23" Touch Screen Makes Small Business Fun: Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z Multi Touch All-In-One Review (& Giveaway Info)

I was contacted by a company representing Lenovo asking me to review one of their products. Getting involved in a major hardware review is kind of a big deal, so I usually say no. I made an exception this time. Why? Because not only were they going to send one of their ThinkCentre all in one touch screen computers for me to test out in my business, but they're also going to let me give one away to one of my readers! (More information at the end of this post).

Upon opening the box, I removed the unit from the reusable tote bag it was packed in. Setup took me only a moment. After firing up WIndows 7, I began playing with the touch screen on the 23″ 1080p display. The touch screen has a normal glass overlay that you can safely clean and disinfect. (I am now hooked on moving my hands in the air, poking and gesturing as I compute). The Lenovo M90z ThinkCentre takes up very little space; only 2.5" deep. The power supply is in the chassis so you don't have to look at an unweildy power brick that so many all-in-ones come with.

After working with it, I can see it is an excellent answer for both large enterprise or small business. It delivers powerful, multi-tasking computing, with an energy-efficient, space-saving and green machine. Integrated into a single unit it promises a well-organized, clutter-free work environment. The unit they sent me is powered by the Intel® Core™ i5 and comes with an Enhanced Experience for
Windows® 7.

As you may assume, I'm a huge user of Microsoft Office (Powerpoint, Word, Excel and Outlook), so that was the first I loaded up. All programs ran smoothly and fast. Next, I loaded the full Corel X5 Graphics Suite and ran it through some serious editing - not a problem at all. Last I installed QuickBooks Pro 2010, copied over my huge company files and breezed thorugh processing and posting. I'm also one who likes to open up a computer and hot-rod once and a while. The ThinkCentre M90z is easy-to-service featuring a tool-less chassis so you can quickly access and upgrade the memory and the hard drive

I can honestly say this computer makes running a business fun!

The short story is

• 23" Touchscreen HD 1080 Active Matrix TFT Color LCD, anti-glare, CCFL backlight, 250 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 1000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Intelligent auto-brightness control
• Intel Core i5-650 3.2GHz with dual-core, Intel 64, Hyper-Threading Technology, Turbo Boost Technology, Virtualization Technology
• 4 GB DDR3-1333 SDRAM (expandable to 8 GB)
• 500 GB HDD
• DVD-Writer DVD±R/±RW
• Secure Digital (SD) Card slot, 6 USB ports, Audio Out, Stero Headphone Stereo Microphone jack
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD 1.72 GB
• IEEE 802.11n, Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 Connector
• 2 MP HD Webcam (on/off switch), Array Microphone with physical mute
• Dual Independent Display (DID) support
• Keyboard, Mouse - Windows 7 Professional
• Energy Star, GREENGUARD, RoHS, EPEAT Gold, 80 Plus Bronze
• 3 year on-site warranty

Come back to my site (or find me on Twitter or Facebook) beginning May 2 to find out how to win your very own ThinkCentre m90z! Other sites are participating in the giveaway over the next few weeks. Here's the schedule:

Lenovo M90z Giveaway Participants

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Site		Start	End Date
Free Tech 4 Teachers	Apr 14	Apr 18
Ilja Coolen \ ICSS		Apr 15	Apr 19
Physician Mom		Apr 16	Apr 20
Scrubd In		Apr 17	Apr 21
Kathy Schrock's Kaffeeklatsch		Apr 18	Apr 22
Steve Harg adon.com		Apr 19	Apr 23
Box of Tricks		Apr 21	Apr 25
Clinton Fitch.com		Apr 22	Apr 26
Around the Corner		Apr 23	Apr 27
Tech Savvy Ed		Apr 25	Apr 29
Small Biz Technology		Apr 26	Apr 30
Ablet Factory		Apr 27	May 1
Click Newz		Apr 28	May 2
Geekazine		Apr 29	May 3
21st Century Education Technology		Apr 30	May 4
A GeekyMomma's Blog		May 1	May 5
Marsha Collier's Musings		May 2	May 6
VA Networking		May 3	May 7
Your Virtual Assistant		May 4	May 8
Jake Ludington's Media Blab		May 5	May 9
Mobile PC World		May 6	May 10
Dangerously Irrelevant		May 7	May 11
Bud the Teacher		May 8	May 12
Kikolani		May 9	May 13
Geeks To Go		May 10	May 14
Chad Lehman.com	r	May 11	May 15

eCommerce, Facebook & Social Media: eBay On Location Attended by Eager Small Business Entrepreneurs #eBayOL #smallbiz

This past week, I was lucky enough to speak at the eBay On Location event in Las Vegas. The sold out event was one of the most energetic groups I've had the pleasure to meet at any conference. There were eBay sellers of all ages from all over the country. Aside from writing the For Dummies series on eBay, I've been selling on the site since 1997 and am now rated a Top Seller, so this conference was very special.

eBay made several announcements. One being the rollout of Facebook "Like" buttons on the listings pages directly under the listing title. Previously, eBay had "share" links to Facebook and Twitter hidden in the listings. This brings social media interaction to the top of the page.

Social it was!  During my book signing, I heard many fabulous stories of success and encouragement. I also saw several well worn copies brought for me to sign (very satisfying). One gentleman, as I signed his book, thanked me and reminded me that we had an email exchange several years ago. (I put my email address in all my books, to encourage readers to connect with me).

He reminded me that he asked me via email what to do with boxes of old magazines, including Life and Look,  that he inherited, I suggested he weed out the special events and dates for sale, and then to go through the magazines for vintage ads. Many older advertisements would feature top celebrities of the day, and the artwork was often quite beautiful. He should then cut the ads out, put them in complimentary mattes, and put them up for sale as artwork. He did just that; and sales took off. Now he has a successful business centered around that creative idea.

It reminded me that indeed, the early years of eBay were the beginnings of Social Media. Without hundreds of rules and regulations, users connected freely. There were chat boards on the site, and email marketing went on very successfully.

I spoke three times during the event. Once, on Advanced eBay Business Planning, teaching the ins and outs of running a successful eBay business, including creating a business plan, managing budgets and tracking expenses, and grow operations effectively.

My second talk was on Best Practices for Building Your eBay Business which I gave twice. (The Fire Marshall closed the doors so not everyone got in). This was about the best practices to grow your business by streamlining operations, marketing yourself online and through social media, avoiding common pitfalls, and getting ahead of your competition.

Speaking at an event with over 1,000 attendees was amazing. Meeting the people I had met online was priceless. The best part? Seeing that many people are still willing to put in real effort to grow a successful business.

New USPS Rates 4/17: Here are Pricing charts and information for Online Sellers #eBay #eBayOL

The U.S. Postal Service® announced a price change that will take effect April 17th, 2011. The average increase across all mail classes will be 1.7 percent. While the April 17th U.S. Postal Service Price Change will be more straightforward than the January 2011 price change, there are still some very important changes that you should be aware of. I have listed the most popular services used by online sellers in this post. Please visit the USPS site for more information.

Prices will change for the following mail classes:

• First-Class Mail® letters greater than 1 oz. The price of a 1oz. First-Class Mail letter will remain unchanged at 44 cents
• First-Class Mail postcards
• First-Class Mail Large Envelopes/Flats
• First-Class Mail Parcels
• First-Class Mail International
• Standard Mail®
• Library Mail
• Media Mail®
• Extra Services

The U.S. Postal Service will be offering a Commercial Base rate for customers printing single piece First-Class Mail Parcel postage online. The U.S. Postal Service will reward customers for printing postage online and will discount this mail class from the retail rates. This is available to shippers who print their postage online and are registered with the USPS through an online service such as Endicia.com. For 60 day free use of their service, click here.

USPS Pricing Change Overview

Prices will change for the following mail classes:

• First-Class Mail® letters greater than 1 oz. The price of a 1oz. First-Class Mail letter will remain unchanged at 44 cents
• First-Class Mail postcards
• First-Class Mail Large Envelopes/Flats
• First-Class Mail Parcels
• First-Class Mail International
• Standard Mail®
• Library Mail
• Media Mail®
• Extra Services

The U.S. Postal Service will be offering a Commercial Base rate for customers printing single piece First-Class Mail Parcel postage online. The U.S. Postal Service will reward customers for printing postage online and will discount this mail class from the retail rates. The Commercial Base rate will be supported through DAZzle, DYMO Endicia Professional and Endicia Label Server.

First-Class Mail Pricing

Postcards, letters, large envelopes (flats) and small packages can be sent using First-Class Mail®. This service is ideal for sending personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten letters, and bills or statements of account. It may also be used for advertisements and lightweight merchandise. First-Class Mail prices are based on both the shape and weight of the item being mailed. For items weighing more than 13 ounces, use Priority Mail.

First-Class Mail Pricing - Letters & Postcards
Weight Not Over (ounces)	Letters & Cards (2010 price)	Letters & Cards (2011 price)	Change	% Change
1	$0.44	$0.44	$ -	0%
2	$0.61	$0.64	$0.03	4.92%
3	$0.78	$0.84	$0.06	7.69%
3.5	$0.95	$1.04	$0.09	9.47%
Postcard	$0.28	$0.29	$0.01	3.57%

First-Class Mail Pricing - Large Envelopes
Weight Not Over (ounces)	Large Envelopes (2010 price)	Large Envelopes (2011 price)	Change	% Change
1	$0.88	$0.88	$ -	0%
2	$1.05	$1.08	$0.03	2.78%
3	$1.22	$1.28	$0.06	4.69%
5	$1.56	$1.68	$0.12	7.14%
10	$2.41	$2.68	$0.27	10.07%

First-Class Mail Pricing - Parcels
Weight Not Over (ounces)	Parcels (2010 price)	Parcels (2011 price)	Parcels (2011 Commercial Base price)	Savings Over Retail
1	$1.22	$1.71	$1.56	$0.15
2	$1.39	$1.71	$1.56	$0.15
3	$1.56	$1.71	$1.56	$0.15
5	$1.90	$2.05	$1.90	$0.15
10	$2.75	$2.90	$2.75	$0.15

The following are descriptions for each classification of First-Class Mail:

• First-Class Mail Cards – rectangular cardstock mailpiece not contained in an envelope.
• First-Class Mail Letters – small rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 1/4 inch weighing 3.5 ounces or less.
• First-Class Mail Large Envelopes – flat rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 3/4 inch.
• First-Class Mail Packages – a box, thick envelope, or tube weighing up to 13 ounces.

Media Mail Pricing

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Mail books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Media Mail can not contain advertising except for incidental announcements of books. The maximum weight for Media Mail is 70 lbs and no more than 108 inches in combined length and girth.

Media Mail Pricing
Weight Not Over (pounds)	Large Envelopes & Parcels(2010 price)	Large Envelopes & Parcels(2011 price)	Change	% Change
1	$2.38	$2.41	$0.03	1.24%
2	$2.77	$2.82	$0.05	1.77%
3	$3.16	$3.23	$0.07	2.17%
5	$3.94	$4.05	$0.11	2.72%
10	$5.89	$6.04	$0.15	2.48%

Parcel Post Pricing

Parcel Post pricing has been greatly simplified. Most of the price cells will not increase on April 17th, and some cells will actually decrease.

Use Parcel Post when sending small and large packages, thick envelopes and tubes containing gifts and merchandise, delivery to all US addresses-including PO Boxes and military addresses, Saturday and residential deliveries at no extra cost. Package can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part.

Parcel Post Pricing
Weight Not Over (pounds)	Zone Average 2010	Zone Average 2011	Change	% Change
1	$4.90	$5.25	$0.35	6.67%
2	$6.34	$6.65	$0.31	4.66%
3	$7.55	$7.78	$0.23	2.96%
5	$9.41	$9.55	$0.14	1.47%
10	$12.51	$12.50	$(0.01)	-0.08%

Domestic Service Fee Changes

Signature Confirmation
Signature Confirmation		2010 Price	2011 Price	Change	% Change	Savings Over Retail
First-Class Mail (Parcels Only)	Retail	$2.35	$2.45	$0.10	4.08%
	Electronic	$1.95	$2.05	$0.10	4.88%	-19.51%
Priority Mail	Retail	$2.35	$2.45	$0.10	4.08%
	Electronic	$1.95	$2.05	$0.10	4.88%	-19.51%
Package Services (Parcels Only)	Retail	$2.35	$2.45	$0.10	4.08%
	Electronic	$1.95	$2.05	$0.10	4.88%	-19.51%

International Pricing

First-Class Mail International - Letter and Postcards
Weight Not Over (ounces)	Canada 2010	Canada 2011	Change	% Change	Mexico 2010	Mexico 2011
1	$0.75	$0.80	$0.05	6.25%	$0.79	$0.80
2	$1.00	$1.08	$0.08	7.41%	$1.34	$1.36
3	$1.25	$1.36	$0.11	8.09%	$1.89	$1.92
3.5	$1.50	$1.64	$0.14	8.54%	$2.44	$2.48
Postcard	$0.75	$0.80	$0.05	6.25%	$0.79	$0.80
Weight Not Over (ounces)	3-5 (2010)	3-5 (2011)	Change	% Change	6-9 (2010)	6-9 (2011)
1	$0.98	$0.98	0	0%	$0.98	$0.98
2	$1.82	$1.82	0	0%	$1.76	$1.76
3	$2.66	$2.66	0	0%	$2.54	$2.54
3.5	$3.50	$3.50	0	0%	$3.32	$3.32

First-Class Mail International - Large Envelopes
Weight Not Over (ounces)	Canada 2010	Canada 2011	Change	% Change	Mexico 2010	Mexico 2011
1	$1.03	$1.08	$0.05	4.63%	$1.03	$1.08
2	$1.29	$1.34	$0.05	3.73%	$1.59	$1.65
3	$1.55	$1.60	$0.05	3.13%	$2.15	$2.22
5	$2.07	$2.12	$0.05	2.36%	$2.71	$3.36
Weight Not Over (ounces)	3-5 (2010)	3-5 (2011)	Change	% Change	6-9 (2010)	6-9 (2011)
1	$1.24	$1.30	$0.06	4.62%	$1.24	$1.30
2	$2.08	$2.17	$0.09	4.15%	$2.03	$2.13
3	$2.92	$3.04	$0.12	3.95%	$2.82	$2.96
5	$4.60	$4.78	$0.18	3.77%	$3.40	$4.62

First-Class Mail International - Packages
Weight Not Over (ounces)	Canada 2010	Canada 2011	Change	% Change	Mexico 2010	Mexico 2011
1	$1.23	$1.72	$0.49	28.49%	$1.23	$1.72
2	$1.49	$1.98	$0.49	24.75%	$1.79	$2.29
3	$1.75	$2.24	$0.49	21.88%	$2.35	$2.86
5	$2.27	$2.76	$0.49	17.75%	$3.47	$4.00
16	$5.01	$5.58	$0.57	10.22%	$8.25	$8.95
Weight Not Over (ounces)	3-5 (2010)	3-5 (2011)	Change	% Change	6-9 (2010)	6-9 (2011)
1	$1.44	$1.72	$0.28	16.28%	$1.44	$1.72
2	$2.28	$2.59	$0.31	11.97%	$2.23	$2.53
3	$3.12	$3.46	$0.34	9.83%	$3.02	$3.34
5	$4.80	$5.20	$0.40	7.69%	$4.60	$4.96
16	$10.76	$11.39	$0.63	5.53%	$10.31	$10.89

 

 

 

 

How do you keep the human side of Customer Service in a fast-paced world? We'll have an answer at @FedEx #custserv

Next week I get to visit the FedEx Center is Dallas to discuss the topic with Sheila Harrell, Vice President Customer Service Operations.

It's bound to be a lively discussion since Ms. Harrell was the winner of the 2008 Customer Service Executive of the Year award. It was presented by The Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA), which provides organizations with education, certification and recognition in the field of customer service.

I'm looking forward to signing my book, The Ultimate Online Customer Service Guide and meeting the customer service crew at Federal Express. It's going to be an eye opening experience - for all of us!

 

Chart of Wholesale Trade Shows during the year for eBay & Online Sellers. Great ways to find new merchandise!

Check your calendars and these sites for entry information. Know that only online sellers with State sellers permits will be admitted. These shows are not open to the public!

Show Name Location Start/End Date Year Pittsburgh Gift Show Monroeville, PA Mar 4 Mar 6 2011 International Home & Houseware Show Chicago, IL Mar 6 Mar 8 2011 Cape Cod Gift Show Hyannis, MA Mar 8 Mar 9 2011 Minneapolis Gift Show Minnetonka, MN Mar 11 Mar 15 2011 Atlanta Spring Gift and Home Furnishings Market Atlanta, GA Mar 12 Mar 14 2011 New England Products Trade Show Portland, ME Mar 12 Mar 14 2011 GTS Greensboro Show Greensboro, NC Mar 19 Mar 21 2011 Columbus MarketPlace Dublin, OH Mar 19 Mar 23 2011 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas, TX Mar 24 Mar 27 2011 Boston Gift Show Boston, MA Mar 27 Mar 30 2011 International Home Furnishings Market High Point, NC Apr 2 Apr 7 2011 Chicago Market: Living and Giving Chicago, IL Apr 3 Apr 5 2011 Indian Arts & Crafts Spring Market Santa Fe, NM Apr 5 Apr 6 2011 New York Tabletop Show New York, NY Apr 12 Apr 15 2011 National Stationery Show New York, NY May 15 May 18 2011 American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) Las Vegas, NV Jun 4 Jun 6 2011 Showtime High Point, NC Jun 5 Jun 8 2011 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas, TX Jun 22 Jun 28 2011 Charlotte Gift & Jewelry Show Charlotte, NC Jun 25 Jun 27 2011 Columbus MarketPlace Dublin, OH Jun 26 Jun 29 2011 NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show Washington, DC Jul 10 Jul 12 2011 Buyers Market of American Craft Baltimore, MD Jul 11 Jul 13 2011 Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market Atlanta, GA Jul 13 Jul 20 2011 California Gift Show @ LA Mart Los Angeles, CA Jul 19 Jul 25 2011 California Gift Show @ LA Convention Center Los Angeles, CA Jul 22 Jul 25 2011 Orlando Gift Show Orlando, FL Jul 23 Jul 26 2011 Philadelphia Gift Show King of Prussia, PA Jul 24 Jul 27 2011 Oasis Gift Show Glendale, AZ Jul 28 Jul 30 2011 Chicago Market: Living and Giving Chicago, IL Jul 28 Aug 3 2011 Pittsburgh Gift Show Monroeville, PA Jul 30 Aug 1 2011 Las Vegas Gift Show Las Vegas, NV Jul 31 Aug 3 2011 Las Vegas Market Las Vegas, NV Aug 1 Aug 5 2011 Salt Lake Gift Show Salt Lake City, UT Aug 4 Aug 6 2011 Minneapolis Gift Show Minnetonka, MN Aug 5 Aug 9 2011 San Francisco International Gift Fair San Francisco, CA Aug 6 Aug 9 2011 GTS Greensboro Show Greensboro, NC Aug 6 Aug 8 2011 Western New York Gift Show Henrietta, NY Aug 7 Aug 9 2011 Summer Gift & Home Accessories Show Seattle, WA Aug 10 Aug 16 2011 New York International Gift Fair New York, NY Aug 13 Aug 18 2011 Seattle Gift Show Seattle, WA Aug 13 Aug 16 2011 The Gourmet Housewares Show New York, NY Aug 14 Aug 18 2011 Columbus MarketPlace Dublin, OH Aug 20 Aug 24 2011 Denver Gift, Jewelry & Resort Show Denver, CO Aug 25 Aug 30 2011 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas, TX Sep 10 Sep 12 2011 Atlanta Fall Gift and Home Furnishings Market Atlanta, GA Sep 10 Sep 12 2011 Chicago Market: Living and Giving Chicago, IL Sep 12 Sep 14 2011 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market Chicago, IL Sep 12 Sep 15 2011 ASIA AMERICA Trade Show Miami, FL Sep 20 Sep 22 2011 Las Vegas Gift & Resort Merchandise Show Las Vegas, NV Sep 20 Sep 23 2011 ABC Kids Expo Louisville, KY Sep 23 Sep 26 2011 Charlotte Gift & Jewelry Show Charlotte, NC Sep 24 Sep 26 2011 International Home Furnishings Market High Point, NC Oct 22 Oct 27 2011 New York Tabletop Show New York, NY Oct 25 Oct 28 2011 IGES and The Souvenir Super Show Sevierville, TN Nov 3 Nov 7 2011 Smoky Mountain Gift Show Gatlinburg, TN Nov 4 Nov 7 2011 GTS Greensboro Show Greensboro, NC Dec 3 Dec 5 2011 Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show Myrtle Beach, SC Dec 4 Dec 7 2011 Showtime Hight Point, NC Dec 4 Dec 7 2011 Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market Atlanta, GA Jan 11 Jan 18 2012 NASFT Winter Fancy Food Show San Francisco, CA Jan 15 Jan 17 2012 California Gift Show @ LA Mart Los Angeles, CA Jan 17 Jan 23 2012 California Gift Show @ LA Convention Center Los Angeles, CA Jan 20 Jan 23 2012 American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) Orlando, FL Jan 21 Jan 23 2012 Oasis Gift Show Glendale, AZ Jan 26 Jan 28 2012 Salt Lake Gift Show Salt Lake City, UT Jan 26 Jan 28 2012 New York International Gift Fair New York, NY Jan 28 Feb 2 2012 American International Toy Fair New York, NY Feb 12 Feb 15 2012 Las Vegas Gift Show Las Vegas, NV Mar 11 Mar 14 2012

H/T to my favorite vendor website GreatRep.com