Archive for November, 2003

Scanners: Christmas Update

Nov 30th, 03 / 1 Comment

Well, time now to figure out the best film scanner for this Christmas. Might actually buy one now that I’m generating lots of 35mm and want to scan in all those old photos too. The day is definitely getting close when real quality adherents like “Steve Hoffmann”:http://sphoto.com/techinfo/dslrvsfilm.htm can compare a $1,500 Canon 10D with a film camera plus scanning and say that this 6Mpixel image is on pare. Of course, the holy grail on the upcoming 11-14Mpixel cameras coming that have the same image sensor size as 35MM (wow!). The Canon 1D for instance is still in the $8K range, but coming down. That’s what I’m waiting for :-) Until then, the scanner models to consider:

h4. Minolta DImage 5400

This is the latest film scanner out there. Not many formal reviews of it. Much of the interest on the Internet has shifted to digital cameras (I’m going there too as soon as an affordable high resolution back comes out. Say 10Mb for $1K :-) In the mean time, here’s the latest on the Minolta:

* Minolta 5400 great, but software sucks!. Trying to decide between the Nikon. Here’s a review at Photo.net that basically says the resolution is amazing but the software isn’t that great. Some good sample scans as well. He talks about something called the Silverfast imaging software which he loves and will soon be out for the 5400. Not surprising that the included software isn’t that great IMHO.
* “Minolta 5400 Image Quality”:http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0064L1&unified_p=1. Title of the posts are a little misleading, but a good discussion and some sample of the image quality.
* “Minolta Image Quality Solved with Vuescan”:http://robertdfeinman.com/tips/index.html. Someone else with a Minolta 5400. He finally solved his problems with different software from “Hamrick”:Hamrick.com that solves the software limitations. good reading.
* “Mike Nunan’s Review”:http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Scanners/Minolta/page_1.htm. A good review by Mike using the included software.

h4. Nikon Super Coolscan 4000ED

Talk about a long name! The cost is the same as the “Nikon Super Coolscan 4000ED”:http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/LS4K/L40A.HTM assuming the $200 rebate in effect until December 31 ($200 higher otherwise), so interesting to see which one is really better. Minolta has better specifications, but the Nikon is time tested, has great reviews. The main specification differences are that the Minolta:

| | Minolta | Nikon |
| Ship Date | 2003 | 2001 |
| Resolution | 5400 dpi | 4000 dpi |
| Connection | USB 2.0 and Firewire | Firewire only |
| Dynamic range | 4.8 | 4.2 |
| Scratch Removal | Digital ICE | Digital ICE |
| Color Depth | 16 bit | 14-bit |

Here are some reviews of the Nikon. These are pretty in depth since it has been out for two years and is the flagship in many ways:

* “Photo.net”:http://www.photo.net/nikon/scanner/4000. Quite a few comments over the last two years to read through. Some interesting ones are that for everyday use, you should scan at 4000dpi, 50% image size, and 8 bits, which yields very manageable 4-6Mb files that can be printed with good results up to 8×10. A “user”:http://www.pytlowany.com/ED4000_pg_4.html who solved the problem of slides jamming in the feeder by narrowing the opening with a piece of credit card plastic. You can also try “Lynn Farmer”:http://lynnfarmerphoto.net/35MMBoard/messages/3dqtr01/16070.html and “Gregg Man”:http://www.greggman.com/pages/ls2000.htm (very detailed with photos).
* “Steve Hoffmann”:http://sphoto.com/techinfo/scs4000.html. A deep review of the 4000 and he loves it. Main points he makes are to make sure the film is really flat and actually has to be the right way when scanning at 4000 dpi.

h4. Scanning Software

Essentially, most of the included software isn’t that great. There are two third party packages that get lots of comments:

* Vuescan.
* Silverfast by Lasersoft.

Most professional types use these and then do the final edits in Photoshop, so I may be springing for Photoshop someday soon. Unless there is a decent open source photo editer somewhere. I can only hope.

h4. Epson 3200 Flatbed Scanner

There are also the flatbeds to consider.

* “Photo-i on the Epson 3200″:http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Scanners/Epson_3200/page_1.htm. It is also the best selling on Amazon is the “Epson 3200″:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008ISWU/qid=1070334214/br=1-1/ref=br_lf_e_1//102-7967833-8380932?v=glance&s=electronics&n=227756. It has 3200 dpi and has a 35mm film holder. The quality in the reviews shows that it is very high, although not as good as the best dedicated scanners. Probably not a bad compromise all things considered. In specmanship, it is slightly lower with a 3.7 Dynamic Range, but on the other hand way more versatile. Main issue is lack of Digital ICE. It does comes with a version of SilverFast which is wonderful.
* “Steve’s Digicam on the Epson 2450″:http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/epson_2450.html. The previous model’s like Epson 2450 have been highly rated for quite a while as good for scanning photos and also transparencies. The flatbeds now have dedicated slide and 35mm attachments, but their performance isn’t as good. Still for $300 or so, it is a interesting compromise. Particularly if you use third party scanning software like Vuescan or Silverfast.

Geek, Photography

Christmas Kitchenware Recommendations 2004

Nov 30th, 03 / Comments Off

MetroKitchen.com. Another good things for the Christmas lists. Here’s someone in Atlanta that has a great selection of super high quality cookware. My personal favorites (that I thought I blogged, but can’t find now):

* “All-Clad Cookware”:http://www.metrokitchen.com/all-clad/. Top rated in many places. The most durable is the brushed aluminum of Master Chef 2 , but Connie really likes the all stainless look even though it gets dirty after a while of LTD
* “Wusthof Knives”:http://wusthof.metrokitchens.com/grandprix.html. These again are the top rated knives. We’ve had them for about two years and I can tell you they are really awesome. Only regret is that I should have gotten a better knife sharpener (see below)
* “Chef’s Choice Sharpener”:http://www.metrokitchen.com/store/d-mart.asp?command=list&search=chfch. Cook’s Life did a review of sharpeners and Chef’s Choice was the clear winner. The 320 is the lower end model at $99. You might think ridiculously expensive until you actually cut something with a sharp knife. Changes your world. I’m holding on this as a Christmas gift :-)
* “Rabbit Corkscrew’:http://www.metrokitchen.com/store/d-mart.asp?command=list&search=rbbt. Another seemingly crazy gift, this is a wine bottle opener that really works. Usually $100 at Williams-Sonoma, their version is $70.

Gourmet

Ski Shopping

Nov 29th, 03 / Comments Off

With all this great snow, I’ve been looking for skis. Missed most of the sales, so I’m off trolling the web. Here are some interesting sites for the Volkl 724 Pro and Rossignol Bandit B2 I’ve been looking at:

* 724 Pro Skis by Volkl. Says they have these on sale, but you have to call. $649 which is a good price over the typical $849 list price.
* “Rossignol B2″:http://www.notesfromtheroad.com/Traveler/product/Alpine_Mid_Fat_Skis.html. Notes from the Road another site. $670 in Utah.
* “US Outdoor Volkl 724 Pro”:http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/istar.asp?a=3&dept=01&manufacturer=110. $790 with Motion Piston 1200 bindings.

h4. Ski Rentals

“Ski Rentals”:http://www.snowrental.com/. Of course, the best way to buy skis is to try them on the slopes and buy them from the local ski shop vs. online. Just like bicycles, support your local shops if you can. Anyway, here’s a great idea. These folks let you rent super high quality skis in France, Italy and Austria. So you don’t have to carry them all the way overseas. Nice idea.

h4. Used Skis

“Evogear”:http://www.evogear.com/productdetail.asp?pn=125. Maybe a good idea is to get a pair of used skis. They have the Rossignol Bandit B2 for $600 with Rossignol 120 bindings used for $700. These guys are based in Seattle. Another great idea.

As an example, the “2003 Salomon Scream Pilot 10″:http://www.evogear.com/productdetail.asp?pn=74 was regularly $1,200 list but they are selling for $559 with bindings as a premium used model. Wow, that is a great deal. And, they include actual “photos”:http://www.evogear.com/productdetail.asp?pn=74&sp=248&t=sp of the model.

Skiing

Blackberry 7230: Off to Germany…

Nov 29th, 03 / 5 Comments

I’ve been recommending the Blackberry 7230 to a host of folks. Here’s the latest and some FAQs:

_Hello Rich,

Finally I see someone who has a Blackberry 7230. I have been seriously considering one.

I live in Upstate NY but I travel every year to Germany for a month. While there I would like to send/receive e-mail and the Blackberry seems a good solution.

BUT–my computer at home would be turned off. And I have an e-mail account as you see it right now. Would it be possible to access e-mail while in Germany?

Oh yes, I also do not use Outlook/Outlook express, but rather the e-mail program with Netscape. (People tell me I am working with a dinosaur, but it still works for me).

I do also have a T-Mobile data only account for my laptop with using a PCMCIA card acting as a modem connecting to T-Mobile’s network.

Thanks for any information/suggestions you may have.
Cordially,
Mahl
Mahlon Wagner_

Great questions, Mahlon. Here are your answers:

I’ve been to Germany and the UK myself and this has turned out to be a good solution. Your mileage may vary of course, but the fact that it supports GPRS international roaming makes it easy to get email anywhere where there is GSM coverage.

On your connection to email, this Blackberry sports a new feature called “Web client”.
The Blackberry servers themselves will look for mail and deliver them to you so you don’t need to have your PC on. The only thing you need is to have POP3 or IMAP access to your mail server. If you don’t know what these are, let me know. Unfortunately, AOL and hotmail won’t work and yahoo requires an extra charge for POP3 access. If you are using a cable modem like Roadrunner then things are great since they provide this POP3 access.

Also since you have T-mobile already, you can decide to make the Blackberry just a data device for $40/month or you can use it as a phone as well for whatever plan you pick plus $30/month. I’ve been using it as a phone and while it is big, it does let me get rid of one device.

Thanks,
Rich

———————————————————————————
Wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success. If interested, see ignitionpartners.com . (With apologies to Sir Ernest Shackleton)
——————————————————————————-

Phones

80GB isn’t enough

Nov 29th, 03 / Comments Off

a little ludwig goes a long way: Installing XIII right now…. You’re right that 80GB no longer is big enough. I’m maxed out right now just with video files on a 120GB machine and my home server has 2×120GB and I’m creaking at not enough space. I just deleted all my games I don’t use and am archiving my home videos on DVDs.

So, storage remains an issue. Thank goodness Fry’s is selling the 250GB Western Digital drives for $120 after mail-in rebate. I have to get over there ASAP to buy these drives and do some reshuffling. Right now I’m thinking a minimum of 250GB per machine and the server needs 1TB.

Plus with all this video editing, I’m going to need more processors. First time I’ve actually needed more horsepower in five years (I have right now a 450MHz Pentium III, a 400MHz Pentium III and a 2.4GHz Pentium IV). Good for Intel long term I think :-)

PCs

Compliments from Ludwig

Nov 29th, 03 / 1 Comment

a little ludwig goes a long way: Tong is on fire.. Hey John, just trying to emulate you buddy!

Geek

2 Years Later: The USE Alien Seatpost

Nov 29th, 03 / Comments Off

Alien Clamp Fitting Instructions. Well its been two years since I installed this. The reviews are right. It is super light (just 140 grams), but incredibly hard to adjust. When I sit my fat butt on the seat, it literally locks into place. When I disassemble pieces go flying.

The most depressing thing is that it uses 2.5mm hex key which isn’t standard on my little Park tool, so if it slips (when it isn’t tight), then it is a real problem on the road. It says it only need 11.5 inch pounds or 1.5 newton meters to tighten. Hmm. Mines needs much more to stay locked in. May be why the hex bolt is now stripped.

In any case, it is great, but just hard to adjust. Next one I try I might give up a few grams for easier adjustment.

Cycling

Campagnolo Record Bottom Bracket: Use Phil Wood instead

Nov 28th, 03 / Comments Off

_Hat tip to the folks at roadbikerider.com for this one_

Uncle Al’s Rant: Campy Record Bottom Bracket

Dear Uncle Al: Uh oh! I’ve read how much you don’t like the Campy Record bottom bracket. I have 5,000 miles on my 2003 Record Carbon crankset so would be interested to know specifically what’s wrong with it. — Larry S.

Uncle Al Fires Back: The short answer is that it’s the most over-designed bottom bracket I’ve ever seen. There are twice as many parts as needed, and many of them are made of
materials (carbon fiber and aluminum) that do not stand up well to the terrific loads we exert on them.

Trying to make a bottom bracket light with gee-whiz materials is fine when the design gives us something that is reliable and long-lasting. But my experience with Record bottom brackets is that they will barely last a season, let alone many seasons like I think they should.

The more surfaces that interface, the greater the chance for slop in the system, which accelerates bearing wear. In terms of added durability, Campy’s dual bearings on the drive side accomplish nothing that a well-designed, two-bearing cartridge system can’t.

I’ll bet if you pull both crankarms and turn your BB spindle by hand, you’ll notice it’s not very smooth after only 5,000 miles.

Solution? All three Phil Wood bottom brackets have a simple design that’s executed with extreme precision. There is no unwarranted movement, and under hard use they will last for many, many years. When play is finally detected, you can send them back for refurbishing for a nominal fee.

The stainless-steel Phil BB is as light as the Campy record at 192 grams. And it has a lifetime guarantee — an offer no one else makes.

If you want the ultimate, install Phil’s proprietary Ti/Magnium BB. At 135 grams, there’s nothing lighter or finer. Try one. You’ll never use anything else.

_”Branford Bike”:http://www.branfordbike.com/bottombr/bb3.html or “Phil Wood Online”:http://www.philwood.com/pproducts.htm has these in stock, here are the prices. Amazing thing is that they’ll last 20,000 miles without maintenance. Wow, for me that’s about 8 years of riding, so although expensive, very economical with pricing and when it wears out you send it back to Phil Woods and he puts new bearings in for $30. The generic Titanium with the Alloy rings seems like the best buy:_

| Part | Price | Weight | Comment |
| Stainless Steel Campy | $99 | 198 grams | Same weight as Record |
| Titanium Campy | $159 | 137 grams | Generic Titanium |
| Magnium Campy | $249 | 134 grams | Some magnesium/titanium composite |
| Teflon/Alloy Mounting Rings | $38 | 11 grams | British threads |
| BB Mounting Ring Tool | $14 | n/a | Really need two to adjust easily |

Cycling

Nero Plug-ins

Nov 28th, 03 / Comments Off

NeroPlugins.cd-rw.org. Wow an incredible list of plug-ins for Nero that support an amazing number of codecs. Everything for AAC converts to Mpeg4 to using Ogg Vorbis with Nero.

Music

Ogg Vorbis instead of MPEG 3

Nov 28th, 03 / Comments Off

Doom9.net – Ogg Vorbis Guide. One thing that is pretty neat is if you use Ogg Vorbis, a much more efficient encoding, rather than MP3 for Xvid movies. Here’s the guide from Doom9.

So, the state of the “art” open source movie uses the open source xvid codec and then the ogg vorbis encoder/decoder. I just created an ogm file (Ogg Movie file) with The Commitments and it sounds pretty darn good. The audio is 165MB in Dolby AC3 at 48kHz sampling at 192Kbps and this is compressed into a 83MB Ogg Vorbis file running at 96Kbps

Then the MPEG2 encoding used on a DVD results in 3GBs worth of data, this becomes a Xvid file that is 1.3GB with no perceptible loss of quality at least to my ears.

Net, net, you end up with a 1.4GB file so you get a 50% compression and no loss of quality that I can tell. BTW, the way that you play this back is by downing the Ogg Vorbis Directshow filters so it can be played back in Windows Media Player or just about anything that uses Directshow. Xvid has a simmilar player in something called ffdshow that you also get from the Gordian Knot codec pack. Amazing what technology can do. Although a little complicated for the average human!

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