It's Worth Noting

Tether your AT&T Blackberry Bold to a MacBook running Snow Leopard

I had to look through a number of forums to get this figured out and wanted to post the easy solution here.

 1. Copy the BlackBerry_3G_CID1 modem script to /library/modem scripts on your Mac
 2. on BB: Setup -> Setup Bluetooth -> ...
 3. on BB: set device name for pairing, click OK, then Listen, it will start waiting for connection
 4. on Mac: System Preferences -> Bluetooth -> Setup new device -> ...
 5. on Mac: choose your mobile phone name, click Continue
 6. on BB: enter passkey which will be on your Mac screen, click Enter
 7. on BB: choose Yes, and check off Do not ask again
 8. on Mac: Bluetooth Mobile Phone setup screen will ask for data
 9. on Mac: Vendor = Other
10. on Mac: Model = Blackberry 3G CID1
11. on Mac: Check off Enable error correction and compression in modem.  Leave other defaults.
15. on Mac: Username = wap@cingulargprs.com
16. on Mac: Password = CINGULAR1
17. on Mac: APN = wap.cingular
18. on Mac: Click Continue
19. on Mac: Click System Preferences ..>Network to connect your new Bluetooth DUN

A new Texas roadmap for must stop BBB joints & Cafes

I've always thought it would nice to have a map to reference when traveling across Texas to find the must stop BBQ joints and cafes.  I couldn't find one, so I've created it.  I'm just getting started, but I'll continue to update and am open to suggestions.  These spots are all worth a slight detour when you're traveling anywhere nearby.

http://www.itsworthnoting.com/blog/texas-roadtrip-bbq-cafe-map.html

Some tips & tricks for fellow road warriors

If you're like me and spend time on the road traveling for business or pleasure, you're happy to find anything that makes the experience a little easier. This is especially true if you need to stay connected and take your technology along for the ride. I enjoy reading suggestions from other travelers and hope this brief list proves useful for you.   

• Checkpoint friendly laptop bag: I like the Checkpoint Flyer from Tom Bihn, but most laptop bag manufacturers make similar models. These bags let you get through airport security by laying your bag flat on the x-ray belt instead of taking your laptop out. In addition to being quicker and less frustrating, you're less likely to forget your laptop on the belt. Just saw someone do that last week.
• Organized Itinerary: If you're still carrying a paper folder full of reservations and maps or trying to keep them in one folder on your laptop/phone, an app like Worldmate can be very helpful (free and paid versions). You forward reservation emails to Worldmate and the app compiles it all into a trip timeline that is accessible online or on your phone. It captures map locations, phone numbers, etc. and providers you with alerts, weather forecasts and other information you request. You can also manually add items like office locations, etc. so it's all in one place.
• Taking notes: If you need to take some notes on the road, I recommend Evernote (free and paid versions). Works online, via an app on your laptop or on your blackberry or iphone. Let's you sync and record text, image or audio notes. Evernote makes it really easy to rely on your phone for note taking on the road without fretting over how you'll organize or share it all when you get back to the office.
• Power Adapter: An all in one AC/car laptop and usb power adapter is essential. I only bring this one power adapter with me since everything besides my laptop can be charged with a usb cable. The car charging option has come in handy many times and is essential for being able to charge your phone/gps, etc. while in the car without having to bring other power adapters. I use a model from Targus.
• Cables: I carry a single retractable usb cable with necessary tips to let me connect/charge everything I bring with me (via the power adapter above). I also carry a retractable VGA cable so I can hook-up my laptop to a TV in the hotel room (to play DVD or streamed movies) or a projector. The retractable cables are lightweight and don't get tangled up in my bag.
• Speakers: I carry a mini amplified speaker, which charges via USB, to plug into my laptop or phone to play music or movie audio.
• USB powered light: This is helpful if your laptop doesn't have a built-in light or lighted keyboard. Also helpful if you travel with your spouse and want to read at night in those hotels rooms with limited light options.
• Preparing for failure: I carry a keychain USB with copies of presentations, etc. in case my laptop goes crazy. I recommend that you or your IT person setup your laptop with recovery options and that you carry a BartPE recovery CD for system recovery on the road (remember your slim CDROM/DVD if your laptop doesn't have one built-in).

Hope this list is helpful. If you have additional tips & tricks, please share by commenting on this post. Thanks