JabRef – a free and powerful citation manager

JabRef is clean and powerful bibtex manager that works well with LaTeX writing. There are even some guide on how to use it with Word 2003 or Word 2007 and dedicated softwares for Windows.

One of the best features is that it can do a fetch Medline (function F5) when connected to the internet. You just need to enter the PubMed ID and it automagically extracts and stores the data in the bibtex format. All you have to do then is to give it a key.

And best of all, it is free as in beer (i.e. zero cost) and free as in speech (i.e. open source).

Review of IBM Lenovo X41 tablet PC

I been using my tablet PC laptop – IBM Lenovo X41 – for a couple of months now and though I should write a review on it. I believe the X61 sports a similar design except with a faster dual core processor.

PROS:

• Weighing around 1.6kg, it is classified as an ultraportable and it certainly feels that way.
• The ink and pen experience is fantastic. I am not too worried about scratching the screen now.
• Good build design and solid feel. The swivel hinge is solid even when using it on a moving vehicle. The extra girth is good for gripping in tablet mode.
• Full sized keyboard and very responsive.
• Built-in utilities software for backing up, restoring etc. I haven’t used it much but many do compliment IBM on this.
• (minor) Does not run too hot which is nice especially when using it in tablet mode.
• (minor) The microphone is of a decent quality and works well (except in tablet mode where the lid covers the mic)

CONS:

• No mousepad! Why? Can anyone explain to me why IBM / Lenovo abandoned the track pad in favour of only the track point (aka the “nipple”), and thus alienating a large number of laptop users?
• When the laptop is under heavy use, the cursor randomly jumps about.
• The speakers are placed at the bottom of the laptop. Solution: place the laptop on top of a book or something hard, so that the sound is projected better.
• No integrated webcam. OK, I can understand my refurbished X41 was released in 2005 when integrated webcam were not standard. However, Lenovo could have upgraded this feature in the X61 which was released in 2007.
• No in-built optical CD or DVD drive. Not a big deal if you are willing to work from the USB or network drives.
• Hard disk clicking problem – this is a well known issue with the X series.
• (minor) The keyboard layout is such that the bottom left most key is function (FN) key instead of Control (CTRL) key and there is no Windows key. Solution: There are softwares to remap the keyboard.

Verdict: If Lenovo integrates a track pad (with or without the track point), a webcam, improves the keyboard layout deficiences and perhaps an integrated DVD burner in the next version of their tablet PC, then I will be placing an order when it comes out.