By the way, I'm about to start up a new series of occasional tech reports here at the CCLaP website, specifically as the technology in question relates to the arts; the first is coming later this week, in fact, a video report on how to hook your computer up to an HDTV, and what this means for all you video-based podcasters out there. In the meanwhile, though, I also recently heard from one of those annoying "word-of-mouth marketing" agencies, who made me an offer I couldn't refuse: they shipped me a Nokia N95 "smartphone" to use however I want for the next two weeks (albeit in "offline" mode), in return for me writing a report about my experience here at the CCLaP site. (At the end of two weeks, then, I simply ship the N95 back to them; I am ultimately not receiving anything out of this deal, other than the chance to play with an expensive toy for a couple of weeks.)

It's so far mostly been a frustrating experience, to tell you the truth -- the Windows-friendly device doesn't play well with my Mac at all, won't play any of my videos or songs (one of the biggest features advertised about the N95), and I also haven't been around a WiFi signal yet since getting it, meaning that I haven't gotten to try any of its corporate-synergy online "Listen To Thirty Seconds of Teenage Hip-Hop Crap!" nonsense either. I'll say this, though, that it has a much better camera than I was expecting, five megapixels in resolution and with professional-level settings built right in. I've been snapping so many images with it, in fact, that I decided to start a new photoset over at my Flickr account, and update it every 24 hours throughout the test period; just thought I'd mention it here as well, for those who would like to follow along.

Anyway, like I said, my full report will be coming later in July, and the HDTV report coming later this week; I hope you like this new series, and of course you should feel free to drop me a line if you too are one of those annoying word-of-mouth marketing types*.

*DISCLOSURE: As part of my occasional freelance work during the day, I too am one of those annoying word-of-mouth marketing types, so don't actually mean anything cruel by calling my fellow WOMers annoying little freaks. I kid because I love, people.