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Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple!

webmaster@cadco.com — 2011-08-24T15:52:08-07:00

Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple but will remain as Chairman of the Board. Details from the Wall Street Journal available here:

WSJ Article

When Rock Stars Lose Data - DriveSavers Comes to the Rescue

webmaster@cadco.com — 2011-06-02T17:18:30-07:00

When Rock Stars Lose Data - DriveSavers Comes to the Rescue

Metallica -- One of the world's best-known heavy metal bands has joined the ranks of DriveSavers Hall of Fame. Over the years, Metallica has counted on DriveSavers to recover everything from lost live recordings to personal data belonging to members of the band.

Recently, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett (who ranked 11th on Rolling Stone's list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time) lost access to his laptop's hard drive, which contained irreplaceable photos from his travels around the world. Attempts to recover the data using software utilities failed.

Fortunately, Kirk's assistant knew just where to send the drive. When it was opened in DriveSavers cleanroom, our engineers discovered media damage on the platter. In addition, a more serious issue was reveled -- firmware corruption.

Most modern hard drives store various drive parameters (firmware) on a rewritable chip attached to the printed circuit board. When the firmware becomes corrupt, the drive cannot function. DriveSavers technicians addressed the firmware using special equipment and customized software to essentially rewrite the corrupt programming code. Without special tools and years of data recovery experience, it would have been impossible to recover the data.

Kirk was very pleased to receive his lost data and to show his gratitude, he sent us a photo and a drumhead, both signed by the entire band. Metallica agrees -- DriveSavers Rocks!

DriveSavers Offers Aid to Japan

webmaster@cadco.com — 2011-05-02T23:29:31-07:00

DriveSavers Offers Aid to Japan

Since opening its doors in 1985, DriveSavers has routinely provided data recovery support to victims of floods, fires and other disasters. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the company is once again coming to the aid of those who have lost valuable and personal digital data, by offering their data recovery services to the citizens of the Tohoku region -- the area hardest hit by the disaster.

PC Kids, the leading IT solutions provider in Tokyo, has shipped a number of drenched laptops and mud-caked hard drives to DriveSavers for data recovery. President and CEO Tetsuo Hiraoka of PC KIDS CO., LTD stated, "We are honored to partner with DriveSavers to help the Japanese people salvage any data from hard drives that were destroyed in the tsunami disaster."

Scott Gaidano, president of DriveSavers, said "Residents of the devastated area may not be thinking about the loss of their data in the midst of all the other tragic losses. But, at some point, hard drives will be found. We want to help the people of Tohoku retrieve any irreplaceable data that may exist. If we can reconnect earthquake and tsunami victims with their digital photos, critical financial records, address books, passwords, personal files and other important data from their damaged hard drives, it will make all our efforts worthwhile."

Axis Communications Channel Partner

webmaster@cadco.com — 2011-03-31T12:04:26-07:00

Cadco Systems is proud to announce that we are now an authorized channel partner, reseller, and system integrator for Axis Communications. Axis is the world’s leading expert in network video. Axis is known for its print servers and today one of the leading manufacturers of network cameras. According to its annual report 2007, it has sold over 1,000,000 network cameras, thus claiming to be the world leader in that market, and also ranking third in the world in the security cameras category, which includes analog as well as network cameras.

Axis has manufactured network cameras since 1996, having sold more than 1,000,000 since that time. Their first model, the Axis 200, boasted a web interface as its main attraction, which has been built into Axis's whole range of cameras ever since. Today the company's portfolio of network cameras consist of models for indoor and outdoor surveillance, megapixel and HDTV network cameras, and the latest being thermal network cameras. Axis continue to lead the market in their range of network cameras, which they claim is increasing by 40% annually.

In September 2008, Axis Communications along with Sony Corp. and Bosch Security Systems announced that they will cooperate to create a global open forum for the development of a standard network interface for network video products. The forum is introduced as ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum).

Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Technology

webmaster@cadco.com — 2011-02-17T01:07:13-08:00

This week we received the latest 4G LTE broadband device from Verizon Wireless, the Pantech UML290. Simply put, amazing! We have been testing this device on an Apple MacBook Pro laptop and have been achieving speeds both up and down between 12mbps and 15mbps. Our previous Verizon 3G device was the USB720 and were only getting about 1.5mbps tops. The 4G LTE service can easily reach 10 times the speeds of 3G. The Pantech 4G device can also run at 3G speeds if 4G is not available at the time and automatically switches over. It can also switch down to 2G (1xRTT) speeds as well. The device has two external antenna connections, one for each service (3G/4G) to improve the signal strength. Verizon has many cities up and running at 4G speeds so check to see if you are lucky enough to take advantage of it.

DriveSavers -- Ready for iPhone 4

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-07-05T13:02:10-07:00

DriveSavers has announced that data recovery services are now available for Apple's iPhone 4 and its iOS operating system. As the first company to successfully perform iPhone data recoveries, DriveSavers offers the most technologically advanced data recovery service to iPhone users.

All iPhones use Flash-based memory technology, which requires less power, runs silently and are more resistant to shock than common hard drives. However, Flash-based memory can be compromised by user error, mismanagement and software or hardware failure. Videos, digital photos, address book contacts, calendar entries, notes and music are all vulnerable if the iPhone hasn't been synchronized with a desktop or laptop computer.

DriveSavers has successfully completed more recoveries on Flash memory-based, solid-state devices than any other data recovery company. With over 25 years of experience recovering data for Apple products, DriveSavers Data Recovery engineers are able to retrieve data from iPads, iPhones and iPods that have suffered common as well as catastrophic data loss.

"Apple consistently innovates how consumers interact with technology and the iPhone 4 is no exception," said Scott Gaidano, president of DriveSavers. "Since the launch of the first iPhone, users have grown to depend on these smartphones daily - storing precious videos, photos, and contact information. Our 25 years of experience recovering data from Apple products have positioned us as the logical choice for expert data recovery."

Security, Encryption and Data Recovery

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-06-02T21:27:10-07:00

Encrypted data storage devices are becoming more and more popular as a method of protecting sensitive data. Many businesses, government agencies and individuals are frequent users of encryption technology and some states now mandate the use of encryption software; imposing fines if proper security procedures are not followed.

Recovering encrypted data is a challenge, but DriveSavers has been extremely proactive, forming partnerships with all leading encryption software vendors. Over the last several years, our engineers have been trained and certified by government-approved encryption vendors to recover files and disk-level encrypted data safely and successfully.

Many of the methods we use for recovering encrypted data are similar to those we use daily. For example, hard drives with media damage must still be brought into a ISO-certified cleanroom environment to address mechanical issues. Once cleanroom procedures are completed, a file system engineer addresses the logical structure of the drive, looking for any missing data while decrypting the files.

Sometimes data is so sensitive, DriveSavers is only allowed to ship a fully encrypted disk image to the customer. This minimizes the risk of a data breach during transit, allowing the customer to decrypt and verify the recovered data in their own protected environment.

Give Crashed Hard Drives a Break

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-06-01T21:24:57-07:00

Over the last few months, DriveSavers engineers have a noticed a steady increase in the number of hard drives received at our facility that have severe media damage, making them unrecoverable. While it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of media damage, experience tells us recovery attempts on these drives may have been made using utility software, or perhaps the drive was left running and a minor head slap became major media damage.

In many cases, the customer's data had been scraped from the hard drive's platters, turning it into magnetic dust. While it's a fact that DriveSavers has the highest data recovery success rate, even we have our limits!

As we are fond of saying, "The first data recovery attempt is the best." Sometimes, it's the only chance we get if the drive develops media damage during the data recovery process. To minimize the risk of making a bad situation worse, if your customer's data is valuable or irreplaceable, do not run software utilities.

If for some reason you must attempt a data recovery, follow these important guidelines to avoid permanent data loss:

If a hard drive makes any repetitive clicking or grinding, do not attempt a data recovery. The drive may have media damage. Operating the drive in this state will make the situation worse.
If you connect the hard drive to a computer and it is not recognized in the setup, stop the process. The drive may have a damaged circuit board and should not be swapped with an identical model, as it could remove the bad sector table.
Avoid utility software that makes changes to the drive's firmware or bad sector table. This can permanently corrupt the data.
Avoid home remedies such as placing a hard drive in a freezer. This will create condensation buildup inside the drive mechanism creating further problems.

DriveSavers Data Recovery is Ready for Apple iPad

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-05-03T21:23:16-07:00

With more than 25 years of Apple data recovery experience, DriveSavers is a trusted leader in recovering data for Apple products.

DriveSavers, the worldwide leader in data recovery services, is keeping pace with the evolving digital media arena by offering iPad data recovery services for Apple iPad. DriveSavers Data Recovery Advisors are available 24/7 to help users recover files from an iPad, should data loss occur.

DriveSavers was the first company to successfully perform iPhone data recovery after it was introduced to the market. Similar to the iPhone, the iPad uses Flash-based memory technology, which uses less power, runs silently and is more resistant to shock than common hard drives. However, Flash-based technology can be compromised by user error, mismanagement and software or hardware failure. DriveSavers has successfully completed more recoveries on Flash memory-based solid-state devices than any other data recovery company.

With the power and simplicity of the iPad, users are able to store digital photos, videos, games, e-books, address book contacts, calendar entries, notes and music. One of the biggest concerns for iPad users is losing data before it has been synchronized. DriveSavers data recovery engineers have extensive experience performing data retrieval on Flash-based solid-state devices that have suffered common and catastrophic data loss and recover iPad, iPhone and iPod data that others might deem lost forever.

"We have been recovering data for Apple users for more than 25 years and we are constantly evolving with the company's innovative technologies," said Scott Gaidano, president of DriveSavers Data Recovery. "We've seen the magic that Apple creates in its products, and the iPad is no exception. Because we are so familiar with Apple products, we are capable of recovering data from their devices quickly and relatively easily."

DriveSavers is the only data recovery company in the world that is SAS 70 Type II compliant, the Corporate Industry's standard for an overall control structure. Every iPad data recovery process adheres to stringent data security protocols and is conducted in the safest data recovery environment available. High Security Service is also available for customers who require extra precautions.

DriveSavers iPad data recovery services are now available to consumers worldwide. To learn more about DriveSavers and their iPad data recovery services, please visit our website or call 800.440.1904.

Checklist for Security of Data Recovery Service Providers

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-03-01T21:21:19-08:00

DriveSavers announced today that an independent study by the Ponemon Institute, a privacy and information management research firm, has unveiled a Data Security Checklist for vetting third-party data recovery service providers. The study, "Security of Data Recovery Operations," conducted among IT security and IT support practitioners, is the first national study published on the security of data recovery operations for businesses and government organizations. DriveSavers is the only data recovery company worldwide that meets all the security requirements on the checklist.

Paul Reymann, CEO of Reymann Group and one of the nation's foremost experts in regulatory compliance and information risk management comments, "The lack of information security protocols and practices in the vetting, selecting and use of data recovery service providers is not a potential problem-it's a real problem! The checklist is a prudent solution to help ensure data recovery vendors protect sensitive data during the data recovery process."

For companies that already have a strong vendor risk management program, mandated vendor management practices apply to all stages of the information life-cycle. CompuCom Systems, Inc., the leading IT outsourcing specialist, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have extremely stringent security protocol and auditing processes for their third-party vendors. DriveSavers Data Recovery has experienced firsthand and passed the stringent security protocols of CompuCom and LLNL which include each of the requirements listed in the Data Security Checklist below.

"Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's data security standards are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) recommendations. We strive to ensure that our mission critical data handled by third party vendors is protected at a level equivalent to the standards we hold for ourselves," said Neda Gray, CISSP, Information Systems Security Officer for Operations and Business at LLNL. "We periodically require an exhaustive security assessment of our third party vendors."

"Data security standards are set high by CompuCom to ensure that our customer's data is never vulnerable," said Dave Borgese, vice president at CompuCom Systems. "We require an exhaustive security assessment of all our third-party vendors. DriveSavers is SAS 70 Type II compliant and is guarded by a 'defense-in-depth' network architecture which provides the level of data security we promise to our customers."

Not all companies have this level of security protocols in place for working with third-party vendors. The Ponemon Institute's study confirms that there is a major gap in security protocols when selecting data recovery service providers.

Here is the recommended checklist that should be used for vetting third-party data recovery service providers. Data recovery service providers should follow these protocols:

Proof of internal information technology controls and data security safeguards, such as compliance with SAS 70 Audit Reports
Engineers trained and certified in all leading encryption software products and platforms
Proof of chain-of-custody documentation and certified secure network
Vetting and background checks of its employees
Secure and permanent data destruction when required
Use of encryption for data files in transit
Proof of Certified ISO 5 (Class 100) cleanroom

Forbes Magazine: Beware Who Fixes That Broken Laptop

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-02-01T21:18:09-08:00

A recent article in Forbes Magazine shares some of the results of a Ponemon Institute study done on data privacy breaches that occurred when storage devices are in the possession of third-party data recovery and repair firms.

According to Forbes: The Ponemon study surveyed 636 information technology professionals who had used data-recovery services or had knowledge of them. Of the 83% of respondents whose organizations had at some point lost their customers' sensitive data, 19% said they had experienced a data breach when they hired a third-party data-recovery firm.

Larry Ponemon, author of the study is quoted saying, "Companies are trusting their data to third parties without a lot of vetting. These are people who could be incompetent or even criminal. The risk is very real."

As the worldwide leader in data recovery, DriveSavers has taken extraordinary measures to protect customer data by investing in a state-of-the art network, security audit reports conducted by independent agencies, and annual visits and assessments by the U.S. Department of Defense. Only DriveSavers provides the following security enhancements to customers.

SAS 70 Type II Certification
DriveSavers is the only data recovery company in the world that is SAS 70 Type II compliant, the Corporate Industry's standard for an overall control structure. Unlike Type I, Type II certification verifies that our data hosting control objectives and control activities are in place, suitably designed, enforced and operating effectively to achieve all desired security control objectives.

Certified Cisco® Self-Defending Network
At the heart of our certified secure data recovery environment is a Cisco® Self-Defending Network, protected by a "defense-in-depth" architecture that includes firewalls, intrusion protection systems, managed security services and 24/7 real-time monitoring. Verified in SAS 70 Level II security audit testing to be "a formidable defense" for the information and data that it hosts, the network meets stringent security requirements and audits mandated by corporate clients and government agencies

Every aspect of our facility and network is secure enough to protect personal and confidential data from security breach during the data recovery process. In addition to providing the highest level of preventative data security in the data recovery industry today, DriveSavers offers a High Security Service that adheres to US Government protocols and a Forensics Service that supports law enforcement agencies and other legal entities in the United States and abroad. DriveSavers is also compliant with HIPAA, SOX, GLBA and DAR data security protocols.

To see proof of our certifications, click here: www.drivesavers.com/proof.

The read the entire Forbes article, click here:
http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/05/data-recovery-privacy-technology-cio-network-breaches.html

TechTips: Handling Flooded, Water-Soaked Drives

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-02-01T21:13:34-08:00

For as long as DriveSavers has been in business, we've always been sent hard drives that have suffered severe water damage. Some of our most spectacular saves include three hard drives that were intentionally thrown into a lake in an attempt to destroy evidence; countless drives from Hurricane Katrina; the 1997 Grand Forks, ND Floods (covered by CNN); a Mac PowerBook that sank (along with a cruise ship) in the Amazon River. (It's now featured in our Museum of Bizarre Disk-asters.)

Wet weather has soaked many areas this season, and we felt it was time to republish these tips to maximize the chances for the successful recovery of water damaged hard drives:

* Never attempt to dry out and use wet computer equipment
* Don't try recovering the data using utility software
* Keep the hard drive and/or media wet by placing it in a Ziploc bag
* Send wet drives for recovery immediately to DriveSavers

Storage Devices and Cold Weather

webmaster@cadco.com — 2010-01-04T21:11:30-08:00

Cold weather can wreak havoc on temperature-sensitive hard drives used in computers, game consoles, MP3 players and video recorders. Condensation buildup on the drive platters and frozen components can lead to drive failure and data loss.

As a precaution, DriveSavers recommends the following cold weather tips:

Don't keep hard drive-based electronic devices in cars where temperatures can drop radically at night.

When your hard drive-based device is exposed to extremely cold temperatures (below 30 degrees), allow them time to warm to room temperature before operating them.

As an added precaution, always use surge protectors or battery backup systems to protect your new electronic devices. This will prevent damage from power spikes or surges, common during the winter months.

Avoiding Holiday Disk-asters

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-12-01T21:01:02-08:00

The holidays have always been a time to get together with friends and family to share great food and trade gifts. Of course, these moments need to be captured for posterity and the most frequent way to do it is with a digital camera. But, for all the conveniences digital cameras possess, the fragility of their memory cards is one drawback that can be extremely inconvenient.

Consider the fate of the 512MB memory card pictured here. After filling the card with shots of family and friends, the owner reloaded the camera with an empty card and continued photographing various events. Only later did he discover that the family dog had located the card and decided to give it a taste. One thing led to another and the memory card ended up in fragments - leaving one happy dog and one angry owner.

The owner sent the broken memory card to a data recovery company he'd found on the Internet. But, once they received it and discovered they couldn't recover it, they recommended DriveSavers. That turned out to be good advice as every single image on the card was recovered.

This holiday season protect your digital memories by following these simple tips:
• Backup or transfer images from the camera's Flash memory onto CDs, DVDs or an external hard drive after each use.
• Do not delete images or reformat the memory card while it is still in the camera. Wait until all photos have been transferred and verified.
• Remove the Flash memory or card reader from the camera carefully. Follow instructions to avoid deleting or corrupting photo images.
• Protect your Flash memory card from static buildup or breakage by using a sturdy container when carrying them around.
• Replace your Flash memory card over time. After an average of 1,000 uses, they can begin to wear out.

Windows 7 Data Recovery Prevention Tips

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-10-13T20:55:53-07:00

Windows 7 Data Recovery Prevention Tips

After running a successful beta-testing campaign over the last few months, Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system is set to launch this October. As always, data-safety during system software upgrades translates to proper preparation and current backups. No one wants to go through the upgrade blues. DriveSavers advises you follow these tips to prevent potential data loss during the Windows 7 upgrade.

Always perform a full backup of your critical data before starting a system software installation. For the best results, create a disk image of the hard drive in its entirety by using software such as Symantec's Norton Ghost. Having an image copy of the drive will protect you in case something goes wrong during the upgrade. For example, your PC could sustain a power loss or your hard drive may have bad sectors (areas of the hard disk that have been demagnetized over time).

If you've already backed up your hard drive or created an image copy, you should do a simple check to verify that the critical data has indeed been copied. Check your backup target and if possible, open a few files. This precaution will ensure that: a) nothing interrupted the backup or cloning process and b) the target media is readable and experienced no errors.

Once you've installed Windows 7, you must be sure to upgrade your antivirus software as well. Beyond that, you should also install any updates or patches to the operating system and your antivirus software.

Lastly, since you've completed a full backup of your drive and verified all the files, now is a great time to implement a regular backup strategy if you don't already have one. (We believe this tip works for both you and your customers.)

RunCore SSD Reseller and Integrator

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-09-04T18:13:46-07:00

Cadco Systems is proud to announce that we are now an authorized reseller and system integrator for RunCore SSD. RunCore, based in the Changsha Hunan province of China, is a global leader in the research, development, production, and distribution of high-end solid-state storage products. RunCore SSD is founded on 10 years of research at the National University of Defense Technology and currently offers three solid-state storage series products aimed at optimizing and harnessing speed, quality, value, simplicity and power for prosumer, industrial and military solid-state drive markets. These products are electronic solid-state hard disk, E-drive speed disk, and the run-storage solid-state storage arrays which are used in military equipment, industrial control, commercial servers, embedded computers, and personal computers.

All of their solid state drive product lines are manufactured by a talented team of engineers passionate about bringing innovation to prosumers, industrial and military customers. If you are interested in upgrading your existing hard drive technology and moving into the SSD market for improved speed and durability, please give us a call.

iPhone Data Recovery-The Next Generation

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-07-01T20:27:45-07:00

iPhone Data Recovery-The Next Generation

It would be hard to believe that every technology fan on the planet hadn't already heard the news, that Apple Computer introduced its new 3GS series of iPhones last month. Here at DriveSavers, we're celebrating the introduction of Apple's new iPhones and reflecting on our past successes.

As many of our partners are aware, DriveSavers was the first company to recover iPhone data, and the jobs we've received have been challenging to say the least. Nearly every iPhone we've worked on suffered some kind of physical damage. Some ended up being waterlogged when they were dropped in lakes, ponds and toilets. Others met their fate as they literally "hit the pavement".

To date, our most spectacular save was the iPhone that was intentionally dropped 26 stories down a garbage chute in a New York City apartment building, by an angry wife. With the odds stacked against us, we completed a full recovery of the critical data - in this case, they were photos needed by the disgruntled woman's spouse.

Today, DriveSavers is celebrating its continued success recovering data using a myriad of new techniques we've developed along the way, streamlining the process with increased capabilities, recovering not only the most common kinds of important data: photos, notes and contacts, but even deleted text messages!

Mike Cobb, Director of Mac and UNIX Engineering summed things up, "When it comes to iPhone data recovery, our capabilities are unmatched."

Security-SAS 70 Type II Report Card

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-07-01T20:26:47-07:00

Security-SAS 70 Type II Report Card

Last July, DriveSavers successfully completed its first SAS 70 Type II audit. SAS 70 is a Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) for service organizations. It demonstrates that a firm has proper controls and processes in place to protect data belonging to customers. The SAS 70 Type II audit is the definitive standard preferred by businesses who are required to comply with section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act.

The auditing process is conducted by control-oriented professionals who have experience in accounting, auditing and information security. DriveSavers is proud to announce that it passed this year's audit and were once again found to be in compliance with security protocols.

Because data security and privacy have always been paramount at DriveSavers, completion of the SAS 70 audit provides additional peace of mind to our customers and enhances the quality of exemplary service they value. Click here to read more about our SAS 70 certification.

TechTalk-What Makes a Cleanroom Clean?

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-07-01T20:23:21-07:00

TechTalk-What Makes a Cleanroom Clean?

You've heard the term "cleanroom" used by DriveSavers, so you probably have a pretty good idea
of what one is. But, do you know what makes a cleanroom clean?

A cleanroom is a static-controlled, dust-free environment where engineers wear special suits, masks and gloves to avoid contamination by airborne particles, chemical vapors and more. They are typically used in manufacturing and scientific research.

Air inside a cleanroom is circulated through industrial grade HEPA filters built into the walls or workbenches. The air is constantly recirculated and re-filtered to reduce contaminants, which are measured using a highly sophisticated particle counter.

The International Standards Organization (ISO) created rigid standards for cleanroom cleanliness. Cleanroom particles are noted in microns - millionths of a meter. The ISO 5 (formerly Class 100) cleanroom standard allows for up to 100,000 particles measuring just 0.1 microns in size per cubic meter of air.

Last year DriveSavers unveiled its $2 million cleanroom, used to prevent the contamination of hard drives by airborne debris when they are opened for data recovery. With over 2,000 square feet of working area, the ultra-modern cleanroom environment features an ISO 5 cleanroom and three separate mixed flow "Clean Zones". Each static-free zone is dedicated to a specific data recovery task.

DriveSavers is the only data recovery company in the world with an ISO 5 cleanroom that has been audited and certified to meet ISO 14664-1 standards. Click here to see photos of our cleanroom and read more about our certifications.

Data Robotics Announced the New DroboPro

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-04-08T00:20:23-07:00

Data Robotics Inc. today announced the new Enterprise version of their fantastic Drobo RAID enclosure called the DroboPro. "Introducing DroboPro, the first business class storage array that manages itself. Engineered to be both simple and scalable, the revolutionary BeyondRAID™ technology incorporated into DroboPro frees businesses of making the difficult and confining choices commonly associated with storage management. Why trade simplicity for safety, or stability for expandability? DroboPro delivers both enterprise-level data safety and unprecedented expandability, featuring single and dual disk redundancy combined with instant capacity expansion. Once you experience DroboPro, you just might forget the differences between all eleven traditional RAID levels. If you do, don’t panic. You’re experiencing the peace of mind that comes with every Drobo® product."

For the complete overview and specs on the new DroboPro, follow this link.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #037 (Audi R8)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2009-01-04T00:40:37-08:00

Episode #037, 2009 Audi R8

Mr. White's lucky streak continues unabated as he gets into an Audi R8. Unaccustomed as he is to such exotica, he proclaims the design superior to the F430, though Mr. Black and Mr. Blonde disagree. Discussion covers the engine, the lack of torque-vectoring, the fine exterior design and how it's the best quote yet of the Auto Union GP cars of the Thirties, the Italo-Aryan interior dimensions, and the semi-auto gearbox that sure ain't no DSG.

Duration: 54:12
Size: 60.95 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode037.m4a

Duration: 54:12
Size: 74.47 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode037.mp3

Open Road Podcast: Episode #036 (Nissan GT-R)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-12-04T23:22:58-08:00

Episode #036, 2009 Nissan GT-R

When Mr. White gets a lucky run, he sure makes the most of it. In this segment, the boys discuss Mr. White's time in a Nissan GT-R. Torque-vectoring, AWD, cast aluminum structural components, just how many tens of thousands of dollars Nissan is eating on each GT-R sold, and the need to race this box at Le Mans.

Duration: 50:40
Size: 41.20 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode036.m4a

Duration: 50:40
Size: 46.42 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode036.mp3

Open Road Podcast: Episode #035 (Saleen)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-11-20T09:14:40-08:00

Episode #035, Saleen

Mr. Blue, AKA Mr. Detroit, wanted to talk about Saleen, Hyde Park, and American Sunroof Corporation, ASC. ASC now owns the state-of-the-art niche assembly plant where the Ford GT was built. The boys discuss the potential for Saleen’s new S7 successor, which will sell for a lot less money. Mr. Black holds court about who actually developed the S7—it was an old friend of his. Also another foray into the distant past covering relations with Panoz Automotive development and how that planted so many ideas in the minds of Deeeeeeetroit engineers. Mr. Blue makes his point about Kenny Brown. And we all wish Steve Saleen the very best of luck in his new ventures, modifying various Detroit pony cars.

Duration: 40:00
Size: 37.70 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode035.m4a

Duration: 40:00
Size: 36.66 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode035.mp3

Nikon Unveils a Digital Masterpiece: The D3x DSLR

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-12-01T09:11:44-08:00

NIKON UNVEILS A DIGITAL MASTERPIECE: THE D3X DIGITAL SLR

With Extreme 24.5-Megapixel Resolution, Processed Image Files Exceeding 138 MB, Five Frame-per-Second Burst Speed and Nikon Core Technologies, the D3X Ushers in a New Level of Image Quality

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

“In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon’s world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.”

Image Quality Takes Center Stage
To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed
In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model’s expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X’s speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEED™ Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What’s more, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate color and fine details. Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject’s eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.

Synchronizing Both Form and Function
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera’s body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.**

* Based on CIPA Standards
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Cadco Systems Becomes HotSpotVPN Affiliate

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-10-28T00:25:05-07:00

Cadco Systems has setup an affiliate partnership with HotSpotVPN to provide secure and encrypted VPN services. For more information about this service, check out our Services page.

Apple Releases New MacBook and MacBook Pro Laptops

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-10-14T14:19:13-07:00

Apple today released a new line of MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops. New unibody construction technology is used to stamp out the cases from a single block of aluminum. On the MacBook line, they have lowered the entry point of the current model to $999. The new MacBook looks similar to the aluminum MacBook Pro but in 13.3" display size. Processor speeds have been increased, more DDR3 RAM is included, larger hard drives, and much improved graphics processors from Nvidia. There is now a glass touch pad with 4 finger gestures. For complete descriptions and options for the new MacBooks, please visit the Apple site. They also released a new MacBook Air and 24" Cinema Display.

The new MacBook family redefines notebook design while dramatically lowering the entry price for advanced notebook features, including all-metal enclosures, pro-performance notebook graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays, and new large, glass Multi-Touch trackpads. The industry’s greenest notebooks, the entire MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold, and RoHS environmental standards. Starting at $1,200, the new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro are shipping now.

The new LED Cinema Display features a stunning 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with built-in iSight video camera, mic, and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. Available in November for $899, the LED Cinema Display includes an integrated MagSafe charger, three USB 2.0 ports and a new Mini DisplayPort.

Cadco Systems Becomes PGP Global Bronze Partner

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-10-15T14:16:14-07:00

We are proud to announce that Cadco Systems Inc. is now a PGP Global Bronze Partner. PGP Corporation represents the industry leader in email and complete data encryption software. We now offer our clients a complete encryption solution for both Macintosh and Windows environments.

PGP Corporation is a global leader in email and data encryption software for Enterprise Data Protection. Based on a unified key management and policy infrastructure, the PGP® Encryption Platform offers the broadest set of integrated applications for enterprise data security. PGP® platform-enabled applications allow organizations to meet current needs and expand as security requirements change for email, laptops, desktops, instant messaging, smartphones, network storage, file transfers, automated processes, and backups. PGP® encryption solutions have earned a reputation for innovative, standards-based, trusted solutions currently used by more than 110,000 enterprises, businesses, and governments worldwide, including 96 percent of the Fortune® 100, 74 percent of Fortune® Global 100, 80 percent of the German DAX Index and 71 percent of the United Kingdom FTSE 100 Index. Customers depend on PGP solutions as part of a regulatory and audit compliance solution, to protect confidential information, secure customer data, and safeguard companies' brands and reputations.

PGP products are designed to be both user- and network-friendly. They have earned a reputation for excellence based on their high technical standards and the practical experience of long-term users. PGP Corporation is committed to standards-based, nonproprietary technologies, ensuring broad compatibility among deployments. In addition, PGP Corporation is the only commercial security vendor to publish its product source code for peer review.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #033 (Compact Trucks: Part 2)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-09-15T23:39:12-07:00

Episode #033, Compact Trucks, Part 2

More on little pickups. Perfect if you want to know what it's like to sit in a marketing meeting with people who actually know what they're talking about--as opposed to the MBAs who so often make poor decisions.

Duration: 24:04
Size: 19.90 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode033.m4a

Duration: 24:04
Size: 22.10 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode033.mp3

Open Road Podcast: Episode #034 (///Chevron)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-10-21T22:56:02-07:00

Episode #034, ///Chevron

Mr. Black left his product worries behind for a few days and drove from LA to the Bay area in Yellow Bird, including a shot across his favorite road in California. Final destination? Chevron’s research center in Richmond, CA, on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Chevron had invited 15 online journalists to participate in a day of presentations and Q&A about Chevron’s fuel additive, Techron. Mr. Black has long been a Mobil man because a former Mobil CEO bought one of the race cars Mr. Black helped develop in the Nineties, one of those infamous R cars. But allegiance has changed. You can see the PDF posted to decide for yourself. Mr. Blue and Mr. Black both have their professional work scrutinized by corporate lawyers, so they know Chevron couldn’t make the claims if Techron were snake oil. Based on the research Mr. Black saw and you can see for yourself in the PDF, Chevron’s Techron additive is the real deal and can dramatically clean the injectors, valves and combustion chambers of a modern engine. Mr. Blonde was sold on it long ago, it turns out.

Duration: 16:35
Size: 13.70 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode034.m4a

Duration: 16:35
Size: 15.20 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode034.mp3

Support Documents
Here are the PDF files mentioned in the show:

TECHRON Concentrate Plus (3.53MB)

TECHRON Tech Tour: Chevron-Richmond Technology Center (1.83MB)

To view these PDF files, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #032 (Compact Trucks: Part 1)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-08-10T22:44:57-07:00

Episode #032, Compact Trucks, Part 1

A new player enters, Stage Right. Mr Blue is a truck marketing geek. He and Mr Black discuss the potential market for a compact pickup. This is one for marketing people to listen to, or guys who know about trucks.

Duration: 33:06
Size: 29.20 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode032.m4a

Duration: 33:06
Size: 30.34 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode032.mp3

Nikon Releases New D700, SB-900, & Micro Lenses

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-06-30T23:12:33-07:00

Check out all the new Nikon announcements at our Cadco Photography site.

AppFresh for Easy Updating

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-06-16T18:08:26-07:00

I have used this program for a while now. Its a wonderful way to stay on top of all your applications for their updates. It scans your installed applications and then goes out and compares it to the most current version of that application. If an update is needed, it will report it to you along with a link to download the latest update. Much easier than doing it yourself with each application installed. You can download this free application from the AppFresh site at Metaquark. For now its free but may change in the future once full development is completed.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #031 (2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman & Smart)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-05-19T02:01:18-07:00

Episode #031, 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman & Smart, Part 5

OK, we didn't know when to shut up, so we talked about MINI Clubman, the first-gen MINIs we once owned, and then the Smart car, that hedgehog from Stuttgart.

Duration: 23:23
Size: 21.30 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode031.m4a

Duration: 23:23
Size: 21.50 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode031.mp3

Apple Makes It Official: iPhone 3G

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-06-10T13:57:53-07:00

At today's WWDC 2008 in San Francisco, Apple made it official. They announced the new iPhone 3G which will be available July 11th. It is now thinner, lighter, faster, and less expensive. It now has 3G for faster online access, GPS, much improved audio quality, version 2.0 of the operating system allowing 3rd party applications, half the price, and now available in black and white. For more details, check out the Apple iPhone 3G site.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #030 (2008 Tesla Roadster)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-05-11T02:28:50-07:00

Episode #030, Inventing the Future: The Tesla Roadster

Internet entrepreneur and founder of Mahalo.com, Jason Calacanis, joins Mr.
Black, Mr. White, and Mr. Blonde to discuss his recent test drive of a Tesla
Roadster.

Jason has a Tesla on order, so Tesla CEO Elon Musk loaned Jason the
demonstrator, serial number 0001, for a week-long test on the streets of
Brentwood, Santa Monica and greater LA.

The conversation inevitably roams into macro issues like energy independence
and Middle Eastern politics. It's not just about the car this time.

Duration: 55:48
Size: 44.40 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode030.m4a

Duration: 55:48
Size: 51.20 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode030.mp3

Cadco Systems Announces Partnership with Drobo

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-05-08T11:57:46-07:00

Cadco Systems Inc is proud to announce that they are now a reseller and partner with Data Robotics Inc, the manufacturer of the highly popular Drobo external storage solution. The Drobo is the world's first storage robot that is a fully automated data storage that ensures our data is always protected. Your disk capacity is unlimited and requires no special knowledge or expertise.

Drobo is an easy-to-use desktop storage array that plugs into your Mac, PC or
Linux system via hi-speed USB 2.0. Drobo enables users to reliably store up to
16TB of data, using any combination of 3.5” SATA I or II drives - within four drive
bays. Drobo provides the data redundancy features normally associated with
RAID such as mirroring and data striping, without the complexities of RAID.
Drobo, will create one large pool of protected expandable storage, enabling you
to avoid managing multiple external drives.

Drobo guards everything on it
Even when a drive fails or data becomes corrupted, you’re protected. There are many
advanced data redundancy and integrity checks built into Drobo.

Drobo makes storage a breeze
If you can read a traffic light, you’re a certified Drobo expert. Drobo uses simple LED
lights to inform you about free capacity and drive status.

Drobo offers unlimited capacity upgrades
Use ANY drive you want, regardless of SIZE. Need to add capacity? Pop in a new hard
drive or pop out an existing one and replace it with a bigger one. Drobo has an
insatiable appetite for adding storage capacity. It can even extend to 16TB as hard
disk sizes increase.

Drobo does not require drivers or software
Use Drobo right out of the box – with zero configuration. You’ll never have to worry
about using a management console either. Drobo has the familiar benefits of RAID,
without the complexity.

DroboShare it on your network
Connect your Drobo to a DroboShare and share your data over Gigabit Ethernet (GigE).
With DroboShare, everybody on your network can benefit from the storage capabilities
of Drobo.

Drobo is Windows, OS X, & Linux Friendly
We don’t care if you’re a Mac, PC, or Linux*. We’re proud to support NTFS, HFS+,
EXT3, and FAT32 file systems. If you connect your Drobo to a DroboShare, you can
share with all three operating systems or other devices like media centers, regardless
of the file system you’ve chosen for Drobo. *Linux support now in beta.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #029 (BMW 135i Coupe)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-05-07T01:22:07-07:00

Episode #028, 2008 BMW 135i Coupe, Part 4

And now, the perfect substitute for the M3: The 135i Coupe. Can't wait to drive a Tii.

Duration: 21:54
Size: 19.60 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode029.m4a

Duration: 21:54
Size: 20.10 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode029.mp3

Open Road Podcast: Episode #028 (BMW M3 - Lexus IS-F Comparo)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-04-15T01:18:50-07:00

Episode #028, 2008 BMW M3, Part 3

More is discussed and compared between the BMW M3 and the Lexus IS-F.

Duration: 15:44
Size: 13.08 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode028.m4a

Duration: 15:44
Size: 14.44 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode028.mp3

Disk-aster of the Month

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-05-01T02:32:30-07:00

Mad Media is a San Diego based marketing agency that specializes in action and motor sports branded advertising and web-based viral film campaigns for sponsor companies such as: Red Bull, DC Shoes, Element Skateboards, Split Clothing and Subaru of America. Last summer, as southern California wildfires destroyed homes and businesses, many others, including Mad Media, were affected by power surges that caused damage to computers and other electronic devices.

Production came to a halt for the company when its sophisticated eight terabyte RAID storage system containing two years worth of irreplaceable video clips from major sporting events and hundreds of hours of editing work became inaccessible. The company turned to Sonnet Technologies, the manufacturer of the RAID system, for help. After determining the nature of the damage, Sonnet recommended DriveSavers.

"We can't afford to tell a client their footage is lost," said Joshua Martelli, Director of TV & Film Production at Mad Media. "The scope of work that we execute is at a very advanced and professional level. We are competing with both large national agencies and very adept production groups. Every project we work on has a deadline that we can't afford to miss."

Within two days, DriveSavers fully recovered all the data on the eight terabyte system allowing Mad Media to get back on schedule. "The data was in the identical state it was before the crash. It was as if nothing had ever happened," commented Martelli.

DriveSavers has a Digital Arts Division that caters to the growing number of artists, graphics, film and audio professionals who rely on technology to create their work. With combined expertise, proprietary tools and knowledge of the industry, DriveSavers excels in data recovery for customers working in the digital arts field and has proven success in restoring data lost in the most challenging ways.

Disk-aster of the Month

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-03-30T02:17:21-07:00

Encrypted data storage devices are extremely common for businesses, government and individuals storing highly confidential or personal information on them. To understand and overcome the challenges of recovering data from encrypted drives, DriveSavers engineers have worked in partnership with all leading encryption software manufacturers and have been trained and certified by government-approved vendors to recover file and disk-level encrypted data safely and successfully.

As a result, government agencies with encrypted systems regularly rely on DriveSavers to recover their lost data. Recently, a US Army employee almost lost all his confidential data. His laptop over heated and began clicking, a symptom of electro-mechanical component failure. To complicate matters, the drive was encrypted.

To recover the data, the mechanical components in the 2.5" hard drive first needed to be rebuilt by engineers in our Class 100 cleanroom. Once the mechanical repairs were completed, a file system engineer-certified in encryption data recovery protocol-successfully created a sector-by-sector image of the data on the drive.

"I can't say enough about the professionalism that was exhibited throughout EVERY step of the recovery process," remarked the owner.

In special cases, data is so sensitive that we return the sector image back to the customer fully encrypted. The customer can then enter the decryption key to verify the recovered data in their own protected environment.

Certain customers and data loss situations require extra security procedures. DriveSavers provides customized data recovery solutions that meet the most stringent data security requirements, including the successful recovery of data from encrypted drives.

Apple Releases New, Faster iMacs

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-04-30T02:01:43-07:00

The updated all-in-one iMac introduced today offers the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and the most powerful graphics ever available in an iMac. The ultimate all-in-one desktop computer includes faster processors with 6MB L2 cache, a faster 1066 MHz front-side bus across the entire line, and 2GB of memory standard in most models. And the 24-inch iMac now offers a 3.06 GHz Intel processor and the high-performance NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics as options. Available immediately, the new iMac starts at just $1,199.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #027 (The Bourne Identity)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-04-02T14:56:49-07:00

Episode #027, The Bourne Identity
Mr Black and Mr Blonde are joined by the one and only, and apparently infamous, Scott Bourne, the man who created Internet radio. Scott talks about his adventures with World Class Driving, an event company that rents time in exotics. The three also discuss his new purchase, an R-class Mercedes. You can view the photos and video that Scott took of this event on his web site, TWIPPhoto.com. Scott also produces various podcasts including our favorites, The Apple Phone Show, This Week in Photography, and MacBreak Weekly. You can subscribe to them in iTunes or can visit his site links here.

Duration: 44:17
Size: 37.80 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode027.m4a

Duration: 44:17
Size: 40.60 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode027.mp3

Lightroom 1.4.1 and Camera Raw 4.4.1 Released

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-04-12T16:50:38-07:00

Adobe has released updates for both Lightroom and Camera Raw. According to the Lightroom team's blog, the updates include all the changes of the previous releases, but also correct a few issues. Lightroom 1.4.1 will keep the EXIF time date field of images from being incorrectly modified, and has fixes for Olympus JPEG files and also DNG conversion. And the Camera Raw plugin update also fixes the EXIF problem as well as the Olympus JPEG features. They also released ram file support for the latest batch of camera bodies including the Nikon D60, Sony A350, Canon EOS 450D, and more.
You can download the updates for both Mac and Windows from Adobe's site or check for updates from within your Lightroom or Camera Raw software.

Open Road Podcast: Episode #025 (Lexus IS-F)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-03-24T01:33:52-07:00

Episode #025, Lexus IS-F, Part 1

After a lengthy hiatus, Mr, Black, Mr. White, and Mr. Blonde are back with Open Road Podcast. The following series of podcasts cover the Lexus IS-F, the BMW M3, and BMW 1-series. Well, then there's an addendum about the Cooper Clubman and the not so Smart car. We'll start with IS-F, the first performance car ever from the notoriously conservative Lexus brand. And for its intended purpose, it's a strong player.

In this episode, the boys discuss the BMW M3, which is a technological tour de force.

Next, the 1-series, with special emphasis on the 135, which is probably the best performance bargain out of Germany. According to Mr. Black, it's also a highly successful evolution of BMW's current design ethos.

And finally, what some might call an afterbirth, a bit of commentary on the MINI Clubman. That leads to a short bit on the Smart car which, amazingly, gets fewer miles from a gallon of gas than the much larger Cooper. Hmmmmmm.

Duration: 21:59
Size: 17.80 mb
Format: Enhanced AAC
Direct download: ORP-Episode025.m4a

Duration: 21:59
Size: 20.20 mb
Format: MP3
Direct download: ORP-Episode025.mp3

Rumor: Apple's Mac mini still has legs...

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-03-22T22:04:59-07:00

AppleInsider is reporting that the Apple Mac mini will soon be upgraded to the new Penryn-3M-based Intel chip. It may receive the Core 2 Duo mobile processor starting at 2.1GHz, 800MHz front-side bus, and stepped-up Intel graphics processor comparable to the one found in the MacBook.

Apple Releases AirPort Express 802.11n

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-03-22T22:02:11-07:00

Its not Tuesday, but Apple released a new wireless base station today. The AirPort Express is now available in the "n" flavor. You can share a printer wirelessly via USB, stream audio wirelessly via the audio mini jack (both analog and optical), setup a WiFi network when traveling, or extend the range of your existing wireless network. All at the faster 802.11n speeds. For more details, check out AirPort Express at Apple's site...

Apple's iPhone Firmware v2.0 is on its way!

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-03-06T21:05:35-08:00

Today Apple announced the availability of their iPhone SDK. Now anyone can develop applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. If you watch the iPhone Event, it will amaze you. The iPhone truely is a Macintosh just in mini form. The operating system and core libraries are those of OS X. The v2.0 firmware should be released to the public in late June at no cost to iPhone owners. For more details about this event, below are links to the Event, SDK download, and Enterprise Beta program:

March 6 Event
iPhone Developer Program (SDK)
iPhone Enterprise Beta Program

Cradlepoint Personal Hot Spot via EVDO/HSDPA (3G)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-02-16T17:12:49-08:00

Today I received the new Cradlepoint PHS-300 I ordered. This is a phenominal device. It is a personal WiFi router that allows you to plug in your EVDO or HDSPA (3G) broadband USB modem into it and then share that connection with up to 16 WiFi devices. You can also use your cell phone as a tethered modem to provide the 3G connectivity. You can connect to the WiFi with either 802.11b or 802.11g and includes a complete NAT with SPI firewall. It features 64/128 bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption and supports all operating systems and PDAs with WiFi support. It also includes a Lithium-Ion battery for up to 3 hours of use (ships with an AC adapter but you can also purchase a car-adapter to charge it as well). I use it to connect my MacBook Pro and iPhone on the road allowing me to utilize the faster 3G network with the iPhone. The best of all worlds.

Starbucks QuickOrder via iPhone

webmaster@cadco.com — 2008-02-16T00:10:34-08:00

Genoco has developed an iPhone app that could change the way we buy our Starbucks coffee, if not all future purchases. If this does get picked up by Starbucks, I'll be spending much more on my coffee fix!

Disk-aster of the Month

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-12-08T00:14:41-08:00

All May Not Be Lost!

Recent wildfires in Southern California destroyed more than 2,000 homes and blackened 809 square miles from the Mexican border to Los Angeles. SoCal Wildfire victims may be able to recover irreplaceable digital photos, critical financial records, personal files and other important data.

DriveSavers is extending their offer of $500 off their data recovery services to residents and business owners affected by these fires if the drives are received before January15, 2008. In addition, we would like to thank the 150-plus computer service providers in Southern California that provided additional discounts and support to those affected by the wildfires.

DriveSavers has recovered thousands of burnt hard drives that looked unrecoverable. While the fire-damaged computer's plastic components may be melted, the data encased in the metal hard drive may be recoverable. When helping a client with a burnt up computer:

Do not power up a smoke-damaged or burnt computer or device
Do not attempt to clean the hard drive
Keep wet hard drives moist: store the drive in an airtight, sealed plastic bag
Do not remove the drive from a melted computer; send in the entire system

Fire damage is a bittersweet example of how important it is to back up valuable data and store the backed up data in a separate location.

What's New at Drive Savers? iPhone Data Recovery

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-12-08T00:09:45-08:00

iPhone - Data Recovery

Time Magazine named it the "Invention of the Year." It is the communication tool, camera, music player and data storage device of the future. It is technologically smart, sexy and the "gotta have it" device of today. You guessed it-it's the iPhone! And like all digital storage devices in the world today, it can store irreplaceable data and lose it too.

"The iPhone has revolutionized mobile phones to the extent that users want to store as much data as possible on them," said Scott Gaidano, president of DriveSavers Data Recovery. "iPhones can go anywhere, capturing precious moments on digital photos, gathering new contacts and downloading music. If the data is lost before it is backed up, then DriveSavers is the best option for getting data back."

The storage built into these devices is memory-based which uses less power, runs silently and is more resistant to shock than a hard drive. However, this technology can also be compromised by user error, mismanagement and failure. Already this year, we have done recoveries on a number of iPhones that lost data as a result of deleted files to crashed file systems to one being dropped in the ocean.

Any device that stores data can also lose data. You need to sync/back-up their iPhone regularly, just as you would with any storage media.

Disk-aster of the Month

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-11-08T18:38:32-08:00

Frampton Comes Alive—Again

A "directory recovery" is the most common and best quality recovery that DriveSavers can produce. However, when a user has deleted files/folders, initialized or formatted a drive or, for an unknown reason, has missing documents; the data may have to be returned in a "generic" format.

If the original directory pointers (technically referred to as the "catalog and extent tree leaf nodes") are lost or overwritten, a generic recovery is a likely probability, although a directory recovery may still be possible. The directory functions like a book's table of contents, locating and accessing files stored randomly across the platters.

DriveSavers engineers have developed highly customized utilities that allow them to recover data in spite of damaged file directories. Working at the sector level, they can define and decipher hex code "headers", organize the data by file type (Word, Excel, Photoshop, etc.) and verify that the recovered files are complete and undamaged. The customer would then open and rename each file after the data is returned.

On a recent recovery performed for music legend Peter Frampton, all of Peter's files were retrieved devoid of their original titles. The artist's hard drive had held 1000 songs recorded with his audio device, a folder with song lyrics and many family vacation photos. With or without names, most of the data was one-of-a-kind if not irreplaceable. Peter and his family were overjoyed to have the files back.

DriveSavers engineers will not stop until they have tried everything to achieve a perfect directory recovery. But, if the directory structure is impossible to recover, we can still give the customer generic results. And like Peter, most customers are thrilled to get back any of their lost data, even if it means renaming the files themselves.

Migrating Recovered Data

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-11-08T18:36:50-08:00

When DriveSavers completes a recovery, the recovered data is returned on a new hard drive, DVD or other media. If the drive was physically damaged or malfunctioning, it is probably unreliable and you may need to purchase another one. If it is in warranty, you can then send the recovered drive back to the vendor for replacement once the recovery is completed. DriveSavers is authorized to open all drives without voiding the warranty.

DriveSavers recovers everything from the failed media (including applications, operating systems and data files), but our engineers only verify the integrity and quality of the data files. Copying the files over to a new drive may not complete the process; the user may need to take some time to restore settings and reinstall applications to insure that everything functions properly. In some cases these preferences and settings can be imported.

Additionally, there are some other solutions that can help a customer return to pre-failure state. Current operating systems have software to assist the user with this process. Utility software that automates the task is also available for purchase, as are USB "data transfer" cables that can help with a data import.

Most importantly, always make and verify a backup if you need to move data for any reason.

Steve Jobs Makes Good

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-09-06T12:44:31-07:00

As you all have heard by now, the iPhone 8gb price has dropped by $200 just 60 days since its release. Many Apple customers are upset including myself. I was just about to contact my store and demand a credit. If that didn't work, then you still can return the iPhone for up to 90 days from the date of purchase and pay the 10% restocking fee. Then you could purchase a new iPhone at the lower cost and still be ahead. Only problem there is having to possibly be without a phone for a short while.

Now, Steve Jobs released this statement on the Apple web site about offering a $100 credit to early adopters of the iPhone. I think its fair:

To all iPhone customers:

I have received hundreds of emails from iPhone customers who are upset about Apple dropping the price of iPhone by $200 two months after it went on sale. After reading every one of these emails, I have some observations and conclusions.

First, I am sure that we are making the correct decision to lower the price of the 8GB iPhone from $599 to $399, and that now is the right time to do it. iPhone is a breakthrough product, and we have the chance to 'go for it' this holiday season. iPhone is so far ahead of the competition, and now it will be affordable by even more customers. It benefits both Apple and every iPhone user to get as many new customers as possible in the iPhone 'tent'. We strongly believe the $399 price will help us do just that this holiday season.

Second, being in technology for 30+ years I can attest to the fact that the technology road is bumpy. There is always change and improvement, and there is always someone who bought a product before a particular cutoff date and misses the new price or the new operating system or the new whatever. This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you'll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon. The good news is that if you buy products from companies that support them well, like Apple tries to do, you will receive years of useful and satisfying service from them even as newer models are introduced.

Third, even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones with a lower price. Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these.

Therefore, we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week. Stay tuned.

We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.

Steve Jobs
Apple CEO

Apple Releases New iPods & More

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-09-05T22:18:08-07:00

Today, Apple upgraded it's entire iPod line from top to bottom. You now get many more features for much less than before along with new design points. The entry line of iPods, the shuffle, now comes in 5 new colors. The iPod nano now is smaller and a bit wider but supports video and games. The original iPod is now the iPod classic and is thinner along with capacities up to 160gb. That's up to 40,000 songs in your pocket.

The hot new announcement today is the iPod touch. Its basically an iPhone in every way but without the phone functionality. And with capacities up to 16gb. It also supports WiFi access now and sports the Safari web browser, YouTube access, syncs with yout contacts and calendar, and more.

The iPhone, along with the iPod touch, now have a new feature, WiFi iTunes Store. You can now browse the iTunes Store, preview music, purchase, and download songs directly to your iPod touch and/or iPhone. The iPhone, via an upgraded version of iTunes software (being released tonight), now supports Ringtones and you can create your own ringtones as well from the purchased music downloads.

Apple is now partnering with Starbucks Coffee to offer free WiFi access to the iTunes Store from the Starbucks coffee shops. Now, when you enter a Starbucks, your iPod touch or iPhone will sense the Starbucks WiFi network, automatically login, and present you with a Starbucks icon on your iPod function. It will display the current playing song in the store and the previous 10 songs played. You can preview those songs and if you like it, you can purchase and download it directly from within Starbucks. Apple also surprised everyone by dropping the 4gb version of the iPhone and reducing the price of the 8gb iPhone from $599 to $399!

You can see all the lateset iPods and iPhone at the Apple iPod+iTunes site.

What's New with DriveSavers

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-09-04T18:51:39-07:00

Magnetic Avalanche

When a consumer buys a new high capacity, top of the line hard drive, one of the first things they think is, "Wow, I have tons of space...and it's screaming fast too!" The last thing on the happy purchaser's mind is not about how it works. After all, it is quite complicated and best left to those who develop and build drives.

Scientists have found that these rapidly-spinning drives could potentially be vulnerable to a "magnetic avalanche." In basic terms, this would be the result of electrons spinning so fast that they cause their neighboring atom's electrons to "flip bits" and thus, cause corruption.

Disk drive manufacturers have been creating new designs and using new materials to prevent magnetic avalanches from occurring. During the manufacturing process, they use an effect known as "damping" which is the process of quieting the drive down or reducing its vibration by making sure that spinning parts spin continuously at the correct rate and stabilizing the magnetism inside a drive.

The reality of having a drive suffer from this condition is slim, as it is ideally resolved during manufacturing. If, however, one did slip through the cracks and suffered a failure like this, it is unclear if the data would be recoverable.

There is nothing you can do to prevent a magnetic avalanche, and there is no way to tell if you this is the issue you are experiencing. Our advice-if you are going to sell a "screaming fast, super large drive", perhaps sell two. And teach your customer how to back up on the second one!

DriveSavers Tip of the Month

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-09-04T18:49:05-07:00

Easy to Use . . . . . . Easy to Lose

Who doesn't have a USB "thumb" or "key" drive these days? They are easy to use, great for data backup, relatively inexpensive and can be purchased almost anywhere. They even come in designer colors! Did we mention they are easy to lose? Data that is.

The reason these devices mount on any computer is that most are formatted with the FAT32 file system. This is the most common and compatible file system today. However, it is not the most stable.

Just like any storage device, USB drives can fail if not cared for properly. It is common for users to cause corruption by unplug them without dismounting them first. They can also have physical issues. They can be forgotten in pockets and end up in the wash-or worse-in the dryer full of static electricity.

DriveSavers recovers data anywhere from these little USB "thumb" drives to micro drives on up to massive 2TB desktop drives.

Make sure to follow the correct procedure to dismount your USB device. Treat it with care. In the event that you do lose data or can't access the device. . . give us a call.

Disk-aster of the Month

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-09-04T18:47:12-07:00

The Doctor Can Help You Now

Corinne Cox is the office manager for Family Doctors of Vicksburg, MI, a 20-person medical facility. Like all things mechanical, her hard drive gave up the ghost one day, taking with it vital financial records including patient billing and payroll.

Corinne remained calm because she personally had a daily backup procedure in place. Every day at 5 PM, she would pull the backup tape and store it offsite for additional security and protection. When her IT people checked the backup system, they found that the server was corrupted and had not been making a back up of their system for several months. The reality began to sink in-without this data, she wouldn't be able to pay co-workers and doctors or invoice the patients.

"Our entire practice was unable to function without our data, I literally felt physically ill", says Corinne. Like many of the drives that come to DriveSavers, this specific drive suffered from media damage and required the heads and actuator assembly to be replaced through extensive microsurgery in an effort to temporarily repair the drive.

Three days later, the Family Doctors office received its data and was back in business. Of the experience Corinne shared, "The stress of losing this data was devastating. I hope other people will learn from my experience that even though you think you're backing up, it's important check and confirm that everything's working as it should."

Nikon Introduces the New D3 Professional D-SLR

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-08-23T10:03:05-07:00

EIGHT YEARS AFTER CHANGING PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOREVER, NIKON DOES IT AGAIN BY INTRODUCING THE D3 DIGITAL SLR

MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Eight years after Nikon’s D1 camera changed professional digital photography forever, Nikon today introduced the D3 – a new digital SLR camera that is poised to once again revolutionize photography for professionals. The 12.1 effective megapixel D3 features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. With the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution, the D3 is the world’s fastest digital SLR camera in its class.*

Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3’s new features.

Images taken with the D3 reflect exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low-noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to 6400. By setting the camera to its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range of the camera can be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 100 or ISO 25,600 respectively, offering unmatched versatility in practically any shooting situation.

The D3 also features an entirely new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D3 uses the world’s first Scene Recognition System to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection in the camera by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

“Nikon is proud and excited to once again respond to the needs of professional photographers by introducing the D3. Nikon engineers have successfully combined ultra high-speed shooting capabilities and handling with outstanding low-noise image quality, offering professional photographers an ideal tool for a broad range of shooting disciplines,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “Sports, commercial and press photographers are increasingly demanding higher ISO sensitivity, better resolution, wider dynamic range and a familiar depth-of-field in relation to picture angles. With the D3, Nikon is excited to deliver a solution that represents an ideal unification of unsurpassed image quality, high-speed operation and professional durability, without compromise. Nikon fully expects the D3 to positively affect the photographic community in a way that hasn’t been seen since the introduction of the Nikon D1.”

Nikon’s Sensor Formats: FX and DX
Nikon’s digital SLR cameras based on its DX-format sensor have been hugely successful and represent an excellent combination of high image quality, size and value. And while the DX-format has been widely accepted by professional photographers and photo enthusiasts around the world, there is an increasing demand among professionals for a digital SLR camera that features higher ISO sensitivity, wider dynamic range and offers the same relationship between picture angle and depth-of-field that were the hallmarks of the 35mm film format.

Responding to this demand, Nikon has developed the D3 as its first digital SLR camera that features the Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor to meet the real-world requirements of its professional customers. The D3 delivers full resolution 12.1 megapixel images at up to nine frames per second when used with conventional AF-Nikkor lenses. When used with DX Nikkor lenses, the D3 automatically switches to the DX-format mode that uses a cropped portion of the sensor to generate 5.1 megapixel resolution images. While in this mode, the D3 automatically masks the portion of the viewfinder that will not be photographed and enables the capability to shoot up to 11 frames per second.

Both Nikon FX and DX-formats provide their own advantages, and Nikon recognizes that both formats are necessary in order to satisfy its diverse customer demands. Based on this recognition, Nikon will strengthen its D-SLR lineup with the addition of the D3 FX-format SLR camera and a broadened assortment of Nikkor interchangeable lenses, while continuing to develop and market high-performance DX-format cameras and lenses.

The Most Intelligent Nikon Ever
The D3 introduces a range of innovative technologies and features that significantly improve the accuracy, control and performance professional photographers can get from their equipment. Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before an image is captured. This information is also used to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection functions in the D3. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better in all directions and by identifying them it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze scene highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance.

The D3 incorporates Nikon’s new Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D3 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple D3 cameras.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon’s D-Lighting technology, the D3 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D3’s LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera’s conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.
The Fastest Camera in its Class
The D3 has the fastest reaction times of any camera in its class. Its shutter release time lag is only 37 milliseconds, and its start-up time is approximately 0.12 seconds. It is capable of continuously shooting approximately nine frames per second in full resolution with FX-format, up to 64 consecutive frames in JPEG, Normal compression. For NEF (RAW) files, the D3 can shoot up to 20 or up to 17 consecutive frames depending on whether it is set to 12-bit or 14-bit images. When using a DX-format lens, the camera automatically switches to DX-format mode, adjusting the resolution of the camera to 5.1 megapixels. In the DX-format mode, photographers also have the opportunity to increase the speed at which the camera can take pictures by limiting the auto exposure and going up to 10 frames per second or limiting both auto exposure and auto focus and going up to 11 frames per second.

Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D3 reflects Nikon’s most streamlined, functional and aesthetically pleasing layout in a digital SLR camera, all designed so photographers can take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy and comfort.

The camera’s viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage for accurate framing, while an ultra-high definition, 920,000-dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. The 170-degree wide viewing angle makes composing shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode easy. The D3 also features a unique Virtual Horizon digital level sensor that indicates the camera’s alignment relative to the true horizon on the rear LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

The D3 also features two CompactFlash™ card slots that can be used for consecutive recording (overflow), simultaneous recording (backup), separating recording of RAW and JPEG files or even copying pictures between the two cards. Images can be displayed directly from the camera to a high-definition monitor using the camera’s HDMI port and an optional cable.
The D3 is designed for professional use in demanding conditions. The exterior of the D3 is crafted of magnesium alloy and the camera’s shutter mechanism is tested to 300,000-cycle releases. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D3’s comprehensive array of rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

Price and Availability
The D3 will be available from authorized Nikon Professional Dealers beginning in November 2007 for an estimated selling price of $4,999.95**. With the introduction of the D3, Nikon’s current lineup of digital SLR cameras now includes the new D3, D2xs, D300, D200, D80, D40x and D40.

* As of August, 2007; among cameras featuring an imaging sensor similar to the size of 35mm film
** Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

For Hi-Resolution images of the new Nikon D3, follow this Nikon Press Room link to the photos.

Nikon Introduces the New D300 Professional D-SLR

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-08-23T09:43:47-07:00

NIKON INTRODUCES THE NEW D300 PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced its most advanced DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300. Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3 effective megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon’s newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.

Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera’s new features. The D300 features a new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as found in the D3 that promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering-up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots* at full 12.3 megapixel resolution.

“Nikon’s D200 digital SLR camera has been a runaway success for us because it embodies everything that performance-conscious photographers demand. With the D300, we’ve raised the bar with remarkable new features, greater resolution and speed, and even higher image quality,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “The D300 delivers an unmatched combination of quality, performance and value that’s hard for discerning photographers to resist.”

The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection.

The D300 incorporates Nikon’s new Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control System.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon’s D-Lighting technology, the D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D300’s LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera’s conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.

The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon’s most streamlined, functional and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera, designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy and comfort.

The camera’s viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode.

The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera’s shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D300’s rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

Price and Availability
The D300 will be available from Nikon Authorized Dealers beginning in November 2007 for an estimated selling price of $1,799.95**. With the introduction of the D300, Nikon’s current lineup of digital SLR cameras now includes the new D3, D2XS, D300, D200, D80, D40x and D40.

*NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card
** Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

For Hi-Resolution images of the new Nikon D300, follow this Nikon Press Room link to the photos.

Hasselblad H3D Digital SLR (39 megapixels!!)

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-08-15T21:48:41-07:00

Yes, that is not a typo. 39 megapixels out of this baby! This is Hasselblad's top-of-the-line DSLR. It's the world's first, full-frame, 48mm DSLR camera system. It produces images that are 5412x7212 in size. Cost is about $40K but, hey, if you want the best, you have to pay for the best.

Here are some links to samples of the images it can produce along with spec sheets. Enjoy!

Hasselblad H3D-39 Details

Hasselblad Star Quality Images

Complicated iPhone/AT&T activation that went brilliantly!

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-07-02T22:03:37-07:00

Today I purchased my two Apple iPhones and could not wait to get it up and running. With all the horror stories about activation with AT&T, I did my homework and with tips found at The Apple Phone Show website, my experience was flawless. Now my setup was a bit complicated considering I am activating two iPhones, on an AT&T Family Plan, and porting two of my four Verizon Wireless phones over to AT&T.

1) two iPhones to activate
2) utilizing an AT&T Family Plan
3) porting two of my four Verizon Wireless phones
4) maintain my BlackBerry and EVDO card on Verizon Wireless

The first thing I did was find the iPhones so I called around and found them locally here in Portland, OR so I also saved the sales tax (cool!). I purchased the last two 8gb iPhones they had in stock. I then went over to the AT&T store just around the corner and explained my situation and concerns about porting from Verizon Wireless. Mike, the AT&T sales consultant hooked me up. We first created two new AT&T accounts on a family plan. He assigned them to two temporary SIMs. Then while he was doing that, I called Verizon Wireless and informed them what I wanted to do about keeping my BlackBerry and EVDO card. The Verizon rep noted my account about porting the two main cell numbers and kept the other two devices on their data plans. Then Mike called his activation center and started the porting process to move my Verizon numbers to the two new temporary SIMs. Then he gave me the breakdown on the AT&T family plan and told me the phones would be ported at a specific time (about 2 hours from when he started).

So then we shook hands and were on our way home. When we arrived at home, it was time to prepare for the iPhone activations. I made sure both MacBook Pros had the latest iTunes (v7.3) and latest software updates. I then unboxed the first iPhone. It was minutes away from the porting process. I turned off the two old Motorola Razrs. Then I connected the first iPhone to my first MacBook Pro and started the setup. I selected that I had an existing AT&T account and wanted to activate this phone on the account. Three minutes later, DONE. I then unboxed the second iPhone, connected it to the MacBook Pro and did the same process. Three minutes later, DONE!

That was it! No issues. No hassles. Everything worked, EDGE, phone calls, etc. I then setup the items to sync and I was all setup. I love these iPhones and the best part is that all my contacts, calendars, bookmarks, mail accounts, and music syncs beautifully.

Apple announces iPhone battery replacement program

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-07-02T13:40:11-07:00

Apple announced that the iPhone out-of-warranty batteries can be replaced for a small fee. So when a year goes by and your iPhone battery charge diminishes, you can send it in to Apple for a replacement for $79.00.

Announcement

AT&T gives WiFi access free to customers

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-07-02T13:21:56-07:00

Today AT&T announced that it will provide higher speed broadband customers free access to the nation's largest WiFi network.

Announcement

Open Road Podcast releases episode #024

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-30T23:33:23-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #024, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 5 (Final)

I’m Mr Black and I’m here with Mr Blonde in our virtual studio editing the interview carried out yesterday with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford.

Whaddya think so far, Mr Blonde? For guys like us, who want cars that are both efficient and fast, Freeman’s thinking holds a lot of appeal. Nothing waste, get the job done, like a hummingbird or a Cheetah. I’d also ask for a healthy does of good looks and materials.
You know, at this Cars & Coffee show, a guy had an Ariel Atom. Now that’s efficient like a hummingbird, but you need to wear a helmet and a rubber suit to drive around in it. That’s perhaps a little too efficient for a road car. Still, I’d love to have one as a toy for track day.

OK, Mr Blonde, we’ll roll into Jaguar and Mazda commentaries.

We picked up two new iPhones

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-30T00:16:19-07:00

One simple word... AWESOME! This new iPhone is fantastic!

Apple posts new finger tips video for the iPhone

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-29T12:13:33-07:00

Apple released a new finger tips video for the iPhone.

AT&T launches new iPhone store locator

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-27T09:32:27-07:00

Today AT&T published a store locator for the new iPhone. You can now search for only the stores that will have the iPhone available.

iPhone Store Locator

Apple releases new How-To video for the iPhone keyboard

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-27T09:31:05-07:00

Apple released a new How-To video for the iPhone keyboard.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #023

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-26T23:38:29-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #023, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 4

I’m Mr Black and I’m here with Mr Blonde in our virtual studio editing the interview carried out yesterday with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford.

What did you think of that last part, Mr Blonde? Designers as artists and engineers rather than just taste fairy stylists. Works for me.

One of the few things I miss about my time in Detroit—and man, after four years and 18 days I ran home—is the smell of the clay from the design studios. I used to take a pinch of it and take it back to my desk just because I loved the scent so much.

When he talks about conversion vans, I get a little scared. Eddie Bauer editions, beige fender flares, gold-anodized ladders. Not for me.

Let’s role it, Mr Blonde.

Apple and AT&T announce new iPhone service plans

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-26T09:43:42-07:00

Today AT&T and Apple announced new iPhone service plans. Syncing and phone activation is done through iTunes. Apple posted videos on syncing and activation. All iPhone service plans include Visual Voicemail and unlimited data (Internet and email).

AT&T Service Plans
Apple Syncing and Activation
AT&T Coverage Viewer

Open Road Podcast releases episode #022

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-23T11:19:02-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #022, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 3

I’m Mr Black and I’m here with Mr Blonde in our virtual studio editing the interview carried out yesterday with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford. In the period when I worked in Detroit, I got to attend quite a few clay reviews. And boy, you can sure tell whether or not a car is worth building. It takes just a few moments to see if somehow the car takes hold. Now, you might not understand it, but a good design makes you feel a bit unsettled. Mr Blonde, you’ve had babies. Must be like that feeling when you see your kid pop out and you’re in a state of wonder, but also your stomach is clenched up with worry that you roll the kid over and he’s got a tail!

As we go through this, you’ll hear me blurt out something about a Ferrari going by. Well, a Ferrari 430 Modena passed by outside the design center.

This next part deals with how you redesign an icon, particularly something like the current Mustang, which feeds heavily off the late Sixties past of the Mustang. And then we take a journey into abstract thinking about how designers function, talking about Kelly Johnson, the man who designed so many great American jet aircraft, to Burt Rutan, who designed SpaceShip One, and Freeman even reaches to Andy Warhol.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #021

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-20T19:16:38-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #021, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 2

I’m Mr Black and we’re continuing our conversation with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford. Mr Blonde, let me tell you a bit about the studio, or at least what I was allowed to see. After the Cars & Coffee show, Freeman and I went to the lobby of the advanced design studio. There was a one-family 1962 Lincoln Continental on display, owned by the family of another design engineer who works for one of the Japanese advanced design studios. There was also a super-low-mileage and totally original Series 1.5 E-type coupe with 4.2 liter engine and covered headlights. Nice cars to have around.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #020

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-15T23:49:47-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #020, Freeman Thomas Interview, Part 1

I’m Mr Black and today I’m at Cars & Coffee at the home of Ford’s Advanced Design Center. Now that the show has broken up, I’m sitting down with Freeman Thomas, the head of Advanced Design at Ford.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #019

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-04-01T00:47:36-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #019, Rolls Royce, BMW, and Mini at the Detroit Auto Show

Mr Black and Mr White agree not to discuss Korean products, deeming them pretty much a bore. Instead, they cover the burgeoning BMW Empire. And as you know, Southern England is historically part of Greater Bavaria. So, they discuss the Rolls convertible, the new MINI, and the 3-series convertible coupe. Mid-20th Century humor aside, all three come in for extensive praise. Best of all, more problems with dropped calls on Skype, so some weird cuts here and there.

Rumors about the new Canon killer from Nikon are out

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-06-15T23:17:57-07:00

Engadget is reporting that Nikon may soon be releasing the next leap forward in digital SLR technology. Rumor has it that the new D3 will have an 18.7-megapixel full size image image sensor and that it may be available as soon as this August. Stay tuned...

Walt Mossberg inteviews Apple CEO Steve Jobs

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-05-31T09:08:21-07:00

Walt asks Steve a few questions about the soon to be released iPhone and the deal with YouTube to watch videos downloaded directly to your AppleTV.

Tech Titans Take The Stage: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at All Things Digital D5

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-05-31T06:14:43-07:00

From the joint interview between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at the D5 conference. They are back after two decades.

Prologue

Part 1
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates discuss their contributions to the technology industry, the qualities they most respect in one another, and former Apple CEO Gil Amelio’s seamanship.

Part 2
Steve and Bill talk about the 1997 agreement between Apple and Microsoft; whether they think their companies are rivals today; the “Get a Mac” commericals; and iPods, Zunes and music.

Part 3
Steve and Bill talk about their biggest regrets; what excites and surprises them in technology today; mobile devices; and what they feel computing will be like in five years.

Part 4
Gates and Jobs continue their discussion about the future of technology, covering such topics as mobile phones, flexible displays, Internet services and the nimbleness of large companies versus small start-ups.

Part 5
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs’ discussion with Walt and Kara turns to the entertainment industry, the transition facing Hollywood companies today and the future of computing interfaces.

Part 6
Steve and Bill reveal the greatest misunderstanding about their relationship, joke with Walt and Kara and receive a standing ovation from the crowd as they conclude their fireside chat.

Part 7
In the final segment of their joint interview, Bill and Steve field questions from the audience at D5.

Highlight Reel
A selection of rip-roaring laughs and jokes from the joint interview between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at the D5 conference.

Cadco Productions video footage on CNN Headline News

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-05-30T06:14:09-07:00

CNN Headline News will be airing the footage we took of the World's Shortest Runway on their weekend show "News to Me" this weekend. It will be available on CNN Headline News Channel on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30pm and 3:30pm Eastern.

We have posted the video clip on YouTube and embedded it here:

Cadco Productions video footage on King5 NBC in Seattle

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-05-10T12:01:53-07:00

Seattle's NBC affiliate, King5 has a television show called Evening Magazine. They are showing video clips of events in the Pacific Northwest. They have chosen to air the footage we took at last year's Hillsboro Air Show where a small plane lands on the world's shortest runway while the runway atop a motorhome travels at 60mph.

We have posted the video clip on YouTube and embedded it here:

Possible rebates coming from Apple and/or AT&T for the iPhone?

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-04-18T09:36:59-07:00

AppleInsider is reporting that Apple and/or AT&T is considering an iPhone rebate to help with the cost of the phone to the consumer.

Chris Pirillo streams live feed over UStream.TV while earthquake hits Mexico... First to report!

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-04-15T02:44:46-07:00

Chris Pirillo of Tech TV and Call for Help fame, was streaming his live video feed on UStream.TV when all of a sudden, a 6.0 earthquake hits Acapulco, Mexico. Through the use of as many as five different Internet technologies, Chris was able to send out a request for callers to join his conference call through the use of Twitter. Within minutes, calls and chat sessions started rolling in from Mexico. Live and to the minute status reports about the earthquake started rolling in. At one point, while on a video chat via Skype with a caller from Mexico, a powerful after shock hit. Chris was the first to report what was going on. CNN didn't even pick up any feeds until an hour later. Some of the technologies used were:

1. UStream.TV
2. freeconferencing.liveoffice.com
3. Skype
4. Twitter
5. IRC (Internet Relay Chat)

You can continue to watch Chris live at his UStream site...

Cadco Systems partners with Drive Savers

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-04-09T12:31:17-07:00

Cadco Systems, Inc. partnered with Drive Savers Inc. to deliver state of the art data recovery services. To receive special discounts for their services, please reference the following number: DS18016

For more details about Drive Savers, go to our Data Recovery page.

Justin.TV is "Real-Time Reality TV"

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-03-26T13:07:53-07:00

What is Justin.TV? Its Justin's video blog. Its a live video and audio feed in real-time documenting the life of Justin Kan. He wears the camera on his baseball cap. Its not just some guy with a web cam in his room attached to his laptop. He built a proprietary system that streams the video from anywhere. Its completely mobile. Justin calls it a LifeCast. Viewers can even call Justin directly on his cell phone and talk to him "live". He publishes his cell phone number on the site. Check it out at www.justin.tv

Open Road Podcast releases episode #018 in MP3 format

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-03-13T00:32:46-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #018, The Germans are Coming! at the Detroit Auto Show

On to DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes, and a smattering of Panzerwagens. Chrysler is in deep shit these days, and needs yet another miracle to save itself. All Americans should be worried that the Chinese might try to buy Chrysler. Chinese ownership should do wonders for Jeep sales, don't you think? Oh, and by the way, Chrysler just inked a deal with Chery to build small cars in China. Chery is the company Malcolm Bricklin wanted to introduce directly into the US. They build a knock-off of a Daewoo-Chevy. And a more powerful Viper: just what the world needed. Additional Viper sales will no doubt pull Chrysler out of the ditch. Then Mercedes Ocean, and the Audi Diesels.

Launch of new Darth Vader BMW site...

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-03-06T02:28:07-08:00

We redesigned the Darth Vader BMW site. You can now see updated photos of "Darth Vader" at www.darthvaderbmw.com

This site depicts the BMW 750iL known as Darth Vader BMW...

Open Road Podcast releases episode #017 in MP3 format

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-02-27T23:09:03-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #017, The Japanese at the Detroit Auto Show

In this segment, Mr Black and Mr White discuss the major Japanese players. Mr. Black likes the Lexus IS-F, LF-A, and Toyota offerings far more than Mr White does. Opinions on the Acura Speed Racer are similar. Honda Accord concept? Oi vey. And then they talk about the Nissan Rogue, Sentra SE-R, and others. More trouble with Skype, that dead-reliable supplier of Internet telephony.

Apple iPhone Photos

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-01-09T12:11:50-08:00

We attended Macworld 2007 in San Francisco and captured these photos of Apple's new iPhone. Encased in a glass cylinder and protected by guards, this announcement was the biggest of the event!

To see the photos, follow this link.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #016 in MP3 format

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-02-16T22:04:47-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #016, GM at the Detroit Auto Show

In Part 2, Mr Black and Mr White discuss GM's unveilings, with a few sharp comments from Mr Blonde. Skype was barely functional on the day of recording, and all comments on the Cadillac CTS were lost. So, we'll cover CTS the next time we record. Part 3 will cover the big Japanese unveilings. We'll end up with comments on Chrysler and various German sleds.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #015 in MP3 format

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-01-31T22:01:38-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #015, Ford at the Detroit Auto Show

After three minutes of early-morning warm-up BS about where they've been on the globe and about the auto show babe who remembered Mr Black a full 18 months after their first and only meeting--she's really gorgeous--the guys finally get around to covering the Ford show properties at Detroit.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #014 in MP3 format

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-01-28T15:09:49-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #014, Rolls Royce Phantom

Mr. White had a Rolls Royce Phantom for a long weekend. He didn't pimp any babes with it, but he did spend a lot of time at the tiller. He even shot it sitting next to a 1959 Cadillac, and the photos show you just how mammoth this car is.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #013.5 in Enhanced and MP3 formats

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-01-17T19:52:07-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #013.5, GM Proving Grounds

Mr. White visited the GM Proving Grounds to drive new product. This is a short podcast capturing his impressions.

Photos from the Diggnation podcast recording at Macworld 2007

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-01-10T17:32:18-08:00

Even though no alcohol is allowed at Macworld, Kevin and Alex still manage to sneak them in for the Diggnation recording. Free schwag was had and more! Check out the photos...

Diggnation at Macworld 2007

We posted these quickly for the cute girl sitting next to me...

If the photo page is slow, you can also check the images on our Flickr link.

Apple Inc. announces the iPhone, Apple TV, and changes their name to Apple Inc.

webmaster@cadco.com — 2007-01-09T01:33:37-08:00

This week we are at MacWorld 2007 for the 30th anniversary of the Macintosh. Besides changing their name from Apple Computers, Inc. to Apple, Inc., this morning during Steve Jobs' keynote presentation, Apple announced the iPhone and the Apple TV. For more details including demos and photos of these wonderful devices, please follow these links:

Apple iPhone
Apple TV
Apple AirPort Extreme

Top Digg.com Stories added to the Cadco site

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-12-30T14:23:13-08:00

Open Road Podcast releases episode #013 in Enhanced and MP3 formats

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-10-23T01:15:39-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #013, BMW 335i Twin Turbo

Mr. White paid a visit with BMW to drive the all-new 335i Coupe through the rolling countryside north of San Francisco. He found its twin-turbo straight six fantastic, with plenty of development room left for as much as 300 horsepower. But that lame seatbelt minder must go. BMW has once again built a winning strategy, with this car slotting nicely beneath the planned V8 M3.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #012 in Enhanced and MP3 formats

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-10-09T19:25:15-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #012, Bentley Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Arnage R

Mr. Black had a Bentley Continental GT, then Continental Flying Spur and an Arnage R. Mr. White had a Flying Spur. Even Mr. Blonde got in the action with a fast drive in Mr. Black's Flying Spur. The three talk about the many strengths of the Anglo-German New Bentleys. Mr. Black holds court on the many and significant engineering, ergonomic, and performance weaknesses of the ancient Arnage, though he points out the numerous social advantages conferred by its arrival at any valet stand.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #011 in Enhanced and MP3 formats

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-09-15T00:15:44-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #011, Corvette Z06 and Stingray Automobiles

Mr. Black had a Corvette ZO6 for a week. Countless burnouts, powerslides, and miles later, he discusses its phenomenal horsepower, incredible brakes, and all in all fantastic performance, but also its few major failings. Mr White steps in with questions, then gives his insider comments on the upcoming Stingray, a supercharged ZO6 meant to crush all challengers.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #010 in Enhanced and MP3 formats

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-09-03T19:00:47-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #010, VW Eos and VW GTI

Mr Black had a VW GTI for a week. Mr. White visited the Iberian peninsula to drive the new VW Eos, which is built in Portugal. The two discuss the relative merits of both, with high praise for the GTI and some caveats about the social perceptions of the Eos, a hardtop convertible that will no doubt be branded a hairdresser's car.

Cadco Systems, Inc. becomes an Intel Processor Dealer

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-08-09T00:32:12-07:00

Today, Cadco Systems announces becoming an Intel Processor Dealer.

Cadco Systems, Inc. becomes a Microsoft Partner

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-08-08T23:40:51-07:00

Today, Cadco Systems announces becoming a Microsoft Partner.

Cadco Systems, Inc. launches AntiVirus Center

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-07-18T01:16:37-07:00

Cadco Systems, Inc. launches the AntiVirus Center through the use of NOD32 AntiVirus solutions.

Cadco Systems, Inc. becomes ESET Reseller (Silver Partner) for NOD32

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-07-17T23:36:01-07:00

Authorized ESET Reseller, a global provider of security software for enterprises and consumers...

NOD32 is a single, highly optimized engine that works as a unified anti-threat system to protect against a broad spectrum of malware. Viruses, worms, spyware, and other malicious attacks, which are constantly evolving. Eset NOD32 utilizes patent-pending ThreatSense® Technology to detect tomorrow's threats in real-time, by analyzing code execution for malicious intent - keeping you ahead of the malware-writers.

Cadco Productions on YouTube

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-07-17T01:19:25-07:00

Cadco Productions posts it's first video clip on YouTube and Digg.com.

This is a short video clip of a plane landing on a moving motorhome! Amazing video show a plane landing on the world's shortest landing strip, while in motion!

Here is a link to the video on YouTube: Video

Open Road Podcast releases episode #009

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-07-25T12:46:01-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #009, Alternative Fuels.

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss alternative fuels, from Mercedes Blutec to liquid hydrogen BMWs..

Open Road Podcast releases episode #008

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-07-03T12:45:33-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #008, Ferrari & Porsche at Geneva.

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss the latest from Ferrari and Porsche from the Geneva show. Also covered is AMG and it's new engine strategy.

Shows are now released in both MP3 and Enhanced podcasts...

Open Road Podcast releases episode #007 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-04-14T14:33:00-07:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #007, Chicago Auto Show.

Mr Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White discuss a range of vehicles debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. Mr. Blonde tends the Wurlitzer.

Open Road Podcast launches new website design...

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-04-02T20:50:09-07:00

Today, Open Road Podcast launched their new website design.

Cadco Systems relaunches new website...

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-03-24T23:04:41-08:00

Today, Cadco Systems, Inc. relaunched their newly designed website.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #006 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-03-22T01:01:02-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #006 Part 3, Final Installment on Ford Mr. Richard Black and Mr. Johnson White conclude their discussion of the Ford MBA Company with a look at Lincoln and a brilliant engine strategy that Ford management shot down (Not Invented Here Syndrome runs rampant at Ford). Also, a look at Broncos, pickups, and B-cars.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #005 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-03-06T01:00:34-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #005 Part 2, Second Installment on Ford. Mr. Black and Mr. White continue their discussion of the Ford Meeting Company, as always focusing on product planning and idiotic marketing decisions from the marketing mavens of Dearborn. Ford Fusion, European and US Ford Focus, the dismal Ford 500, the antique Crown Vic, and the car they should have built, the stunning Ford 427 concept vehicle.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #004 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-02-28T01:00:02-08:00

Open Road Podcast

Episode #004 Part 1, First Installment on Ford... Mr. Richard Black (AKA Swingin' Richard) and Mr. Johnson White begin their discussion of the Ford Meeting Company, focusing on how to mutate the successful Mustang platform, what to do with the Ford family, a bit on Ford design, and an exploration of the vehicles that could be built from a flexible new Ranger platform.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #003 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-01-24T00:59:35-08:00

Open Road Podcast

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show.

Commentary and Discussion. Part 3 Covers Honda Ridgeline and why it sucks, Nissan Urge Concept, 3-wheeled VW Concept, Buick Enclave SUV Concept, GM Quality, Stupid GM Designs of the Recent Past, Slamming Ford Design for Lack of Insight, Porsche Cayman S, and Audi's Diesel Le Mans race car.

Open Road Podcast releases episode #002 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-01-23T00:58:47-08:00

Open Road Podcast

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show.

Commentary and Discussion. Part 2 Covers Jeep Wrangler and Compass, BMW M Roadster and Z4 Coupe, Lexus LS460, Mercedes GL and ML, Mercedes Branding, Maybach, North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards for Civic and Ridgeline, Pontiac Solstice.

Open Road Podcast releases their premier episode #001 on iTunes

webmaster@cadco.com — 2006-01-22T00:51:41-08:00

Open Road Podcast

2006 North American International Auto Show, AKA The Detroit Show.

Commentary and Discussion. Part 1 Covers Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, Edge "CUV," Ford Reflex and Super Chief Concepts, Lincoln Debuts, Chrysler Imperial Concept, Dodge Challenger Concept, Camaro Concept, Lamborghini Miura and Gallardo, Audi S6 and S8 V10, Bugatti Veyron, Aston Martin and Aston Rapide Concept.