Bluetooth Handsfree As Laptop Headset

I recently acquired the Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Noise Shield Handsfree VH700. I was initially attracted by the long ear-piece wire that allowed me to loop the ear-piece around the back of my neck when I am not speaking on the phone.

The VH700 also has noise cancellation and the ability to pair with two BT mobile devices (no need to re-pair the devices when switching between the two devices). Initially, I could not phantom the usefulness of the latter, since I thought most people had only one phone (or am I wrong?!)

Then, I purchased a HP Mini(210 series), which came with a 3.5-inch combo microphone/ audio jack (both the microphone and earphones go into the same jack). I faced difficulty to find headsets supporting this configuration. Most headsets at the stores have separate plugs for microphone and earphones to be plugged into separate mic and phones jacks on the PC. And worst was that many headsets are packaged such that their plugs are not visible until their packaging is opened.

Just as I was resigned to skype via the netbook's built-in mic and speakers, it dawned upon me that my VH700 could be paired with the HP Mini 210 (as the second device). The rest, as they say, is history!

The best thing with the VH700 is that I can actually walk around the room when I skype and there is no need to re-pair it to my mobile phone afterwards. Neat!

Algorithm

E-learning multiple choice quiz - 4 choices per question (viz. a, b, c and d), unlimited attempts allowed, student is told which questions were correctly answered after each attempt, 100% correct answers needed to pass. If the student did not study for the quiz, what is the most efficient algorithm to pass?

A possible solution - On the 1st attempt, answer (a) for all questions. On the 2nd attempt, answer (b) against the questions which were incorrect in the first attempt. On the 3rd attempt, answer (c) against remaining incorrect answers and so on. 100% correct answers will be achieved on the 4th attempt. No need to even read the questions.

Anybody got a better algorithm?

Enhancing Wireless Network Range

I have recently upgraded my wireless network adaptor to a TP-Link High Gain Wireless G USB Adapter (TL-WN422G) coupled with a 5dBi Omni-directional Antenna (TL-ANT2405C). The 422G has a replaceable antenna (RP-SMA Male on the antenna side). I removed the antenna supplied with the Adapter and connected the ANT2405C. The ANT2405C comes with a 1.3 metre extension cable which allowed to placed the antenna closer to the base station (wireless router/ repeater). I am using a Linksys WAP54G configured as a repeater (see my previous post on configuring the WAP54G). Overall, the TP-Link combination improved the signal strength at the client computers.

Wiper Replacement

I am usually a "genuine-part" person when it comes to car maintenance. But for wiper blades, I am beginning to think that 3rd party replacement wipers (those available from hypermarts and petrol stations) could give better value than the genuine replacement part from the authorized dealer!

I find 3rd wipers attractive for 2 reasons:

(i) their rubber formulation seems to better withstand our tropical environment in Singapore. The OEM part from my Japanese car manufacturer seems to be designed for temperate climate and degrades rather quickly when installed here, especially when I park my car in unsheltered carparks.
(ii) they are easier to replace. My car maker sells the rubber blade alone. During replacement, one needs to remove the old rubber and insert new rubber – big hassle (anyone needs advise on how to do this, just drop me a comment.). The 3rd party blades normally come as a complete wiper blade (rubber + metal frame). During replacement, just press the catch, remove and dump the entire old blade and click-on the new blade – negligible effort! Oh, in case you are wondering, the complete 3rd party blade is still cheaper compared to just the rubber from the car OEM!!
If I have sold you on the 3rd party way for wiper replacement, just remember to measure the length (in inches) and note the attachment method (there are a few types that car makers use) for your car before you go shopping for the replacement blades.