If your web host allows it, you can install WordPress software directly on your website.
Now admittedly, while that has benefits, such as being more customizable, it does lack the charm of wordpress.com.
Those who started at wordpress.com will always value it.
For everyone who has enjoyed and tussled with MacSpeech iListen, there’s a new kid on the block and it looks amazing.
It’s called MacSpeech Dictate, and according to the manufacturer, it learns your speech exceptionally fast, with “up to” 99% accuracy. And is based on the venerable Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition system.
It will be great to have voice recognition that reliably recognizes voices–a task that Bill Gates said several years ago was one of the most difficult in computing.
But we may miss the sheer poetry that erupted when iListen attempted to interpret mumbles or unusual phrasing.
There’s a discount when you upgrade from iListen.
So, how about that MacBook Air!
The flash memory (rather than hard drive) version costs a fortune, but while most will opt for the hard drive, it’s good to see the future arriving.
And the light weight is sure less back-breaking than the old portable–amazing how much difference a couple of pounds makes.
But how will life be with only 1 USB connection to the world?
And is there a place for a lock?
No doubt all will be revealed soon, soon!
Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ Laptop (1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive)
At the moment, the Zoom H4 is very tempting– and that’s not ALL based on looks.
You can put several hours of high quality audio on the 2 gig flash card. You can use it as a USB interface, and it includes Cubase LE.
All in all, a great choice of gear, and a fun way to begin here.
The cool thing about these recorders is that they are unobtrusive (unless you buy the red Edirol,) great for recording an interview while reducing self-consciousness.
Also, they are small, so they will actually be there when you need them, and versatile– all use flash drives and have USB hookups, so they talk nice with your computer.
The Edirol can timestamp, has additional mic in and headphone out, as well as effects like reverb.
The Zoom H4 adds microphone and headphone jacks, as well as effects, and looks awesomely geeky.
The Zoom H2 is the newest one, appears to be the smallest, and all use rechargeable AA batteries, a big bonus.
These three offer lightweight, high quality, portable audio recording. All are suitable for no-frills live music or voice recording, and they differ in features, such as effects and input/output options.
Edirol R-09 WAVE/MP3 Recorder
MP3, and WAV up to 24bit/96kHz
About $400
Zoom H4 Handy Recorder + 2GB Accessory Kit
MP3, and WAV up to 24bit/96kHz
About $300
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
MP3, and WAV up to 24bit/96kHz
About $200
Technology is cool.
The very coolest tech helps you do things.
Useful tech.
Totally.
