"The crew in Ottawa is now taking square aim at Aperture, Lightroom and other similarly situated products with its new product called AfterShot Pro. Available for Linux, Macintosh and Windows, the software retails for $99 and promises to deliver a complete workflow for RAW files, including file management, batch processing and non-destructive editing capabilities."

Remember Bibble? One of the earliest after-market RAW software, Bibble has been around for a long time, and was bought by Corel a year or so back. Now the software is back as Corel AfterShot Pro. Since I have not used Bibble, I am not sure what the differences are present, but long time Bibble users can check it out. Like Bibble, Corel has maintained a Linux version, so those of you on Linux will be happy for an alternative to Lightroom.

Pentax, recently acquired by Ricoh, is now trying to be a little crazier than the competition by offering this travel zoom camera with vertical shooting controls, along with a tripod socket for mounting the camera vertically on a tripod. Almost like a SLR with a vertical grip. I am not sure how well it will handle in portrait orientation, but I certainly can see that it probably is not the most pressing concern for most buyers of such digital cameras. The specifications are not much to shout about as well. The most interesting thing is probably the lens, a 20x optical affair at 28-570mm equivalent f/3.1-4.8 lens, with a sensor-shift stabilised 16 megapixel sensor, a 3" HVGA LCD, and 720p video mode. The camera will go on sale in February for US$250.

"The Lightroom 4 beta introduces quite a list of features, including a completely new book-creation module, expanded support for video, soft proofing capability, and geo-tagging of still and video images via a Google Maps-powered module. Image editing tools have also been significantly updated, with a new process version (PV2012) that includes a reworking of the Basic panel controls and new localized editing options."

Adobe has announced a beta for Lightroom 4, and DPReview takes a look at the changes. While they look interesting, I am plenty invested in my current workflow to not start using a Lightroom-based one. I guess there are a lot more people who are excited though, so take a look at the comprehensive preview.

"But anyway I wanted a keyboard with a USB hub built in, not that it would make my life easier but because then I would have one less thing on my table."

You have to admire people who have a a good idea and just say "let's do it". Such was the case with "A Geek and his cat" who made this mod to a Logitech keyboard. It's a fun read to see how he did it. There's no reason you couldn't do it too, is there?

"If you have kids, you probably know this already, but lots of stuff needs batteries. Remote control toys, Wii remotes, laser pointers (well, that is for me), flash lights, even Nerf guns. For me, I have found the best place to pick up batteries is at one of these “dollar” stores. Sure the batteries are cheaper, but are they any good? Who knows. Let’s find out."

Like any person that likes electronics, I tend to go through a lot of batteries. From remote controls, to cordless mice and keyboards to cameras. While many of these toys use rechargeable batteries, some even custom ones, I find myself using a steady supply of AA and AAA batteries. Yes, I know there are rechargeable batteries in those sizes like Eneloops and even regular NiMH, but they involve a high upfront cost, something that is not always feasible. For those of us who still find use for disposable batteries, Wired has a good review. An update has been added noting that the store-branded batteries tested were of the "heavy duty" type and not alkalines that the premium brands sell. If you buy disposable batteries, be aware of this. Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty batteries are not the same as Alkalines, and will always offer less power. While they may suit for very light use, like remote controls, if the device is something that needs more power, like a flashlight, or a smoke detector, you will want something with some degree of staying power.

"Until last week, I'd never heard of Kingsoft or this product. I had, however, tried all the usual freebie Microsoft Office alternatives: OpenOffice, LibreOffice, Lotus Symphony, Google Docs, and so on. They're all OK--good enough, certainly, for most users--but I'll admit I've become spoiled by Microsoft's Ribbon interface, which made its debut in Office 2007 and carried over to Office 2010. The famed freebies mostly resemble Office 2003--if not an even earlier version."

If you have spent any time in large corporations, I think there is a good chance, a really good chance, that you have come across Microsoft Office. While alternatives have sprung up, especially with people hopping onto the benefits of online office applications, I still see a sizable amount of people working with Microsoft Office. I will admit I have not tried Kingsoft Office myself yet, but work of it having a ribbon interface has me interested. I hated the ribbon interface at first, but after a while, I started to see its benefits. However, my word processing needs are fairly basic, and I notice that an Outlook replacement is missing from the selection. Yes, I still use Outlook. I am that old. Now I think I'll go back to my cave and bang a few rocks together.

"Nikon's entry into the mirrorless interchangeable lens market late last year was widely anticipated, but the products that were finally announced took a lot of people by surprise. Nikon has created an entirely new system based around a relatively small sensor, that's about 30% of the size of those used in the company's DX-format SLRs. The system is spearheaded by two cameras - the Nikon 1 J1 and 1 V1."

DPReview's verdict is not the highest praise, and I still think they are a bit lenient there. When I tried both cameras, I found their UI to be absymal. Fixed function button that controls a useless feature? Check. Lots of menu scrolling? Check. Using a rocker instead of the more intuitive command dial to control manual functions? Check. It is not better for casual users either. Lack of contextual information for newcomers and casual shooters? Check. No clear indication what is the full auto mode? Check. Overall, for enthusiasts, it is a pain to use, and for casual shooters, there are other cameras which are easier to use. Then there is the price, which is more expensive than many of the Micro Four Thirds cameras. I will be waiting for version 2.0 of the product. Sorry Nikon, you need to do better than this.

"While flagship enclosures are certainly pretty interesting and there are some great deals to be had even just north of $100, competition south of that border is mighty fierce and only becomes more so as manufacturers refresh their lineups with the latest trends and advances in chassis design."

The Antec Three Hundred Two is a budget case with great cooling ability. There are cooling fan mounts in the front, rear, side and top of the case. The Three Hundred Two has the ability to swallow eight expansion slots plus room for plenty of drives. The suggested retail price is $79 but can be found for as low as $60 from various online retailers.

"The e-book business will grow faster than people think. Innovations from Amazon and Apple have increased the velocity at which we consume e-books, but there are two emergent behaviors that will increase the rate of overall consumption."

Trey Ratcliff's personal experiences in both the traditional publishing method and the new e-book method is a good insight into how the e-book business will see fast growth and rapidly overtake the traditional method where publishing house rules. Trey starts with what it takes to get a book published and sold when a traditional publishing house is involved. He then examines the profitability of both methods and describes the emerging trends that he believes will cause writers to favor e-publishing.

Product Category: Camera Bag

Manufacturer: Manfrotto

Where to Buy: Best Buy, Amazon

Price: $50 - $99 USD

Holds: DSLR with lens attached as well as 1 to 2 other lenses, 17" Macbook (15.4" laptop) and personal effects.

Specifications: Product Height 12.2", Product Width 7.5", Product Depth18.9",Product Weight 2.2 lbs.

Pros:

• Lightweight;
• Cost Effective;
• Lots of Storage Space.

Cons:

• Shoulder Pad is not Comfortable;
• No Regular Tripod Attachment;
• No Easy Access Side Pockets.

Summary:The Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag is a great camera bag for photographers on the go or who travel frequently. It is stylish and has an easy access top zipper that lets you get to all your gear in a hurry. That same zipper makes it easy to grab your laptop out for airport security checkpoints and yes, the whole bag is carry-on friendly for both domestic and international flights.

The ability to carry a pro body with a battery pack attached and a 17 inch laptop along with other lenses and equipment without weighing a ton or requiring you to stop and find a place to sit your bag down in order access your equipment is a lifesaver. The messenger bag style of it makes it easy to carry around all day and doesn't scream "I have an expensive camera in here!". The price point on this can't be beat, at $50 - $100, it easily compares to bags twice the price.

A Camera Bag and More

No matter what your level of expertise, if you have spent good money on a nice SLR or DLSR, you are going to need a decent camera bag. I've been shooting professionally for 27 years and I feel like I have spent half that time just trying to find the "perfect" camera bag. Of course, there is actually no such thing as the "perfect" camera bag. it is as elusive as Big Foot or Nessie. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if you just need one camera body with you, the Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag comes pretty close.

In theory, the purpose of a camera bag is the ability to carry around your camera, lenses and other gear in a protective case. In real life, that purpose includes accessibility. Buying an expensive camera doesn't help you at all if you miss "the shot" because you were trying to get your gear out of the bag. The beauty of the Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag is that it does both and it does it well, all while looking stylish and remaining compact.

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