Seven Technologies I Really Like

ByDennis D. McDonald

OK, it’s list time. Here are some technologies I  really like, and why:

1. iPod
2. Music eCommerce sites
3. Wireless computer networks
4. Cellphones
5. Online Library Catalogs
6. Podcasts
7. Google Docs

iPod

Imagine carrying a couple hundred music albums around, indexed every which way, with an easy to use interface that allows quick navigation of a huge volume of music. Plus I can copy my contact list with phone numbers on to it.

I look at my old albums and CD’s and just shake my head.

Music eCommerce sites

I’m reading “Music, History, and Ideas” by Hugo Leichtentritt. I come across a reference to a composer I have no familiarity with. I log onto eMusic, locate the work, download it into iTunes on my PC, then I copy it into my iPod.

No gasoline expended.

Wireless computer networks

I can sit outside on my deck in warm weather and update my blog while I smell the fresh air.

Side benefit: no tripping over cables.

Cellphones

When my plane touches down at DCA I call home. When I emerge from the terminal with my luggage my ride is there to pick me up.

Online Library Catalogs

I hear about an interesting book and go online to the Alexandria Public Library’s catalog. I request the book from the collection. A few days later I get an email saying it’s ready to borrow at the main facility.

To think I once made a living hand lettering labels for a public library’s card catalog!

Podcasts

I set up my subscription in iTunes for the BBC History Magazine Podcast. When the next issue is available it’s automatically downloaded to my connected iPod.

Google Docs

I complete a draft of a client document on Google Docs. I send the client an email with a link to the document. He can start reading it online even as I continue to make edits and changes.

Copyright (c) 2009 by Dennis D. McDonald

Comments

[Gus Sinco]

Hello Dennis,
Talking about your "Seven Technologies I Really Like", I have to say that is very informative and right to the point. Thanks.
I have couple questions for you about Google Doc.
1. Do you have any security concerns about posting documents on the cloud? How safe it is?
2. Could Google Doc be used as a "storage on the cloud" so you don't have to store info on your hard disk or in a flash drive when traveling and don't want to bring your laptop?
Please let me know.
Thanks,
Gus

[Dennis D. McDonald]

Gus- I don't know how to technically answer "how safe is it" but I do know that Google probably does a lot better job of securing their network than anything I might do myself. Also, I don't think of Google Docs as a "storage" solution -- I think of it as a basic tool to replace MS Office and as a simple way to share documents with others while maintaining password based security. . - Dennis