It is hard not to miss the fact that many manufacturers of SSDs offer two models that are only different in price by a small margin and state fairly close performance specifications. While on the surface this seems like an advantage because you can get almost the same performance for less, the real truth is not so rosy.

I have been piecing together a workstation build I am happy with over the last couple of months. In that process I have purchased a few different components that I did not like and ultimately repurposed or returned. These are the components I ended up with.

As much as I like the Apple Wireless Keyboard, there are a few glaring issues with it for some uses. Let me first say that I use the previous generation Apple Wireless Keyboard every single day while I am at my desk. The issues really only relate to mobile use rather than to overall use. I have been searching for another keyboard and I believe this one looks the best so far.

The iPad has changed the word tablet from the laughing stock of serious computer users to being the best example of an incredible new way of consuming information. Apple has a well-deserved reputation for throwing the industry norms out the window and re-defining whatever market niche they enter.

I had some good discussions on Twitter today about USB ports in wall power outlets to charge devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and a whole bunch of other gadgets that are now charged over USB. I am aware of two actual wall outlets and some other choices as well.

Back on February 24, 2011, Apple shook up its MacBook Pro lineup by adding an amazing new interface that had been rumored for some time. This interface had been known as Light Peak during its development but was announced as Thunderbolt. This interface promised to deliver incredible new solutions for expandability in a portable computer. Has it delivered?

In my article from Yesterday, To SSD or Not to SSD, I received some valid questions about the practicality of SSDs in some scenarios. These are some additional thoughts about SSDs and whether they should or can replace hard drives in all scenarios.

Over the last few years a few companies have driven the adoption of SSD technology. The biggest and best known is, of course, Apple with its MacBook Air. Other companies used SSDs before Apple but no other company has been in such a position of influence to push SSD technology. It also helps that Apple is the largest consumer of flash chips in the world due to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod product lines.

I discovered a great accessory for any MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro and iOS device shortly before Christmas. I am always trying to slim down what I carry with me because I like to carry the most minimal set of technology items I can while still having what I need. I carry my iPhone and MacBook Air most places I go. Each item needs its own charger but one accessory made this so much easier.

In recent years I have gone through a number of different platforms to run the products I use and deliver for my clients. I have used Mac mini clusters, Amazon EC2, my own custom server farms, and a combination of the above. I am once again looking for a new platform.