Internet | Bob Caswell

My First Time Using Craigslist

September 10, 2008 | Comments

Somehow I missed the Craigslist memo. It could have something to do with the fact that I haven’t used even eBay for a while. (I used to be on eBay quite a bit but gave it up a few years ago when Amazon proved to be a worthy replacement with much less hassle.) But we recently moved and found ourselves with a couple of items needing a new home due to space constraints in our new place. Namely: a Yamaha electronic keyboard and a spare fold-a-bed.

So I signed up for Craigslist and posted these items online. Here’s what I found:

Photosynth Is Cool

August 25, 2008 | Comments

In case you missed it, last week Microsoft released a cool freebie program called Photosynth. Basically, it takes a group of related photos you upload and makes a 3D environment out of them. My first tries at making a “synth” of downtown Seattle actually worked out pretty well. I’m sure there are plenty of practical applications for this, but for now, I’ll just say it was a fun way for me to waste time.

If you want more details, check out Mossberg’s review or various coverage from TechCrunch.

Canceling Credit Cards: Why Not Online?

August 15, 2008 | Comments

I recently canceled a couple credit cards and has to go through a tedious phone process to do so. You know the drill. Call the main 800 number, fumble through a horrible phone system, and then find the cancel option as the last possible selection in the option tree. In both cases, this transferred me to someone asking if I was sure I wanted to cancel only to then transfer me to an “account specialist” who would help me further.

No Worries, Netflix, You’re Doing Great

August 14, 2008 | Comments

It seems that everyone and their dog is reporting on the shipping issues Netflix has been having for the past few days. So I figured I’d add my two cents: I don’t think it’s a big deal. Netflix, if you’re listening, don’t worry about crediting my account for the couple days I missed getting DVDs.

Dash Express: When The Internet & GPS Are Combined

August 13, 2008 | Comments

I’ve avoided the GPS scene and have relied instead on printing out maps from Google/Mapquest/Live maps. But having recently moved to a new city, I decided it was time to make the plunge. After some basic research and asking around, I went for the Dash Express. Here’s my first impression of the Dash Express and GPS in general:

Amazon: Sales Tax Hasn’t Stopped Me Yet

August 12, 2008 | Comments

One of the best things about shopping on Amazon (or most anywhere online) is that you don’t have to pay sales tax. Well, that recently changed for me. Since I now live in the state of Washington, I pay sales tax on any Amazon orders (because Amazon headquarters is here). The funny thing is, though, that I haven’t really given up on shopping via Amazon. Since being here, I’ve used Amazon to buy an Xbox 360 and a GPS device, plus some other odds and ends.

Comcast Screws Up But Then Makes It Up To Me

July 23, 2008 | Comments

It looks like Comcast is in the news again but not for the best of reasons. So today seems like a good day for me to share my latest Comcast experience. I recently moved and subsequently signed up for Comcast’s all-in-one package (TV, Internet, and phone). I didn’t really need the phone service, but the way the marketing department has things, the same services I wanted without phone service are the same price as having the phone service included. Bundling and all that, go figure.

Match Made In Heaven: Netflix on the Xbox 360

July 14, 2008 | Comments

Back in February, I titled a post “Dear Microsoft: Get Netflix on the Xbox 360 and I’ll Buy One.” True to my word, today I ordered an Xbox 360 following the latest announcement. I’m a huge fan of Netflix and have always had an interest in getting an Xbox 360 (even though I’m more of a PC gamer).