Recently, I saw a cardiologist three times and when they were making the next follow-up appointment, I was told this one would be with a nurse (Nurse Practitioner). At least they didn't hide anything. When I asked if the office call would be cheaper, they said no. I said not to bother. If the doctor didn't have time to see me, I'd find another one. I realize these people are under the supervision of a doctor, but I don't agree with the concept that is designed to make more money for the doctor through our ignorance. When I'm paying for a doctor, that's who I expect to see for the price my insurance, or I, is paying. What are your thoughts, and has this happened to you? I am a volunteer in a retiree walk-in center who helps retirees with insurance problems. Insurance contracts do not pay for a PA or NP (don't know about HMOs), but that is rarely the way it is billed. I could write a book!! [bobclick@mindspring.com]
"The 'CoolOne' is a water-resistant and contaminant proof keyboard. Its sealed and rigid surface is ideal for industrial and medical use, as well as other outdoor environments. It is a rigid keyboard with tactile feedback keys. It comes with a USB connector and an available PS/2 adapter. It is perfect for environments where there is a lot of dust (warehouses, outdoor use), where water or moisture is a problem (food processing plants, marine use), and where disinfecting is needed (hospital/medical and school use). It's also great for anyone who eats and drinks near his/her keyboard and has ever accidentally spilled something inside it. Check the specs further at [http://www.man-machine.com]."
They offered to send a sample product, and what a coincidence that the box was mutilated when it arrived. The box had been squashed and punched through, then repaired with plastic tape. The keyboard could also rattle around in the box. When I hooked it up, it worked just fine and I was impressed (I tried every character multiple times). On close examination, I don't see how anything, dust or liquid, could penetrate it's skin, it certainly is sealed. I plugged it into the USB port and Windows immediately installed drivers for it. It does need a slightly heavier touch, but I quickly got used to that. I do miss having legs on the back though.
The normal price is $179.00 (US funds) and my readers will get $20.00 discounted from that price when ordering from their Web site [http://store.yahoo.com/man-machine-store/], or by calling 301-341-4900. Also by e-mailing them at [sales@man-machine.com]. Shipping is approximately $8.00 in the USA. Use the coupon code "click" when ordering for your $20.00 discount. This offer expires April 30, 2003.
If you have a swimming pool you might consider putting one of these keyboards in the pool. That way a person could send you e-mail for help if they are drowning. It is supposed to work in water, right?
Then there is the MiniPro for smaller lenses. MiniPro is specially designed for digital and Advanced Photo System cameras, microscopes, pocket binoculars, and small eyepieces. The same LensPen cleaning system is employed in this great new product: a soft, natural brush to wipe away excess dirt, and a flexible cleaning tip with special cleaning compound.
These products are said to be safe to use on all lenses. Offers flexible cleaning tip, non-liquid cleaning compound that will not spill or dry out, reduces static built-up, prevents corrosion and fits easily into any pocket or bag. Check the product further at [http://www.lenspen.com]. The DealsGuy price on either the LensPen or MiniPro is $9.95 in US funds plus S&H, which will be about $6.00 in the USA. To order at that price, contact Leona Borsa at 1-877-608-0868 and mention the DealsGuy column, or use the magic words 'Bob Click' when ordering. This deal is good until April 30, 2003.
"The BigFix solution leverages the reach of the Internet and the power of modern computers to create a mass preventive maintenance system that enables mass identification and elimination of computer problems before they cause failures. The BigFix solution can automatically monitor and detect a problem, proactively alert users or administrators to the problem before a failure occurs, and fix it on one or more machines at once with the click of a mouse. Because the BigFix solution can find and cure thousands, even millions of computers at once, it changes the nature and economics of technical support as well as desktop management. Unlike other available approaches, the BigFix solution simplifies maintenance, reduces support costs, and increases user satisfaction by finding problems before, not after, users experience a failure."
To download this product, go to [http://www.bigfix.com]. Don gave me the URL for an in-depth write-up by Richard J. deJongh of Tulsa Computer Society. [http://tcs.org/ioport/nov02/bigfix.htm] I have not tried it so I have no experience with it.
That's it for this month. Meet me here again next month if your editor permits. This column is written to make user group members aware of special offers I have found or arranged, and my comments should not be interpreted to encourage, or discourage, the purchase of products, no matter how enthused I might sound. Bob (The Cheapskate) Click [Bobclick@mindspring.com]. Visit my Web site at [http://www.dealsguy.com] for past columns. Also, I keep adding interesting articles (taken from user group newsletters) to my "Articles of Interest" page for viewing or downloading.
For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here