Web Clipping And Reading Latter

So I've pretty much switched to a Chromebook for the majority of my daily tasks. That said I still use a Window's 10 desktop, laptop, android phone, and an iPad Mini. One of the tasks that drives me nuts is web clipping articles or sections of articles across all these platforms.
In the end I switched to using OneNote web clipper for almost all articles and some read later single page items. It does not have integration with the new Chromebook stylus note taking app. Therefore, you can't specify it as a default. However, its functions are almost the same so it's not a deal breaker. 
While I didn't test EverNote, and my understanding is that it has similar functionality to OneNote, its main features are pay for use. All the ones I tested for my needs are "Free" for you to use.

How to install and use the OneNote web clipper can be read at the following link.
Getting Started with the OneNote Web Clipper

Google Keep

Advantages

1. Available on all platforms as a PWA (progressive web application)
2. Integrated into the Google ecosystem
3. Will do images
4. Selection of article text
5. Link to original page.
6. Offline use

Disadvantages

1. Won't save the full page without some user intervention.
2. Integrated into google ecosystem
3. Poor usability in iOS
4. Not a consistent method to operate across environments

OneNote

Advantages

1. Available on all platforms as a PWA (progressive web application)
2. Integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem
3. Will do images
4. Selection of article text
5. Link to original page.
6. Offline use
7. Full Page as image or web page
8. Many feature compared to the others
9. Free 5GB storage for notes.

Disadvantages

1. Integrated into Microsoft ecosystem
2. Only available as a "send to" target in iOS
3. Not a consistent method to operate across environments

iOS Read Later

Advantages

1. Works very well on iOS
2. Saves full page
3. Offline use

Disadvantages

1. Doesn't seem to have a save selection or image so you get the whole page.
2. Not really cross platform
3. Integrated into iOS ecosystem

Microsoft Edge Read Later

Advantages

1. Works very well in Edge Browsers
2. Offline use

Disadvantages

1. Doesn't seem to have a save selection or image so you get the whole page.
2. Integrated into Windows ecosystem so some cool features are only available there.
3. Saves full page

Save To Google Drive add-on

Advantages

1. Lets you save to your Drive storage the entire page as image or web archive
2. Offline use
3. Integrated into Google ecosystem.

Disadvantages

1. Not made for saving a selection
2. Not available as an add-on on iOS therefore it will only save the link if you send to Drive

Starbucks Citrus Green Tea Latte.......No

So I tried this baby today. Not great. However not bad. Has more of a cilantro than citrus flavor. Not being a fan of cilantro I will not be ordering this again. Back to the regular old Chai Latte for me.

Nutritional Info:
Citrus Green Tea Latte

Nextbook Flexx 10.1" 2in1 Tablet - A sub $200 Windows 10 2 in 1 That's Actually Good

I originally saw this little 2in1 Windows 8.1 device at Walmart back in April 2015.  It was poorly displayed with no power supplied to run the device demo. Yet I couldn't believe it actually said Windows 8.1 and not Windows RT. So a few Google searches later and sure enough the specs said Windows 8.1 and a 1 year free subscription to Microsoft Office (A post for another day).
This baby comes with;

• 2 GB system memory
• 32 GB storage
• microSD slot
• 1 micro USB
• 1 micro HDMI
• 2 Full USB on the keyboard
• Wifi, Bluetooth ...
• Windows 8.1 which automatically upgrades to Windows 10 smoothly and without errors.

Well the 2 GB for Windows 8 gave me pause. After all, how poorly would Windows run on a 2GB machine? An impulse purchase later at $178 and sure enough it works, with caveats. On this type of device the new Windows UI works very well. Suddenly all the hate I had for Windows 8 went away. I would run the little device mostly as a tablet and only used the keyboard to type away long blog posts, write java programs, or emails. In fact I find the keyboard, which is twice as heavy as the tablet, to be somewhat of a hindrance. However the keyboard does work and is more than adequate for typing. It's detachable for when you prefer the tablet experience while reading books or watching Netflix. The tablet attaches to the keyboard physically and is released with a push button. It's relatively stable in this laptop configuration however if you use it on your lap, balancing the device may be a problem. This could lead to connectivity problems with the keyboard disconnecting intermittently while precariously balanced on your lap. As for the 2GB of memory I can run mostly everything (with the exception of 3D games and design applications) as long as I manage my memory. In other words you have to treat it like a tablet or smart phone and watch how many tabs/programs you're currently running. I use a little program called meminfo that warns me when I'm reaching memory use of 90% and automatically defragments the memory. This allows me time to cleanly close extra web browser tabs, unload extensions, or close other programs. The 32GB storage was adequate enough to install office and google chrome but if you want to do more than that then definitely get a large 64GB class 10 micro sd card for additional storage.  On my machine I have android and java development environments on the sd card. I have yet to have any issues with the Eclipse IDE, Basic4Android, or compilation of programs stored on the sd card. Another very nice feature of this laptop is that it works flawlessly with Microsoft's Wireless Display Adapter (Miracast). I stay in hotels often and taking this little laptop with a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter is the perfect solution for viewing your own content off a Hotels restricted or public WiFi. I can stream to the TV without long HDMI cables and control the content displayed from my bed. I've tested this with Microsoft's Display Adapter and Roku's Miracast Beta Channel. Both work well. However since Roku requires connecting to a service and setting up it's WiFi connection I do not take it on the road with me.
Below is a list of programs/actions I normally run with the Nextbook;

1. Google Chrome with various extensions enabled. (Depending on the website I can have between 2-5 tabs open at a time.)
2. Microsoft Office (Full and web version.)
3. OneNote (Perfect for use of a 2in1 in tablet mode )
4. Norton
5. Google Drive sync
6. Google Photos backup
7. Google Hangouts
8. Microsoft's Mail and Calendar app
9. Netflix, Vudu, Hulu, SlingTV, and The CW App both watched on the tablet or cast to wireless display. Binged over 6 hours of movies once with a little charge left over.
10. Skype
11. Pogoplug backup
12. Microsoft Edge Browser (Not as exciting as they make it out to be)
13. Internet Explorer.
14. Social Apps - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram App, Google Plus Chrome App.
15. Ereaders - Overdrive Media (The best), Kindle, Nook, Adobe Reader DC...
16. Connected Blu-ray/DVD reader/writer via USB to both read and write to device.

So many positives. Therefore what are the negatives, there must be some right? The cons in my opinion shouldn't really be considered negatives. This machine is sub $200 and it does what it is meant to do. You can't try to run World of Warcraft on this device and then knock off a rating point when it fails to run well. You can play some 3D games like Minecraft but generally speaking you need to stick to 2D games. Overall it's not meant for gaming. Another problem for some is the charger. This does not charge via USB. The device has it's own charger and the only people that make the adapter is Nextbook. so don't lose it. The keyboard connection is a little temperamental so it works best on a flat surface. Trying to use it on your lap could prove difficult. With the keyboard attached you may also end up draining your battery because you're unaware the device is turned on. This has only happened a few times to me but it can happen.
So the final verdict? The device currently is on sale for $160 at Wally World (Walmart). At that price the above negatives don't come into play. However there is one major problem you should be aware off. It only occurs after using the device for a few months and becomes a nagging annoyance. You start to become curious and even long for a more powerful 2in1s. You say to yourself, "if I had 4GB memory and a better display I would do everything on this device".You find yourself reading reviews of Microsoft's Surface line of 2in1s. You look at HP Spectre 12 X2 and others. You say to yourself, "I'll just get rid of my gaming laptop and get one of the new 2in1s with an i7 processor and all the bells and whistles". Yep, the form factor can win you over. It's the gateway drug to 2in1s.

Roku Stick, Google Chromecast, or Windows Miracast

Disclosure: Affiliate Links

Summary

So if you could only purchase one stream casting device which should you purchase and why? Well after using the three different streaming and remote display options mentioned I've come up with the following features table to help you determine which you may want to purchase. I used a scale from 0 to 3 with 3 being the best of the set. The totals show the Roku as a clear winner however the unique features of the other devices may be the deciding factor in which you ultimately purchase for yourself. For example if you're a road warrior living out of hotels the Windows Display Adapter is perfect. You only need a WiFi capable device (neither internet or Access Point required) since it works over WiFi Direct. Most hotels require logging into their "free" WiFi. This is something you may not be able to do with your Roku or Chromecast device. Furthermore while Roku does have a Miracast beta app it is still very buggy. Chromecast's closest thing to Miracast is Chromecast from a web browser but it only casts the page and media on the page not your full desktop. Furthermore disconnected mode may be one of your requirements since contrary to popular belief good bandwidth access to the internet is not ubiquitous.  You may also come across country restrictions when trying to view certain films which can be easily avoided if you download your content prior to leaving the country. Chromecast has great integration with Google Now and your Google Plus Photo album. While Roku does have a few screensavers to display your photo album most of the apps are outdated or require the use of a service you may not be a current subscriber of. Furthermore the Roku screen savers offered are not as functional as the Chromecast Google Now Backdrop. All three devices will do DLNA either directly or indirectly so you can always watch media from your personal media server. As of this writing most of the devices are $65 and under with Chromecast being the cheapest currently on Amazon for $29.

Devices such as BluRay/DVD players, Game Consoles, Computer with HDMI output, Smart TVs, Firestick, Nexus, VUDU Spark, and users viewing habits (portability requirements/Road Warrior scenario) are not addressed and should be considered before making a purchase.

Definitions:

• Solo Operation - The device does not require a computer/smartphone to set it up nor to operate it.
• Presentation Capability - the device can be used to extend or mirror your computer or smartphone screen.
• Disconnected mode - the device does not require an internet connection to operate (note local WiFi is required).
• Device Integration - Integration with computers and smartphones to allow control of device.
• Available Apps - Average quantity of apps available for the device.
• Unique Features - Feature which is unique to the device and not available in the others.
• Miracast - Screen Mirroring Protocol using WiFi Direct. Supported from Windows 8+ and Android 4.3+.  Android will not allow streaming content to be cast and will error with "Display Not Secure" message. You may mirror the rest of the device.
• Google Now - Your personal digital assistant reminding you of package deliveries, weather, traffic, and upcoming events.

Device	Solo Operation	Presentation Capability	Disconnected mode	Device Integration	Available Apps	Unique Feature	Total
Roku 3500R Streaming Stick (HDMI)	3	2	0	2	3	Miracast Beta*	10
Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player	0	1	0	3	2	Google Now & Photos Integration	6
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (Miracast)	0	3	3	2	0	Device Screen Mirroring	8

* Miracast Beta works on occasion but is still a bit buggy. You may find yourself rebooting devices several times before you get stable mirroring of your device screen.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to the devices reviewed. I may receive compensation for any purchase made from the affiliate links. Except when stated all items reviewed are purchased by me and are not provided by sponsors. Please follow the Disclosures link at the bottom of this page for further details. 

Language Learning Tools - Duolingo Or RosettaStone

Language Learning Tools

** disclaimer - some of the links point to stores but I am not affiliated with these stores. I am only a user and paid full price for the software mentioned below. **

Just posting a quick comparison between two language learning tools I currently use.

Rosetta Stone Disks

First Some Of The Basics

Rosetta Stone cost between $250-$300 for the hard copy disk program with audio CD. Current Online subscription service is $299 for 3 years/36 months. I've used their Windows platform, Web subscription service, and smartphone mobile platform on Android. Therefore my comments are only based on these items.

Duolingo Website and Mobile Language Training Tool

Duolingo online service cost is free to use. They make their money to support the service via a distributed translation services often provided by the students and members and voted upon for accuracy by the same members.  Obviously they stand behind their product if their students language abilities  are the source of their income.

My Impression

Rosetta Stone claims to teach you the way you learned your first language. In a way it does via straight language learning without translation and only visual/audio clues. Basically you learn by rote but with visual/audio aides.  However they forget that as a child one normally makes a game of learning to make it enjoyable. We create rhymes, sing songs, use code words, and act out scenes from a movie. It does have matching games but I wouldn't call them fun. The software also has what I consider a poor contextual help system. For example if you get stuck on a section were you don't understand why a certain verb or noun is used you can't click the help menu to get details as to the reason for your error or why the answer given is the correct one. This software also provides voice recognition to help with pronunciation. It actually works rather well most times. The smartphone app is nothing more than the same learning system found on the desktop version on your phone/tablet. I removed it 2 days after installing it. They do provide a headset with the software but it's pretty much garbage. Another included perk is the audio CD companion. You'll never use it. It is basically the software's audio files put to disk. There is no context at all. So forget about taking it on a long drive to learn the language. DO NOT let the headset or audio CD be a deciding purchasing factor. So by now you may think this guy doesn't like the software. Well yes and no. The subscription service is far better than the software tool. While the subscription service does have the same learning system described above it also provides user forums, classes, and chat rooms to help you learn the language. Rosetta Stone also has far more depth than most when you get to the higher levels.

Duolingo is a free online language learning service. I came across it after much hoopla on forums and app suggestions by Google Play. All I can say is Wow. Although it's a free service the quality is not lacking. You can access to interface via web browser, Android app, Iphone App, and a flash card app for your android wear watch. It's learning system is similar to Rosetta Stone in that you are taught without translation. However translation and contextual help is always available.  You get visual/audio cues and every word and error message will link you to a language support forum, translation, or audio bite. The online support groups and chat rooms are great for reinforcing lessons.  Language learning is treated like a game. You win trophies and points which may be redeemed for flare to dress up your Avatar or for cool Idioms/lessons you can access to add to your language skills.  You don't get an audio CD for learning on those long drives but at this price you can buy the Instant Immersion series for $40 and still come in hundreds under the cost of Rosetta Stone.  The flash card program you get on your watch is great for those moments your are free to practice your vocabulary. If you have 3 minutes you can build your vocabulary on the go from your watch.

My Final Thoughts

So what to buy?
If you are tight on cash or not sure about your resolve to learn a new language go with Duolingo. It won't bankrupt you and you can take it as far as you need or like. If you're not short on cash then go with Duolingo and an audio CD program such as Instant Immersion. Once you feel you have mastered those two you may want to sign up for the Rosetta Stone subscription service. Don't start off with Rosetta Stone. Spending the money up front does not guarantee you will stick with the course. And the frustration you'll feel from Rosetta Stone at the beginning will almost certainly cause you to quit before you get a chance to learn anything useful.

Sling TV

Sling TV Starting Page on Windows Application. As you can see it's very simple with minimal detail for quick channel navigation. Sling TV settings panel showing Parental, Bandwidth, and Closed Caption control


Good:

1. No contracts pay/month
2. Low price at $20/mn
3. Cancel at any time
4. Stream to many devices and platforms
5. Video On Demand (VOD)
6. HBO Now

Bad

1. Channel Offer is limited with some major networks missing
2. You'll still need to factor in your broadband service to determine total cost
3. DVR functions are nonexistent for the majority of the channels
4. Google Chromecast Not Available
5. Video On Demand (VOD) is limited, similar to Hulu's past episodes feature.
6. You can only stream to one device at a time.

My Thoughts
If you want to cut the cable from your life Sling TV may be a good option. You have complete control of your subscription on a per month basis. While the offering is limited it does seam to have the majority of channels one would need. Some of the obvious omissions are SyFy, FOX, BBC America, and On Air channels. You can handle the On Air Broadcasts with an antenna. However some of the other channels would be difficult to get without a subscription service. If you can live without them, then it's not a bad deal. The user interface is nice and flattened with drill through to advanced functions. While not greatly documented the Sling TV Blog and Help pages provide great info on how to navigate the application. Keep in mind Sling TV is just starting out. They have been adding to it since they went public so we can hope that the channel offerings will only get better.

The Great Zilog Z80

Amazing, I had this book in the early 80's. I came across it today while researching some of the old techniques used to save data to storage devices. In particular, audio cassette. Frequency Shift Key FSK was used to encode/decode the binary data to/from audio. Many of the arcade cabinet games, games such as Frogger and Dig Dug, of the time used the Zilog Z80 processor. This book, by Steve Ciarcia, was a complete guide to building your own computer with a 64KB address space from electronic components. The chips (ICs) mind you, not plug and play cards like people use these days when building home PCs. Shortly after the world of personal home computing took off and you had machines like the TRS80 and the simple beautifully functional ZX series of computers like the ZX81 and the ZX Sinclair available to the average consumer.

The wiki page is good enough for a head start on some of the history of this processor.
And if you want to build a version yourself from a parts kit this page by Donn Stewart should help you get started. It's chock full of goodies.