Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Want yet another way to win free Microsoft points?  Just for doing the things that you’re likely already doing right now on your Xbox 360? 

Looks like we’re implementing a spiffs program for folks that would like to be rewarded for buying certain items on Xbox Live Marketplace or participating in certain events/promotions.

For example:

• Renew a 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold membership subscription?  Get 200 Microsoft points!
• Newcomer to Xbox LIVE Gold?  Get 100 Microsoft points!
• Buy a special XBox Live Marketplace item?  Get 20 Microsoft points!

Easy right?  And it’s kinda important too because these things can pile up.  For example, 200 Microsoft points doesn’t sound like much but it’s $2.50 which could go to paying for an online movie rental of “Inception” or “The Social Network”, for instance.

So enroll today, and start racking up points.

• LINK:  Xbox Live Rewards Signup
  http://rewards.xbox.com/
• LINK:  Xbox Live Rewards Program Details
  http://rewards.xbox.com/program/
• LINK:  Xbox Live Rewards “Account Summary”
  http://rewards.xbox.com/my-rewards/

As part of the all-up approach to assisting desktop IT professionals Microsoft’s Springboard Series web site has published an Outlook 2010 Resource web site that is invaluable to anyone deploying the new Office 2010 with Exchange/Outlook in mind:

The site includes the following:

• What’s new or different
• Compatibility
• Planning Outlook configurations
• Configuring profiles
• Compliance & security
• Managing & updating Outlook
• Developer resources
• Training & how-to’s
• Whitepapers
• Key reousrces/tools

References:

• Official Outlook Blog
• Official Office IT professional Blog
• Official Exchange Blog
• Microsoft Outlook Discussion Forum

A one-stop shop for everything you need as an IT professional working with Outlook 2010… check it out!

• LINK:  Outlook 2010 Resources – Springboard Series
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/office/gg513879.aspx

Service Pack 4 (SP4) for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is now available for download. SQL Server 2005 service packs are cumulative, and this service pack upgrades all service levels of SQL Server 2005 to SP4 . You can use these packages to upgrade any of the following SQL Server 2005 editions:

• Enterprise
• Enterprise Evaluation
• Developer
• Standard
• Workgroup

SQL Server 2005 SP4 includes SQL Server 2005 SP3 cumulative update 1 to 11, customer requested fixes, along with instances of the SQL Server 2005 SP4 database Engine support for DAC operations.

Peer-to-peer support is available in the SQL Server 2005 forums.

Note: To obtain SQL Server 2005 Express Edition obtain the SP4 version of Express or Express Edition with Advanced Services.

• DOWNLOAD:  Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 4
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=b953e84f-9307-405e-bceb-47bd345baece&displaylang=en

The Microsoft® Forefront Protection Server Management Console (FPSMC) 2010 provides multi-server management for Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server and Forefront Protection 2010 for SharePoint. The management console delivers a easy to use graphical interface for server discovery, configuration deployment, reporting, quarantine management and integration with Forefront Online Protection for Exchange.

The Microsoft® Forefront Protection Server Management Console (FPSMC) 2010 is available as a free download.

• DOWNLOAD:  Microsoft Forefront Protection Server Management Console (FPSMC) 2010 (79MB)
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=31f66155-50f0-4665-adc0-de94da027ed7&displaylang=en

Did you ever notice that antivirus products do virus def distribution using their own distribution mechanism, requiring a completely different software distribution agent from the deployed desktop management system, such as SCCM?

Technet Flash Editor, Mitch Irsfeld, wrote a column that I felt was important enough to reprint, with apologies to Technet.

If you’ve spent any time protecting your organization’s desktop environment, you’ve no doubt grown weary of the artificial demarcation between the tasks and tools used for desktop security and client management. Treated as separate disciplines for years, security and management evolved into two separate infrastructures, each with its own processes and procedures.

With Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) 2010, Microsoft has ended this siloed approach by building FEP into System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 and R3. For insight on the advantages of this merged approach, read the white paper Convergence of Desktop Security and Management: Forefront Endpoint Protection and System Center Configuration Manager. Also view the on-demand webcast Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 and System Center Configuration Manager (Level 200).

Aligning those work streams is also the focus of the Gartner Webcast Security and Management Convergence on the Desktop (Level 100). In this webcast, Gartner analyst Terry Cosgrove discusses the changing landscape of client security and management and the key questions organizations should think about when seeking efficiencies from the combined disciplines.

Centralized Antimalware Management
Then get Microsoft’s perspective on this integration in the Edge video Understanding the Convergence of Security and Management. Adwait Joshi, aka "AJ", a technical product manager on the Security & Management Marketing team, provides a demo showing how Configuration Manager can be used to deploy and manage Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010. And a new case study in the TechNet Library shows how Microsoft IT was able to use its existing infrastructure to implement a centralized antimalware management and reporting solution that provides a holistic view of more than 100,000 clients’ malware status. Using Forefront Endpoint Protection, Microsoft IT improved their SLA for antimalware policy deployment from more than a day to four hours.

Let’s not forget that FEP 2010 also provides new levels of threat protection. Check out the TechNet Webcast Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010: Features and Protection Technologies (Level 300) for a deeper dive into the new features. Or for a quicker take, see the Edge videos:

• Forefront Endpoint Protection: New Protection Feature Demos
• Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 Demos and Interview
• Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010: Simplified Policy Management Demo

TechNet Magazine is also featuring Forefront this month. Brien Posey shows how to use the Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway in a number of different topologies in his article Protecting Workgroups with Forefront. William Stanek writes about the recent changes in the Forefront product suite to deliver multilayered protection. In Achieving Defense in Depth with Forefront, he describes how the key Forefront solutions work together to provide defense in depth for endpoint computers, communication and collaboration servers, and enterprise networks.

Finally, see for yourself how to take advantage of the natural efficiencies that can be gained in combining the management of security and clients in FEP. Download the Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 trial and you will also have access to the Forefront Endpoint Protection Security Management Pack, which provides real-time monitoring of the security of your server operating systems from System Center Operations Manager.

One of the nice surprises of the CES 2011 was the announcement and demonstration of the upcoming Samsung Slider PC 7: Convertible Tablet PC.  With a significant booth presence, the Samsung Slider PC 7 was well represented in the Samsung booth with 6+ people actively demonstrating it, with a presentation kiosk that was packed with onlookers.

What so special about this model?  A number of differentiators. 

CONCEALED KEYBOARD
For one, the device has a capacitive touch display that provides a lightweight tablet form factor… however when required, the display ‘slides upward’ to reveal a keyboard on the base permitting full ‘laptop like’ usage.  based on the

LONG BATTERY LIFE
Additionally, the Slider PC is based on the Intel 1.66 Z670 Oak Trail processor & chipset providing faster, more power efficient mobile graphics.  The device not only inherently provides rich graphics & media display, it’s also ultra-battery conservative, running at a 9 hour-per-charge through it’s onboard 6-cell LiPolymer battery.

RICH DISPLAY
One of the most beautiful displays available, the Samsung Slider PC 7 sports a 340 nit vivid display unlike virtually any tablet on the market – especially compared to the Apple iPad.  The 1366×768 10.1” touchscreen makes for an eye candy like experience on every use – without killing battery life.

• CPU: Intel® ATOMTM Oak Trail Z670 @ 1.66GHz
• Operating System:
• Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
• Samsung Touch Launcher
• Memory: 2GB DDR2
• Hard Drive (max): 32GB or 64GB (mSATA SSD)
• Screen: 10.1-inch touchscreen HD LCD display (340 nit)
• Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics
• Audio Technology: Integrated speaker (0.8W x 2)
• I/O:
• USB 2.0
• 4-in-1 memory card reader
• HDMI out
• Webcam: 1.3MP
• Battery: Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours; 6-cell
• Wireless: 802.11b/g/n; WiMax; 3G
• Dimensions: 10.47 x 6.88 x 0.78 inches (W x D x H)
• Weight: Starting at 2.18 lbs.
• $699

Again, the obvious killer features of this model is the availability of the keyboard, the display richness, and the ridiculous battery life, rarely seen on a fully Windows 7 capable system – much less one with a capacitive touch display.

With the rich ecosystem of Windows, and the seamless integration it will have with corporate networks – VPN, Internet Explorer 7/8 compatibility, Antivirus, corporate management/security policy enabled, line-of-business application compatible – folks looking to operate without the availability of AC power are going to seriously want to look at this model.

• LINK:  Samsung Sliding PC 7 Series Unveiled at CES 2011
  http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-sliding-pc-7-series-unveiled-at-ces-2011-05123599/

• LINK:  Press Release – Samsung Sliding PC 7 Series announced, coming in March for $699
  http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/samsung-sliding-pc-7-series-announced

HP quietly released the HP Slate 500, an ultraportable Tablet PC targeted specifically toward the Enterprise.  At CES 2011, this device was available at the Intel Tablet kiosk and it was so heavily requested, it ran out of power and had to be taken away to be charged.  I only got one snapshot of it while I was there.

Running Windows 7 Professional, this tablet provides full application compatibility for business users on the move while not attempting to replace the user’s production machine.  A companion device, the HP Slate 500 delivers all the capabilities needed as a “creation” device on the road through digital ink/handwriting recognition and on-screen & bluetooth keyboard input.  It’s so small – it’s easy to hold in a single hand without fatigue.

• Intel Atom Z540 1.86Ghz
• 2GB DDR2
• 64GB SSD
• Front-facing VGA Webcam, back-facing 3Mp cam
• USB 2.0
• SDFlash
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Rotational accelerometers
• 8.9” Capacitive Multi-touch display
• Active Screen Digitizer w/ stylus & palm rejection
• Portable dock for HDMI out & additional USB 2.0 ports
• Optional keyboard (available from Amazon at http://amzn.to/ezAGyr)
• $799

Arguably the ultimate meeting warrior device, the HP Slate 500 allows the worker to take notes using a stylus in virtually every context – over lunch, while drinking coffee, on the golf course, in a meeting room.  It lacks 3G wireless expandability however it has both USB ports for cellular modems OR Bluetooth connectivity for wireless tethering to cellphones for data networking.

This is the device I bought for myself and my wife.

• LINK:  HP Slate 500 Product Site
  http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/321957-321957-64295-3841267-3955550-4332585.html
• VIDEO:  HP Slate 500 Demonstration
  http://h71016.www7.hp.com/html/interactive/slate_500/model.html?buyNowLink=noshow&quickspecs=default&jumpid=re_r2515_GenXdemo/PDI/
  slate_500/ProdPage/flash/COMM/IDP
• DATASHEET:  HP Slate 500 Datasheet
  http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/pscmisc/vac/us/product_pdfs/
  Slate_500_Tablet_Datasheet.pdf

At CES 2011, Asus announced the Asus Eee Slate EP121, a Tablet PC that is essentially a Windows desktop replacement.

So powerful yet so thin, the EP121 has all the horsepower of a traditional production laptop or even desktop, while in the portable form factor of an iPad.  Here’s the stats:

• Intel Dual Core i5-470um Processor 1.33Ghz
• 4GB/2GB DDR3 RAM, 64/32GB SSD ($999/$1099)
• 12.1” Capacitive Multitouch Display
• Wacom Screen Digitizer & dockable stylus & palm rejection technology
• 2Mp front-facing Webcam
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• Bluetooth 3.0
• SDFlash slot
• 36WH (3-cell) 3.5hr battery
• Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

An impressive workhorse machine, the EP121 provides essentially, 100% compatibility with traditional Windows-based business applications such as EPM, ERP, and CRM tools, Outlook / Word / Excel / Powerpoint / OneNote, and Internet/Intranet sites – that may or may not include Adobe Flash.

• LINK:  Asus Eee Slate EP121: Desktop Tablet PC Datasheet
  http://promos.asus.com/US/ASUS_EeeSlate/index.htm
• LINK:  Asus Eee Slate EP121 PR Announcement
  http://ces2011.asus.com/press-release/asus-tablet-computers-providing-choice-through-innovation-at-ces-2011/
• LINK:  Asus Eee Slate EP121 Preview Video
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmBPjrdJa8c

South Hall is the home automation stuff along with computer peripherals and the infamous massage chairs and junk like that.  I spent less time in this hall than Central Hall since Central is where the meat and potatoes are at.

• Creative is making a cheaper Android based tablet with Bluetooth stereo audio & AptX high quality audio. http://twitpic.com/3o7ydt
• Creative has a. LOT of wireless Bluetooth speakers here. At least 6 or 7 models. Good for Windows Phone 7 users. http://twitpic.com/3o7z81
• Turtle Beach… Earforce x41, Dolby 7.1 Surround headsets. http://twitpic.com/3o82ml
• Turtle Beach cont… PX5, new headset. Bluetooth & WirelessRF for BOTH PS3/X360. Multipairing capable for cell. http://twitpic.com/3o86ag

• Keytec MagicTouch. Uses lasers to target enemies on games. Optir touch screen overlays TVs or displays. $500. http://twitpic.com/3o87vl
• MagicTouch.com for all of Keytec’s products. Laser or touch. Good technology, horrible marketing. http://twitpic.com/3o89iw
• Sleek Audio. Wow. Custom headsets single/dual driver. 3 swappable bass/treble modules. $80-$275. http://twitpic.com/3o8bro
• Sleek Audio cont. SaPRO model custom fit/design for your ear. 3wk turnaround. Custom levels for hearing levels. http://twitpic.com/3o8c99
• Sleek Audio cont. Custom cable for phone microphone avail in 3 months. Optimze speakers and fit, swap cable for the source. COOL!
• iPONT 3D TV. Without glasses. Concept only. 100% compatible with all 3D content. http://twitpic.com/3o8dsw http://twitpic.com/3o8dzc
• Video EFx 2D to 3D converter box. Takes live 2D signals, interprets them as 3D. Works but is it worth $399? http://twitpic.com/3o8ews
• Verizon 4G LTE capable smartphone. "HTC Thunderbolt" w/ DLNA, Mobile Hotspot, Skype, Video calling, Android 2.2. http://twitpic.com/3o8z4e
• HTC Thunderbolt cont. LED backlight 8GB eMmC, 768MB RAM, 32GM MicSD, Qualcomm MSM8655 1GHZ, CDMA, 1400mAh LiIon, 8Mp cam & 1.3Mp front cam.
• BTW: HTC Thunderbolt coming in March. No price announced.
• Blackberry. Big crowd. Guess why? "Playbook". 1st public viewing. http://twitpic.com/3o92kk
• Blackberry TI OMAP dual core. Very smooth. Only WiFi, no commitment of tethering. (Depending on carriers, swdev) http://twitpic.com/3o930z

• Blackberry Playbook. Based on QNX… not BlackberryOS. No replaceable battery. 3Mp front cam, 5Mp back cam. http://twitpic.com/3o95hf
• Commentary: No compat w/ existing BB apps, totally new OS w/out dev community, no cellular transceiver, NO INTL RELEASE = Blackberry’s done.
• Playbook cont. Will have exclusive contract with Sprint. That doesn’t change things tho. Ppl are http://shortText.com/wew51dbq7n
• Plantronics Voyager PRO UC… Multipoint UC/Desktop & Cell phone headset. PROplus provides A2DP merged stereo. http://twitpic.com/3o9abd

• Plantronics Savi430 Enterprise UC headset. $279. Ultrahigh quality audio over wireless. http://twitpic.com/3o9b7i
• Plantronics GameCom X95 for Xbox gaming. 2.1 only but VERY comfortable. $99. http://twitpic.com/3o9cwp
• Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Stereo Multipoint Bluetooth headset. With back & forth + volume controls + call pickup. http://twitpic.com/3o9eu1
• Kodak Digital Picture frames. 10" or 7". Wireless photo transfer over Internet to http://pulse.kodak.com. http://twitpic.com/3o9hj2
• Kodak Digital Frame cont. Gets photos from FB, Flickr, Email, MMS. Also sent photos can be commented from frame. http://twitpic.com/3o9j5r
• Kodak digital frames cont. $129 for 7", $199 for 10". Supports WPA2.
• Kodak cont. They’re pitching 3D photography with HOME printing really hard here. Problem? Reqs those old BLUE & RED 3D glasses. Yecch.
• Kodak cont. Here’s some photos of the supposedly personal 3D photo tech from Kodak. http://twitpic.com/3o9ln3 http://twitpic.com/3o9lr8
• Kill a Watt March 2011, no pricing yet. Exclusively 110W. http://twitpic.com/3o9pdc
• Kill a Watt cont. Wireless monitor for up to 8 devices. http://twitpic.com/3o9q1u

This is a summary of what I could get to at the Innovations Showcase (kinda like a best of CES) in Central Hall on Day 2.  I should clarify however… this summary doesn’t include Sony since I didn’t reach it.  I’ll go back tomorrow.

• Logitech’s solar powered keyboard. Model K750. Indoor light functional.
  http://twitpic.com/3nvz55
• SwiftPoint Mouse.  Works on wristrest of laptop.
  http://twitpic.com/3nvzxe
• Dell Venue Pro Windows Phone 7. Wins Innovation honors w/ Gorilla Glass.
  http://twitpic.com/3nw13j
• Plantronics GameCom 777. Dolby 7.1 Headphone technology for gamers.
  http://twitpic.com/3nw29p
• "Transcend" Heads up GPS goggles. From Recon Tech. See where you are while you travel.
  http://twitpic.com/3nw5y2
• Monoaural Trapezium Home Theatre PC. Looks awesome. DVD, 2 USB’s, etc. http://twitpic.com/3nw6j1
• Asus EeeSlate EP121. It’s at the Venetian. Damn. Won CES Innovation Award
  http://twitpic.com/3nw8qj 
  
• Sound to Go.  By Edifier Enterprises. Loud portable microspeaker bar for laptops. USB powered.
  http://twitpic.com/3nw9fz
• Wired Magazine… using Microsoft Tag.  For more info on showcased products.
  http://twitpic.com/3nwaap
  http://twitpic.com/3nwaj8
• Kompressor LCV900B. LG makes a vacuum that packs dust into a brick. No dust on emptying. HEPA filter included.  $499 with great light movement, almost self propelled.
  http://twitpic.com/3nwnkn 
  http://twitpic.com/3nwpq7

   

• Fuji Finepix Real 3D W3 HD photos and video. Displays 3D photos without glasses or camera. On PC. req glasses. $499.  3D photo development at SeeHere.com – req no glasses!. $6.99 per photo.  Playback on TV w/ glasses. Shutter based.
  http://twitpic.com/3nx1ko 
  http://twitpic.com/3nx2w2
  http://twitpic.com/3nx3bw
• Age of Empires Online.  Fully operational & lookin’ really good.
  http://twitpic.com/3nxfpv
• HP Slate 500.  Intel showed me the HP Slate 500 I bought. Suddenly I might keep it. Tablet area is packed. Again.  Only shot I could get of HP Slate 500 @ Intel. So overused, it’s out of power. Size of small yellow notepad.
  http://twitpic.com/3nxkka
  http://twitpic.com/3nxm4a
• Caselogic cases 15% off and free shipping! First show special! Just go to http://caselogic.com/show for discounted purchase.
• Toshiba Glasses-free 3D PC Laptop. W/ Windows 7 Home. Core i5, 4Gb, 500GB, Harmon Kardon speakers, 15.6" display.
  http://twitpic.com/3nxr66
• Xbox Live Gameroom for Windows Phone 7
  http://wpcentral.com/first-look-xbox-game-room
• WD release 750GB.  16Mb Cache 7200rpm 2.5 hard drive for $149. Upgrade now! http://engt.co/flhuEG