Pro NetBeans

The JavaOne Pavilion (basically a trade show and vendor demo space) is always an interesting experience. It’s a mix of IT geeks running around seeking out swag, vendors hawking the next great widget or framework, and interesting “attractions” littered throughout the space.

The obvious things you notice heading up the main aisle are the big sponsor vendors such as Intel, Oracle, etc.

Ever present and ready to discuss a technology…

Then there are always cool technologies on display that utilize Java in some way such as the Perrone Robotics autonomous vehicle.

Seen here are some of the electronics it runs in the trunk :

And of course, always something weird. This live action machine shot marbles through a series of pipes to test and try out real time Java technology.

And finally, and perhaps most bizarre, Intel’s oxygen bar. They touted the slogan as something similar to ‘ since oxygen is essential to life, so is Intel’ [reletive to computing life]. The picture below shows bubbling bottles of 90% oxygen with aromatherapy flavors mixed in. You were given a personal nose tube, slightly uncomfortable, but not too bad given the unique experience. If you haven’t tried it you should definitely try to stop by before the end of ther week.

After a few hours of walking the floor, gathering brochures, and scoping out specific vendors, I enjoyed I few beers and some food as part of the Pavilion Welcome Reception. I’m still amazed at how long the lines get at these things, but hey, it’s free beer at an IT conference!

The first day of the JavaOne 2008 conference, Tuesday, May 6, I was lucky enough to be able to have a book signing for my book, Pro NetBeans IDE 6 Rich Client Platform Edition.

 

I would like to thank all the folks that stopped by to get their copy signed, to briefly chat about NetBeans, or for some strange reason to ask for directions to something (specifically Esplanade rooms, the bathroom, some vendor’s table, you name it..). I guess there’s something about a guy sitting behind a desk/podium that screams “Information Booth”.

 

 Anyways, I had a good time and enjoyed meeting everyone who stopped by. I would like to thank the guys at Apress and DigitalGuru for arranging to have me there.

I visted the Communityone 2008 Cinco De Mayo Party (community reception hosted at the end of the day). There was a good amount of food, free beer, and entertainment. I thought I would post a few interesting videos from the night. As you’ll see computer geeks know how to have fun…

Throughout Sun’s CommunityOne 2008 (specifically the NetBeans track), they distributed the standard swag one might expect of this type of event (bags, hats, shirts, etc.). At the conclusion of NetBeans Day, they also distributed a new mini-book about NetBeans tips and tricks. Roughly 140 pages, the book was authored by Ruth Kusterer, a technical writer for Sun Microsystems based in the Czech Republic. The book covers 100 tips and tricks that were collected from NetBeans documentation, blogs, forums, and the NetBeans community.

The 100 NetBeans Tips and Tricks book includes the following:

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Greetings everyone! I’m currently attending CommunityOne 2008 in San Francisco, California. I just wanted to provide a quick overview for folks who couldn’t make it here…

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