This is the latest version of my home office. I moved to a “new” home in 2011, and I’ve been slowly getting the new office in shape. Unlike the previous basement office, this office is on the main level of my home, right off the living room. The new office is approximately 11′x11′, which is about half the size of the old office.The old office was only that large because that place was being rented and that room just happened to be that size.

See more photos and get more details here: My Home Office

However, what I don’t get is why these “retro” photo apps are so popular. OK, so it’s neat to make a photo look old – for yourself. For the rest of us, we don’t want to see your beautiful sunset with fake scratches and a bad developing job.

If you spent half the time thinking about composing your shot as you did adding some retro effect, you would probably have a photo worth sharing.

Want to improve your photo?

Start by learning about lighting and composition. Next, if you’re going to apply an effect, use one that improves on the original, not degrades it. Sometimes, all a photo needs is a little cropping.

The internet has more free information on how to take great photos than most people could possibly read in their entire lifetime. You would be surprised on how much you can improve your photography skills by just learning a few of the basics or checkout these tips.

If you want to take better photos, but don’t have the time to do a lot of reading, read this one quick page on 10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo or Pro Tips for Regular People: Five Photography Tricks Anyone Who Owns a Camera Should Know.

Symantec has published a list of the 13 infected apps on its website.

Read More over at Computerworkd: Massive Android malware op may have infected 5 million users – Computerworld.

Recently I’ve seen several blogger fanboys crying about how PC manufacturers are “ripping off” Apple’s MacBook Air, or the in the case of Samsung, the iPhone.

Haven’t these guys ever heard the phrase “Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door“? It’s a standard business practice, one that Apple itself thrives on.

It wasn’t until Apple came out with the ultra-thin, and over priced, MacBook Air that PC manufacturers could effectively sell a $900 ultra-thin laptop PC. Compared to Apple’s $1000 MacBook Air (originally higher than that) the $800 or $900 thin, and underpowered PC laptop looks like a deal – now.

These fanboys act as though the “rip-off” ultra-thin laptops are somehow going to hurt Apple or the fanboy themselves. The truth is that these ultra-thin laptops are going to do one thing: Make Apple make their MacBook Air even better. It’s called competition, and it’s good for the industry. We’re starting to see this right now with the rumors of the iPad 3 – that Apple is going to make them better and cheaper to compete with all the lower priced tablets out there.

I own Apple products (iPhone, iMac, iPad) and Windows PC’s as well. My primary desktop PC is Windows, but I think the iPad is hands down the best tablet, and the iPhone the best phone – for my needs.

Like I’ve always said, “The best tool for you is the tool that works best for you.” Please stop acting like what I use is somehow effecting your life. Stop crying also, you’re just making yourself look silly.

You can vote for your favorite apps, or click on the app for details and a link to the App Store/ Market Place for the app.

This makes it easy to find some of the best apps for iOS and Android. There are tons of apps on this page, so be prepared to spend a little time getting some of the greatest apps ever.

Read More: 2011 Best App Ever Awards

Update: Winners Announced! Read More: 2011 Best App Ever Award Winners

See the interview with Vizio’s Chief Technology Officer Matt McRae over at Bloomberg, and checkout the image gallery of the 24-inch All-in-One PC, 27-inch All-in-One PC, 14-inch Thin + Light Notebook, 15.6-inch Thin + Light Notebook, 15.6-inch Notebook over at Engadget.

This could really be a great thing! I’m wanting a thin laptop, but I think they’re too expensive. Vizio might bring some sanity to the market.

Vizio will unveil two desktop PCs and three notebooks at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week.

I’m new to the iPhone scene, having just recently picked up an iPhone 4S. It’s been a great phone so far. There are a few things I miss from my old WebOS phone, but overall I really like it.

For those still with an older iPhone, TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) has an article about the Six iPhone 4S features you may have missed.

Read More: Six iPhone 4S features you may have missed | TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog.

Siri for iPhone

Siri voice assistant for iPhone is awesome. I wrote most of this post with out typing on the keyboard. It’s voice recognition is remarkably accurate.

Siri Tips has examples of phrases you can use with Siri.

YouTube Video – Introducing Siri on iPhone 4S

December 31, 2011 – Last sunrise of the year!