Random Rants & News

Palm Treo Pro – First Impression

markusw — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:11:06 +0000

I got a new phone today, the Palm Treo Pro (unlocked edition). I am switching from the HTC Touch Diamond. This is my first non-HTC device in quite some time. My first impressions of the Palm Treo Pro as good. It is nice to have a full QWERTY keyboard back. Even with the full keyboard the screen size does not suffer. The phone handles nicely, speedy transitions and programs load quickly. So far so good

This afternoon I loaded a series of programs to give the phone a run. This includes: Office, Live Services, Office Communicator, One Note, and Live Mesh.

Fridge Obama

markusw — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:17:32 +0000

I went to Paper Source in Bellevue, WA last week and found this AWESOME magnet kit featuring President Obama. I have decided to dub him “Fridge Obama” and plan to update my blog periodically with the dress of the day.

In honor of Lina and Terry, who are currently enjoying Hawaii with out Lacey and I, Fridge Obama is rocking very stylish local couture today:

Windows 7 Toolbar

markusw — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:59:46 +0000

I have been using Windows 7 for about 2 weeks now and so far the experience has been fabulous. I am running build 7000, it is fast and stable.

One of the most noticeable and sleep new features is the new toolbar.

The toolbar automatically groups common windows together, which can then be expanded by hovering over the icon in the toolbar. In the snapshot above you can see that I have two instances of PowerPoint opened, as well as three instances of Internet Explorer 8. Also, and this is one of the sleekest features, you can see that I have placed both Tweetdeck, Zune, Word, Excel, and OneNote in the toolbar at a fixed location. So, whether the program is currently running or not, it will always be in the same location on my toolbar. In order to open the program you can simply click on the icon, or hold down SHIFT to open multiple new instances of the application.

Finally, if you look closely at the IE8 icon you can see that I currently downloading something, the progress being reflected by the green status bar in the icon.

Superb Africa Pictures – Must See

markusw — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:52:27 +0000

My “cube mate” (Matt Woodget) just uploaded several images from his Africa trip. I have not seen such great photographs in a long time. Please check them out at:

http://www.fluidpixel.com/Places/648261

They are truly amazing. Promise you will not be disappointed!

Microsoft Brand Strategy

markusw — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:23:01 +0000

Skydrive

markusw — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:46:14 +0000

Another fantastic feature of Live@edu available to students. Skydrive is 5GB of virtual storage in the cloud. Essentially a 5GB flash drive with anytime, anywhere access for any and all file types. GENIUS!! Oh yeah, and of course it is completely free.

Invincible Mailbox – Microsoft’s Live@edu

markusw — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:00:17 +0000

I want to take this chance to write a little bit about Microsoft’s Live@edu email offering. Central to the Live@edu offer is Exchange Labs, which offers an unprecedented 10 GB of email storage as well as 20 MB attachments. This is a fully exchange enabled mailbox that gives students all the advantages of an enterprise solution – for free.

Students can share calendars and contacts with friends and also schedule meetings utilizing the free/busy function of Exchange. In terms of hosted email solutions for students at Higher Education and K12 institutions this is the most advanced and feature rich option out there.

Traveling

markusw — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:54:12 +0000

Work has been keeping me busy. I have spent the last three weeks on the road. Just returned from Orlando and Indiana this weekend. Now I have a week to catch up on email before taking back off to Europe next week. Busy, Busy.

Lenovo X300 vs. Macbook Air

markusw — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:51:04 +0000

Work is taking over my life

markusw — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:38:49 +0000

It has been a while since I last updated my blog. I am going to blame that on the fact that I have been completely swamped at work.

Apparently, things don’t happen on their own – I guess that didn’t work in school and it continues to not apply in the “real" world.

Right now I am attending the Windows Live Commercial Lead Summit in Redmond, WA. Basically a whole week of briefings and roundtables to learn, discuss, and plan execution around all upcoming Windows Live products.

Of course, I am not disclosing details, but let me tell you there are some really sweet things coming down the pipe.

Rock On MSFT!

Live@edu

markusw — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:15:55 +0000

I am getting ready to post a series of Webcasts detailing the many cool features of Microsoft’s Live services.

Today, I want to share with you a brief teaser video:

Job Update

markusw — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:49:40 +0000

I am back working at Microsoft. I started just shy of one month ago. It has been great to get back in the swing of things. I am thrilled to report that I am back in my old role (i.e. last internship).

I am managing Microsoft Live@edu for the US market. Live@edu is Microsoft’s bundled online service offering for institutions of Higher Education and K-12. Part of the offering is Windows Live Mail, Exchange Labs, Messenger, Alerts, Spaces, and many more.

My role can be summarized as leading Microsoft’s Google Compete efforts in the Education space. A very exciting role that is full of surprises, tough competition, and an ever changing environment.

I will keep you posted on my endeavor.

FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE, GO MSFT!

Quick Update

markusw — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:02:42 +0000

I am still alive and well. Working hard, since I started at MSFT. I will hopefully find the time to update the blog more frequently.

Cheers,

Markus

Checking In

markusw — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:56:35 +0000

I have been ridiculously busy in the past week and it seems like there is no end in sight.

Projects, exams, work – all seem to be coming to a high-point right now.

I will get back on the blog soon. I promise.

Kanye Hands (B+B) from Gonzaga University

markusw — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:58:06 +0000

Check out the newest Barats and Bereta movie on youtube. These two guys graduated from Gonzaga University two years ago. Kayne West just posted this mash-up on his website.

Enjoy,

Markus