One Last Problem to Fix...

Many folks have some relatively simple issue at home that they need to resolve in order to work productively from home. Some examples of this might be:
* get a better desk chair
* improve lighting
* computer needs more memory, or bigger hard drive
* need a better display, display stand, or second display

Gas prices have risen 14% over the last month alone, in California. I think this "pain point" has finally gotten some folks to resolve that one last problem, and now are able to work productively at home!

How to Become a Black Box Worker

or, perhaps a more formal name, "Modular Nomadic Worker." Sun Microsystems has a product called the Sun Modular Datacenter, also called the "Black Box." You can read more about it here. But basically, it's a complete data center in a box (container, really)! Just add power, water, and Internet, and it's good to go.

I started thinking about how "modular" I've become, with my smart iPhone and laptop plus wifi or 3G card, and I realized how similar I am to the Black Box data center. Just drop me anywhere with my (small) laptop bag and phone, and I am a "fully functioning" worker!

Here are the things I have that enable me to work everywhere:
* cell phone/ smartphone: iPhone (not yet 3G)
* bluetooth headset: Aliph Jawbone (red!)
* broadband card: Sierra Wireless 881 3G USB w/unlimited domestic plan
* laptop: MacBook Pro 17"
* webcam: built-in iSight
* wifi: Starbucks card for 2 hours free, plus possible free AT&T broadband customer at AT&T hotspots?, obviously also at home and in the office

With these tools, I'm able to work from wherever I am, whether it be from home, a conference, an airport, while travelling in my motorhome, or even in the office! I answer my phone and emails, and participate in desktop video conferences (using iChat AV and MeBeam), and even sometimes meet in Second Life. Rather than wondering where I am, my boss can just always find me.

I think I really am living in the Snow Crash metaverse now!

Mario Kart Room with Friends

Last night, six of us from our flyball club went online with our Wii's to play Mario Kart. Six "drivers," three Wii's, one racetrack!! What a blast! 

Even though everyone was better than me, and I don't think I won any races, it was much more fun getting knocked over the cliff, or blown up, by someone I know, rather than a stranger!

Thanks, Nintendo!