Maps - use the right tool

When you need a map, use the right one for the job. If what you need is a road map, you don't need Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth, for example. Google Maps or Microsoft's Live Maps. Basically, I avoid the resource-intensive and thus also slower 3D apps such as Google Earth when I don't really need them to get the job done.

Here are what I see as the strengths of some common mapping apps:

• Basic mapping. Google Maps is my first choice for all basic mapping, from road maps to aerial (satellite)views. Google's maps seem to cover much more of the globe and in closer detail. Google Maps even has a "Traffic" view now, as well as a "Terrain" view.
• 3D maps. For a 3D-type view, I generally prefer Google Earth.
• I use Microsoft Virtual Earth (the 3D part of Live Maps) if and only if I need to get a closer view. In some locations, Virtual Earth's maps get you a bit closer to the surface.
• Measuring distances. Use Google Earth's measurement tool to get a pretty close idea of distances. You can even plot a multi-point line and get the total distance.
• Placemarks. If you want to mark a place on the earth for others to see and you want to add a pop-up box description, see if WikiMapia fits your need. WikiMapia uses Google Maps. Example: Mulungwishi, Katanga Province, D.R. Congo.
• Local points of interest. If you want to add local map "pins" for specific points of interest, Google Maps is great.
• Multiple needs, including 3D. To combine local points of interest plus geographic location plus the need to tilt the view, Google Earth may be your best choice.

IE 7 Add-ons make surfing better

Internet Explorer 7 is a nice browser, but certainly not perfect. I also have Firefox installed on my PC, though I routinely use IE7. Among other things, online Blogger post editing seems to come out better than Firefox. No browser is perfect.

Case in point -- spell checking. I like the Firefox spell checking feature. Well, if you are an IE7 user, there's a free spell check add-on (but I like the Firefox implementation better). Actually, there are different add-ons that let you add features or customize IE7 more to your liking.

Here are a few IE add-ons that I wish Microsoft had included in IE7:

• IE Spell (See IE7Pro below, though). Note that this spell check is only for form fields and similar ares to be filled in -- not for general web page views. It works fine within the Blogger post editing area, for example, though you have to manually force the check.
• Inline Search (from IE Forge. See IE7Pro, below, though.)
• Add Search Providers (surprisingly, from Microsoft)

Other handy Add-ons:

• IE7Pro. IE7Pro adds several features, including Spell check and inline searching. The IE7Pro spell checks as you type, unlike the spell check on request method of "IE Spell" (above). That can be a blessing or a curse -- you decide.
  Note: IE7Pro didn't function well on my system, perhaps due to a couple of other browser helper objects installed. It crashed on use.
• Web Developer Toolbar
• Feed Folder. I prefer the IE7 Feed display in the left pane, but if you like Firefox's feed display better, check out Feed Folder.

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 coming

USB 3.0 is being developed and it's 10 times faster than USB 2.0 -- from 480Mbps to about 4.8Gbps! That's significantly better than firewire.

The product was recently demonstrated with an optical cable but the same type connector. The blazing speed could download a high-definition movie in about 70 seconds.

It may have better power efficiency for attached devices. That could use less power on laptops and may allow more USB devices to be charged via the USB connection instead of an AC adapter.

Current plans are to market it commecrially in 2009.