Technology

Periodically, we get requests from Coastal Point readers to expand our technology columns to offer tips to those who are just learning to use computers and other gadgets, or those who know the basics but want to expand their horizons, with some Tech 101-type pieces. For all of you who made that request, this is for you.

Well, it’s the end of Week 2 of the Coastal Point Health-Tech Challenge, and I’ve been pleased with my ability to keep up my new exercise regimen using Wii Fit. On the down side, I’ve gained 4 pounds since starting the program two weeks ago. On the up side, even without verification with a body-fat calculation and with my diet unchanged, I’m positive that all of that extra weight (and probably more) is muscle.

In our recent series of health stories on technologically-savvy ways to get (and stay) in shape, I noted the expected release of the Wii Fit game and balance board peripheral this month. Well, May 22 arrived late last week, and with it my very own copy of the game and my very own balance board.

While we’ve been talking mostly about “active” fitness technology in our series of stories on health tech, I don’t think many would argue about the value of good sleep in overall health, so this month, I’d like to look a little at some high-tech options that could help you get a little more quality in your Z’s.

Chances are when most of the remaining analog cellular phone systems were turned off Feb. 18, you didn’t lose the use of your more modern wireless phone, even if some people were surprised to find their alarm systems and older cellular-based car systems were affected. But what will happen on Feb. 17, 2009, when analog TV too goes the way of the dinosaurs?

Welcome to CoastalPoint.com 2.0! If you’ve visited our Web site in the last few weeks, you’ll already have noticed the appearance of the first phase of months of behind-the-scenes work by our staff on The Point’s Web presence.

In this second part of our story on health technology, we’ll be looking at some alternative exercise devices and online dieting options.

Now that the holidays have come and gone, it’s certain that quite a few of us woke up Christmas morning with a new cell phone under the tree or unwrapped something shiny, silver and technological to go with the traditional blue and silver of Hanukkah, or perhaps a nice, flat black (just like the go-everywhere little black dress or black dress shoes) to go with whichever of the other winter holid

It’s likely that at least as many of you will read this column online as on paper. So, what’s keeping you from reading your copy of “War and Peace” or the latest bestselling crime thriller in digital format rather than in paper and ink format?

Have you vacuumed your computer lately?

Yes, I said vacuumed.

Better question: have you cracked open your computer case lately and taken a look at what’s inside?

Like many technology writers this week, I’ve had to take some deep consideration of how I’d deal with the subject of the iPhone.

"tricia, what is this box hooked up to my computer?” my father asked me this week, in the typical all-lowercase e-mail he started sending me after I informed him some years ago that uppercase typing in e-mail was equivalent to shouting.

I bowled a 229 game last Sunday. Pins were flying, and I managed six consecutive strikes. And I haven’t picked up a bowling ball since kindergarten.

Ah, the days after Christmas, when all good gift cards go back to the store for a belated spree of shopping goodness and all bad gifts are hoped to do likewise.

So it’s about time that I write my Christmas technology column for this year. Now, I usually do a list on ideas on what I might get my co-workers for Christmas, but this year I’ve decided to break the norm. This year I’ll be writing about what I want for Christmas.