Alex Kidman

One of the benefits of freelancing, so they say, is that you become your own boss. Nobody peeking over your shoulder, and endless days of getting up late, working in pyjamas and being hand-fed peeled grapes by dusky island maidens.

The reality, naturally enough, is slightly different. Grapes go substantially up in price. The dusky island maidens complain that it’s been rather cold of late. You have to twist your neck into impossible positions in order to peek over your own shoulder. You get up even earlier, because although the commute is awesome, the pressure to produce work can actually be  a lot higher, what with the lack of holidays, sick pay and the simple fact that you’ve swapped one boss for many, many bosses.

I’ve been busy today keeping my many, many bosses happy with plenty of content.

First up, at CNET, a Tablet PC review:

HP TouchSmart tm2: “As an upgrade option for existing tablet users, the tm2 shines. As an entirely new proposition, however, we’re not quite as convinced.”

Then at PC Authority, this week’s handheld Vintage tech column:

Vintage Tech: Looking back at the Palm Pilot: “Palm Pilot PDAs pretty much defined the PDA and set the scene for the smartphones we use today.”

Then at Geekspeak, musings on the joys of networking. There aren’t many.

Geekspeak: Can Networking be made easy? “Most routers can be utter torture just to get up and running.”

And finally at MacTheBlog, a musings on the state of iPad eBooks. iebooks? No, that’d be Microsoft, surely?

MacTheBlog: A Little Light Reading: “Apparently — if Apple is to be believed — “Reading is a joy on iPad”.

I’d love to say after all that lot that I’m taking time off tomorrow to feel old and worn out. Those who know why, know why. But I’m not, what with having all these bosses to keep happy all at once. Back to the treadmill I go!

“Make all women telepathic. Because if they suddenly found out about the kind of stuff that goes on in our heads they’d kill us all on the spot.”

Mind you, there are some days when I’m not entirely convinced that isn’t already true. Also worth noting, of course, that the bloke who wrote that line will be in charge of Dr Who next year. Interesting times…

Meanwhile, in my continuing quest to be published as frequently as possible (which is, naturally enough, part of a possibly futile quest to be paid as frequently as possible), CNET.com.au has a couple more reviews of mine live today:

Asus RT-N13U Wireless N Router with All-In-One Printer Server: “Asus’ inexpensive 802.11n router is a bit of a bargain, although it does also bring with it some bargain basement sensibilities.”

Asus RT-N16 Wireless Router: “Asus’ high-end wireless router has plenty of throughput grunt, but we do wish the company would offer better support documentation.”

In-between the incredibly frustrating adventures in finally trying to put in a front path (*subliminal message: Don’t use Amber Tiles*) this week, I’ve also flung forth a few frothy and ferociously fonted fabulous words of wisdom. As well as, it seems, developing a taste for the sixth letter of the alphabet. Sesame Street would be so proud. I wonder what the number of the day is?

Firstly, at CNET, there’s this router review (hey — it’s not alliteration day, is it?)

NetComm N3G005W 3G Wi-Fi Router: “Renters or those who want to mix and match broadband styles with a dab of 3G will do well with NetComm’s N3G005W router, as long as you don’t need lots of wired ports.”

Then, at PC Authority, a couple of Apple-centric articles. First, my regular blog-based musing, this time on, of all things for an Apple column, Windows 7:

Mac Authority: Is Windows 7 eating Apple’s lunch? “Alex Kidman gets down and dirty with the latest version of Windows 7, and surprisingly – doesn’t immediately hate it with all the vigour of a Mac disciple.”

Followed today by one of the world’s most over-reported Apple stories:

Apple undergoes Jobs cuts: “Charismatic CEO steps down for six months as health fears worsen.”

I cut down products, I eat my lunch, I go to the lavatory,
On Wednesday I go shopping, and have buttered scones for tea…”

Well, perhaps not. And you probably didn’t want to think about the lavatory thing.

Why not think about this review, fresh today at CNET.com.au?

WiFi-Tech WTAP2400: “If you’ve ever worried that networking gear was watching you, this may not be the AP to buy. Actually, ultimately this probably isn’t the AP to buy anyway…”