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Friday, November 30, 2012

Microsoft's Surface Pro is certainly 'Pro' priced


If you were one of the 3 or 4 people considering buying a Surface tablet, but were hesitant because it didn't run legacy applications... then today might be a reason to celebrate. Microsoft has announced the Surface Pro will be available in January 2013 for a starting price of $899.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

How Would You Spend $550 Million?


I have recently been informed that the Powerball jackpot is $550 million and the drawing is tonight. Unfortunately, Powerball isn't played in Florida, and I don't really want to drive to Georgia just to wait in line to spend money on a ticket with an extremely small chance in winning the jackpot.

However, I was asked what I would spend my millions on if I just happen to win. Of course, the instant reaction would probably be the same for most people... pay off all debt, buy new house, new cars, etc. But I've had a little time to think. I think my first big purchase would be a house, but after that..... oh man...

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Windows 8 First Impressions


Earlier today I spent the better half of 2 hours setting up a brand new laptop with Windows 8. Quick review? I'm not a fan. When it takes 10 minutes to find the setting within the Mail app to add additional accounts... something is wrong. I do understand that Windows 8 is Microsoft is trying to reinvent itself. They are attempting an operating system that will be the same on desktops and tablets, which is a grand idea, but I don't feel as though they pulled it off. Now, this is my opinion, and it may change the more I get to explore Win 8.

Get Ready To Hit Refresh!

Google has been sending out emails announcing the availability of the next batch of Nexus 4 phones to start at noon. So if you were one of the many that attempted to purchase one and were ultimately too late.... then head over to the Google Play store at 11:59 a.m. and get ready for the floodgates to open. And if you just skim the picture below, at least note that it says 12 noon PST. Which means those of us on the East Coast need to set our alarms for 3:00.


And because I'm a nice guy, I'll provide the links here:
Good luck!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Free and Open Internet!

With each passing year, it seems as though there is an effort by Big Business and governments across the world to control what we can find on the internet. I don't know about you, but i don't want any government telling me that I can't read about what is going on around the world.

Last year, it was the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, and it was concocted by the MPAA and RIAA with some help from their friends in Washington. If you don't know anything about SOPA, then you clearly haven't been paying attention.

In December, world governments will have a closed door meeting about censoring internet content. Join me, in letting your voice be heard. Join me in telling them that the internet belongs to the people, not to the government, Big Business, nor special interest groups. Join me in fighting to keep the internet #freeandopen.

Visit www.google.com/takeaction/ to learn more.

Update:
Apparently this issue is a bit more complicated than initially thought. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has published a notice claiming that Google is incorrect over their claim of governments seeking control and censorship of the internet. On the other hand, the one that would gain control of the state of the internet would be none other than the ITU itself, and "that would be a disaster", according to Eric Schmidt, Google's executive chairman.
This article over at Talking Points Memo does a good job of breaking down both arguments while remaining unbiased. I'd recommend reading it before forming an opinion either way.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Remember Vice City? It's Coming to iOS and Android


Oh man, this is good news. I played the hell out of this game, and I'll probably shell out the $4.99 for the mobile version just so I can play it again.

Anyway, it's the 10 year anniversary of the Rockstar classic, and to celebrate, they are releasing it for iOS and Android devices on December 6th. Just in time for the holidays.

Rockstar has also compiled a list of all compatible devices (man, I wish more companies would do that):

  • Apple iOS Devices: iPad, iPhone 4, 4S & 5, iPod touch 4th & 5th Generation
  • Android Phones: Motorola Razr, Razr Maxx, Razr Maxx HD, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Photon, Motorola Droid Bionic, HTC Rezound, HTC One X, HTC One S, HTC Evo 3D, HTC Sensation, HTC Droid Incredible 2, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Nexus S, Samsung Galaxy Note 1 & 2, Samsung S2, Samsung Galaxy R, Sony Xperia Play, Sony Xperia S, P, T & TL, Sony Walkman Z Series Media Player, Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy S3, Google Nexus 4
  • Android Tablets: Acer Iconia, Asus Eee Pad Transformer, Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, LG Optimus Pad, Medion Lifetab, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 / 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, Sony Tablet S, Sony Tablet P, Toshiba Thrive, HTC Flyer, Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus 10
Happy gaming!

Source: Rockstar Games

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

How To Keep the Tech You Work So Hard For


You have spent many hours slaving away at work to save as many pennies as you can so that you may go splurge on that awesome new gadget you have been drooling over for months. You end up not only buying the device, but you also go over budget by purchasing the extended warranty and a protective shell just in case you drop it.

Well, that's all fine and good, if you are worried about you doing something to damage your new toy. But what about the things you don't plan for? Like your shiny new gadget getting...... stolen. No extended warranty will protect the data stored within the device, and certainly no protective bumper will return it to your hands. So what can you do?

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Things I really don't like

Using contact lens re-wetting drops on a cold morning.

It's like pouring ice water on your eyeballs.

Can't be a nerd on just ONE level


Like many with an affliction for technology, I too, share a love for a good sci-fi television show. Everyone in my house are avid Doctor Who fans, and who could blame them, really? It's a great show. But more recently, we watched Battlestar Galactica. I was hooked on that show fairly quickly, as it appealed to all my sides: futuristic technology, space, robots, Top Gun style combat, and a good deal of sex appeal (for both sexes). What's not to love?

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A $200 laptop? No way!


First, let me ask you this, would you buy any electronic device today that had a 3.5 hour battery? Of course not! Laptops from 10 years ago had better battery life. Not by much, mind you, but it was better.

So why would Acer put such a shoddy battery into their brand new Acer C7 Chromebook?! Smartphones have better battery life than that. It just doesn't make any sense. I mean, the rest of the machine is actually pretty nice. Chrome OS, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive (decent for any current laptop), 3 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, VGA port, 2-in-1 card reader, with an HD display and HD webcam. Not a bad deal at all for $199. So why skimp on the battery?

Sunday, November 11, 2012

It's Veteran's Day


I feel strange saying “Happy Veteran’s Day” because I don’t think it’s a day one should be happy about. Appreciative, thankful, and grateful are all better words to use to describe how I feel about Veteran’s Day.

To all the veterans, and current members of our military: Thank You. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage and your sacrifice. As an American, I am grateful for your service and for the service of all those that came before you. Regardless of race, gender, age, or religion, you are all heroes in my book.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

I may....

.... have spoke too soon.


This makes me happy. And I'm sure it makes Jenna happy as well because now she knows that I won't be asking for a Chromebook this year.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Apple should be nervous


This past Monday, Google lifted the veil on the new products in their Nexus line. First up is the official appearance of the Nexus 4, Google's updated flagship phone. While I thought the Galaxy Nexus was a decent iPhone competitor, the new Nexus 4 is sure to do even better.