It's completely a gimmick, and as one without $150 to throw to a virtual keyboard, I cannot give a full review as to how it really works, but I just found it interesting and unique and definitely something to talk about.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Strange Tech Devices: Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard
Just for fun, and also because I haven't written in a week and am short on time, I thought I would quickly highlight a nifty ThinkGeek item: The Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard.
This item, costing $149.99 plus shipping, is a Bluetooth device, compatible with most computers. It projects a keyboard image onto any flat surface, and works as such. It can also connect to PDAs and Smartphones, and has a battery (rechargeable) that lasts up to 120 minutes.
It's completely a gimmick, and as one without $150 to throw to a virtual keyboard, I cannot give a full review as to how it really works, but I just found it interesting and unique and definitely something to talk about.
It's completely a gimmick, and as one without $150 to throw to a virtual keyboard, I cannot give a full review as to how it really works, but I just found it interesting and unique and definitely something to talk about.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
In Love with a Video Game Nerd (Who is Angry)
If you've spent any time on YouTube searching for video game reviews, you may have at one point encountered James Rolfe, better known as Angry Video Game Nerd. AVGN reviews retro games and game systems (NES is his favorite to review), and generally chooses games that have irked him or that his viewers have reported as extremely difficult, stupid, or plain old annoying.
One thing I have to say is that AVGN is not totally for all audiences. There is a "language barrier" per say, that would be inappropriate for young viewers. AVGN is not afraid to express how he feels about a game, which always leads to colorful vulgarities and references to feces. Very entertaining for the more mature audience, but not something I would show an 8 year old child.
With that being said, I'll post a few videos here if you would like to see AVGN's awesomeness, and after these vids I will talk a little about James.
Now that you have gotten a chance to see AVGN, I'll tell you a bit about James. James Rolfe has a history in film making, participating in the 48 hour film project with some of his friends and making shorts while he was in college. Along with James' AVGN series, he has also begun "Board James," movie reviews, and "You know what's bulls***." One common question about James is about his relationship status (because, let's face it, a vulgar nerd is quite attractive ;) hehe). James is married to a lovely wife, who is quite pleased with his fame from his small, joke-oriented film ventures.
I would recommend visiting James' site, http://www.cinemassacre.com/ and taking a look at some of his work. There is something for everyone when it comes to James' videos, and all of them have a special type of entertainment.
A final example is my favorite episode of Board James, Mr. Bucket.
One thing I have to say is that AVGN is not totally for all audiences. There is a "language barrier" per say, that would be inappropriate for young viewers. AVGN is not afraid to express how he feels about a game, which always leads to colorful vulgarities and references to feces. Very entertaining for the more mature audience, but not something I would show an 8 year old child.
With that being said, I'll post a few videos here if you would like to see AVGN's awesomeness, and after these vids I will talk a little about James.
Now that you have gotten a chance to see AVGN, I'll tell you a bit about James. James Rolfe has a history in film making, participating in the 48 hour film project with some of his friends and making shorts while he was in college. Along with James' AVGN series, he has also begun "Board James," movie reviews, and "You know what's bulls***." One common question about James is about his relationship status (because, let's face it, a vulgar nerd is quite attractive ;) hehe). James is married to a lovely wife, who is quite pleased with his fame from his small, joke-oriented film ventures.
I would recommend visiting James' site, http://www.cinemassacre.com/ and taking a look at some of his work. There is something for everyone when it comes to James' videos, and all of them have a special type of entertainment.
A final example is my favorite episode of Board James, Mr. Bucket.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Computer Prodigy-and no, I don't mean me.
First, I would like to state that this kid... is a genius. And not just with computers. He knows several languages, and while his primary language is not english, he speaks it more fluently than I do.
He is the youngest Microsoft systems engineer.
He wrote a 312 page book about Windows 7. (I think I should read this)
And he is only 9 years old.
I have no way to describe this kid. Within the article there is some great information about how he is just a normal kid with a lot of knowledge, and about how he worships Bill Gates as his hero. (What a smart kid!)
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/17/marco.calasan.macedonia/ This is the article. I suggest it, since it is a very good read.
He is the youngest Microsoft systems engineer.
He wrote a 312 page book about Windows 7. (I think I should read this)
And he is only 9 years old.
I have no way to describe this kid. Within the article there is some great information about how he is just a normal kid with a lot of knowledge, and about how he worships Bill Gates as his hero. (What a smart kid!)
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/17/marco.calasan.macedonia/ This is the article. I suggest it, since it is a very good read.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Pirates, LimeWire's P2P life may be over.
First I would like to apologize for my lengthy absence from this blog-with school, two theatre performances to work on, exams, work... well anyway school is almost over for the summer and I am back-plan on weekly updates from here on out :)
Now, for this week, it has been well known for very long that if you want illegal music downloads, you turn to P2P clients to access this vast database of information. Today we will cover the lawsuit LimeWire has filed against them, and also my opinion on the music downloading industry.
According to CNET.com, LimeWire finally lost in the battle against the RIAA regarding the accessibility of unlicensed, unpaid-for music downloads. The estimate is that 58% of illegal downloads comes from LimeWire, and because of this and their "lack of action" towards stopping the illegalities they are at fault for the downloads. LimeWire could face the RIAA's maximum penalty of $150,000 per illegal transaction, putting the total amount due in fines in the billions.
Now, here is a news video about file sharing and downloading. Whether or not this reflects my opinion, you will soon find out.
And this is a podcast that covers my opinion on LimeWire. The program ITSELF is not illegal, it's what you do with it. Simple as that.
Now. Here is how I feel about file sharing/downloading. This is purely my opinion, and nothing more. We live in a day and age where, whether you like it or not, people require free things to allow for any interest whatsoever in a product or service. It has a lot to do with the economy, but also that we as a society are spoiled by Google and the internet and accessibility. What you are now thinking, however, is that by downloading music illegally, I am hurting the song artists by stealing all their money. The truth behind this is that, #1. Artists do not make much money, sometimes none at all, from their sales. It comes from ticket sales at concerts, merchandising, and publicity. Still you say this is not a good reason? Well #2 is my personal use of music downloads. If there is a new song or artist I am not familiar with, I will turn to LimeWire and download that one song. From there, I may download a few more songs from the artist. On SEVERAL occasions, this has led me to greatly appreciate and enjoy an artist. I then want the better quality, because with LimeWire you will NOT get the sound quality that physical purchasing of music will give you. I have bought 10+ CDs in the last few months, all influenced by artists I heard on the radio and downloaded songs from LimeWire.
I have over 3000 songs on my computer alone, and about half are completely legit. I will not say much about the rest because to be honest it's hard to tell what I downloaded through LimeWire and what I had to purchase from iTunes. Artists I would never have listened to before are in my collection, and like I said, I purchase more music if I can enjoy it for free first.
Make your own opinions, but mine is that LimeWire helps the music industry. Big Time.
Now, for this week, it has been well known for very long that if you want illegal music downloads, you turn to P2P clients to access this vast database of information. Today we will cover the lawsuit LimeWire has filed against them, and also my opinion on the music downloading industry.
According to CNET.com, LimeWire finally lost in the battle against the RIAA regarding the accessibility of unlicensed, unpaid-for music downloads. The estimate is that 58% of illegal downloads comes from LimeWire, and because of this and their "lack of action" towards stopping the illegalities they are at fault for the downloads. LimeWire could face the RIAA's maximum penalty of $150,000 per illegal transaction, putting the total amount due in fines in the billions.
Now, here is a news video about file sharing and downloading. Whether or not this reflects my opinion, you will soon find out.
And this is a podcast that covers my opinion on LimeWire. The program ITSELF is not illegal, it's what you do with it. Simple as that.
Now. Here is how I feel about file sharing/downloading. This is purely my opinion, and nothing more. We live in a day and age where, whether you like it or not, people require free things to allow for any interest whatsoever in a product or service. It has a lot to do with the economy, but also that we as a society are spoiled by Google and the internet and accessibility. What you are now thinking, however, is that by downloading music illegally, I am hurting the song artists by stealing all their money. The truth behind this is that, #1. Artists do not make much money, sometimes none at all, from their sales. It comes from ticket sales at concerts, merchandising, and publicity. Still you say this is not a good reason? Well #2 is my personal use of music downloads. If there is a new song or artist I am not familiar with, I will turn to LimeWire and download that one song. From there, I may download a few more songs from the artist. On SEVERAL occasions, this has led me to greatly appreciate and enjoy an artist. I then want the better quality, because with LimeWire you will NOT get the sound quality that physical purchasing of music will give you. I have bought 10+ CDs in the last few months, all influenced by artists I heard on the radio and downloaded songs from LimeWire.
I have over 3000 songs on my computer alone, and about half are completely legit. I will not say much about the rest because to be honest it's hard to tell what I downloaded through LimeWire and what I had to purchase from iTunes. Artists I would never have listened to before are in my collection, and like I said, I purchase more music if I can enjoy it for free first.
Make your own opinions, but mine is that LimeWire helps the music industry. Big Time.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Can 3D TV really make it big?
http://news.cnet.com/3d-tv-faq/?tag=contentMain;contentBody for more information on this topic.
Wouldn't it be awesome to live the experience of a show by watching it in 3D on your in home television? We are all aware that we've steered away from the old school red and blue 3D glasses cut out of cardboard and handed out as promotional tools at Wal-Mart, but what is the future? Our TVs display pictures in a 2D format; what does it require to make it "pop?"
Six major TV makers have already developed 3D-displaying TVs, and while still very expensive they are available. But there is still the question of, how does it work?
Yes, you still have to wear glasses. However, the glasses are battery operated and work in a specific way so that your eyes see in a 3D format. These glasses allegedly create less of the "3D headache" that the old glasses did. You won't be able to enjoy your 3D TV without these glasses, either. So make sure you have enough for that football party you're planning!
Current HDTVs do not have the technology to be upgraded. You would need to purchase a new TV regardless. That is, of course, if you have any interest in the 3D programming.
Will this idea stick? Or will it be like Nintendo's Virtual Boy-an overpriced gimmick that fails extremely quickly? In my opinion, there will be a day when technology becomes more advanced, but right now 3D TV sounds sort of like the Riddler's invention in Batman Forever. But, instead of transferring (and stealing) data directly to and from your brain, you have to wear the ruddy glasses and look like a fool watching your television. 3D TV (the current design) seems simply like a tech novelty.
Six major TV makers have already developed 3D-displaying TVs, and while still very expensive they are available. But there is still the question of, how does it work?
Yes, you still have to wear glasses. However, the glasses are battery operated and work in a specific way so that your eyes see in a 3D format. These glasses allegedly create less of the "3D headache" that the old glasses did. You won't be able to enjoy your 3D TV without these glasses, either. So make sure you have enough for that football party you're planning!
Current HDTVs do not have the technology to be upgraded. You would need to purchase a new TV regardless. That is, of course, if you have any interest in the 3D programming.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The NES Still Reigns as Best 8-Bit System
How much would you be willing to pay for a rare, collectible NES game?
$50? $1,000?
How about $41,300? Well, that is how much this wonderful eBay buyer payed for this sealed Stadium Events NES game, which was originally going to be sent to Good Will as a donation, but upon seeing one purchased on eBay for $13,000, Dave from Kansas decided to throw it on to eBay, a game that was part of a 185+ collection of NES games.
According to rarityguide.com, Stadium Events has these values:
Stadium Events Bandai 1987
New In Box $38,000.00
Comes In Box $12,000.00
Loose $2,200.00
Looks kind of like this guy lost out by a couple thousand...
To read the original news article from CNET, visit this website: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10461235-71.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
To view the final auction, go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/FACTORY-SEALED-NEW-NES-NINTENDO-STADIUM-EVENTS-NTSC_W0QQitemZ140384097750QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Vintage_Video_Games?hash=item20af8b55d6
$50? $1,000?
How about $41,300? Well, that is how much this wonderful eBay buyer payed for this sealed Stadium Events NES game, which was originally going to be sent to Good Will as a donation, but upon seeing one purchased on eBay for $13,000, Dave from Kansas decided to throw it on to eBay, a game that was part of a 185+ collection of NES games.
According to rarityguide.com, Stadium Events has these values:
Stadium Events Bandai 1987
New In Box $38,000.00
Comes In Box $12,000.00
Loose $2,200.00
Looks kind of like this guy lost out by a couple thousand...
To read the original news article from CNET, visit this website: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10461235-71.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
To view the final auction, go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/FACTORY-SEALED-NEW-NES-NINTENDO-STADIUM-EVENTS-NTSC_W0QQitemZ140384097750QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Vintage_Video_Games?hash=item20af8b55d6
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Acer Takes an Olympic Approach
This morning, CNET released an article that discussed the OS and computer choice of the Olympics. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10459312-56.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
Over 6,200 computers were purchased for the Olympics use, and these computers...
Acer computers. The Olympic officials declined upgrading to Windows 7, saying it was just too new. These computers are running on Windows XP, which, at least in my opinion, is outdated but still a quality OS. However, hopefully in two years the Olympics move on up to Windows 7-it's superior. Really, it is. We'll discuss that a different day.
So, why buy Acer? I'm not saying dump your computer and run straight out for an Acer; it's very true that they are NOT the best, and this company is competing in an industry with names such as Dell, HP... yeah, you get it. But what if you need a small, cheap addition to your tech collection? Go with the Acer Aspire One. This is what I have (in blue), and while it isn't great for running several high-memory things, it cruises for internet browsing (especially with Google Chrome), instant messaging (Windows Live works GREAT), and word processing. It's a get-down-to-basics computer in a sense, but isn't that the original purpose of a netbook?
Over 6,200 computers were purchased for the Olympics use, and these computers...
Acer computers. The Olympic officials declined upgrading to Windows 7, saying it was just too new. These computers are running on Windows XP, which, at least in my opinion, is outdated but still a quality OS. However, hopefully in two years the Olympics move on up to Windows 7-it's superior. Really, it is. We'll discuss that a different day.The first thing I did when I saw Acer as the company, I cringed... but then paused. I myself own an Acer netbook. This underrated company may finally be on their way to success. The Taiwan-based company has been excelling over the last few years, and is becoming more popular, especially as a "Wal-Mart brand" computer. (That's the whole reason I have an Acer-the cheapness, and the accessibility through Wal-Mart... no matter how much I want to avoid them.) Why does Acer still make people back off? Well, it's main problem is their computers have a reputation for being a slow, and sometimes they don't use top-notch parts. This can be true, but like with anything you get what you pay for. Acers are budget-style computers, and for the money they are actually excellent little beasts.
So, why buy Acer? I'm not saying dump your computer and run straight out for an Acer; it's very true that they are NOT the best, and this company is competing in an industry with names such as Dell, HP... yeah, you get it. But what if you need a small, cheap addition to your tech collection? Go with the Acer Aspire One. This is what I have (in blue), and while it isn't great for running several high-memory things, it cruises for internet browsing (especially with Google Chrome), instant messaging (Windows Live works GREAT), and word processing. It's a get-down-to-basics computer in a sense, but isn't that the original purpose of a netbook?Aspire One 10.1 inch Netbook Specs
(At least, the one I have)
Harddrive: 160GB
RAM: 1GB
Processor: Intel Atom N270
Speed: 1.6 GHz
OS: Windows XP Home Edition
Battery: 3-Cell Lithium Ion (Close to 3+ hours battery life)
Downfalls: most of the time, does not come with an external DVD/CD drive. Mine didn't. Also, there is no real recovery option other than sending it back to Acer to have them reformat it for you, because it doesn't come with recovery disks (however, if you buy an external drive yourself, it gives you the option to create a backup disk....)
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