› In-flight Internet

This is the first time I use Internet in-flight. Here is my take:
- Speed: 1000 Kbps download and 100 Kbps upload, not bad
- Cost: $12.95 for 24 hours
- What doesn’t work: Skype, it rang once and then it stopped ringing

Posted at 1/28/10 by ewong in Security-Mobility-Accessibility, User Reports Tags: Airplane Internet, Skype, Traveling, WiFi | No Comments »

› The Case for Netbooks

Portability (i.e. lightweight) is what we here at GGGroup most often hear from our clients who are in the market for a new notebook computer. You’ve all seen people in a park, airport, or other such public place happily plugging away on a device that is significantly smaller than your laptop. Could this be the device you’ve been looking for to finally replace the bulky laptop you’ve been lugging around? The answer is yes and no.

Netbooks are designed primarily for internet usage on the go (hence, NETbook). What keeps these little buggers affordable is the processor and memory installed are of lesser spec than you would find in larger laptops and desktops. While Microsoft Office can run on netbooks, you will notice a drop in performance.

But if your only need is internet access to keep in touch with family and friends back home while you’re on vacation, this might be the perfect device for you. You can access your email or Facebook account, upload photos you’ve just taken or just simply browse the internet. Granted, all of this can be accomplished on an iPhone but there is something to be said for having a full keyboard and a 9 or 10 inch screen.

In the final analysis, netbooks are great for personal use, not so much for bringing your work home with you.

Posted at 10/26/09 by moconnor in News & Views, Newsletters, Security-Mobility-Accessibility Tags: laptop, netbook, portable | 3 Comments »

› Why do you need BES for your Blackberry?

Blackberry Enterprise Server has the following advantages over any other forms of Blackberry connection to your Exchange server:

Much better security:

If you lost your Blackberry, you can initial a remote wipe procedure to your Blackberry. When your lost Blackberry connects to your service provider, it will shelf wipe the data in the Blackberry to prevent anyone from accessing information on your Blackberry.

Contacts sync wirelessly:

No other method will allow you to sync your Outlook contacts wirelessly.

Much easier to troubleshoot:

If you run into problems with Blackberry not getting email, having BES allows your IT support to troubleshoot quickly. You get support directly from RIM instead of your Blackberry data service provider like Verizon.

Much better management:

You can manage all your Blackberry from a single management console.

Posted at 10/12/09 by ewong in Industry Trends, News & Views, Security-Mobility-Accessibility, Tech Tips for the Office Tags: Blackberry, Blackberry Enterprise Server, Mobility | 1 Comment »

› iPhone

iPhone has became one of the most popular PDA. iPhone now has more commercial apps than Windows Mobile. I have recently acquired an iPhone from one of my associates. It certainly is a great device for viewing email, especially with HTML, Word, Excel or PDF attachment. But it is not a great device to compose an email. The on screen keyboard made it hard to type a long email. The web browser is far better than any other PDA of similar size. The “multi-touch” feature makes zooming in/out of screen a joy to use. Since iPhone can’t replace my Blackberry in composing email, I am carrying both iPhone and Blackberry every day. I can’t wait to see if Apple is going to release a new iPhone in June.

Posted at 7/23/09 by ewong in GGGroup, Industry Trends, Security-Mobility-Accessibility, User Reports Tags: iPhone, mobile device | 6 Comments »

› Blackberry plan with your Wireless Service Provider

When you buy a new Blackberry device from your Wireless Service Provider (Verizon, T-mobile, at&t or Sprint), make sure you ask for “Blackberry Enterprise” feature with “Unlimited Data Usage” data plan.

When you are ready to travel abroad, you need to call your Wireless Service Provider to enable “International Data Roaming”. Keep in mind that not every Blackberry device will work in the country you travel to and coverage veries. See following resources:

Posted at 7/21/09 by ewong in Security-Mobility-Accessibility, Tech Tips for the Office, Tips Tags: Blackberry, handhelds, mobile device | 1 Comment »

› Why we chose Ruckus as Wi-Fi solution for our clients

Over the last 5 years of looking for a wireless solution, we have tried solutions from  Cisco, Aruba, LinkSys, Dlink & Netgear.  We finally chose to partner with Ruckus Wireless for the following reasons:

• Unique smart antenna technology which provides performance and range that is consistently 2 to 4 times better
• Robust coverage that keeps user connected even with neighbor’s wi-fi interference
• Simple, yet powerful management features that allow small businesses to control wi-fi with minimal training

As an added bonus, I really like that my team can learn a single product line from Ruckus Wireless that will satisfy both home and small business applications.

Posted at 7/5/09 by ewong in Industry Trends, News & Views, Security-Mobility-Accessibility, Tech Tips for the Office, User Reports Tags: Security, Wi-Fi, Wireless | 1 Comment »

› Watch out for public Wi-Fi

Posted at 7/2/09 by ewong in Security-Mobility-Accessibility, Tech Tips for the Office, Tech Tips for the Small & Home Office, Tips Tags: Security, Wi-Fi, Wireless | 3 Comments »