What Did We Do Before Text Messaging?

The other day, it was a divide and conquer shopping day. I was thinking how much easier to handle it is with text messaging.

Below is a recent excerpt of a text message conversation that I had during a “divide and conquer” shopping trip.

Without text messaging, I am sure there would have been either missed items or duplicate items.

With most of the US cell carriers having unlimited text messaging on almost every plan. Go forth and text. It will help your in so many ways. 

Using the IOGEAR 4x4 USB 2.0 Peripheral Switch

I recently had an opportunity set up an new workspace for myself.

I had a delima. I had a laptop with a docking station, a desktop, and MS surface pro with dock (for testing). Each with their own keyboard, mouse and monitor. My first thought was going out and get the traditional KVM switch, but really I didn't want to combine monitors just yet, I wanted share the keyboard, mouse and possible USB headset.

Also, I wanted to cut wires and eliminate waste in my workspace. So, I choose to the following pieces of equipment.

The Gear

1. IOGEAR 4x4 USB 2.0 Peripheral Switch (GUS404)  (Amazon.com)
2. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard (5KV-00001)  (Amazon.com)
3. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse (L6V-00001)  (Amazon.com)
4. Logitech H390 USB Headset  (Amazon.com)

The Setup

The setup was easy. Everything was was plug-n-play. It does say that the peripheral switch requires USB 2.0. That was not a problem for me since I have 2.0 and 3.0 available for all the devices. There is a mini-USB DC in 5v on the peripheral switch. I would assume that if needed the peripheral switch can be powered through the mini-USB if you do not have USB 2.0 available on your devices. That would be an additional cost and road  that I did not need to got down right now.

I connected the keyboard, mouse and headset into the peripheral switch. Then the peripheral switch is connected to each one of my work devices (laptop dock, desktop and MS surface pro dock). Using the toggle switch, I can switch my peripherals between each of the devices.

The Result

It is working pretty well. As you would expect toggling between the device is simple, but there is a little lag. This is tolerable and expected because the USB has to engage to the new device and that will always take a second. Once your realize that, it is a breeze to switch back and forth.

This might not be for everyone, but is working for me. I will update as a continue to use this more and more in the next couple of months. 

OOPS....

Sorry... It seems that I changed the settings on the Picasweb album from the blog. That temporary removed all the images that I had on the site. Ooops. Sorry about that.

Just so you know, doing a search in the Blogger forums (HERE) lead me to what I did and easily corrected the issues.

My images should now be viewable.

Resume Page Update

I had a little time this weekend, so I thought that I would update my resume/career page on my website. Yeah, I have linkedIn with all the same information, but it is comforting to have another location I can direct clients and/or employers.

I still need to add a few things, but the basic set up is looking good. Check it out. I am always looking for interesting opportunities.

Trying the Dollar Shave Club

It is easier to buy beer than it is to buy refills for my razor. Take back your blades. Join the DollarShaveClub.com Join here. 

I finally got tired of going through hoops to buy razor blade refills. I joined the DollarShaveClub.com. The last straw was when doing my weekly shopping at my local grocery store, I forgot, again, to get razor blade refills for my Gillette Fusion. With kids in tow, I didn’t  have time to go back in, wait for a customer service person, unlock the cage or go behind the customer service counter to get the blades. Then, if they are out of what I needed repeat this at another store. So, I went without.

I received my Welcome Pack on Friday and used the razor for the first time on Saturday. Ordering was super simple. There are several different type of razors for your needs or wishes. Click one, two, three and your are done. I chose the 4X to start our with. Results have been good for the last couple days. Over the coming month, I will continue to evaluate and report back my findings.

Wow. I didn't realize how out of date my resume on this site is... Sorry about that. I will fix that soon. Until you can look at my Linkedin profile. More accurate.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jrmcnulty

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Graduation is done. An answer to one final question -- My Last CQEMBA Blog Post

This is going is the last post for the CQEMBA as a class of 2014 blogger.

As of Sunday, May 24, 2014, I am a graduate of the CQEMBA program... (full entry)