. Such factors that should be considered are traffic, parking, and airport lineups.

As you did not complete the checkin process before the sixty minute cutoff requirement, our agents correctly offered the opportunity to change your flight as per the fare rules of your ticket.

We regret that you felt our agents were discourteous as we strive to offer customers professional service. Our agents are entrusted to treat passengers fairly by properly following the rules of the ticket purchased. Sometimes this can be difficult to do so when passengers continue to request exceptions be made.

Our flight records, as a matter of interest, show that Air Canada flight AC764 on June 26, 2009 departed the gate in Toronto five minutes early at 08:55. We regret the slight delay on your return flight to Toronto.

Praneet, thank you for allowing us this opportunity to comment on your feedback.

Sincerely,

Paul Griffin
Customer Relations



Wow!! Let's just say they aren't willing to admit fault, they aren't willing to refund my money and they don't care for my, or your, business.

I would end the post by saying, "Untill next time..." but I will never fly Air Canada again. So there won't be a next time...