You find yourself again questioning where to put your latest classes or seminars? Running out of hard disk space? No more storage space for the latest MP3 album of Prahlad Prabhu?

Now it is the time to upgrade!!!

Depending on your laptop brand & type you can (easily) replace the internal hard disk. Mind you that this is not a quick nor easy process. Putting in a new hard disk means you will have to reinstall Windows/OS X/Linux and all your programs. Upgrades are a pain.

So i suggest to find yourself a computer expert to do this. If you are willing to experiment then i will try to point you in the right directions for further guidelines.

I recently replaced the hard disk of a MacBook Pro (2007 model) with a new 320 GB hard disk. So i got some experience with Apple computers.

Hard disk ? GB ? what are you talking about?

If you ever saw this message :

You are running out of space on drive C: …. Click here to delete temporary files

then you would need to think about a bigger hard disk (which every computer has). It is on this hard disk that your Windows and other programs are stored. So it is possible to exchange this hard disk for a bigger model.

For example, if you have a IBM (Lenovo) laptop, type T43 then the storage size of your internal hard disk could be 60, or 80 GB. (Depending on your choice of model). Hard disk sizes are given in GB, or Gigabytes. The more the better i would say. At the moment a size of 320GB is available, and in a month or so we will be seeing 500 GB models…

So what hard disk should i buy and where to buy it ?

Laptop hard disk have a standard physical size. They are categorized as 2.5″. The height of the hard disk should be 9.5 mm otherwise it will not always fit in your laptop. (unless you have a huge laptop)
The hard disk inside newer latop models is a SATA harddisk. SATA is the name of the special plug that connects the hard disk to your laptop. Older laptop models (before 2005) have a different plug called IDE. So find out in the manual what hard disk type you have.

Speed ?
Then you can choose the speed. There are three options at the moment : 4200, 5400 and 7200 rpm. If you are a heavy user then you should buy a 7200 speed model. If not then 5200 is a good choice. I would not buy 4200 anymore.

Storage size?
After this you have to choose the size of the storage. You want 120, 160, 200, 250, 320 or 500 GB??? It is up to you.

Brand?
Last but not least, what brand ? It does not really matter anymore because all drives are generally of good quality. I would suggest to stick with the brand of the old model. But if you need some brand names : Samsung Spinpoint, Western Digital Scorpio, Fujitsu, Hitachi travelstar.
 
Abacadabra
So when we put it all together on one line you would need this :
500GB, 2.5″, sata (3.0), 7200 rpm hard disk. 9.5 mm.
There you have it… hocus pocus

Some online links :

• 320 GB Laptop drives at Newegg.com
• Article about the new 500GB hard disks
• More hard disks at Tigerdirect.com

OK, Show me the Way to do it!

Here are some quick guidelines and suggestion for a few brands of computers. By no means is this complete. Please consult some friends with computer knowlegde if in doubt.

* MacBook Pro (2007 model, Core Duo 2, 15 inch screen)

The Mac was out of warranty and getting service in the local Apple shop would have cost me € 50-80 so i decided to do it myself. There are some detailed guidelines available on the net so it was quite easy. After the upgrade i reinstalled Max OS X (Leopard) again and all my programs. It is running like a baby without problems.

Warning ! There were some problems with the 120GB Scorpio model and a Mac. But the 320 GB model seems not to have these problems as it is sold online for the Mac. Since Apple generally uses Seagate hard disks, it might be good to stick with this brand.

• Guide for exchanging your mac drive
• Another excellent guide for upgrading your drive
• Software to clone your hard disk

* Lenovo or IBM (T43 or T61 models)

I upgraded the harddisk recently for Kadamba Kanana Swami’s new laptop to a faster model. The old model had a speed of 5400 rpm. I put in a faster model of 7200 rpm. This will definitively improve the overal speed of your programs. Exchanging the harddisk is very easy on the T61 model. The hard disk is user replaceable and behind a little piece of plastic. You just unscrew and take of the plastic door, pull out the hard disk and put in the new one. Right? Well almost…

Lenovo installs your Windows software on a special place on the hard disk in the factory. So when you buy it is ready to go. And with the big blue button you can easily get access to this special software where you can reinstall your computer. Sounds good he? But when you exchange the hard disk you will loose the special software and the blue button will not work fully anymore. There are always two sides to a coin i guess.

There is a solution to this and that is to copy (or clone) all the data that was on the old hard disk to your new drive. But this is not an easy process.

• Lenovo T61 hardware Guide (pdf)
• Software to Copy (clone) your harddisk (did not try this myself)

* Other Laptops 

I did not try other laptops at the moment, so i dont want to give suggestion when i dont have experience. But in general it should not be too difficult. But you can always find a computer friend somewhere?

Marantz introduced in dec 2007 their latest incarnation of field WAV recorders. They used to make very expensive big field recorders, but now they saw the light and created a recorder that actually fits in your bhakta bag….

It runs on 2 AA batteries (yeah!) and uses SD/SDHC memory cards. Marantz boasts that it should run for 5 hrs. Some reviewers have found that is lasts upto 6 hrs. It can record in standard WAV format, and also in MP3, but the highest quality is limited to 192 Kbps.

Here are some related links

• Excellent review at oreilly.com
• Another review on this machine at wingfieldaudio.com
• Good review at transom.org
• Product page at Marantz

Last month ( apr 2008 ) Marantz released a new firmware (internal software) to address some nasty programming mistakes.

• Download this firmware

After reading the reviews i must conclude that the latest Edirol R-09HR still beats this recorder. The slow USB (1.1) is one of the reasons. But the PMD620 comes very close…..

On Krishna.com they are very active in setting up and showing webcam streams so you can watch your favorite temple program and the deities right at home. They have a special page dedicated how to setup a webcam in your temple. So if your temple has a 24×7 connection to internet (like ADSL or other) then go ahead and get connected!

• How to setup a Webcam @ krishna.com

And here are some quick links from temples around the world

• Webcam from Mayapur, India
• Webcam from Alachua, Florida, US
• Webcam from Radha-Gopinatha Temple, Chowpatty, Mumbai, India

Big brother is watching…….. Krishna.

Reviews and others

The Edirol is a popular machine and Roland introduced an update to the R-09 in april ’08 called the R-09HR. I bought this recorder (R-09) a year ago and have used it quite frequently to record classes, bhajans and kirtans (Listen to a class i recorded). I will not write a full review of this recorder as i belief there are already many good reviews available. I will point them instead so you can read them if you like. My conclusions are also acknowledged in these reviews.

Great review on the Edirol R-09 at oreilly.com

The Edirol R-09 is a handy field recorder with some surprisingly sophisticated file-maintenance features. It is profoundly easy to use (once you suss out the buttons), it records to inexpensive media, and the onboard mics do a decent job. Battery life is outstanding. It looks cool, too … It’s not for everyone. Professionals will want higher sample rates, enhanced metering, and more robust mics. But they’ll have to pay a lot more

thorough review and info at f7sound.com 

It’s tiny (smaller than a microcassette – see below) and records 24 bit digital audio with a sound quality that surprised me in a good way. It’s light even with batteries and should easily fit in a shirt or pants pocket. The only gripe I have so far, and it’s been mentioned on the net via group lists and the like, is the battery cover. The cover, located at the bottom of the device is very hard to deal with and seems like it’s going to break long before anything on the rest of the unit.

Review at Gizmodo

Still, if you’re willing to spend in the neighborhood of four hundred bucks, you can make NPR-quality recordings for podcasts or radio shows, or quality concert bootlegs. Not bad for a gadget that fits in a shirt pocket.

In-depth review of the Edirol R09
More reviews and info about the R-09 at createdigitalmusic.com

My comments

First, recording with the machine is simply. Just put it near the speaker/singer and start recording. I really like the simple controls on this recorder. A big button to record that starts recording with 2 clicks. (The first click will start the recording preview, also very handy).
The two internal mic’s will pick up even faint sounds like the questions at the end of a class. When recording bhajans it will record also the singing public. (Listen to a bhajan i recorded)

Secondly this machine works with regular AA batteries. I am a fan of that because if you do run out of power, you can buy them everywhere. And your precious investment will not become useless once the integrated battery is dead.

Next is the support for SD/SDHC memory cards. With the latest software inside (v1.30) this machine will support SD or SDHC cards upto 8 GB. I have tested a 4 GB SD card and it works flawlessly. The battery / Memory card / USB compartment is really really flimsy. As noted by other reviewers Roland really made a serious design flaw with this. Luckily they solved this with the new model R-09HR. The battery compartment has been moved to the back and USB access is easier.

With a memory card of 2GB (small these days) you can record 2h in 24 bit/44KHz WAV. That is the highest quality for the R-09 model. The R-09HR will even record in 96KHz. Ouch, where are the bigger memory cards…..????

Strong and Weak Points (R-09HR)

Strong
* Uses 2 AA batteries (in new compartment)
* Records MP3 (320 kbps) and WAV (24bit, 96.1kHz), (44.1kHz  R-09)
* Good battery life (using NimH batteries)
* 2 Internal microphones (electret)
* Easy controls
* Uses SDHC cards
* Mounts as a standard harddrive when plugged in USB

Weak
* Flimsy battery comparment (in older model R-09)
* Protective bag is optional
* No screw for mounting on tripod (comes extra with protective cover)
* Batteries cannot be charged from USB

Conclusion

I highly recommend the Edirol recorder. It is expensive compared to the Zoom H2 but the use of SDHC speaks in its favor. But if you are low on cash the Zoom H2 is a worthy contender for $180. The recording quality is sufficient with the internal mics although some noise is there. You can always plug in an external (electret) microphone. My Sony mic does a nice job.

Now that Roland updated to the R-09HR model, personally i would not consider to buy other brands unless a better recorder will emerge.

Competitors

Direct competitors for the Edirol R-09 are the Zoom H4 and H2 , the M-Audio Microtrack I/II and the Marantz PMD620. The price of the R-09/HR is quite high compared to the Zoom for example, but makes up in ease of use. The Microtrack II is also a nice option, but uses a integrated NiMh battery which is not replaceable.

References, guides and websites

* Some bhajan that i recorded with the Edirol

* Edirol R-09 product page
* Edirol R-09HR product page
* Edirol Firmware v1.30 (up to 8GB SDHC cards)

* Edirol R-09HR at Amazon

Here is my review of the Megavox Pro sound system that i bought recently for our mega harinam in Amsterdam.

update (4 sep 2008) : Added pratical experience in the review
update (10 apr 2009) : Added photos and Competitors

Index

Conclusions
Introduction
Package content
Usage and Harinam
Strong and Weak points
Availability
Prices
References, Guides and Websites
Direct Competitors

Conclusions

This is an excellent, quality built portable sound system. It is loud, very loud and lasts almost 6 hours when the volume is turned halfway. Although the total weight (6.8kg) does get an issue when carrying it for a long time, it has a nice handle to hold it. The included shoulder strap can also be used, but when carried on the shoulder the sound is more clear for bystanders.

Because of its loudness you easily get feedback. So keeping distance from the microphone is essential. Turning the Megavox away solves this problem. During a harinam i found that the best position is at the back of the harinam group, with the speaker turned forwards (over the people heads). The wireless reception of the microphone is good with 25 meters. But when overhead powerlines (for trams) are present the reception will decrease.

The supplied headband microphone is of poor built quality and the sensitivity is low. I hope Anchor will improve this. I replaced the headband for a more dancing-proof microphone. Read here..

The battery life was amazing, although this might be expected from a 6 Amp battery. It charges in 8 hours, and it lasted for almost 6 hours (volume knob halfway). Your milage may vary of course, but you will get some nice harinam time.

The megavox is sold seperately and as part of a package including a megavox, wireless mic, and speaker stand. Different packages are available depending on retailers. Anchor Audio, the manufacturer of the Megavox is based in the US so availability is strong there. The Megavox Pro comes with a warranty of 6 years, which might come in handy some day !

So if you need to cater a big harinam group with good sound, this is the best system available. (read here an article about other portable sounds systems)

Introduction

The Megavox Pro is produced by Anchor Audio, a US based company, who do business with different dealers and government. They manufacture also other portable sound systems which are worth checking out. The megavox Pro comes in 2 flavors, with one or two wireless microphone receivers. Also the Megavox is often sold as part of a package containing the megavox, wireless mic and speaker stand. There are more options available if needed.

We bought a Megavox Pro Basic Package (MEGA-BP) with the optional protective bag and that is what we will be using for this review. The wireless mic comes in 3 flavors (handheld, headband or lavelier). We chose for the headband mic because this is convenient during the harinam.

Package contents

• Megavox Pro 6000U1 (meaning with 1 wireless receiver)
• Speaker stand (SS-550)
• Headband microphone (HBM-TA4F)
• Wireless bodypack (WB-6000)
• Wired microphone (comes with every megavox Pro)
• Power supply (RC-6000)

• Protective bag (NL-Mega)

Megavox with protective cover bag

The unpacking was easy . The megavox was charged so could be used immediately. I tried the wireless microphone and with the first feedback still ringing in my ears i concluded that this baby is loud…

The built quality is very good. Some heavy duty plastic is used, and it looks like it can withstand a drop on the ground. The audio controls and inputs are situated on the back and are very easy the work with. I did not have to think about it or read the manual. Just switch on the megavox with the knob labeled “Wireless mic 1″. Switch on the wireless body pack and you are good to go.

The internal battery is not easily accessible. You have to remove the whole inner workings to reach it. This might void warranty so i did not try that. I still have to find out what kind of battery is used in this machine. Although not an option at the moment it would be nice if the battery was user-replaceable. (update : read our battery story here)

Megavox with customized protective cover bag

The protective bag that i ordered extra is needed for rainy conditions and it will protect your investment. But it will also cover the speaker, so the sound will be blocked. I would suggest to Anchor Audio to make the front of the bag open (with a mesh for example) so that the sound will go through. See the photo above where i made this adjustment myself.

Usage and Harinam

I used the megavox on our annual Queens day 2008 celebration in Amsterdam. We had a group of 75 devotees joining the harinam. I decided to put the volume a little before halfway the scale. People were putting there fingers in their ears if they came to close.. This thing is loud. During the harinam i turned the volume a little up, so it was halfway exactly. I used this setting for 6.5hrs until the battery finally gave up.

I experienced some problems with the wireless reception or the bodypack. The signal would stutter a lot and sometimes drop completely. I dont know if this is related to the bodypack. The distance between the megavox and bodypack was never more then 10 meter.I suspect the overhead powerlines for the local trams in Amsterdam to be the culprit. When the powerlines were not present the reception was good.

The supplied headband microphone (part HMB-TA4F ) was very unstable . So if you are jumping a lot, a better headband mic is recommended. (Read my article here to replace it)

The weight can become a problem after carrying it for more then 3 hrs. So make sure you have somebody to help you. I have walked around with the megavox on my shoulder the whole time. I had to shift it from one shoulder to the other when it was hurting too much. But all in all it was a nice austerity. But i recommend using earplugs if you have this thing next to your ears…

The battery was good for almost 6 hrs. Then the wireless connection would stutter too much and the voice will fail. A little later the system just turned off. The battery is unfortunately not user replaceable. It would be nice if Anchor Audio would make this possible. The battery is a standard led-geal battery, and should be easy to get from local “Radio Shacks”.

After the harinam i received many compliments about the soundsystem. When crossing a very noisy outside stage i was able to overpower them by putting the volume way up… The Christian booth still remember us.

Availability

The company that makes these Megavox systems (Anchor Audio) is based in California, US. So to buy it in the states is easy. But for the rest of the world it can be a problem. And when it is locally available, it will be expensive (especially when you are in a euro country). The dollar is so low these days compared to the euro that travelling to the US and buying the megavox yourself there to bring it back home is almost cheaper then buying it locally.  I recommend to get a good discount on the “normal” price. Some dealers are willing to do that.

In the US you have many online stores that sell Anchor audio products. In particular i would like to mention the Anchor Audio Club. They only sell Anchor products and seem to have reasonable prices (although i saw other online stores that sell cheaper).

In the rest of the world it can be difficult as i said before. Since i am based in The Netherlands i found a local dealer (Eurocase.nl). Although the prices on their website are high compared to the low dollar, you can work out some discount with them. They also offer service to Anchor products. After some digging around i could find more dealers in England and Germany. The dealer from Germany ships to Europe, so if you are living there this might be an option. You can work out some nice deals with this dealer.

Strong and Weak Points

Strong points

• Loud! (for larger harinam and ratha yatra’s)
• Solid built quality
• Longer lasting battery (min. 6 hrs). Battery is a 6 Amp type
• Multiple wireless mic options
• Speaker stand (35 mm)
• 6 year warranty

Weak points

• Still heavy (6.9 kg)
• Very sensitive to feedback

Prices

Prices do change, so my current listing will be outdated over time. Also it is based on the retail prices and discounts are not considered (although you should try to get some). And the US prices are without sales tax

US-based (prices from anchoraudioclub.com)
$ 1116 : Megavox Pro Basic Package (megavox, wireless mic, bodypack, speaker stand)
$ 668 : Megavox Pro, 1 wireless receiver. (Without microphone)
$ 78 : Headband microphone
$ 240 : Body pack wireless sender.

Euro prices (from germany)
€ 1154 : Megavox Pro Basic Package

As you can see the European dealers are trying to make a lot of profit. So get a discount from them. Or buy a ticket to the states, buy a megavox, have some vacation, and still save money…

Direct Competitors

The megavox does not really have any competition by far. But the Megavox does not come cheap so if you are on a budget and do not really need such a powerful system you could consider the little brother of the Megavox, namely the Minivox Lite.

Minivox Lite

Minivox Lite
Manufacturer : Anchor Audio
Specs : download here
Brochure : download here
Price range : $ 350 – 450
A nifty small and supposedly powerful sound machine that should reach up to 50 people. It runs on 10 AA batteries for 12 hours. I don’t have any experience with the minivox and i could not find any reviews on the internet. If it has the quality of the Megavox Pro then this will be an excellent sound system. There are different packages available that include a wireless microphone.

Roland Cube Street

Roland Cube Street
Manufacturer : Roland
Brochure : download here
Price range : $ 200 – 280
The street cube is approximate the same size as the megavox, but it does not have a handle. You can attache a guitar strap to it of course. But this sound system is meant to be placed on the ground. I have seen street musicians using this quite often in the London subway. Our temple in Amsterdam is also using the Street cube and it works nicely. It runs on 6 AA batteries. It does not include a wireless microphone so you have to add that yourself (See that here). The Cube has 2 inputs available for Guitar/Instr and a XLR/Jack for Mic/Line inputs.

Monacor TXA-110 Portable Sound set

Monacor TXA-110
Manufacturer : Monacor
Manual : download here
Price range : 280 – 350 euro (with wireless receiver but not a wireless microphone!!!)
New nice looking sound set introduced in apr 2008. Only 4.2 kg. Looks nicely build and of easy use, although i don’t have experience with this thing. The battery (lead-gel) can be changed easily during harinam. Standard lead gel batteries should fit. Monacor also sells spare batteries but these are too expensive. The wireless microphone is optional, but the receiver is built into the machine. You get a nice carrying bag for free with this set. It will be sufficient for a smaller harinam groups.

Roland also sells the Cube Mobile (reviews) and the Micro Cube (reviews). I dont think these can be compared to the Megavox, but they might be an option to you.

References, Guides and Websites

Here are some references that i used and links to websites and other interesting info. I could not find any review of this Megavox, so i am the first!! Hope you like it

Websites

• Anchor Audio offcial website
• Megavox Pro Product Page
• Anchor Audio Club (authorized dealer)
• Dutch dealer of Anchor Audio
• German Anchor Audio dealer
• English Anchor dealer

Product manuals and more

• Megavox Pro Specifications
• Megavox Pro brochure
• Price list German Anchor Audio dealer (in german…)