TwitVid is an innovative web application that allows you to upload videos from your computer or iPhone right onto Twitter or Facebook. It’ll compress the video for you, as well as create a URL for you. In other words, it’s an easy to use all-in-one process.

Here’s how to use TwitVid.

Step 1: Click the Upload Button

Click the big blue button on the right hand side of the TwitVid website. (http://www.twitvid.com)

Step 2: Select Which Site to Upload To

Do you want to use TwitVid with Twitter or Facebook? For the purposes of this guide, we’ll do the demo with Twitter.

Step 3: Authenticate the Link

Give TwitVid permission to post videos to your Twitter or Facebook by filling in your login details.

Once the authentication is complete, your TwitVid and Twitter/Facebook account(s) will be linked.

Step 4: Choose to Upload or Record

Do you want to upload an existing video or shoot a new one? Select one option.

Step 5: Selecting a File or Recording a Video

If you click the “Choose Video” option, you’ll be taken to a file selection box. Select the video file you want to record and hit “Open” to continue.

If you chose the webcam option, first click “Allow” to let TwitVid use your webcam, then click the record button in the lower left to begin recording.

Step 6: Add a Message

What Tweet or status update do you want to go with your video?

Once you’re finished, click “Upload” and you’re done!

It’s that easy to use TwitVid to upload or record files from your computer. But what about from an iPhone?

Step 7: Log Into TwitVid (iPhone)

Note: This is all done in the TwitVid application, which can be downloaded in the App Store.

First, select which site you want to use TwitVid with.

Then enter your username and password.

Step 8: Choose New or Existing Video

You can either upload a video from your library, or shoot a brand new video. Select which option to use.

If you choose to take a new video, you’ll be taken to the camera screen where you can do your recording.

If you choose to upload an existing video, you’ll be taken to your library.

Select the video you want to continue.

Step 9: Add a Tweet or Update

Add a Tweet or status update to go with your video.

Then hit send!
It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s free to use TwitVid to send videos to Twitter or Facebook. You don’t have to worry about compression or setting up links yourself, it’s all done on your behalf. It works just as well from both your computer and your smartphone.

Article by Andrea Kalli

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The good: it allows users to browse, view and share backed up files on the move at anytime.

The bad: you cannot edit anything. I can live with that. But what I could do was email the file to myself and edit it on the iPhone with the document editing app I have (DocsToGo), then email the edited file to someone, so at least that’s something.

It doesn’t support viewing all file types, so while I was able to listen to an MP3 audio, I wasn’t able to watch a video of any type or size. Not even a MOV video, even though I read somewhere that you can. Again, not a deal breaker for me.

So far that I see, it supports viewing of image files, all Office docs such as .doc, .docx, etc., txt files, pdf’s, presentations, spreadsheets, and probably several others. I was able to view a php file even after the app said it might not be able to display the file. I told it to “Try anyway” and it opened.

The ability to easily email any one of those files right from this app is AWESOME and makes this app completely worth downloading. Even if it could not open a file, the ability to email it was still available. I tried this with a zipped file and with a small video and it worked like a charm. A very cool feature!

Did I mention it’s free?

This could be the deciding factor for those who are trying to decide between Carbonite and other similar online backup solutions.

As long as you have one or more computers being backed up by Carbonite, you’ll be able to access the majority of those files. It keeps the folder structure in place, too. So if you’re like me (someone with a bazillion files in a multiple folders for organization), you’ll see your file folders all nice and orderly via the Carbonite iPhone app. This makes it easy to locate the file.

The Carbonite blog mentions the ability to access cached files offline or even without Wi-Fi or 3G connection, but I didn’t try that out. Sound nifty, though.

I don’t do much traveling, but I imagine this would be a crazy-awesome tool for people on the go.

See? I told you it was cool.

Article by Andrea Kalli

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Most modern cellphones and smartphones have the ability to send and receive email. Facebook takes advantage of this by allowing you to upload status updates or photos from any email account. By providing you with an email address contact unique to your account, the Facebook crew has given you the freedom to update your presence from anywhere with email access including most modern mobile phones.

Of course, if your mobile device has web access, you can access Facebook Mobile directly from your device’s web browser. This allows you to update your status and upload photos as well, but also adds access a variety of other features: browsing news feeds, viewing profiles, and handling requests amongst many others. In fact, if your mobile device’s interface and web browser are up to the task, you can do anything on Facebook Mobile that you could do on Facebook from a computer. You can even have a link sent to your phone that makes logging into Facebook Mobile a one click trick.

Loading up a mobile web browser usually takes time and can be somewhat of a resource hog, especially given the limited memory available to mobile devices. A more sophisticated way to access Facebook would be directly from a mobile application designed especially for the task. Not surprisingly, the team at Facebook has implemented this option as well. Facebook Mobile applications are as svelte as they are engaging. The iPhone and the Blackberry have well-designed software created specifically for them, of course, but equally splendid options exist specifically for Palm, Android, Windows Mobile, Sidekick, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson as well. If you are in the mobile majority, these applications are the top-notch choice for accessing Facebook away from home.

The time has come to unhinge yourself from your desktop and start enjoying the “social” part of social networking. No longer will you have to wait by your computer for that desirable contact to send you the request he or she promised or waste your lunch scrambling to get home because your work has blocked access to Facebook and you have to let all your friends know that the location for the party tonight has changed. If you are ready to liberate yourself while somehow, ironically, still staying connected, fire up your web browser and head to Facebook.com/mobile to start using one of these versatile social networking solutions. Stay connected, stay flexible, and remember who’s in control: you!

Article by Andrea Kalli

Take a stroll over to my Facebook Page and become part of my community. I invite you to become a fan and participate in the conversation.
Certified Internet and Social Marketing Assistant

I’m heading to Phoenix tomorrow for the IVAA Live Summit  ( #IVAA10 ).

My goal is to do as much audio and video blogging from my iPhone as possible. I want to capture the experience as it happens and broadcast it as I go.  At least that’s the plan. My own personal experiment in mobile blogging, if you will.

The apps I’ve settled on are BlogPress for video and pics, and AudioBoo for audio. Both of them are now set up to auto-push to this blog (well, hopefully), and the videos also automatically post to IVAA’s YouTube account at http://www.youtube.com/ivaalivesummit.  I’ve been testing out solutions for the past week with my test blog site and so far I think this should work out as seamlessly as I expect. Famous last words, eh? LOL!

I’m truly looking forward to meeting all the VA’s that I’ve “met” virtually over the past years, as well as connecting with some familiar faces.

See you in Phoenix!

Article by Andrea Kalli

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If you have been trying to decide between a full size laptop and one of those ultra-lightweight notebooks you are certainly not alone.  Many computer users are struck by the incredible lightness of these new portable notebooks, and they may be wondering if these notebooks can really replace larger and bulkier machines.  These ultra-lightweight notebooks are certainly much easier to carry around than those full size laptops – indeed most models weigh in at only a couple of pounds.  This light weight makes them easy to carry from place to place – certainly a boon to road warriors and busy workers on the go.

But before you take the plunge it is important to consider a number of factors.  These ultra-portable machines are a great choice for many users, but they may not be the solution for every user.  In order to determine if an ultra-portable notebook is right for you it is important to consider a number of factors.

Factor #1 – Your Computing Lifestyle

One of the most important factors to consider is whether or not you really need such a lightweight notebook.  Those tiny laptops are certainly sleek and attractive, but do they fit well with the way you work?  If you do most of your computing in your office or your home you probably will not see many of the benefits of an ultra-portable notebook, and you may be better off with a full size laptop that boasts a large screen and easy to use keyboard.

If on the other hand you are a busy executive on the go who needs constant access to email and other applications a super lightweight laptop may be just what the doctor ordered.  These notebooks were created with the needs of the traveler in mind, and ultra-portable notebooks are the perfect choice for road warriors and others who travel frequently.  These handy machines can offer many of the benefits of a web-enabled cell phone, including internet surfing, email access, calendar applications and more in a package that weighs only a few pounds.

Factor #2 – Cost vs. Capability

In addition to their size there is another very attractive feature of many lightweight laptops – namely their very low prices.  With a bit of shopping around it is possible to find these ultra-lightweight notebooks on sale for only a few hundred dollars, making them as affordable as they are useful.

Of course that low cost can come with a price tag of its own, so it is important to shop around carefully.  The specs of these lightweight laptops can themselves be a bit light at times, so it is important to choose a machine with plenty of memory, a solid processor and enough extras to make it truly a good replacement for a traditional desktop or laptop computer.

Factor #3 – Processor Speed

Lightweight notebooks are often far less costly than traditional laptops, and one of the ways manufacturers cut the cost is by skimping on the model and speed of the processor.  The CPU is the heart of any laptop, no matter what its size, so be sure to look for an ultra-portable laptop with a solid processor built in.

Factor #4 – The Amount of Memory

The amount of memory is one of the best determinants of how fast the notebook will run, so don’t skimp on RAM.  The good news is that many of the most popular ultra-portables on the market boast a good amount of memory – often 4GB or more.  Boosting the amount of installed memory is one of the best ways to boost the performance and usefulness of your lightweight notebook.

Factor #5 – Screen Size

One of the things that makes ultra-portable laptops so lightweight and easy to carry is the size of the screen.  When shopping for this class of laptop you will typically be looking at screen sizes between 7″ and 12″.  These differences in screen size can be significant, and it is a good idea to look at a few models in person to ensure the screen will be useful for you.

Factor #6 – Keyboard Size

The size of the keyboard is yet another factor with this class of notebook, so again it is a good idea to actually lay your hands on the computer.  Go to the store and type on the keyboard – does the keyboard feel comfortable and easy to use?  The good news here is that even some of the smallest ultra-portables have surprisingly large and easy to use keyboards.

Factor #7 – Optical Drive (or Lack Thereof)

Many people are surprised to find that many ultra-portable notebooks do not come with a built-in DVD drive, so it is important to look for this feature as you shop. One of the great things about buying a small and compact notebook computer is that it can serve as both computer and portable DVD player.  If the ability to play your favorite movies while on the go is important to you be sure to look for an ultra-portable with a built-in DVD drive.

Factor #8 – USB Slots and External Connections

We all know how useful those little USB thumb drives can be, but some lightweight notebooks provide only a few – or none at all.  It is important for computer shoppers to look at the external connections on the notebooks they are considering – not only USB slots but connections for external monitors, docking stations and more.

By considering these factors you will be better able to determine if one of these super sleek and super lightweight notebooks is the right choice for you.  Buying a new computer is a major purchase, and it is important to give this purchase the care and consideration it deserves.

Happy Shopping!

Article by Andrea Kalli

Take a stroll over to my Facebook Page and become part of my community. I invite you to become a fan and participate in the conversation.
Certified Internet and Social Marketing Assistant