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Mac Snow Leopard Released Early!

Apple has finally released Snow Leopard, the latest version of the Mac operating system. If you have a Mac, you are most likely using Leopard, which is Mac OS X version 10.5 – Snow Leopard is Mac OS X version 10.6.

While an upgrade that offers performance and efficiency improvements, Snow Leopard also introduces out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. This will enable access your non-Mac work e-mail from your computer at home if your company uses (and many do) this type of mail system.

Other Great Features

• A more responsive Finder
• New look and features for Exposé and Stacks
• Quicker Time Machine backup

Upgrade at Amazon now for only $25

You can also get info on the Family Pack (5-User) , Box Set, and Snow Leopard Server Version at this page.

Charging dock that transforms iPhone into bedside alarm clock.

For those with limited space or who are aiming for that “minimalist look,” Kensington is releasing a charging dock that transforms iPhone into beautiful bedside alarm clock.
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Taking Notes on the Web with Webnote

Need to gather information online? Then it’s time to stop copying and pasting and to start making your notes online. WebNotes, looks to be a delightfully simple tool to help you gather and and organize your online research and notes.

Update: Today I received my Beta invitation. Seems as though I have 10 invites available to give away. If you are interested, make a comment. Everyone who comments has an equal shot at the invites.

-Lou

What is WebNotes?

Simply stated, WebNotes is an online application that uses tools familiar to all of us… highlighters and sticky notes. WebNotes allows you to virtually highlight text or stick virtual sticky notes to web pages. But, it’s much more than that. After you make your notes, you can organize them in groups and share them with friends through online links and email.

How will WebNotes Help?

I can see a number of uses for those of us who work online. For students and academics who need to conduct research for papers, this seems like the perfect online solution for collecting, organizing, and sharing information.

For the business minded, I think you’ll find WebNotes a useful tool for organizing, tracking, and sharing information related to your client projects.

WebNotes is still in beta, but you can try a fully functional demo of WebNotes. You can also view the demo video of WebNotes here. So head on over and sign up. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be able to start using the cool tool!

Do you think a tool like this could be useful? Share your ideas in the comment section below.

Visit the WebNotes home page.

By the way, was first introduce to WebNotes though this video by Chris Pirillo. I think you’ll enjoy it too.

Giving Google a Little Latitude

Google has launched Latitude, a new feature for Google Maps that runs as an iGoogle gadget on your computer or mobile phone. Latitude allows you to know the precise, up to the minute location of your friends, and, they in turn get to know your location.

Latitude is Google’s attempt to get social with its map feature. Consider this from the Official Google Blog:

And with Latitude, not only can you see your friends’ locations on a map, but you can also be in touch directly via SMS, Google Talk, Gmail, or by updating your status message; you can even upload a new profile photo on the fly. It’s a fun way to feel close to the people you care about.

Of course, it seems that privacy will be a major concern and Google has done a good job of allowing you to see who gets to see where you are.

Is this a service that appeals to you? Is it a good or bad idea? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Five Easy Steps for Your Computer’s 3000 Mile Check-up

Is your computer slowing down? Wish it had the same zip that you experienced when you first took it out of the box?

Here are some easy maintenance tips to help keep your computer running at peek performance.

1. Remove dust that has accumulated in your computer.
2. Deal with the clutter of temporary files and cookies that accumulate over time.
3. De-fragment your hard drive.
4. Update virus and spyware programs and run the scan.
5. Make any needed software and hardware updates.

If you keep up on all these things; every 3,000 miles or in computer terms, every six months your computer will be running just like the day that you took it out of the box.

Here’s an easy to understand video that explains the process.

Texting for Info – Google SMS

If you can send a text message, you can access the power of Google right from your mobile phone – no computer needed. When you are on the road it’s super easy to find the phone number to a restaurant, movie times, or just to see your favorite team’s score, just use your cell phone to text Google (46645).

Of course, this works best if you have unlimited text messaging; however, event if your cell phone company charges you to send and receive text messages, getting answers back quickly and accurately. Using Google SMS is dead simple.

1. Simply text message your search query to 466453 (spells “GOOGLE” on most phones)
2. In a few minutes you will receive a text message back with your results.
3. There is no step three!

You can even text for help if you need it. For a list of useful shortcuts and tips, text message “help” to 466453 (”GOOGLE”).

Google SMS can provide residential phonebook listings, dictionary definitions, product prices, zip and area code lookups, and even do mathematical calculations.

If that’s not enough for you, you can also convert currency, get directions, translate words, get weather forecasts.

Recommended Actions:

1. Add 466453 (”GOOGLE”) to your text contact list.
2. Practice by texting the word “weather” followed by your zip
3. Visit Google SMS
4. Visit the Google SMS FAQ Page.
5. View the introductory video below: