Pickin' your seat @SDSULibrary ? Get the Electric Chair!

These new chairs were recently installed in several locations throughout the Love Library building. 
In addition to being comfy leather seats with a rotating desktop space perfect for writing or typing, they also have a convenient pop-out module with an electric plug at just the right height. 
Use the outlet to feed all your power hungry gadgets.
Sure beats plopping down on the floor next to a random wall outlet!

Is that a Pico Projector Portfolio in you Pocket?

Last summer we were all pretty underwhelmed with the AAXA pico-projector model that we purchased. Mostly due to the low output and a very limited battery life.

At EDUCAUSE 2010 in Anaheim we got some hands-on time with these two models by Optoma. They each seemed a lot more promising, take a look at the reviews linked.

Optoma PK301 Pico Pocket Projector
            http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2363052,00.asp?tab=FullReview
           http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-Pico_PK301.htm

 Optoma PK201 Pico Pocket Projector
            http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-Pico_PK201.htm
            http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_PK201_pico_projector_review.htm



There's also a small sized "Portfolio" carrying case that has a built in 15.5" " diagonal Projector Screen 

Dimensions 14.25" x 2" x 10.75"
Weight 2.2 lbs
Part #BK-PK30DF
UPC Code:796435 09 010 4

• Project images of up to 15.5" diagonal onto built-in matte white screen
• Includes convenient mini tripod
•  Store and protect your Pico projector in the dedicated pocket
• Separate accessories pocket for Pico projector essentials
• Transport your netbook and important documents in the expandable sleeve
• Sleek design in black leatherette

I'd also suggest picking up an HDMI To Mini HDMI + Mini HDMI To Mini HDMI Cable 1m) for the PK201 and PK301 Part #BC-PK3AHMK  ( http://www.amazon.comOptoma-BC-PK3AHMK-Cable-PK201-PK301/dp/tech-data/B003F8Q6SE )

The vendor's Pico Projector site gives lots more good specs & details: http://www.optomausa.com/pico.asp

palm-sized wireless mouse & keyboard combination device(s)

A palm sized wireless mouse & keyboard combination would be great not only for our smart classroom instructor podiums, but also to accompany the large-ish "viewing screens" such as the one recently installed in Special Collections.

The following are three devices I've researched that may meet our needs:

• ProMini Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad - either bluetooth or traditional 2.4ghz wireless
  $46.00  on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/2-4GHz-Wireless-Keyboard-TouchPad-Pointer/dp/B003I60MBU
  $69.00 on ThinkGeek: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/e0e7/

• Lenovo Multimedia Remote with Keyboard - 2.4ghz wireless
  I had some hands on @ EduCAUSE in Anahiem, but not great reviews online.
  $46.00 http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Multimedia-Remote-with-Keyboard/dp/B0036VO67I/ref=pd_sim_e_4

 

• Logitech diNovo Mini - bluetooth only
  $115.00 http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-000594-diNovo-Mini/dp/B0011FOOI2/ref=pd_cp_e_3

 

Bluetooth Cordless Handheld Barcode Scanners for mobile inventory

This wireless handheld scanner would help to improve our roaming inventory process as well as the check in of new items. When connected to a mobile device, barcodes could be scanned directly into a web-based app or stored locally in a spreadsheet file for later transfer/upload to the inventory system.

Socket Mobile CHS Series 7  Bluetooth Cordless Handheld Barcode Scanners work with:
iPhone iOS 4, iPad, Blackberry, Palm, Windows Mobile, tabletPC and Windows7



Socket Mobile 7XRx iPad Demo  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZqb99pAbEc



Socket Mobile iPhone iOS4 Demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImI_oqXICGk



They have several different models and features.
http://ww1.socketmobile.com/products/bluetooth-scanners.aspx

CDW carries models in $300-$500 range:

Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner 7E - barcode scanner
Barcode scanner - handheld - 100 scan / sec - decoded - Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
MFG #: CX2858-1294   |   CDW #: 2190560

 Socket Mobile also makes PDA handhelds with fully integrated scanners & wifi that run WindowsMobile... http://www.socketmobile.com/products/

Squirrel Mail becomes Nuts Mail

During December 2009, IDT is having the ROHAN server run Nuts Mail along side Squirrel Mail. This option is to give users a chance to test out the new version. IDT is switching ROHAN to Nuts Mail for the Spring 2010 semester and will turn off Squirrel Mail at the same time.

The switch will provide IDT with an easier way to manage the mail service updates, as well as give users some updated features and a modern interface. New features include the following options: To Do List, Notes, Bookmarks, and Calendar, as well as Help, Search, and Logout as small icons in the upper right corner of the screen.

Nuts Mail will use the same preferences users had saved in Squirrel Mail. However some stylesheets have changed colors, so be sure to go into Options > Display Preferences > and test out new Themes and Custom Stylesheets.