Google Buzz: Is There Really No Room For It?

The recent launch of Google Buzz has created quite a hoopla. Within days the usage of the service skyrocketed, and many websites (especially those focused on social networking) had implemented Google Buzz "share buttons" alongside the now-familiar Facebook and Twitter buttons. The main focus of many Google Buzz-related posts on these and other blogs has been the question, "How useful is Google Buzz in light of the services most of us already use?" It's a question mirrored and discussed by readers of these sites, and anyone else who has a Gmail account. I'm one of the countless people who have been pondering this question, and I'm going to address it now.

I have a Twitter page and a Facebook profile, I share via StumbleUpon, MyLikes, Gdgt, and several other Social Bookmarking/sharing sites. But I also use several Google services, like Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, etc. I could take up the reasoning of those who say, "Aargh! I don't need one more social bookmarking service...I'm not using it." This has the tone of a child petulantly exclaiming, "I'm taking my marbles and going home!" But I'm asking, "Why not?" From my position, what's the big deal with utilizing a service that's already integrated with my Gmail, and connects easily to my Google Reader, and even this very Blogger site? Not that I've actually gotten around to hooking it up yet, but that's a different issue.

It seems to me there's a sense of disappointment that Google didn't come up with Google Buzz earlier in the social bookmarking game, which somehow gets translated (albeit poorly) into viewing the service as less than useful. The fact that the user-adoption of Google Buzz has quickly grown kind of makes that a moot point, in my opinion. If it's really not very useful, someone needs to send the memo to all the people who decided to give it a try, and who apparently enjoy using it.

Maybe you're one of the folks who balked at how Google Buzz launched with its privacy control missing, which allowed your followers to see your Gmail address, and addresses of others you're connected to. Okay, but they've fixed that. Now the only people you're connected to on Google Buzz who can see your Gmail address are the ones who already know it.

Another good reason to get your Google Buzz rolling is visibility (for those of you who like to maintain it and even increase it). There are undoubtedly a few people in your Gmail contacts list who aren't on Twitter or even Facebook. Share with them. For anyone with an interest in using Search Engine Optimization to develop your web presence, adding Google Buzz to your arsenal can only be a plus.

The only other issue I see right now is for the folks who have a Google Profile and/or use Google Reader and wish to disable Google Buzz, since it's opt-in by default. Currently, killing your Google Buzz means deleting your Google Profile and Google Reader. I can see how that would be adding insult to injury, and Google should make it possible to disable Google Buzz without affecting your other Google services.

In the end, you're going to do what you want. I just think that anyone with more than marginal interest in Internet and communication should at least be giving Google Buzz a solid try before dismissing it.

For those who don't have a Gmail account and/or aren't familiar with Google Buzz, here's a helpful info page over at Google.

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Contest: Enter To Win $100 Toward Computer Cables and Accessories!

The cost of computer and A/V cables and accessories can add up to some serious money, so wouldn't it be nice to get a break once in a while? Right now, you can. Optimized Cable Company, an online retailer of computer, audio, and video cables and other related hardware accessories is holding a "Messy Cable" contest.
It's pretty easy. All you have to do is snap a photo of the disorganized/twisted/unkempt cable setup on your computer or A/V equipment and send it to the folks at Optimized Cable Company. If they judge your photo to be the messiest setup, you could win $100 online store credit with them. See all the details on the "Messy Cable" Contest page.
Optimized Cable Company has a pretty significant selection of cables (HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, USB, etc.), adapters, mounting hardware, switches, and loads of other computer and A/V accessories. Their prices are very competitive for the quality of their products. Check out all the offerings at Optimized Cable Company.

The "Messy Cable" contest is going on right now, but it ends October 31, 2009...so don't wait too long or you'll miss out.

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Gdgt: Social Networking Niche Website Focused On Gadget Lust

With the exponentially increasing popularity of social bookmarking websites, it was inevitable that we would begin to see specialization of focus. Oh, sure...we all know about Digg, StumbleUpon, and countless other sites that connect people based on their attraction to a news item or a new product. The emerging trend now is websites that target a specific market, making those connections with like-minded folks a bit more profound and probably longer-lasting. And, it's no surprise that the niche market for the sites that are paving the way would be tech-oriented. After all, it's the technology-related areas of life that drive innovation.

One such site I discovered recently is Gdgt. The "disemvoweled" name might make you think this site is small-time, but it's actually got a lot going on. It's social networking for people who love their gadgets; the devices they have, the ones they drool over, and even the ones they had. Founded back in July of this year by Ryan Block and Peter Rojas (both from Engadget, among other endeavors), Gdgt has grown in just a few short months to catalogue tens of thousands of gadgets, tech-related definitions, and the people who love and use them.

Once you sign up and create a profile, you can get started. Using the simple menu at the top, you can browse popular gadgets to find yours, or you can get there quicker by using the "Finder," that asks you for specifics about the gadget, then displays the possible matches. When you find the device you're looking for, you can add it to your "Have" list, your "Want" list, or your "Had" list (which I think is a cool feature, as it shows your gadget history). If you don't find the exact gadget you're looking for, you are allowed to "Add New," as long as you're prepared to fill out a detailed specs form and provide a good picture of the gadget. If you do create a new entry, it won't show up right away, because the folks at the Gdgt site need to approve your entry. I myself added an entry for a Samsung SPH-A700 Sprint phone I used to have (seen in photo at right), and it was approved overnight.

So, now you've filled out your profile's gadget list...now what? Well, you can give ratings to your gadgets, for one thing. You could also try starting or joining specific gadget discussions from that gadget's page or clicking the "discuss" tab on the main menu for current popular discussions. And of course, don't forget the social aspect of Gdgt; connecting to people. On a gadget's info page is a list of folks who want it, have it, or had it...check those folks out and add them as friends.

If you love your cell phone, smart phone, portable media player, or other favorite device, Head over to Gdgt's website to start sharing your gadget lust.

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Twitter Desktop Clients: My Current Pick and a Few Others

I've mentioned before that I use Digsby for my IM, email, and some social networking updates. One of those was Twitter. But when Digsby recently updated Twitter functionality, the relatively low RAM on my laptop couldn't keep up and slowed Digsby's Twitter response time to a snail's pace. It was then that I had to consider turning to one of several Twitter desktop clients I'd heard of. There are quite a few of them out there; some are very popular, some are almost well-guarded secrets. And most of them are available for the common Windows, Mac, and Linux Operating Systems.

After some consideration and my common practice of reading reviews, watching how-to videos on YouTube, etc...I chose Twhirl. This Twitter desktop client is run by the folks at Seesmic, who gave us Seesmic Desktop. It installs quickly and cleanly, even if it finds that you don't already have Adobe Air installed on your computer (a required installation) and has to include this. Twhirl is a great proprietary Twitter desktop client; it's easy on the RAM, has an intuitive user interface, and lets you run more than one Twitter account if you so desire. Twhirl does let you tweak your settings for updates, languages, and appearance so you can customize it to your liking. If you want to check it out, here's the Twhirl main page.

For a desktop client that does more than just Twitter, consider TweetDeck. I have not actually used this one yet, just because all my other updates come to me via Digsby, but I've watched several demos of TweetDeck, and I'm very tempted to give it a try. TweetDeck will run Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace updates, conversations, and other interactive functions in a multi-column user interface. Like Twhirl, it needs you to have Adobe Air installed, but the information I've gathered shows that installation is snappy. The main attraction of TweetDeck is those columns and the latitude it gives you to customize them. Of course, the settings and appearance are not left out of the personalization loop either. TweetDeck is still in Beta, but all reports are that it's running more like a final release. If you haven't already, I suggest you head over to TweetDeck for an eyeful.

If you want to check out a few other Twitter desktop clients, all of which will require Adobe Air as a platform, here you go...knock yourself out:
Seesmic (desktop, web browser, or iPhone)
Spaz (for mobile or desktop)
DestroyTwitter (still in Beta)

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My Cricket Wireless Experience (Part One): Getting Started

Here's my situation: I'm relocating temporarily to my parents' home (older folks need help with the heavy lifting of daily life), their home is not wired for internet, and my cash flow is prohibitive. What to do? My solution was to sign up with Cricket Wireless Broadband mobile internet.
Cricket Wireless has been around for several years, and though their service is only available in certain areas of the United States (like here in the Chicago area), they are expanding. Their network uses CDMA technology, the same type as Sprint and Verizon. Cricket Wireless, a division of Leap Wireless, is probably best known for their more affordable, contract-free cellular and mobile broadband services. This is what has attracted my attention to them.
Here's the current rundown on Cricket Broadband wireless internet: like many of the other nationwide carriers (Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.), they offer a service plan with a 5 GB data cap, and of course, a wireless USB device. One difference is that right now, Cricket is offering very sweet deals for the devices (practically giving them away), and charge $40 per month while the other carriers charge $60 per month for the same type of service. You're also not locked in with a one or two-year contract for service. This means that if you want to switch to another carrier, you're not going to be paying any early termination fees.
Just as an example, because prices and promotions vary by location and over time, when I set up my service a few days ago I paid $80.81 out the door. How does that break down? The Pantech UM185C USB modem was regularly priced at $129.99, with a discount of $79.99...so I paid $50.00. The activation fee was $27.31, listed on the paperwork as a $72.69 discount from $100.00 regular price. And the promotion was classified as "first month free" which means I don't pay the $40.00 for my first month up front, but rather, on my first due date. To bring it up to $80.81, the local taxes came to $3.50. This promotion does have a $50.00 mail-in rebate, though Cricket Wireless requires completion of 45 consecutive days of use and service before eligibility kicks in. After this is the common 60-day minimum for receiving the rebate; and the rebate will be in the form of a Cricket Wireless debit card (like a branded gift card).
I'm not using the device regularly yet, but I have set it up and done some initial testing. The installation is relatively quick and easy, as the software is pre-loaded in the device itself and the absence of a contract cuts down on install time and difficulty. It took me about five minutes and minimum hassle to get it up and running. This is in comparison to a Sprint Mobile Broadband USB card/service I used previously, the installation of which took about 45 minutes, a required phone call for verification, and a couple of computer restarts.
SO, how does it work? My overall impression is that it's pretty decent as a mobile broadband solution. I used an online speed test service and (from a location with a "weak" signal) and came up with around .50 megabit-per-second download and .10 megabit-per-second upload. For the lay person, these numbers are in the range of the speeds given in the FAQ section of Cricket's own website.
Since I've seen negative comments around the web on the subject of these speeds, I would remind everyone that none of the carriers offering similar mobile broadband services can significantly compare to the speeds commonly experienced on home broadband internet from cable or phone providers. This means that attempting heavy use with media such as music, images, video or games is going to be slow and disappointing.
I'll be reporting back again after I've had more experience with Cricket's service and this device. Meanwhile, if you want to check them out to see if they're in your area and look at their services and devices, here's the Cricket Wireless website.

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