Windows Home Server “Power Pack 2″ available today!

Let’s face it.  There are nerds and then there are nerds.  The latter being the kind who have hard drive clocks, RSS lighting, and are venturing into home automation.  For those of you who have multiple computers at home and want or need to store all of your files in one place and pull from that location, Microsoft’s Windows Home Server is your smaller server solution for the home.  Users of Home Server I’m sure already know of the impending update that has been dubbed “Power Pack 2″, which brings with it a pretty good batch of updates including:

• improved and simplified remote access
• Media sharing through Media Center Extenders (much easier and nicer than before)
• MP4 support
• A boat load of bug fixes

You should be able to get Power Pack 2 today via Windows Update.  Step inside for a few screenshots to keep your eyes nice and happy.

Free AT&T “Mobile to Mobile” minutes have to be “activated”

In what is most definitely a case of AT&T being cheap and screwing the customer *they’re good at that*, a customer by the name of Jeff had changed his calling plan only to realize on his monthly bill that after changing plans calls placed that were considered “mobile-to-mobile” and nights and weekends were being debited from his monthly allotment.  Calling foul he contacted AT&T and was told by a rep that because he changed his plan he had to specifically ask for these “features” to be turned back on.  Bull S***.  It’s AT&T’s way of trying to pull a fast one on their customers and sadly they are getting away with it I’m sure with many.  So the next time you get your AT&T bill double check everything and make sure nothing shady is going on.  You’ve been warned!

Source: Consumerist

Accessorize your pad with super geeky lampshades

If you are either a self proclaimed geek or community labeled geek, the RSS lamp is something you might want to take a look at.  Besides the hard drive clock sitting on your table, the RSS lamp will let whoever steps into your room know that you are of a different class…a more digitally informed class.  Being up to date on technology and fashion in this case has never been cheap.  This time is no different as the RSS lamp will set you back a cool $70.  So is the RSS lamp your ticket to social popularity or solidarity?  
Source: Gizmodo, Foolish Gadgets

[Confirmed] Dell Adamo has non user-replaceable battery :(

Chalk this up to another stab in the back to consumers everywhere. Apple, usually the company who employs rather unfriendly consumer practices such as fixed batteries that are overly expensive to replace has now affected another company. Dell’s astonishingly average Adamo is unfortunately taking some Apple design cues *without the attractive part* and forgoing the user replaceable battery. Yes, you will now have to pay Dell a still unknown amount of money to replace a battery that you should be able to do yourself much cheaper and faster. If I had to come up with a figure for battery replacement, I would say around $89. It really sucks when companies do this. At least Apple’s MacBook Pro uses a lithium polymer battery and can squeeze out 8 hours of battery life. What does the Adamo bring to the table…? Nothing except frustration after having to send it in for a new battery and being without your beloved Adamo for a week. Awesome idea Dell. Am I overreacting? How do you feel about this volatile subject? What do you think Dell will charge for battery replacement?

Source: Engadget, Pocket Lint

5 features that didn’t quite make the cut for Windows 7

Windows 7 is being hailed as Microsoft’s “saving grace” after the failure that was Vista.  7 is Microsoft’s second chance at winning back many who either stayed with XP or left and went to another OS all together.  As with all things, the development process is a long one full of many twists and turns.  Ideas come and go as they are either deemed too advanced, to confusing, or simply not needed.  Come inside for several screenshots *and explanations* of features that were nixed from Windows 7.

When life hands you a bad hard drive…make a clock!

Everything in life can assume multiple roles.  Technology and gadgets often have very short life cycles and are always being replaced by newer, faster, and smaller products.  Often times the device we dumped so much money for a few short months or years ago is now sitting on our desk or in our closet taking up valuable space.  I’m sure most people have experienced the unfortunate occurrence of a failing hard drive.  If you haven’t, I promise you your time will come eventually.  With a failed hard drives comes lost work, memories, and fun.  However not all has to be lost.  Take that old *sometimes smoldering* and decrepit hunk of metal, plastic, and silicon and turn it into something useful again….a clock.

Match.com comes to App Store (iPhone App)

Those of you fellow iPhone users who love you iPhone yet are looking for love in other areas of your life that aren’t so digital now have a reason to break out the special china, slave over the stove for countless hours, and light some expensive smelly candles as Match.com now has an official iPhone app. Browsing your Match.com account on the go is now exponentially easier. A few features of the new app include:

• Edit your profile
• Upload pictures
• Browser other user profiles
• *Optional* Service to use built-in GPS to find other singles in your area

The last feature is definitely an innovative feature that can make the endless search for love less of a daunting search and more of an enjoyable odyssey. So love hopefuls and iPhone toters head on over to the App Store and download Match.com’s app and get your personal life on the fast technologically aided track.

Source: Tech Crunch