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Complex map reader

Cartopro Evolution offers to help users make a digital collection of their maps. While the options will appeal to mapping experts, casual users will probably find this program overwhelming and unnecessary.

The program's interface is a mad collection of icons and jargon that will take a trip to the Help file and possibly a cartography degree to solve. Users looking for the point-and-click simplicity of online mapping programs will be disappointed here. However, those familiar with maps may enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and depth the program's options provide. Users must first scan a map into the program. Once … Read more

Puzzle maker

Crossword puzzle and word search enthusiasts who want to try their hand at creating their own will appreciate the tools and help found in Crossword Forge. While you won't be able to print or view your puzzles without the answers displayed, you can still get a good sense of how this program works.

The interface is designed for business, with tabs for easy access to create your puzzle in steps, from the title to the background. The hardest part is coming up with the clues and answers. Crossword Forge makes the rest fairly simple, and you need only type … Read more

Digital City No. 42: It's a love 'n' hate (tech) thang

It's a free-for-all gripe fest as we talk about our personal frustrations with the PS3, AT&T, the iPhone, and whatever else was crossing our minds at that point.

From cyberdoormen and using your baby's mama for an iPhone replacement at the AT&T store, to Scott finding pleasure in getting Julie so worked up that she accidentally drops a naughty word and Joseph's failed attempt to pit Scott and Julie against each other...it's all on the table.

We're also holding a contest for the best Digital City desktop wallpaper creation (not … Read more

Uncanny valley of keyboards: Do small keys bother you?

In testing Lenovo's IdeaPad S10-2 and IdeaPad S12 Netbooks this week, an interesting thought occurred to us. Technically, both laptops are nearly similar inside: Intel Atom N270 processors, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive. What differentiates them more than anything else are their screen sizes (10.2 inch and 12.1-inch) and their keyboards.

While screen size has been often discussed among Netbook owners, keyboard size and comfort hasn't as much. And, to a degree, it's the only true factor differentiating smartphones and Netbooks as far as interface is concerned. The real advantage to Netbooks is that you can type on them, like a laptop. But here's the question: are almost-regular size keyboards more difficult to use than intentionally small keyboards on MIDs and smartphones? Click through to hear us out.… Read more

Make your own batteries (out of other batteries)

Our product manager Justin sent me a link to Kipkay's YouTube video on hacking apart a 9-volt battery into six AAA replacements. So, I had to try it for myself.

A 9-volt battery is actually made up of six 1.5-volt cells. Those cells are actually quadruple size, but you can make them work in AAA compartments.

Watch this video to see how. With some needle-nosed pliers, pry apart the casing of the 9-volt battery. As long as you're careful not to puncture the cells themselves, there's nothing harmful inside. Once you get it open, pull off … Read more

Strong writing and editing

One of the first mobile office tool kits for the iPhone, Quickoffice Mobile Suite is a generous viewer and limited editor. You'll be able to see Word, PowerPoint, PDF, and Excel documents with it, but the application's real power--the part you pay for--is in editing and composing Word documents and Excel spreadsheets. Office 2007 documents are importantly omitted in this version, but you better believe that Quickoffice is pulling in support for it, especially since Documents To Go, a major competitor, can read and write 2007 Word files.

Quickoffice has the usual basic word processing and spreadsheet tools, … Read more