And here I go again! Sorry for the hiatus, been playing with my new iPad. JUST KIDDING! I honestly see no viable reason to get one. I still stand by my word that, while pretty, yes, it is just a product with Apple's logo on it and would serve zero purpose for me, not now and possibly not even in the future. Get some USB ports, maybe some flash support (I go to TONS of websites that use Flash and flash video, so suck it), I like having a physical keyboard, I like my sturdy wi-fi connection, oh, and I guess unlike several thousand people, I love to multitask. I am doing it right now. Not a hard concept, Apple, since Microsoft has been letting me multitask, on any product since I was in grade school.
On to more important things: I just wanted to rapid-fire about some things I felt were important then I am going back to the real world.
APPLE vs. GIZMODO
-Gizmodo, you're wrong, as a company whole, for purchasing what would clearly be constituted as stolen goods. You're also wrong for showing the employee (and posting his Facebook page and Flickr page) of the person that lost it. For shame, Gizmodo...for shame.
-Apple, there is some serious egg on your face for one of your employees, in a drunken stupor I am sure, lose one of your valued prototype products. Then raiding that one guys house for information? WHY????!!!! You already had your iPhone prototype back? Was stealing all of his computers (even his iPad) necessary? And busting down the door? Perhaps asking him to relinquish his items first might have worked, or am I thinking too much that a human being might wanna be treated with some da** respect? And yes, I realize that it wasn't an official order from Apple to charged the reporters house, but really, who do you think gave them the idea to do so?
FACEBOOK
Seriously, stop fu**ing with my privacy settings. Resetting them is a headache enough without you jerks making it so everyone can see everything....again!
NETFLIX AND REDBOX
It is because of you two companies that I haven't set foot in a video rental store for over a year now. I can't even find my Family Video card. I haven't purchased a movie since Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (note: I regret nothing!). As a matter of fact, because of you two companies I may never purchase a movie, ever again. I am going to donate my movie collection, except for some choice titles, to a Goodwill, just because I never watch them anymore. It is because of you two companies, that I could justify the purchase of a new TV because me and the wife can watch just about anything at almost anytime for (combined) less than $20 a month, the cost of a single movie! As a matter of fact, this month I have watched at least 8 movies for about $13, less than the cost of buying them, I assure you. It is because for you two companies that here soon, the movie industry is going to be forced to rethink their business strategy on the consumer level, or suffer losing literally billions of dollars per year to everyone that is adpoting streaming and cheap movie rentals. And for this, Netflix and Redbox...I say thank you, and keep up the good work!
PS3 vs Xbox 360
Alright, I was an early adopter to the Wii and have a decent collection of titles to it, both fun and innovative. But when it comes to sheer title selection, the Xbox 360 wins. Recently though, I got a new HDTV with 1080p, so I figured it's time to get a Blu-ray player to complement it for HD movies. So, I finally justified a purchase pf a PS3. You know what, I am impressed. As a DVD/Blu-Ray player, it's so da** sexy. As a gaming system, my one compliant is the complete lack of a huge library of good games urks me. I bought MAG and LittleBigPlanet, and recently got Super Street Fighter IV with it, but after that I am lost what else to get (note: I realize that Street Fighter is also on the 360, just wait a bit....). One thing that does disappoint me is the hardware comparisons to the XBox 360 and the PS3. My X360 has broken down once, had to use the MS warranty to get it fixed, and the intial one I have does not have HDMI support (“FU** YOU EARLY ADOPTERS,” Microsoft I guess said to X360 Pro owners). The PS3 Slim I have didn't come with the HDMI cable, but the support was always there. The X360 also doesn't have built-in WiFi. Heck, even the Wii has built-in WiFi, let alone the PS3 having it. Normally this wouldn't be too much of a complaint, except Microsoft barely sells their network WiFi adapter anymore, but my current hardline connection is sporadic that some online matches were not worth having (read: Street Fighter IV). If I had a nickel for everytime a match shut me out of a game....anyways. I connected my PS3 online, and I don't know what those network engineers at Sony did, but even with WiFi I am able to maintain a solid connection with a seamless online experience, using a G-MIMO router, too! The cherry on the sundae: the PS3 Network is Free, where as for Xbox LIVE I have to pay $40-$50 a year, or $3-$4 dollars a month, depending on how you cut it up. I have played 256-player online matches on my PS3 without only one disconnect in the last two weeks. ONE! I have played, and payed, 18 player Modern Warfare matches with many, almost regular disconnects and hiccups during gameplay. The PS3 using Bluetooth headsets and controllers is also a bonus, as opposed to Microsoft's proprietary headsets and USB controllers. Complaints aside I was just surprised at how much I get out of my PS3 when for the X360 I have to pay more to get the same.
HTC EVO 4G
I won't call this phone, Sprint's savior device, but I will say I will buy it the day it comes out. Is it an iPhone killer? Nope. The iPhone is a market all it's own, for people that want a simple smartphone that's easy to use. Android phones are more complex, but not so much that it takes a a super tech to know how to work them (like Windows mobile 5.0 was). What are the main reason I will buy one?
-8 MegaPixel camera
-1.3 MP front facing video camera
-WiMAX 4G support
-4.1” screen
-It's made by HTC
-Android 2.1
-Enough said.
Or you could just go to www.sprint.com/htcevo to see it for yourself.
That's all I got's have yourselves a good one!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
iPad. Not really, Imma a guy, but anyways...
You know, I have been meaning to tak about the iPad, Apple's newest tablet, for some tiime now, but got so busy with school (apparently I am not good at College Physics) and work I forgot to rant about it. Well, it's release is coming up on our heels and the question I have been asking myself is, "Do I need this?" As with 90% of the electronics I own, the answer is a resounding no. So the next question is, "Do I want this?" Now that is a good question that deserves explanation before I come to it.
So the product, which costs $499.99 for the most basic 16GB model ($599 for the 32GB and $699 for the 664GB) is laced with features. I won't talk about the specs of it too heavily because Apple's site (www.apple.com/ipad/specs/) lays it out pretty well, buthere's the down and dirty: 9.56" LED capacitive screen, a custom made 1GHz processor, 3.5mm jack (as far as I'm concerned, that should by standard on all portable electronics), it's running the newest iPhone OS, etc. So, let me start with all the apps it will support, which is pretty much the same as the ones found on the iPhone and iTouch. Also, special hand-picked dev teams are working to make iPad specific apps. It will even have Kindle and Apple Bookstore (iBook) support to function as an e-reader. For your internet browsering it will have an "N" Wi-Fi radio built in, or you could drop an extra $130 per model to get AT&T 3G data support (no contrat, $15 a month). So, what could be wrong with this device?
Here's what I think is wrong; I have no use for any of the above mentioned. And no, and am not against technological advancement nor do I hate Apple (I own an 8GB iTouch and love it), heck I'm not even against tablets seeing as how I used to own an 8GB Archos 5. What I am against is how much hype this product has gotten. I mean this thing has over 120,000 pre-orders so far, and next to none of those people have seen or held the dang thing. For literally half the price of the entry level iPad, I could instead get a decent netbook, pre-loaded with Windows 7, larger screen, physical keyboard, and a plethora of possibilites for programs and support without worrying about a seperate app catalog. I admit, I maybe in a seperate demograpic of consumer because I have a decently powerful home computer, a netbook for me and one for my wife, and both of us have relatively new smartphones. So, when it comes to data access, we are pretty much covered, but I understand that we may just be the exception, not the rule to how many people are for data access...or are we? Of those 120K pre-orders, how many of those customers do you think already have not only a smartphone but also a laptop and\or a computer of some sort?
In the interest of full disclosure, I admit when I first saw the thing, after years of hearing about it's possibly existence, I snickered at it and deemed it DOA saleswise. Upon further thought of it, I still say it's useless to me and anyone else, except maybe as an e-reader. Heck, even for an e-reader it's kinda pricey (Amazon's Kindle is $279 or less and a Sony E-Reader is $199 or more).
Am I being prejudice? Let me say about Apple, they make great products. They literally defined and dominate the MP3 player market with their iPod Classic, Nano, and Touch's. They practicularly reinvented the smartphone market with the iPhone and gave all competitor's a goal to shoot for and supercede. Their Macs and MacBooks, though expensive, are incredibly fast and intuitive machines. But, where does a tablet fit into this picture? Computer = home computing, documentation, and productivity. MP3 player = Music, videos, podcasts, and games if you want. Smartphone = same as the last two except in pocket-sized form and able to make calls and text, and a data network is usually included (required in most cases). So what does the iPad do that should intice me to say "I want it!"? Well, and maybe I truly am the exception, but I think it's a more reliable though to say there are more Apple Kids willing to pre-order a half thousand dollar piece of hardware that to say its more hiddenly useful than I am not willing to find.
Comments? you know where to leave them.
So the product, which costs $499.99 for the most basic 16GB model ($599 for the 32GB and $699 for the 664GB) is laced with features. I won't talk about the specs of it too heavily because Apple's site (www.apple.com/ipad/specs/) lays it out pretty well, buthere's the down and dirty: 9.56" LED capacitive screen, a custom made 1GHz processor, 3.5mm jack (as far as I'm concerned, that should by standard on all portable electronics), it's running the newest iPhone OS, etc. So, let me start with all the apps it will support, which is pretty much the same as the ones found on the iPhone and iTouch. Also, special hand-picked dev teams are working to make iPad specific apps. It will even have Kindle and Apple Bookstore (iBook) support to function as an e-reader. For your internet browsering it will have an "N" Wi-Fi radio built in, or you could drop an extra $130 per model to get AT&T 3G data support (no contrat, $15 a month). So, what could be wrong with this device?
Here's what I think is wrong; I have no use for any of the above mentioned. And no, and am not against technological advancement nor do I hate Apple (I own an 8GB iTouch and love it), heck I'm not even against tablets seeing as how I used to own an 8GB Archos 5. What I am against is how much hype this product has gotten. I mean this thing has over 120,000 pre-orders so far, and next to none of those people have seen or held the dang thing. For literally half the price of the entry level iPad, I could instead get a decent netbook, pre-loaded with Windows 7, larger screen, physical keyboard, and a plethora of possibilites for programs and support without worrying about a seperate app catalog. I admit, I maybe in a seperate demograpic of consumer because I have a decently powerful home computer, a netbook for me and one for my wife, and both of us have relatively new smartphones. So, when it comes to data access, we are pretty much covered, but I understand that we may just be the exception, not the rule to how many people are for data access...or are we? Of those 120K pre-orders, how many of those customers do you think already have not only a smartphone but also a laptop and\or a computer of some sort?
In the interest of full disclosure, I admit when I first saw the thing, after years of hearing about it's possibly existence, I snickered at it and deemed it DOA saleswise. Upon further thought of it, I still say it's useless to me and anyone else, except maybe as an e-reader. Heck, even for an e-reader it's kinda pricey (Amazon's Kindle is $279 or less and a Sony E-Reader is $199 or more).
Am I being prejudice? Let me say about Apple, they make great products. They literally defined and dominate the MP3 player market with their iPod Classic, Nano, and Touch's. They practicularly reinvented the smartphone market with the iPhone and gave all competitor's a goal to shoot for and supercede. Their Macs and MacBooks, though expensive, are incredibly fast and intuitive machines. But, where does a tablet fit into this picture? Computer = home computing, documentation, and productivity. MP3 player = Music, videos, podcasts, and games if you want. Smartphone = same as the last two except in pocket-sized form and able to make calls and text, and a data network is usually included (required in most cases). So what does the iPad do that should intice me to say "I want it!"? Well, and maybe I truly am the exception, but I think it's a more reliable though to say there are more Apple Kids willing to pre-order a half thousand dollar piece of hardware that to say its more hiddenly useful than I am not willing to find.
Comments? you know where to leave them.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Crap, I think I'm an Apple Kid.
So there I am, getting ready for another hardy day at work, when I remember that CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is still going on, so of course like most tech junkies I wanna hear about it in podcast form. To the Archos 5 I go to download the latest Buzz-Out-Loud. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the Archos 5 refused to actually download the podcast. Thinking it was a fluke, I tried to download another podcast called Stuff You Should Know. The Archos 5 failed to do that, and then restarted the whole device when I tried to play an older podcast. This, as you may guess, was the final straw.
The main reason I got the Archos 5 was as a media usage, so when the device fails me in that area, then Android operating system be danged, the tablet had to go. So, if you've been following the blog so far, my Zune gave out because Microsoft refuses to update the Zune Marketplace, and now my Archos 5 which didn't support podcats out the box and I had to find a halfway decent podcast app, now doesn't play podcasts. I have been avoiding this since day one, and now the decision was made...yes, that's right. I bought an Apple iPod Touch.
Here's the thing, I have always said "fu** you" to most Apple products because Steve Jobs has convinced the world that Apple only makes premium products, thus they can charge, hmmm, whatever they want for the products these make. That makes anyone that buys into this sales pitch an "Apple Kid".
In example, a new Mac Book Pro: $2400, a new Windows 7 laptop with the same specs: at least $1500 to $1800. This is the same account for most Apple products, that being the "premium" tag never leaves. So, being a price-concious tech-junkie, I typically stay away from what I believe to be over-priced products.
End point, this was $200, my former Archos 5 was $250. Hypocrite is me. But....I admit...this is one of the best consumer electronic devices I have ever used. Yes, I realize I'm late to the Apple game, so no, this isn't a review, but rather a confession of how innovative this device is. The music loads seamlessly (I had problem with iTunes at first, but then I reloaded it and it works great now), the podcasts load effortlessly so long as WiFi is going, the capacitive touchscreen is bar none the best one I have evr used, and finally the UI is nothing short of genius. In short, I am now a believer in certain Apple products as the iPod Touch is absolutely genius.
I still will never buy a Mac, though
The main reason I got the Archos 5 was as a media usage, so when the device fails me in that area, then Android operating system be danged, the tablet had to go. So, if you've been following the blog so far, my Zune gave out because Microsoft refuses to update the Zune Marketplace, and now my Archos 5 which didn't support podcats out the box and I had to find a halfway decent podcast app, now doesn't play podcasts. I have been avoiding this since day one, and now the decision was made...yes, that's right. I bought an Apple iPod Touch.
Here's the thing, I have always said "fu** you" to most Apple products because Steve Jobs has convinced the world that Apple only makes premium products, thus they can charge, hmmm, whatever they want for the products these make. That makes anyone that buys into this sales pitch an "Apple Kid".
In example, a new Mac Book Pro: $2400, a new Windows 7 laptop with the same specs: at least $1500 to $1800. This is the same account for most Apple products, that being the "premium" tag never leaves. So, being a price-concious tech-junkie, I typically stay away from what I believe to be over-priced products.
End point, this was $200, my former Archos 5 was $250. Hypocrite is me. But....I admit...this is one of the best consumer electronic devices I have ever used. Yes, I realize I'm late to the Apple game, so no, this isn't a review, but rather a confession of how innovative this device is. The music loads seamlessly (I had problem with iTunes at first, but then I reloaded it and it works great now), the podcasts load effortlessly so long as WiFi is going, the capacitive touchscreen is bar none the best one I have evr used, and finally the UI is nothing short of genius. In short, I am now a believer in certain Apple products as the iPod Touch is absolutely genius.
I still will never buy a Mac, though
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Daft Punk forced me to buy this game...
For Christmas, I got a decent amount of gifts, but much like every year, the video games were always the ones that entice the most fun. So one of the gifts my wife got me was DJ Hero. Maybe you have heard of the game, it's published by Activision ( who is now the IP owner of the Guitar Hero series after acquiring it from Harmonix, who now makes the Rock Band series blah blah blah) and the game itself is made by Freestyle games. Now, question is if the game is good. The answer is a resounding yes and double yes.
In my personal opinion, I believe the Guitar Hero series as a whole has become as stale as the Dance Dance Revolution series (don't get me wrong, I loves me some DDR, but there has been no real innovation in the series in a while). The Guitar Hero series reached it's height with Guitar Hero 3, but then they just started making rehashes of GH3 with different band labels (Mettalica, Aerosmith, etc), and I think DDR has shown us that tactic can only last so long. So, Activision has made a whole new IP with a completely different rhythm game peripheral, which I might add is another genius game add-on by Red Octane. As a matter of fact let's talk a little about this required controller for the game:
The DJ Turntable has one "wheel of steel" (read:hard plastic, but durable) that can rotate 360 degrees with 3 multi-colored buttons. It also has a crossfader bar and an effects knob. Alright that sounds simple enough, so how does the game play? This is where the real innovation comes in, as you "tap" to the beat of the music, "scratch" the wheel to scratch up the mix, use the crossfader as a music gate for the mixes for fading and whatnot, and more time than not you will be doing these tactics at the same time. Also, much like in the Guitar Hero series, there is Star Power, called Euphoria Power in this game, that doubles you score and multiplier, plus it does automatic crossfades. It actually gets even more complex than this, but that's in the harder modes and I may cover them later.
On to the music, which is the best part of most rhythm games. I gotta stab at Guitar Hero with this, because not only are the overall controls actually more difficult than Guitar Hero's, but the game uses 120 original mixed up songs from over 90 songs. This is a breathe of fresh air compared to Guitar Hero and Rock Bands license cramming for all of their games. If you are a fan of the DJ scene, you will notice some favorites and greats maikng guest appearances in the game, from Grandmaster Flash to Daft Punk to DJ Shadow, all with their own original mixes added to the game.
I want to say the game is without flaw, but here they come. First,off, not all of the music is great, but I suppose that's going to happen wtih any rhythm game. Some of the tracks are awesome, while other mixes leave me glad I never have to play it again. Next is the failure system in the game, which is when you don't do so well in a song in a rhythm game and the game basically says "game over". So, that doesn't exist in DJ Hero, which is a good and bad thing. It's bad because it takes the credibility out of the difficulty of the game, but it's good because it lets casual players enjoy the game without being forced to become hardcore players just to play harder songs. Another bad deal is the sample effects zone that occasionally comes down on the red button side of the screen. I really wish there was a way to disable this feature, because the truth is it's pointless. It sounds cool throughing in a set of samples into the song, but it doesn't add to your score, multiplier, nothing. It really just kinda shows up as more of a distraction than anything else. Question to Activision or Freestyle Games: Why leave in a useless feature to a final product? Did the alpha testers actually agree to a useless feature being left in?
My last and final gripe is the actual price of the game. Now granted, I got the game as a Christmas present, but for everyone else that has to purchase it, you gotta pay up. The game comes with the DJ Turntable and costs $120, which equals out $60 for the game and another $60 for the controller. I have this contoller in front of me, and a $60 pricetag is maybe a bit high, but I must admit it is really durable and the button presses are spot on for accuracy. But truth is, even the gaming economy is in a bit of a recovery, so expensive games can stand the potential for not selling so well, hurting this game in the short run. Let's not get started on the Jay-Z & Eminem Special Edition pack, which may come with a stand plus some extra stuff, but $200 for a single-player game and controller (multiplayer if you buy more games and controllers)....didn't the industry try this already with both Steel Battalions, with minimal results. Truth is, average customers don't like to drop a system's worth of money on one game.
All complaints and kudos aside, it's a great game with a fresh concept. Consider this a review for the XBox 360 version, as I haven't touched the Wii or PS3 versions and have no intention to. As for those that need a numeric score for the game, just consider it an 8 or 9, 8.5 if you will, great but the price of admission, certain mixed songs and for those that like country music (btw, I hate country music), this may not be the correct game for them. I say give it a try and hope for a sequel. A Belated Happy Holidays to All!
In my personal opinion, I believe the Guitar Hero series as a whole has become as stale as the Dance Dance Revolution series (don't get me wrong, I loves me some DDR, but there has been no real innovation in the series in a while). The Guitar Hero series reached it's height with Guitar Hero 3, but then they just started making rehashes of GH3 with different band labels (Mettalica, Aerosmith, etc), and I think DDR has shown us that tactic can only last so long. So, Activision has made a whole new IP with a completely different rhythm game peripheral, which I might add is another genius game add-on by Red Octane. As a matter of fact let's talk a little about this required controller for the game:
The DJ Turntable has one "wheel of steel" (read:hard plastic, but durable) that can rotate 360 degrees with 3 multi-colored buttons. It also has a crossfader bar and an effects knob. Alright that sounds simple enough, so how does the game play? This is where the real innovation comes in, as you "tap" to the beat of the music, "scratch" the wheel to scratch up the mix, use the crossfader as a music gate for the mixes for fading and whatnot, and more time than not you will be doing these tactics at the same time. Also, much like in the Guitar Hero series, there is Star Power, called Euphoria Power in this game, that doubles you score and multiplier, plus it does automatic crossfades. It actually gets even more complex than this, but that's in the harder modes and I may cover them later.
On to the music, which is the best part of most rhythm games. I gotta stab at Guitar Hero with this, because not only are the overall controls actually more difficult than Guitar Hero's, but the game uses 120 original mixed up songs from over 90 songs. This is a breathe of fresh air compared to Guitar Hero and Rock Bands license cramming for all of their games. If you are a fan of the DJ scene, you will notice some favorites and greats maikng guest appearances in the game, from Grandmaster Flash to Daft Punk to DJ Shadow, all with their own original mixes added to the game.
I want to say the game is without flaw, but here they come. First,off, not all of the music is great, but I suppose that's going to happen wtih any rhythm game. Some of the tracks are awesome, while other mixes leave me glad I never have to play it again. Next is the failure system in the game, which is when you don't do so well in a song in a rhythm game and the game basically says "game over". So, that doesn't exist in DJ Hero, which is a good and bad thing. It's bad because it takes the credibility out of the difficulty of the game, but it's good because it lets casual players enjoy the game without being forced to become hardcore players just to play harder songs. Another bad deal is the sample effects zone that occasionally comes down on the red button side of the screen. I really wish there was a way to disable this feature, because the truth is it's pointless. It sounds cool throughing in a set of samples into the song, but it doesn't add to your score, multiplier, nothing. It really just kinda shows up as more of a distraction than anything else. Question to Activision or Freestyle Games: Why leave in a useless feature to a final product? Did the alpha testers actually agree to a useless feature being left in?
My last and final gripe is the actual price of the game. Now granted, I got the game as a Christmas present, but for everyone else that has to purchase it, you gotta pay up. The game comes with the DJ Turntable and costs $120, which equals out $60 for the game and another $60 for the controller. I have this contoller in front of me, and a $60 pricetag is maybe a bit high, but I must admit it is really durable and the button presses are spot on for accuracy. But truth is, even the gaming economy is in a bit of a recovery, so expensive games can stand the potential for not selling so well, hurting this game in the short run. Let's not get started on the Jay-Z & Eminem Special Edition pack, which may come with a stand plus some extra stuff, but $200 for a single-player game and controller (multiplayer if you buy more games and controllers)....didn't the industry try this already with both Steel Battalions, with minimal results. Truth is, average customers don't like to drop a system's worth of money on one game.
All complaints and kudos aside, it's a great game with a fresh concept. Consider this a review for the XBox 360 version, as I haven't touched the Wii or PS3 versions and have no intention to. As for those that need a numeric score for the game, just consider it an 8 or 9, 8.5 if you will, great but the price of admission, certain mixed songs and for those that like country music (btw, I hate country music), this may not be the correct game for them. I say give it a try and hope for a sequel. A Belated Happy Holidays to All!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
From Z to A.
So surprise, surprise, Microsoft gave me the finger. Allow me to explain.
I cleared my XP computer and added Windows 7 on to it (sidebar, go to Microsoft.Com and look up how to get Windows 7 for $30 if you are a student. It's legit, safe, and they mail you a back-up disc). So I had to do a clean swipe of my hardrive to install it, with hard drive back-up of course. This worked out quite well, and I am most pleased with 7, it's fast and very efficient. Unfortunately, Zune Marketplace no longer wants to work... Apparently, Zune Marketplace doesn't like to to load on to certain computers for apparently no reason at all. Worst yet, you can't load anything or take anything from one's Zune without Marketplace installed on your PC somehow.
Now, this is a known problem to Microsoft, but unfortunately, their only reccomendation to resolve this issue is to either buy a new Zune HD, which comes with the installation DISC, or buy a new computer. That's it. No other options. So my 30GB Zune I specifically bought for ease of use over anything Apple shells out, is now incapable of loading or unloading anything in it, save for the content inside it already.
To Microsoft, I say this, "You fu**ed up." I had real faith in the Zune market, but no more. So, since I like podcasts and needs me music, I decided I may as well try out an iPod Touch. The day I was going to buy one, I saw a new item that was being sold at ye olde local RadioShack, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet. After a bit of research through ye olde intarweb, it seems it's has an Andriod OS installed and apparently a decnt media player running the Linux kernal. Sold!
So here is what I thinks of the device, it is a powerful media player. It has WiFi, a large ( I do mean large) 4.8" resistive touch, some pre-installed, somewhat useful apps (like Twitdroid, a music mixer, Browser, amongst others), and a video player. Now, it says the built-in speaker is supposed to play sound out-loud, I don't know if mine is not workin' but it seems the Android one just records through the speaker. It really hasn't bothered me that much since it comes with headphones and I have an auxillary cable to play it through my car speakers. Now, you can put podcasts on the thing, but you basically have to download an app for it. I have been using A-Cast, it seems to work out pretty well, but it won't find like iPod or Zune exclusive ones. Something annoying, though it is running the Andriod, Google Marketplace is not on the device, though it can be hacked on there. I tried hacking it on there, but it's a little more complicated than the instructions make it out to be. I will try again later, and give an ecstatic woo once it works. But for right now, it comes with Appslib, which I guess stands for Application Library, and there are loads of free apps on there, but it's nothing compared to the over 10,000 on the Andriod Marketplace. It's open development, too, much like the Andriod marketplace.
All in all, the device is responsive, easy to throw lot's of apps on, the 8GB internal flash drive is expanadble with a microSD card slot, so you never really loss that much space. My one complaint is the lack of speaker, but with my headphones, it's not terrible. Bonus, it has a DVR and channel tuner, but you have to pay extra for the HD DVR stand. Also, it has a GPS reciever with voice guided directions, but you have to pay an extra $39.99 for that, unforunately. You do get a seven day free trial, but I haven't tested it to give my true opinion. Extra bonus, if you don't have an auxillary port in your car, it comes with an FM transmitter built-in. As for mention of the battery life, if you only play music, you'll get about 22 hours out of it. If you listen to music while using the WiFi for web browsing, ahorten it to around 8.
All in all, I'd say it's an excellent purchase for someone looking for a good media experience, a good browsing experience, but don't rely on it it to replace your smartphone, or netbook, just for entertainment and very lite workload.
I cleared my XP computer and added Windows 7 on to it (sidebar, go to Microsoft.Com and look up how to get Windows 7 for $30 if you are a student. It's legit, safe, and they mail you a back-up disc). So I had to do a clean swipe of my hardrive to install it, with hard drive back-up of course. This worked out quite well, and I am most pleased with 7, it's fast and very efficient. Unfortunately, Zune Marketplace no longer wants to work... Apparently, Zune Marketplace doesn't like to to load on to certain computers for apparently no reason at all. Worst yet, you can't load anything or take anything from one's Zune without Marketplace installed on your PC somehow.
Now, this is a known problem to Microsoft, but unfortunately, their only reccomendation to resolve this issue is to either buy a new Zune HD, which comes with the installation DISC, or buy a new computer. That's it. No other options. So my 30GB Zune I specifically bought for ease of use over anything Apple shells out, is now incapable of loading or unloading anything in it, save for the content inside it already.
To Microsoft, I say this, "You fu**ed up." I had real faith in the Zune market, but no more. So, since I like podcasts and needs me music, I decided I may as well try out an iPod Touch. The day I was going to buy one, I saw a new item that was being sold at ye olde local RadioShack, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet. After a bit of research through ye olde intarweb, it seems it's has an Andriod OS installed and apparently a decnt media player running the Linux kernal. Sold!
So here is what I thinks of the device, it is a powerful media player. It has WiFi, a large ( I do mean large) 4.8" resistive touch, some pre-installed, somewhat useful apps (like Twitdroid, a music mixer, Browser, amongst others), and a video player. Now, it says the built-in speaker is supposed to play sound out-loud, I don't know if mine is not workin' but it seems the Android one just records through the speaker. It really hasn't bothered me that much since it comes with headphones and I have an auxillary cable to play it through my car speakers. Now, you can put podcasts on the thing, but you basically have to download an app for it. I have been using A-Cast, it seems to work out pretty well, but it won't find like iPod or Zune exclusive ones. Something annoying, though it is running the Andriod, Google Marketplace is not on the device, though it can be hacked on there. I tried hacking it on there, but it's a little more complicated than the instructions make it out to be. I will try again later, and give an ecstatic woo once it works. But for right now, it comes with Appslib, which I guess stands for Application Library, and there are loads of free apps on there, but it's nothing compared to the over 10,000 on the Andriod Marketplace. It's open development, too, much like the Andriod marketplace.
All in all, the device is responsive, easy to throw lot's of apps on, the 8GB internal flash drive is expanadble with a microSD card slot, so you never really loss that much space. My one complaint is the lack of speaker, but with my headphones, it's not terrible. Bonus, it has a DVR and channel tuner, but you have to pay extra for the HD DVR stand. Also, it has a GPS reciever with voice guided directions, but you have to pay an extra $39.99 for that, unforunately. You do get a seven day free trial, but I haven't tested it to give my true opinion. Extra bonus, if you don't have an auxillary port in your car, it comes with an FM transmitter built-in. As for mention of the battery life, if you only play music, you'll get about 22 hours out of it. If you listen to music while using the WiFi for web browsing, ahorten it to around 8.
All in all, I'd say it's an excellent purchase for someone looking for a good media experience, a good browsing experience, but don't rely on it it to replace your smartphone, or netbook, just for entertainment and very lite workload.
Friday, November 20, 2009
It's a Coverage Issue.
Have you maybe seen the new Verizon commercials, well that's putting it lightly, I mean attack ads against the AT&T's Apple iPhone. They are pretty funny and to the point. It shows some chap or gal trying to access their internet on their devices, one has a random Verizon phone and one has an iPhone. The one with the Verizon phone can access the interwebs wherever they go because Verizon has “The Nations Largest 3G Network”, plus a map of Verizon's network keeps popping up over the person's head. The person with the iPhone is having some trouble, and to prove this a map of AT&T's 3G coverage pops over the other's head. End commercial with Verizon sayiong they have a larger data coverage network.
So, here comes the good stuff, AT&T is now suing Verizon for attacking their network and giving false information to potential customers. Many AT&T customers, thought this the correct thing to do since AT&T's coverage isn't that bad...or is it? Here is a nice bit of homework, go to www.wireless.att.com, try and find the coverage locator. Don't worry, it's there, you just have to FIND it. Once you have, see if you can find their 3G coverage on their map. I will save you the time, you can't You can switch between voice coverage and data coverage, but please keep in mind that AT&T is including 2G and 3G in their data map. You can't break it down to 3G on their data map. Actually, if you really want to know what it is, go to Verizon's site, www.verizon.com, select their wireless then coverage options, and they will tell you what the 3G coverage is for all of the carriers. You will also find AT&T's, and then you will see why they don't really brag about it. Their true 3G map is small, offering coverage in most major cities, but nothing outside of that. Actually, my wife has AT&T, a Blackberry to boot. It's only 2G though, and when she did have a 3G phone, it dropped it's 3G coverage when we visied me mother, who lives in a major Ohio city about 20 miles away from us. Actually, when we visited Missouri back in June, she couldn't make any calls at all. I could (I have Sprint and they convieniently don't charge me for roaming, nor do the charge me for calls to cell phones anymore, come to think of it), but that's beyond the point of Sprint being better overall and thus making this post of two overpriced companies kinda pointless.... EITHER WAY!
So during the court case, AT&T lost. Verizon didn't actually say any scathing lies, nor did they say anything that didn't display a proper use of friendly capitalism. This just goes to show you that you can't sue someone for telling the truth, and then showing a visual display of it. Now, I don't mind AT&T, but I do not like Verizon at all (Their phones and plans are ridiculously priced! Why does anyone agree to such huge prices?). Speaking of prices, do you ever see an add for Verizon displaying their prices? No, and you never will, they know they are the most expensive carrier in the US and they don't care. AT&T did make an ad to counter the Verizon attack ads, but it's kinda weak. Hoorah for casting Luke wilson to play the role of tool, but the ad really doens't address the coverage attack. As a matter of fact, to the trained ear and eye, it sounds like AT&T kinda accepts the attack and says, “So? We have better phones!” Truth is, they are right, when it comes to overall handsets, Verizon has some gems but is struggling.
I applaud Verizon for pointing out the falacy of a major company. Sprint has been doing it for years (price comparisons and what not), if everyone does it, then maybe we wouldn't have so many stupid customers flocking to verizon because they assume it's the best based on commericials.
So, here comes the good stuff, AT&T is now suing Verizon for attacking their network and giving false information to potential customers. Many AT&T customers, thought this the correct thing to do since AT&T's coverage isn't that bad...or is it? Here is a nice bit of homework, go to www.wireless.att.com, try and find the coverage locator. Don't worry, it's there, you just have to FIND it. Once you have, see if you can find their 3G coverage on their map. I will save you the time, you can't You can switch between voice coverage and data coverage, but please keep in mind that AT&T is including 2G and 3G in their data map. You can't break it down to 3G on their data map. Actually, if you really want to know what it is, go to Verizon's site, www.verizon.com, select their wireless then coverage options, and they will tell you what the 3G coverage is for all of the carriers. You will also find AT&T's, and then you will see why they don't really brag about it. Their true 3G map is small, offering coverage in most major cities, but nothing outside of that. Actually, my wife has AT&T, a Blackberry to boot. It's only 2G though, and when she did have a 3G phone, it dropped it's 3G coverage when we visied me mother, who lives in a major Ohio city about 20 miles away from us. Actually, when we visited Missouri back in June, she couldn't make any calls at all. I could (I have Sprint and they convieniently don't charge me for roaming, nor do the charge me for calls to cell phones anymore, come to think of it), but that's beyond the point of Sprint being better overall and thus making this post of two overpriced companies kinda pointless.... EITHER WAY!
So during the court case, AT&T lost. Verizon didn't actually say any scathing lies, nor did they say anything that didn't display a proper use of friendly capitalism. This just goes to show you that you can't sue someone for telling the truth, and then showing a visual display of it. Now, I don't mind AT&T, but I do not like Verizon at all (Their phones and plans are ridiculously priced! Why does anyone agree to such huge prices?). Speaking of prices, do you ever see an add for Verizon displaying their prices? No, and you never will, they know they are the most expensive carrier in the US and they don't care. AT&T did make an ad to counter the Verizon attack ads, but it's kinda weak. Hoorah for casting Luke wilson to play the role of tool, but the ad really doens't address the coverage attack. As a matter of fact, to the trained ear and eye, it sounds like AT&T kinda accepts the attack and says, “So? We have better phones!” Truth is, they are right, when it comes to overall handsets, Verizon has some gems but is struggling.
I applaud Verizon for pointing out the falacy of a major company. Sprint has been doing it for years (price comparisons and what not), if everyone does it, then maybe we wouldn't have so many stupid customers flocking to verizon because they assume it's the best based on commericials.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Modern Warfare: part 2, A My thoughts.
Having played Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and loving every aspect of it, the very idea of the same developer, Infinity Ward, making a sequel had me reserve my copy the second I got the chance. All of the trailers and websites could not satiate my hunger to shoot someone in the face. Oh, sure, I tried playing COD: World at War, a very nice WWII sequel and I even replayed the first Modern Warfare, yet it was not enough. I patiently awaited the game's release on the 10th of November. And then it came out....and if I may use an old adage, the wait was well worth it.
Single Player
Let me start with the single player campaign, amazing. That's really all I should need to say, but I guess I can go on. Infinity Ward really shocked the FPS world with their last game's epic telling of two men fighting for the safety of the world, and the hidden war that happens behind the scenes while other sleep at night. The way the campaign flowed, as if you were saving the world from over ambitious terrorists and not only was your life on the line, but the lives of millions. The sequel picks up 5 years after the first game and goes into another plot of espionage and terrorism abroad. I really cannot go too much into the single player campaign, because every detail is pretty crucial and discussing it can ruin the experience. I can say that there are even more sniping sequences (because how can you hate those?), a wider variety of weapons and attachments for said weapons, and a larger focus on the sheer scale of the “war” you spec ops group has gotten itself into. As for the difficulty yeah, ummm....hard. I beat the game on normal, and albeit it'll only take you a solid, I dunno, four to three hours playing the game, depending on how many times you die. So the game is relatively short, but there is enough content to make it a very enjoyable. But, the single player campaign is about, I dunno, 10% of the reason I bought the game.
Multiplayer
The real meat of this game is its multiplayer. It's everything the first game was and so much more. The depth of the weapons, the perks even have upgardes to better perks. Your killstreak is now even customizable to your liking and playstyle, but you still have to unlock the good stuff and actually earn the killstreak bonus. For instance, the AC-130 gunship is now a killstreak bonus, but you have to get 11 kills in a row to use it, but when you do, the enemy has about 30 seconds of shear airborne terror to deal with. Then there's the 25 killstreak unlock of a tactical nuke....I haven't been hit with that that, but it ends the game if someone uses it. The weapons from the last game got a noticeable boost, also. For Instance, I am using an M4A1 with an Holographic sight, my sidearm is the PPMS (I think that's what it is, I am typing this away from the game), frag grenade and flashbangs with the following perks: Steady Aim-Sleight of Hand-Stopping Power-Painkiller and my Kill Streak perks are UAV-Care Package- and Predator (just unlocked Sentry but haven't used it yet). Now this is a very basic loadout and still I am having no trouble laying the smackdown on enemies from near or far. So anything thats fits you play style, their will probably be a weapon for it. As a matter of fact, my gamertag is ExploderBlade, so feel free to challenge me and I will show you that a simple loadout is just fine. I was completely enamored by how simple the UI is now while in multiplayer (there's an XP bar at the bottom!) and even the point system has been tweaked. I swear, you get points for just standing there, but really, you get points for shooting someone from more than 200 meters, bonus for headshot kills, bonus for one shot kills (even if it's a headshot) bonus for killing the person that killed you, the list goes on. And all these points can be used to level up and get some new unlocks and rank.
To wrap it up, my one complaint about the game is how addicting it is, about killed one Sunday morning playing the game. I mean, if you like FPS, you may end up dedicating time to this lovely gem.
Single Player
Let me start with the single player campaign, amazing. That's really all I should need to say, but I guess I can go on. Infinity Ward really shocked the FPS world with their last game's epic telling of two men fighting for the safety of the world, and the hidden war that happens behind the scenes while other sleep at night. The way the campaign flowed, as if you were saving the world from over ambitious terrorists and not only was your life on the line, but the lives of millions. The sequel picks up 5 years after the first game and goes into another plot of espionage and terrorism abroad. I really cannot go too much into the single player campaign, because every detail is pretty crucial and discussing it can ruin the experience. I can say that there are even more sniping sequences (because how can you hate those?), a wider variety of weapons and attachments for said weapons, and a larger focus on the sheer scale of the “war” you spec ops group has gotten itself into. As for the difficulty yeah, ummm....hard. I beat the game on normal, and albeit it'll only take you a solid, I dunno, four to three hours playing the game, depending on how many times you die. So the game is relatively short, but there is enough content to make it a very enjoyable. But, the single player campaign is about, I dunno, 10% of the reason I bought the game.
Multiplayer
The real meat of this game is its multiplayer. It's everything the first game was and so much more. The depth of the weapons, the perks even have upgardes to better perks. Your killstreak is now even customizable to your liking and playstyle, but you still have to unlock the good stuff and actually earn the killstreak bonus. For instance, the AC-130 gunship is now a killstreak bonus, but you have to get 11 kills in a row to use it, but when you do, the enemy has about 30 seconds of shear airborne terror to deal with. Then there's the 25 killstreak unlock of a tactical nuke....I haven't been hit with that that, but it ends the game if someone uses it. The weapons from the last game got a noticeable boost, also. For Instance, I am using an M4A1 with an Holographic sight, my sidearm is the PPMS (I think that's what it is, I am typing this away from the game), frag grenade and flashbangs with the following perks: Steady Aim-Sleight of Hand-Stopping Power-Painkiller and my Kill Streak perks are UAV-Care Package- and Predator (just unlocked Sentry but haven't used it yet). Now this is a very basic loadout and still I am having no trouble laying the smackdown on enemies from near or far. So anything thats fits you play style, their will probably be a weapon for it. As a matter of fact, my gamertag is ExploderBlade, so feel free to challenge me and I will show you that a simple loadout is just fine. I was completely enamored by how simple the UI is now while in multiplayer (there's an XP bar at the bottom!) and even the point system has been tweaked. I swear, you get points for just standing there, but really, you get points for shooting someone from more than 200 meters, bonus for headshot kills, bonus for one shot kills (even if it's a headshot) bonus for killing the person that killed you, the list goes on. And all these points can be used to level up and get some new unlocks and rank.
To wrap it up, my one complaint about the game is how addicting it is, about killed one Sunday morning playing the game. I mean, if you like FPS, you may end up dedicating time to this lovely gem.
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