Let’s talk technology. Specifically, what technology ActionAid needs to procure for our next outreach blog.
What is the minimum tech package any decent blogger requires?
Well, obviously they’ll need a computer. In this case, a laptop with decent batter life will probably work best – allowing the blogger to travel around and post their blog from anywhere with a decent internet connection.
While we’re on the issue of internet connection, does the blogger need any sort of hardware to help them connect to the internet? Would a wireless modem be required? Or is relying on WiFi and using the ActionAid office internet connection sufficient?
Now, although a blog could theoretically be maintained with just an internet connection and a laptop – it would mean having a text-only blog, which might be bit dry. We’d probably want to add a bit of colour with pictures. But how best to take those pictures?
Many laptops come with in-built cameras that could be used to take photos – but that’s not going to be particularly practical if to take one happy snap you need to boot up the lappy. Is it?
So the TOTO tech package should probably include a portable camera. For web-images all a blogger would need is a relatively simple digital camera, yeah? Of course battery life would be important here as would be the ability to store lots of photos without having to download them to a computer all the time.
Should the camera also have video capability?
Speaking of video, how practical is video as an ongoing tool for the outreach blog to use? Is the time taken to edit video and upload it not worth it? Not to mention bandwidth! But video is such a compelling medium. How can it be made simple and effective? What software would they need?
So, is that it? A laptop and a digital camera with video capability?
But what laptop and digital camera would work best for durability, battery life and cost-effectiveness? Do we even get into the Mac v PC debate?
Suggestions anyone?
Tags: blogging, outreach blogger, project toto, technology, video blog
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I think any conversation involving video needs to include the Flip camera. Due to its simplicity, it’s quick to learn how to use, the video editing software is loaded onto the camera itself, straight to USB connection means no need to worry about losing cables. Not to mention Flips are relatively cheap.
In terms of computers, I’d say a netbook due to the portability factor and also because some of them have pretty impressive battery life these days.
Cheers,
Lauren.More from author
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I definitely agree with Lauren on the Flip camera – its very light-weight, small (easy to carry around) and very easy to edit the videos as well. It can also capture still. Otherwise, I think a decent digital camera can do the same job – video + still compatibility. Canon IXUS are very decent still + video camera, and using Windows Movie Maker or iVideo, which come free with a PC or Mac, its really easy to put together a video.
Decent internet connection is of course needed, and just personally, I would also get myself some back-up tools such as a thumbdrive, external HDD or DVDs with huge storage capacity.
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Do you know anything about laptops or netbooks? Then ActionAid needs your advice. Tell us what we need for TOTO: http://bit.ly/4S6d67
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
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I’d recommend a cheap Windows PC. Why Windows?
1. Way cheaper than a MAC – you’re a charity with limited funds to spend
2. It’s a lot easier to get support for Windows than Mac, simply because 9/10 people use WindowsRegarding cameras any small “cheap n cheerful” compact digital camera will provide good enough photo quality for a blog.
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I certainly think a blog should look interesting, and not just text-based, so photos and videos are handy. A flipcam will do the trick, and a relatively cheap digital camera. blog picture quality isn’t amazing, so it doesn’t need to be too flash.
In terms of global accessibility, PC may be easiest (few countries use Apple), but Apple Macs are far easier to connect to the web.More from author
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Too easy!
I’ve got an ideal setup I already use to blog my way around. Let me share:
An eeePC notebook with Windows XP is more than powerful enough and retails for less than $500. It is light, small, and has an extended battery life. It includes built-in webcam and microphone, but an additional headset with microphone is an excellent addition, as it allows for clear publishing of audio or video messages.
Leasing a wireless modem is great as it can then not only be used for Internet connections but can make the PC double as a phone using Skype. I managed to stay in constant phone communication across the US earlier this year this way without needing any seperate phone.
Having said that, the phone can also double as a camera. iPhones can come with video capabilities and this would be the one to get as parts/repairs/replacements should be available most places in the world.
The final piece of hardware I would suggest is an MP3 audio recording device. I use this for audio interviews and to dub better sound over video interviews. I use an Olympus, but anything capable of MP3 is good.
As to software: Camtasia can be used for 90% of audio and video publishing needs.
All of the hardware should be able to be leased rather than bought. I’d see the whole package as costing less than $1000 if sourced properly.
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Solar powered recharger and satellite phone or similar if going to remote locations. If locals have limited or no access to electricity it would be beneficial to show them how to stay connected through social media via creative means.
Also, consider sending spares of some things or at least be clear on how the blogger can get spares if needed – things get lost, stolen frequently while travelling. I would think a built in camera and microphone, plus a flip camera, plus headset and microphone, plus additional power pack might be helpful.
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I would suggest a digital camera such as the Olympus Tough or the Panasonic DMC-TS1 which are waterproof to a depth of 10m, have at least 10MP and also shockproof to a height of 5 metres. Even though they are more expensive than the average camera, they are more durable. They also have video recording capability and the Olympus comes with a microSD adaptor (most mobiles and USB modems use microSD). Also a memory card reader so that photos and video can be uploaded to laptop without using camera’s battery. I agree with ehon and would pack an external hard drive or other storage media. I would also suggest an extra battery.
These days you can get small laptops that are light and perform basic functions, such as the new Samsung mini notebook and most have video editing software already installed. I would also take a portable solar cell such as the Power Gorrilla so that you can charge laptops and mobiles while in remote areas. Satellite phones are essential as are GPS equipment when travelling in remote areas. Also quoting the GPS on the blog would be great as readers can see on google earth exactly where the blogger is.
Some areas may also need small satellite dish/es to set up VSAT connections to gain internet access. Wireless modems may be necessary depending on the model of the laptop and whether it has an in-built wireless modem. I would also take a digital voice recorder and agree with Father Dave in that the quality of recording on digital cameras is not always the best.
I would also budget for a good mobile phone that the blogger can use to send tweets while walking about. Most of the new mobile phones are designed to use facebook and twitter.
I think that’s about it?
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I’d agree with many of the comments on here already. I’m not the most tech savvy person, but I’ll give it a go anyway!
As Father Dave mentioned, the Asus Eee PC is a cheap, lightweight option. I have been using one on my travels through Southeast Asia and it’s been brilliant! Easy to carry around due to it’s weight, but not so small that you struggle to see the screen and the keyboard isn’t so small that it’s hard to type properly. The battery life seems pretty good also, and it doesn’t take long to charge. For someone such as myself who has never really been in to this technology stuff, it’s easy to use.
One thing I have found to be invaluable is extra memory cards and USB flash drives. It seems inevitable that something will get lost or stolen when you’re travelling and uploading pictures, videos etc to your computer as well as backing them up to a flash drive means that if something happens, you haven’t lost everything! I learnt this one the hard way…
I also agree a digital voice recorder would be handy as would a mobile phone that the blogger is able to tweet from.
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The comments already posted provide some excellent ideas as to the kinds of technology ActionAid Australia should purchase. I think to provide the best possible outcome for outreach bloggers, they need tools that allow them to remain mobile and as un-encumbered as possible.
I would think that something like a Flip Video would be a great tool to have as it allows a blogger to take high quality video and through an on board USB key, transfer video to a laptop to upload to the Internet. While it doesn’t take stills, the system allows stills be grabbed from the video, which are of a high enough quality for Internet purposes. However, the other camera suggestions are also quite good and should be considered.
I think the best type of laptop to acquire would have to be a netbook or something like the Asus Eee PC. I use an Asus Eee PC myself and have found it to be reliable and durable with excellent battery life. I’ve also found them to be pretty powerful if you’re not trying to do major edits to pictures or video. I’d also have to agree with others about getting extra memory cards and USB flash drives.
With respect to Internet access I do believe that a mobile phone (and subsequent package) should be considered that allows the phone to be tethered and used as a modem. Like others have said, a top of the range mobile phone can also act as a camera and video recorder.
Lots of good suggestions here so good luck make a decision about technology to purchase.
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You seem to have most bases covered here. I expect that the most critical issue for a blogger on the road for TOTO would be very limited access to infrastructure (of most kinds).
In that case I would think that a Netbook would be the way to go. You don’t need anything sophisticated for blog editing, and long battery life is a must. Some form of back-up power would be mandatory – either solar cells as mentioned, or any other (portable) charging device.
I agree that hi-res photography is not necessary. I think that my old 3.2 Mpx Nikon Coolpix is fine for online photos (eg htttp://twitpic.com/photos/kdelarue).
Video is a nice to have, but may not be mandatory. Travelling light is important, thus if you go that way, a Flip would be good. Again, you need to consider how much editing would be required, and whether the Netbook has the grunt to do it! Audio editing is a bit less demanding.
Net connectivity – at least once a day – is mandatory, and what may be missing from previous comments is one simple bit of pre-planning. You first need to research the infrastructure options available in the places you are going to travel! Mobile phone access of some type is probably the most versatile, but you have to have a phone equipped for the right network technology (GSM, CDMA, etc) *and* the right frequency (800/900/1800 MHz, etc)! WiFi modems are great, but only if WiFi is available – and again check which flavour of WiFi is available. Check coverage maps. Only consider sat phones if you can’t get access to other alternatives in enough of the right places, due to the expense involved. Also, be very clear on the cost options for any of the access technologies where you are going to be before you choose!
Are you also choosing blogging software? WordPress is my favourite.
I think that a most important step is to ensure that you allow time to test out *all* your technology for a few days. Preferably here before you go (if matching internet access infrastructure is available), or for a few days in a capital city in the destination country where more support may be available. You have got to know that everything works first time when you get there, so that you can focus on what you are actually there for!
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Do you guys have video-editing software? Final Cut Pro’s good for Macs, but I’m not sure what the PC equivalent is. Would be terrific for putting together cool clips and webisodes about Bangladesh, the peeps and the project. Final Cut Express’s pretty much the same as Pro, and way cheaper – 199US, I believe.
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Hi Joel. We do have some budget for software, but not a lot. The big question is whether the locals you train will have the time and skills to use the video editing software.
How long would it take to train someone to confidently use Final Cut Express…and how long would it take to edit, say, a 60 second clip?
I realise that may be asking how long a piece of string is… But do you have any idea? Or do others?
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Yep… Although Express isn’t too expensive, it’s not so easy to learn. Also, it’s Mac-compatible, so that’s probably no good. Thinking more for posting videos on the Outreach blogger site to accompany blogs. If the cameras are video-capable, edited clips might jazz up the site, attract more traffic and, most importantly, bring Project Toto in Bangladesh to life through video. 60 sec clips actually take quite some to edit, if you want something that looks good.
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