I switched from my ASP.NET host (at Crystal Tech) to a LAMP host (Dream Host). I really hadn’t been using the ASP.NET features at all and the cost was about $10 more a month than I could spend elsewhere. After some searching, I decided on DreamHost. The prices are competitive, the features are competitive, the employees are active, and they are carbon neutral/green hosts. Their control panel is extensive (and generally very easy to use!) and the set of features they’ll allow you to tweak, although not endless, is significantly higher than other hosts I’ve used. ASP.NET hosts tend to be extremely locked down and unnecessarily expensive.

The also offer unlimited storage (who doesn’t besides ASP.NET sites these days), but also they legitimately allow you to store up to 50GB of personal data – as an offsite back up if you want. That’s unique. With a few  clicks, you can configure Google to be your host of e-mail and calendars as well.

I’ve created a promo code for them which offers $50 off and 1 free lifetime unique IP address.

The Promo code is WIREDPRAIRIE1 (make sure you type it in when prompted during sign-up to get the promotion!).

I broke down and decided to pre-order a Kindle 2 today. Here’s what Amazon had to say about it:

New Features & Enhancements

• Slim & Lightweight: Just over 1/3 inch and 10.2 ounces
• Books in under 60 seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
• Improved Display: Reads like real paper; now boasts 16 shades of gray for crisp images and text; even reads well in bright sunlight
• Longer Battery Life: 25% longer battery life; read for days without recharging
• More Storage: Take your library with you; holds over 1,500 books
• Faster Page Turns: 20% faster page turns
• Read-to-Me: Text-to-Speech feature means Kindle can read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud.
• No Wireless Bills: No monthly wireless bills, data plans, or commitments. Amazon pays for Kindle’s wireless connectivity so you won’t see a monthly wireless bill.
• Large Selection: Over 230,000 books, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines and blogs available
• Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise

Here are my reasons (in addition to those above):

• No more the ugly duckling: Version 1 of the Kindle only a tech-head could love (or someone who just loved the idea, and could ignore its lack of design).
• More Software Development Related Titles: Books such as Windows Presentation Foundation Unleashed, Concurrent Programming on Windows, and Creating Visual Experiences with Flex 3.0, all available under 60 seconds directly to the Kindle.

You can check your wireless coverage here.