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Devices Mobile & Devices News

Nokia phone firmware updater

For the longest time, many Nokia users who want to update their phone’s firmware have to either send their phone to Nokia service centers, or dig around the net for often illegal software. Although newer phones can be updated over-the-air, most (even slightly) older phones don’t have FOTA (Firmware-Over-The-Air) support.

Today, Nokia releases Phone Software Update, an PC application that updates selected phones to the latest firmware.

Currently supporting the following phones:

E50, E60, E61, E62, E70, N70, N72, N80, N91, 770 Internet Tablet, 6131, 6630, 6680, 6681, 6682 (recently added in red)

As usual, updating device firmware can be risky (such as ending up with a paper weight). However, Nokia’s Phone Updater is implemented nicely, and the update process went smoothly for my 6680.

Make sure to read the FAQ before updating, as it addresses many important issues.

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Devices News Others

In pursuit of the perfect keyboard

Over the years, I’ve used many different keyboards. From the flat Atari 400 keyboard, to the DEC VT100 terminal keyboard, to portable systems such as the Hyperion keyboard, to Apple II and so on. As a developer / programmer, the keyboard is the main interface to the computer, and I always look for the “perfect” keyboard.

The last keyboard I used is the Microsoft Keyboard Elite for Bluetooth, and I just bought a new wired keyboard two days ago.

Why get a wired keyboard again? It’s basically because I’m tired of waiting for the Bluetooth keyboard to respond. You see, it can get pretty frustrating when typing something and there’s no response. Sometimes it would take a good 15-20 seconds before the keyboard is fully awake. I’ve tried re-installing drivers and what not, and it’s still up to the keyboard to decide if it wants to accept my input! Even though this Bluetooth keyboard is nice and comfortable with a large palm rest, convenient Forward/Back keys, and a scroll wheel, the waiting is unbearable.

In terms of ergonomics, the standard Apple keyboard is rather mediocre. There is no palm rest, and the keys layout just don’t feel “right” for some reason. The old Apple Extended Keyboard II felt much better in comparison, although it isn’t particularly ergonomic either, but I’m not the only one who feel this way.

So I got adventurous this time and bought a Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.

The layout will definitely take some getting used to. The odd shape and profile do provide comfortable typing, as it is the major selling point. The reverse slope attachment tilts the keyboard backwards (i.e. the front of the keyboard is higher than the back), changing the normal hand posture. Only time will tell if this is the right keyboard for me.

As a side note: I’m still extremely happy with the Logitech MX 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse. In fact, I have two of them – one for the main PC and one for the Mac (the original Apple Mighty Mouse is horrible compared to the laser mouse). I know, colours don’t match (the Mac), but it’s function over form for me in these cases.

Which is your favorite keyboard or mouse?