JungleDisk - The Future of Grid Computing?

As we move into a generation of increased grid computing and client/server applications over the Internet, online storage is going to be a key component.  There is lots of speculation that Google will get in the game and offer a ” gDisk” online storage capability, but for those willing to pay a small fee, the solution is already here in the form of Amazon’s S3 service.

S3 is a file storage service with an associated API that let’s developers store files on Amazon’s highly redundant server farms.  Unfortunately, while individuals can set up Amazon web services accounts, they are unable to access the S3 service without understanding how to access the API.

Enter JungleDisk which is a commercial software solution that allows users to access S3 storage via a simple user interface.  JungleDisk is available for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux and once launched can be easily configured with your S3 account information.  The user can also configure an optional encryption mode which will individually protect every file stored on the S3 server.  Once configured and launched, JungleDisk creates a mount point on your desktop that can be accessed just like any other drive in your system (assuming you have Internet connectivity).   Worried that your MacBook Air not having enough hard drive space with that SSD option?  JungleDisk can give you near infinite storage available anywhere you can establish a connection.

Additionally, JungleDisk is available in USB format as well.  Load the small apps on your USB drive and you can launch them from any computer and access your S3 storage while keeping all your personal authentication information on the USB key only.  S3 storage is reasonably priced and getting cheaper all the time, so with the availability of JungleDisk there is no reason you shouldn’t be using it for storage on the go, or just as a reliable back-up solution.

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Gridlink Labs Technology Review 002

In this episode we review the Cradlepoint PHS300 EVDO/Wifi bridge.  After two weeks, we still aren’t listed in iTunes.  We’ll try and get some more subscription options up soon!

 

 Gridlink Labs Cradlepoint PHS300 Review: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Subscribe via iTunes | Subscribe with another podcatcher

Cradlepoint PHS300 Review

The Cradlepoint PHS300 is a single purpose device designed to bridge an EVDO connection over wifi so the connection can be shared with multiple computers. Unlike competing products, the PHS300 connects via EVDO through a pre-purchased USB-based modem and also contains a battery to provide nearly 3 hours of EVDO/wireless connectivity without needing an external power source.

To use the device, you charge it and plug in the USB modem and then connect to it via wifi and fire up your browser. The device comes with a fairly intuitive web interface that lets the user adjust network settings and establish security rules. Most users will be able to get away with just changing the default password and begin using the device immediately.

One shortcoming of the software is that the baseline security implementation is overly intrusive and there is no mechanism for an advanced user to just turn it off. For example, when trying to connect to our corporate mail server, my session was intercepted by the PHS300 and it displayed a message that the connection was being subjected to DNS cache poisoning. Email exchanges with Cradlepoint’s tech support representatives were useless in troubleshooting the problem and they even went so far as to say the problem was my browser and that if I used Firefox instead of IE I would be fine or I just needed to flush the cache settings on IE. Ironically, I was using Firefox on a MacBook Pro, so their assessment was highly inaccurate. I ended up troubleshooting the problem on my own and realized that the software was alleging DNS cache poisoning whenever an IP address was being derived via a CNAME record instead of a direct DNS entry. This is a dumb policy and Cradlepoint acknowledged that there was no way to turn this setting off. Luckily, I could simply remove the CNAME entry the problem went away, but the average user is not going to be in a position to change DNS settings for the servers they are trying to connect to. Cradlepoint needs to address this issue in a future firmware release and give advanced users a capability to establish and unfiltered network connection. (Update: This fix did not work on my MacBook Pro, so I had to manually add my mail server to my hosts file.)

With regards to performance, the news was much better. I tested the device using Verizon EVDO in the Northern Virginia area and was very pleased. In a static location in Arlington, VA I was able to connect with several devices (MacBook Pro, Asus Eee PC, and an iPhone) with no problems. While I didn’t run any formal speedtests the speed was comparable to speeds obtained by simply plugging the USB modem into my laptop. I used the connection all day, typically connected to a power source, but did unplug it to test the battery life, with the battery dying after just under three hours of heavy use. Not bad considering it is broadcasting over EVDO and wifi.

For my mobile test, I placed the device in the back of my car and connected the Eee PC to it and started streaming Internet radio at 128 kbps. I proceed to drive from Ashburn, VA to Arlington, VA and only experienced my first stream buffering after 1/2 hour of perfect connectivity. When stuck in traffic, I was able to surf the web with the Eee PC and also download a song via iTunes on the iPhone.

While it does have a few software flaws, this device provides a much needed capability for a road warrior like myself. Most importantly, it very easily extends my EVDO connectivity to devices that can’t access it natively. The Eee PC for example can connect via wifi in a couple of clicks, but getting and EVDO modem to work with is a laborious effort that requires significant user expertise. So for devices like the Eee PC and my N800, this device is a “must have”. It also increased my network spead for the iPhone as well which is an added bonus.

Physically, the device is compact and light, features simple LED lights for feedback and an on/off switch. Keep one of these devices in your car and you will be a roaming hotspot wherever you go. It will certainly earn a permanent spot in my gadget bag and if you need your EVDO connection extended to other devices, this is one of the most elegant and reliable solutions we’ve seen to date.

Update: After traveling more with this device, we can’t recommend it for purchase. The DNS Cache poisoning issue is poisonous to the user’s experience. I am getting DNS cache poisoning errors for sites like Bloglines, Gmail!, and it is not just browser based as mail clients seem impacted as well. Until this issue is fixed, this device is not worth the money, time, or frustration.

Update 2: There is an option to set a DMZ host, so we will try that as a possible fix for the primary computer. Right now, testing is limited due to lack of good coverage in Tribeca.

Update 3:  I placed the MacBookPro in the DMZ for the Cradlepoint router.  Here is how they describe the DMZ in the web management interface:

“The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) option provides you with an option to set a single computer on your network outside of the router. If you have a computer that cannot run Internet applications successfully from behind the router, then you can place the computer into the DMZ for unrestricted Internet access.

Note: Putting a computer in the DMZ may expose that computer to a variety of security risks. Use of this option is only recommended as a last resort.”

Given I can’t reach Gmail, I considered this a last resort.  What happened?

“DNS Poisoning Has Occurred

Restart your web browser.

It may be necessary to close your web browser and restart it. Sometimes web browsers cache invalid URLs when first logging onto the Personal HotSpot. Restarting your web browser will clear it’s cache and you should be able to surf the Internet without problems.”

 This sort of contradicts the statement that the computer in the DMZ has unrestricted Internet access as that is obviously not the case!  I really love this product and it has so much potential, but the firmware needs a major update!

Waterfield Designs Cargo Bag - The Ultimate Gadget Bag

When I saw on Joi Ito’s web site how much gear he had in his bag and heard his raving review for Waterfield bags, I had to give them a try.  The customer service I received set a new standard of excellence for web transactions with personal follow-ups to my order and incredibly quick shipping.

Since buying this bag, I’ve retired about 15 other bags I used to use.   The Waterfield has become the “go to” bag for all of my travel which has included Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.  The separate laptop compartment makes airport security lines a breeze and I use a combination of internal pockets and small gear bags inside the Waterfield Cargo (large) which allows me to neatly store all the gear and accessories I need.  Despite years of abuse this bag has yet to pop a single stich and all zippers are fully functional, which is more than I can say for most of the other bags I’ve used. Read more

Cradlepoint has arrived

We look forward to reviewing this device as a companion to our Eee PC. The Cradlepoint is a bridge device that you can plug and EVDO USB modem into and it will extend the service via a private or public wifi connection. Devices like the Eee PC or N800 do not have a cellular modem built in and this will give them high speed access in any area an EVDO connection is available.

Asus Eee PC

The Asus Eee PC has taken the blogosphere by storm. We purchased our device the week they were released and haven’t looked back. There are several reasons why this is an extremely compelling device:

Form factor - The Eee PC is a small clamshell laptop. As such, it can go where other laptops won’t and often will given the convenience of carrying it around. The Eee PC is comfortable to use on a plane, in a coffee shop, or anywhere on the go.

Operating system - Running a variation of Linux, the Eee PC is a stable platform. It boots in seconds and hasn’t crashed in our extensive use of the device. The OS GUI has been customized to provide simple, yet effective, tabbed access to the software suite.

Software - The Eee PC comes loaded with free (as in beer) open source software capable of handling all of typical user’s needs. There is a web browser, an email client, VOIP and instant messaging, an office suite, media players and other utilities. We tested the media player extensively playing copies of movies in various codecs and did not encounter a single issue.

In an age of grid computing with key applications located on the servers at Google and other providers, the Eee PC is a key platform to extend services anywhere you have wifi. We’d love to see some native EVDO or cellular modem support, but I imagine the open source community will develop drivers soon. We’ll get around it by using our Cradlepoint EVDO to wifi bridge on the road.

Battery life was good and we often got in excess of 3 hours per charge. The keyboad is slightly cramped, but easily usable. The power cord is simple and requires no mid-cord brick making it easy and light to pack. The power cord is also longer than most, which is handy at the coffee shop.

While not a high power computer, this device at $399 is a tremendous bargain. If they can keep this form factor and increase the power of the device or add an inch or two to the 7 inch display it will be even more attractive.

Nokia 95 plus Qik = single device video streaming

Last night we tested a new service from Qik.com that allows a Nokia cell phone to stream live video. I watched Robert Scoble stream from CES and was impressed with the video quality so we installed the application on the N95 and in a matter of minutes we were streaming live over a wifi connection.

Several users randomly visited our stream while it was live and as they posted messages in our Qik page chatbox, the message was displayed on our camera stream. This is a thoughtful and incredible feature as the person filming can be responsive to the audience. One person asked us to “move left” so we moved left and verbally responded to messages displayed on the screen.

Video quality was surprisingly good and certainly seemed on par with a lot of the lifecasters broadcasting on the Internet. The N95 has a great 5 megapixel camera so the limitation is in the bandwidth to get the video to Qik servers.

An application like Qik just re-enforces the value of an open platform like Symbian on the N95. It seems like once a month there is a new application or feature that increases the value proposition of owning this phone.

SPOT GPS Beacon Safety Device

On my winter camping trips I have a Personal Locater Beacon that accompanies me that will allow our camping party to send our GPS location along with a distress signal that will bring in a search and rescue team. It is a great device, but can only be used in a true life threatening emergency and bears significant costs if used for any other circumstance. I also have a Breitling Emergency watch which can transmit an emergency beacon on an aviation rescue frequency that carries the same penalties for non-emergency use. Both devices are also quite expensive, with the PLB costing about $700.00 and the watch several thousand.

What has been missing in the market place is a beaconing device that allows for non-life threatening emergency use or to check in with an “A OKAY” message to family and friends. The Spot Satellite Personal Messenger helps fill that void by providing GPS location services with messaging services over the Globalstar Satellite messaging network. What is unique to the SPOT device is that in addition to a 911 (genuine life threatening emergency) button, it also provides two additional communication features which can be set up by the user to trigger messages to their preferred recipients. Users can trigger and “OKAY” message which sends a scripted message to selected email address or cellular phones via SMS. This allows you to check in and designate that all is well. It also puts your location on a Google Maps page so that your recipients can track your location and follow your trip. It also has a user configured “HELP” button which will send a message the user creates (via a web interface prior to departure) to selected recipients. This can help trigger a desired action (e.g. request an extraction or assistance) without engaging a full search and rescue effort (which will incur significant costs).

Your GPS location and message trigger (e.g. OKAY, HELP, 911) are sent via the Globalstar satellite network. As a disappointed Globalstar satellite phone customer, I was concerned about using a device on their network, but in researching the issue I discovered that their completion rate for one way messaging is over 99% and that service degradation is not expected on the messaging network like it is on the voice network. The argument makes sense given the SPOT device must simply transmit one small packet as opposed to maintaining a voice quality connection. In addition, the technology is deployed in lots of freight tracking products so there is a strong commercial incentive to make sure it is reliable. Global coverage is available with the exception of portions of South Africa. A full coverage map is available on the company’s web site.
In our tests, the device worked exactly as specified. Upon receiving the device, it was easily registered and configured via the company’s website. It should be noted that there is a subscription fee for using the device of $100 a year. It is not clear whether you can still use the 911 feature if you don’t subscribe, but I can’t imagine them ignoring a life threatening emergency beacon because the user didn’t pay the fee, much like the cell phone companies can’t ignore a 911 call on a non-subscribed cellular phone.

The GPS has reasonable sensitivity when traveling in a vehicle, but it appeared that there were messaging delays to the SPOT network from inside the vehicle. Given the device is intended for use in open areas, it performed as expected when used outside in a static location. While we did not test the 911 feature, the OKAY and HELP worked as specified with email and SMS messages being sent to our specified contact list. The device can also be put in tracker mode, which will broadcast your location every 10 minutes for 24 hours.

The SPOT device should be a regular component of any outdoor enthusiasts kit or as a nice component to travelers that frequent areas where cell phone reception is not available. With a price point of $150.00, the cost of entry is not significant and the subscription can be viewed as a $100/year insurance policy. Well worth the cost if it keeps your family from worrying or should you ever need to deploy the device in a true emergency situation.