Introduction
 Hi. I hope you like our new newsletter. The idea is to keep you informed of what's interesting in the world of technology each month, highlight what's exciting - such as Apple's new iPods - give you news about what we're up to - giving away free myFNG time at the moment! - as well as tips and tidbits. A techno commonplace book, if you like. Let us know what you think!
Techno Tidbits
Francis Ford Coppola didn't back up properly
 Francis Ford Coppola, the oft-great film director (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now), has lost 15 years of work because he didn't follow good backup practice. As recently reported, he did back everything up to an external hard drive - good - but did not have a copy offsite - bad.
How many times do I have to tell him: use our online backup service so when crims swipe all your gear, they won't get your data too.
Don't be an (albeit five-time Oscar-winning) doofus: get in touch today to make sure you don't lose all your film scripts - and photos, contacts and emails.
Gadget News
The iPhone is nearly here. Should you hold your breath?
 Apple has - finally - announced the UK iPhone. It will be released in November, will cost £269 and you'll have to sign up to O2 for at least 18 months.
Is it worth it? I'd say probably not: although the touchscreen and the interface are impressive, as a phone it has rather antiquated specs, particularly in the area of web surfing, which is likely to be slower than most phones on the market. And texters might find the touchscreen keypad less responsive than normal keys.
If you want a powerful phone, I'm currently recommending the Nokia N95: it has built-in sat-nav, WiFi and 5 megapixel camera. Business customers will love the Blackberry-like ability to synchronise with their email servers live over the air. Ask for a demo.
What you really need is an iPod Touch
 Apple has also freshened its line of iPods, including the addition of the new iPod Touch. This is pretty much an iPhone without the phone. So you get a nice big, touch-sensitive screen, built-in WiFi and the ability to browse the web or buy songs straight from iTunes, no PC required, in an 8mm sliver of glorious technocool. We've got one. Again, ask us for a demo.
Halo 3 keeping me awake
 The third installment of the epic Halo series (for the Xbox 360) launched recently. It's been three years since Halo 2 and this version is exquisite, particularly the online gaming. If you need a reason to buy an Xbox, this is it. Come over and have a go. If you're 'ard enough.
Photography news
Canon EOS 40D now in
 Canon has launched its new semi-pro digital SLR, the 40D: 8-megapixel resolution, 6 frames per second and Live View, a new feature on high-end SLRs. But it has all the features of Canon's mid- and high-end range, such as spot metering, as well as some new features found only in a couple of the most expensive range, such as the new DIGIC III processor. If you're starting to get serious about your photography, this is the camera to get.
Oh, and look: we have one of those knocking about, too!
To make great prints, I've also ordered an Epson R800. I'll let you know how I get on.
Referrals: get free myFNG time
Our new referral scheme
Most of our new clients come through thanks to you: you tell someone about us, they give us a go and - bingo! - another happy customer. But we feel we should thank you.
So, from now on, just tell the people to whom you recommend us to mention your name and not only will they get a free half-hour consultation from us the first time we visit, but you'll get a half hour of geek-filled fun too. That's £37.50 worth.
You can use it however you want: online support, on-site support or ask us for a voucher to give to someone as a present they can use in addition to that first free half hour.
Just a little thank you from us. |
If you visit one weird web site this month, make it this one: