ordering

Pick from the hat

Like many free applications, The Hat from Harmony Hollow Software uses software to do something usually done "the hard way." In this case, it's drawing names from a hat, the time-honored method for randomly selecting individual entries from a group. The app can randomize a list of names so no one can complain about who goes first and who goes last. It can also draw individual names or pairs of names for raffles, sweepstakes, and ongoing contests. It does this all without requiring you to actually write down names, cut up the list, and throw it all … Read more

FTC: Intel has until 2013 to tweak tablet chip

Intel has until 2013 to add an interface to the tablet-centric version of its Atom processor, as device makers are targeting the chip for Netbooks, the Federal Trade Commission said in a "modified settlement order" today.

"The agreement reached in August is now final but there is a minor modification to it," Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy said today. "That modification is related to Oak Trail, which is for a tablet computer design. Some OEMs (device makers) have decided to design it into a Netbook-type device and under the definitions of the agreement, that made it … Read more

Whistle while you walk

Links from Friday's episode of Loaded: Google Voice and Maps for Android T-Mobile G2 ready for pre-order Hyundai announces its first Electronic Vehicle VLC app one step away from the iPad Panasonic VIERA Cast will stream Netflix

Portable scheduler

We all have different ways of keeping track of our schedules; some of us favor Web-based calendars, whereas others prefer to keep paper planners. Although many people like software-based schedulers, these calendars have a major drawback in that they're not easily accessible if you're away from your computer. Exstora is a basic scheduler that's small enough to be carried on a thumbdrive. Although its features aren't particularly impressive, it's not bad choice for people who like to keep track of their schedules on multiple machines, whether they have Internet access or not.

The program's … Read more

Ordering a book from Apple in Aperture 3 results in white screen

Those users choosing to do their photo editing in Apple's Aperture 3 may find that when ordering a book they have created, the order window may turn white, resulting in a failure to process. This issue generally occurs after filling out the order form and clicking the "Place Order" button. … Read more

Not business as usual

There's a lot to keep up with when you're running a business: schedules, inventory, conversations with clients, e-mail, to-do items, and much more. CRM-Express Standard is a surprisingly comprehensive program that helps users stay on top of almost all aspects of their business.

The program's interface has a sleek look, with its main features arranged in well-organized tabs. And what a lot of features there are! The program has a flexible, multiview calendar, a built-in e-mail client, a list of news feeds, and a to-do list. Sounds like a great way to stay organized and informed, right? … Read more

The 404 602: Where I tried to preorder the iPhone 4 and all I got was this stupid Mac Mini (podcast)

Preordering for the Apple iPhone 4 started this morning, and users are already reporting serious issues with AT&T's servers. The speed bump appears to happen when account is verified through AT&T, although we've also heard of bottlenecks popping up intermittently throughout the process.

If you're experiencing issues, a viable workaround is to stop clicking refresh and head out to a Best Buy or RadioShack store, especially since Gizmodo is already reporting security issues with AT&T's ordering system. Finally, Wilson predicts that the iPhone 4 will be freely available at the … Read more

Alex eReader set to ship two weeks after iPad

Spring Design's Alex eReader is one of those products that probably would have gotten a lot more attention had it managed to come out before Apple's iPad. However, as it stands, the $399 Android-powered device, which features both a 6-inch e-ink display and a 3.5-inch, 16-bit color touch-screen LCD, is scheduled to ship in the middle of April and threatens to get overshadowed by the iPad's arrival on April 3.

Long and narrow, the 11-ounce Alex has an interesting shape, measuring 4.7 inches wide, 8.9 inches high, and less than a half inch thick. … Read more

Sage assistant

This handy toolbox simplifies importing orders from your e-commerce Web site for manipulating with your business' Sage accounting software. However, a bug in the automatic scheduler means you'll have to rely on manual data pulls.

Sage Order Importer complements your existing Sage 50 or Sage Line 50 accounting software by serving as a bridge from your e-commerce Web site to your in-office accounting package. It streamlines orders and inventories onto a single platform, freeing business owners from having to shoehorn data into multiple apps. The Sage set-up wizard makes configuring data sources a simple matter. The two-paned interface has … Read more

Excellent accounting software

BS1 Enterprise Accounting - Free Edition provides a surprising amount of control over a company's finances and makes the entire process simple. This is a great choice for small businesses.

The program's interface initially turned us off, since it is primarily a small toolbar on the desktop. However, after reading the Help file's tutorial, we soon loved how simple and unobtrusive the program was. This simple toolbar felt like an entire accounting department at our fingertips, from Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, to Inventory, Sales and Purchase Orders. Each separate department popped up as a simple screen with … Read more