Mini vMac

Here is my emulated Mac Plus with 4 MB of RAM, running an (emulated) m68k processor on a 24 MB disk image. I used the tutorial on nothickmanuals: link. Haven’t found a use for it yet… but it sure is nastolgic. If anyone can find a website for old software (currently running 7.0.1 will be updating to 7.5.5 soon) that would be great!

Review of the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000

It was The Optical Blue vs the Wireless Laser 5000. Wireless Laser won. With it’s 1000 DPI sensor, white laser, wireless, and side scrolling technologies this mouse was worth the extra $15. The Wireless laser mouse has a scroll wheel with side scroll capability, two side buttons, HiDef laser, very heavy weight :-p, soft gliding pads, and a 6 foot range. The mouse is Black and gray with silver accents on the buttons and such. It has a textured bottom piece and a smooth gray top shell that is very glossy. A smooth scrollwheel accents the top. The scroll wheel is nice as it doesn’t give that “Clicky feel”, instead giving a nice fluid spin motion. Side scroll works be pressing the wheel to the left or right in it’s little caddy. The mouse takes two AA batteries (included) . Microsoft states battery life is six months. The mouse has a 5 year warranty.

I think I’ve fallen in love…

I just purchased a used IBM Model M keyboard dated 1.29.90, all I can say is- why couldn’t I find one sooner?  I have found several, but none in my price range.  I was scouring the local thrift shop looking for old, used, and abused tech (and the occasional bargain) looking for good deals when under a stack of used keyboard what do I find?  A gargantuan 6 pound monster of a keyboard!  I flipped it over, and sure enough “Model 1391401″  One of the originals, and not one of the cheap “Manufactured for IBM by Lexmark” models.  (I find the build quality of the Lexmark models inferior to that of the IBM manufactured Model M keyboards)  The sweetest part of this:  My new 18 year old keyboard- only $10.  I came home with a the world’s most reliable keyboard, with the best tactile response of any keyboard I have ever owned.  Its uncommon that you find a keyboard that you like, let alone an 18 year old keyboard that feels great and feedback-wise, feels like it was just manufactured yesterday.  I was tempted to buy one of the Unicomp models (after all, I spent $50 on a mouse… If you are wondering, it’s the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse available here.)  I saved $59 waiting and purchasing an “authentic”  Model M keyboard.  (I hold the same opinion for the Unicomps that I do for the Lexmarks.)  This keyboard has the longest cord I have ever seen.  My extra wide desk with my rig sitting next to it used to pull my keyboard cabling taut, but my model M has a cord that has a length of thick cabling and and area of “telephone” style curled cabling in the center… I can extend my keyboard drawer all the way out!  I’m getting tired so I’m going to sign off- Zachery Maloney NOTE:  For more Model M keyboards try Clicky Keyboards: http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm

My Speed Test Report

Rubberized ThinkPads

The rubberized ThinkPads bother me. I own one, a TP 600. All of the rubber stuff is coming off where it has been dropped or dinged. It’s annoying because underneath is metal, and the scratch shows up as a big silver gash in the rubber. Also, the edges (where the lid sits when it’s closed) is also worn away (from normal usage) also revealing the ugly silver layer beneath. These reliable (and pricy) machines should have come with a thicker layer of rubber, for durability and looks.