Tips & Tricks|Deleting Multiple Files Using A Batch File

I noticed that iTunes was creating and dumping *.tmp (temp files) in my iTunes Media Folder and that it was eating up my storage space. Here is a quick and easy way to get rid of these storage munching files.

Create a new Text Document and give it a memorable name

Copy the code bellow and paste it to your Text Document

cd\
cd C:\Users\<UserAccountName>\Music\iTunes
del /Q *.tmp
echo Deleting Files
echo File Deleted
exit

NB <UserAccountName> change this to your user account name.

Save the file

Rename it and change the file extension from .txt to .bat

Click on the file to execute the command

HTH

See the Sun // As You Fall

I have these tracks on repeat at the moment so I figured some ringtones were in order. iPhone versions available natch.

Matt Darey pts Urban Astronauts ft. Kate Louise Smith - See The Sun (Aurosonic Mix) – M4R // MP3 

 

 

Bent - As You Fall (Guy J Remix) – M4R // MP3

Good Bye SMART // Hello Globe

Last Saturday I went to the SMART Wireless Center in Greenhills and surrendered my SIM card & had my account closed. I’ve been with SMART for about 4 years.

My troubles with SMART started when they implemented International Roaming Deposit. Aside from the inconvenience and stress that happened when they retroactively implemented this policy. I also felt that it was unfair, and discriminatory to their customers. I gave SMART multiple chances to rectify the situation but they have failed miserably. Emails, calls, tweets and appearances to their wireless centers have gotten nothing for the consumer.

My dissatisfaction with SMART increased some more when they started offering unlimited data to pre-paid users but not post paid subscribers. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back and so I have decided to vote with my wallet and end my relationship with SMART.

SMART still has the best network in my use but I cannot stay with a network that treats their post paid customers so unfairly.

I have signed up with Globe again (12 month SIM only contract) and am continuing my Sun subscription

Tips & Tricks|Moving iTunes Library to a New PC

The most painless way I have tried so far. There are two (2) parts to your iTunes Files & Library, files are self explanatory and the library will include your playcounts, playlists etc etc.

If you sync your iPhone or iPod you need to move your entire library so that you won’t have to make a new partnership.

Here’s what you need:

1. iTunes
2. USB HDD
3. Patience

Step 1: Copy your files to Ext HDD

• Plug-in the USB HDD to source PC
• Start iTunes
  • Edit > Preferences > Advanced (tab)
• Point it to your USB HDD click ok
• File > Library > Organize Library… Consolidate Library
• 
• iTunes will now copy the files over to your HDD
• Exit iTunes
• Step 2: Move your Library to Ext HDD
• Start > Run… type in the library location
• 
• Copy the files to your Ext HDD
• 
• Eject your HDD
• ==========================================
• Step 3: Move files to new PC
• Hold Shift key and click on iTunes you will see this menu.
• 
• Select Choose Library and point it to the ITL files in your Ext HDD
• iTunes should start up will all your stuff visible now
• Edit > Preferences > Advanced (tab)
• change from Ext HDD to NEW PC click OK
• File > Library > Organize Library… Consolidate Library

this time your files will be copied to the NEW PC

• wait for the operation to finish. Then double check that everything was moved in my case the apps were not moved so I had to do that manually.
• Exit iTunes
• Step 4: Move library to new PC
• Copy the ITL files from your Ext HDD to your new PC
• Point to this new ITL location using
• Hold Shift key and click on iTunes trick.
• Now iTunes will be looking at the ITL files and content on the NEW PC instead of the Ext HDD.
• You are now finished! You may now connect your device and rest assured that your content won’t get scrubbed off your iPod or iPhone.

Review|ACER Aspire 4740G-332G

So I finally caved and got a new notebook. This time I have decided to go with a full notebook instead of a netbook. Basically I needed more horse power than what the crippled ATOM systems were offering.

The ACER Aspire 4740G has these specs.

14” 16:9 HD LED LCD Screen

Intel Core i3 2.13Ghz

2Gb DDR3 RAM

Nvidia GeForce 310M 512Mb VRAM

320Gb HDD

WiFi / BT / Webcam / Card reader

DVD-RW

HDMI + VGA output

Linux OS

Coming from using a netbook for a little over 2 years I certainly felt the difference in the screen size, the weight and of course the keyboard.

I did not bother with the Linux OS since I had just purchased Windows 7 Home Premium retail box a few weeks ago. I decided to install the 64bit version so I could take advantage of better security, 64bit apps (if ever) and of course more system RAM (4Gb max).

Not the most accurate gauge of system performance but this is the Windows Experience Index Report as always it’s the Aero performance that brings the score down.

Still getting used to the slightly different keyboard layout and size so my typing has significantly slowed down.

I am enjoying the huge screen and the better resolution means windows are not cut anymore.

I for see that uptime will be an issue since I got used to my 8 hour battery life with the Wind 9 cell battery combo. This system sports a 6 cell and runs for 3 hrs max.

Windows Phone 7 Series is Official…

Feb 15, 2010 Barcelona, Spain – Microsoft Introduces it’s latest generation of mobile OS. It’s now called Windows Phone 7 series (and yes it is a mouthful). I watched the keynote and was surprised on what they have announced. WP7 looks and will probably be very very different from previous versions of Windows Mobile. As an old time WinMob user and fanboi I have a feeling of melancholy with this coming version (Microsoft says devices should ship by end of 2010).

Looking back at this: Unsolicited Advice to Microsoft & the WM7 Team blog post. It seems that Microsoft was able to address some of my concerns but then again much much more have been raised.

#1 scrap standard concentrate on professional. //It is unclear at this time if there will be only one version of WindowsPhone7 series but so far it looks like they will only have a touch version.

#2 be strict with hardware requirements. //I applaud Microsoft for taking more control over this now we shall see how the OEMs will comply/respond to this

#3 UI should be simple, clean and be finger, stylus, keyboard friendly (all 3). //The keynote showed a very fluid and finger friendly OS the device used did not have a keyboard but MS has assured us that hardware keyboards will still be supported on this OS.

#4 bypass carriers and Manufacturers and provide free or paid updates directly. I //This was not discussed at the keynote

#5 Integration: zune and xbox should be on the OS. //Microsoft touted Zune, Xbox and Bing integration. HOOORAY! But wait what does this mean for us outside North America? I will discuss this further.

#6 multi-tasking should be better. //One of the biggest questions coming out of the keynote is how WP7 will handle multi-tasking. The keynote was vague regarding the state of multi-tasking.

#7 stop changing names it confuses people. //I think WindowsPhone 7 series is a fracking lousy lousy way to brand your mobile OS. It is too long and doesn’t have good recall. They should drop the 7 series and stick to WindowsPhone.

==========

What I like about WP7 is that it looks like Microsoft have decided to concentrate on the UI or user interface and make it uniform throughout the OS. Microsoft has decided to go with the Zune-sque look.

Microsoft has also finally decided to fold in their other properties namely Bing, Xbox, and Zune into their mobile OS. While this is well and good I am a bit apprehensive on how this will work in IRL and in a setting outside North America. As you know Xbox, and Zune are not available in the Philippines how then would we be able to use these services?

If I were Microsoft I would use this as a foot in the door to sell these services to the Philippine consumer via their phones and then pulling them into the Zune and Xbox main ecosystems.

I am worried about Bing maps, Microsoft’s meager efforts in answering Google Maps. As a point of comparison take a look at these screenshots on my palm TreoPro running the Bing App & Google Maps App showing the same locale.

Image 1 is Bing Maps

Image 2 is Google Maps

As you can see there is ALMOST NO DETAIL for my locale on Bing Maps.

Again integration is good but how good is it outside North America (specifically the Philippines).

Of course it wouldn’t be a Microsoft keynote if productivity is not discussed. So Office will still be a part of WindowsPhone7 series, Exchange of course, and I am betting a calculator too. Ha!

My biggest issue with this is how will WindowsPhone7 series handle multi-tasking and apps. Rumors leading up to the keynote have said that multi-tasking and legacy app support would be gone. This to me would be horrible because it would squander what little lead WinMob has over the iPhone (multi-tasking) and would cut loose a boat and a half load of developers from the platform. From the keynote it looks like WP7 will force us to go the “click-home-do-this-click-home-do that” mantra of the iPhone which to me is a very very big step back. I hope we can get more information on how WP7 will handle multi-tasking and apps.

Microsoft also announced that they would continue to license the current WindowsMobile 6.5.3 although they did not mention how long this would be.

In the past Microsoft has tried to shoehorn a COMPUTER into a PHONE. Finally after all these years they have accepted the fact that the COMPUTER is a COMPUTER, and a PHONE should be a PHONE. This fundamental change in thinking will fuel Microsoft’s endeavors in the mobile space. I cannot wait until I try the new OS, I cannot wait to see the new hardware, I cannot wait how Apple iPhone and Google Android will react. Truly an exciting time for any mobile geek.

Saw this on twitter as the keynote was going on (I think it was @dsilverman) and it is very apt for how I feel:

The reports of WindowsMobile’s death are greatly exaggerated

Microsoft is back in the game.

So I Wrecked My Netbook… FML!

In a fit of clumsyness (?) I jammed my hand with the car door in the morning and in the evening I somehow managed to slip and do an elbow drop and shove move to wreck both hinges of my Wind and to put a dent in the chasis. With my weight I was also able to break the battery lock. 

It still turns on but now I cannot move it in use because the battery will drop out. Some of the keys are also tough to press. I still haven't brought it to the shop but I suspect it would be better to get a new system rather than having it repaired. Stupidity and butter fingers aren't covered with warranty.

This definitely craps on my tech roadmap and what little budget I have stashed for gadgets … Come to think of it this netbook is not even 6 months old! I could hunker down and add a usb keyboard (I am pretty sure I have one at home) to get over the keyboard issues but honestly once you know there is a dent, ding, scratch or issue with your device you never look at it the same way.

I am still undecided if I should go back to a full notebook or stick with the netbook. Lord knows I need more processing power as my Wind chokes up when playing large video files and every fraking time I try to sync my 3GS. I was hoping to get an MSI U200 12in notebook which will have a more robust processor (1.2Ghz CULV) or I could wait for Core i5 notebooks to become available and get one of those beasts.