Author Archives: admin

New Mobile Phone

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My Sony Ericsson K610i has had a hard life – busted screen, poor battery, numerous scratches. I have replaced it with a Sony Ericsson W610i. I purchased the phone outright.

So far it has been a nice phone – has the same connection cable (for charging and data) as the K610i (so I have less “redundant” chargers lying around) and a few new features (you can use it as a torch, it has a radio tuner). It also has much nicer buttons (that don’t try and connect you to the web the moment you brush them accidentally).

The torch/light feature comprises of two white LEDs. One of the applications on the phone signals SOS continuously…

Safe and sound

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Declan is finally home after a 4 day stop over in PMH.  No one is really sure what he caught but the staff at both PMH and KEMH (where he was born) were fantastic.  He is now more active, less yellow and generally happier.  He had his first bath at home today (in the kitchen sink).

Thanks to all who have prayed/visited/called/sent gifts/cooked meals – we all really appreciate it.

New Howell

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Declan Oren Howell was born 19/11/2008 at 11h30.  At birth he was 45cm tall and weighed 2.315kg (about 5 pound 2 ounces for those who work in imperial).  He was born by C-section (sort of in a hurry).  Kylie and Declan are both doing well.

Stay tuned for some photographs…

Birding trips I need to do

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In my ongoing attempt to see more of the birds of WA, I think trips to the following locations are in order:

  • Rottnest Island (seabirds, waders and odd introduced birds like the Indian Peafowl and the Common Pheasant);
  • Dryandra (bushbirds and hopefully some of the nocturnals);
  • Albany (seabirds and some of the SW rarities);
  • Broome (for reasons that should be obvious).

If anyone is interested in coming along (especially for Rottnest Island) send me a message.

Review: Twinhan Alpha Mac Edition (DVB-T USB 2.0)

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Harris Technology have these for under $60. I thought that was a bargain so I picked one up. I have recorded a TV show and was very impressed (it is my first foray into digital TV as well). Here is a brief review:

Pros:
  • It’s cheap;
  • It includes EyeTV (version 2.x, still great);
  • It works exactly as advertised.
Cons:
  • The box is big (and mentions that you need a FireWire port?);
  • The printed documentation is average (thankfully you don’t need it);
  • The included aerial is useless unless you live under a transmitter (use a rooftop antenna).

Mission Accomplished

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I have finally finished re-building my PowerBook G4 12″ (1GHz). I have upgraded the hard drive (40GB to 160GB), replaced the broken combo drive (got one cheap off eBay) and upgraded the operating system (10.4 to 10.5).

To others considering a similar mission:
  • The hard drive is much easier to replace than the optical drive;
  • The 160GB 5400 RPM Western Digital Scorpio disk runs warmer than the stock disk (to be expected really *);
  • Remember where all the screws came from (I didn’t);
  • Use the right tools for the job;
  • There are a few service manuals available on the web. Use them.
I can’t really justify a new laptop at the moment. I think these upgrades have extended the life of my old one a bit longer.

* Edit: this may be due to the fact that the original disk was 4200 RPM.