So Apple unveiled its tablet computer today.  Called the iPad it turns out that this supposed to be revolutionary tablet computer is really a giant iPod.  Ok that is a little critical but not to far from the truth.  Yes the iPad will function as an e-reader, and the iPods and iPhones won’t do that, also the screen size is giant when compared to it’s smaller “cousins”.  But from what I have seen the functionality will be very similar to the Ipod/iPhone.  This an not a tablet computer. You could say that it is an ultra portable.  Now with all that being said I do think there is a market for this product, do to the fact that it does have a quite large screen, and many usable apps including an e-reader and movie playing capabilities. Also depending on the particular model the iPad will support 3G connectivity for better wireless experiences.  Lets put it this way if i was given one I wouldn’t reject it.

1/28/10
After further reading I have discovered the the iPod and the iPhone to do e-reader functionality.  I appoligize for this, so I guess the only real difference between the iPod/iPhone and iPad are screen size.  Interesting.

Well CES 2010 is over and at least as far a monitors are concerned it looks like the big push is for 3D.  Both TV’s and stand alone computer monitors are quickly adopting this new technology.  My question is why? Also why was it federally mandated that every broadcast in america go high definition by a certain date?  I realize that technology is constantly evolving but this rapid change over is crazy.  It seems like in a year or so if you want to experience everything an entertainment package (be it blu-ray, or video game) has to offer you will need a new 3D monitor of some sort, and they aren’t coming cheap, especially with the economy the way it is now.  OK I guess the High Definition mandated change was ok, but with the industry now putting a de-facto 3D change very quickly after everyone bought HDMI compliant TVs it seems like to much to quick.  Granted standard HDMI TVs will continue to display content, the viewer just won’t be able to completely experience all content, and yes I may strive to be an early apoter of technology so I hear about these products before the average person.  I guess I just wish the industry would just have waited a few years before trying to revolutionize the monitor industy yet again.  At the very least it would have given them more time to beta test the new hardware/software.  Also to accomplish the 3-D effects we will have to go back to 1950′s tech.  That’s right the 3-D glasses are getting polished and sent back out to the consumer.  So not only will you have to buy a new TV, but you will have to wear funky glasses to get the full effect.  I am not saying that I don’t like the idea of  realistist movement being interperted by my brain, far form it I enjoy the idea of bieng fully imersed in an entainment situation,  but I think the industy is moving too quick on this and needs to let consumers get used to the idea of non 3-D high deffinition entertainment, before complicating the market even more with this new addition of the 3-D aspect.

Information Overload: can be it a good thing?

A post was made recently to slashdot saying that for some poeple information overload is what makes them “tick”.  I have to say that I disagree.  Yes I deal with information overload on a daily basis, just look at the WebCandy portion of the blog.  But does that mean that I need it to “tick” no.  Furthermore I also disconnect from the digital world from time to time in order to reset myself, and connect with nature as opposed to connecting to a server.
It is funny all this technology surronding us was made to make our lives easier, and at least with the internet it has done the exact opposite.  From checking you gmail account, to upadating your myspace page, and the making it your IP video conference with you grandmother in Spain.  This technological wonders are not simple to use, and even more difficult to administer.  For my money Information Overload is just another annoiance that we all must deal with, but given the chance I think most of us would rather have less information, and more imagination.  After all ignorance is bliss.

There has been a recent development in the gaming sector.  Many individuals are saying that PC Gaming is dead, or at least dying.  I can’t believe this statement.  For one, certain games work on a console and certain games work on a console.  I really don’t think WOW or Age of Conan would Really work even with todays next gen consoles.  Plus the level of customization of the game available on a PC is awesome.  Tell me when was the last time you were excited about the new video card you installed in your Wii and increased the video performance by 20FPS.  For my money there is a market for both Consoles and PC’s.  Further more “hardcore” gamers generally own both a high powered PC and a console of some kind, or multiple consoles.  It all depends on how deep you get into gaming.  For the casual gamer yes a console alone will suffice.  However for those of us who like to be on the cutting edge of gaming, a Gaming PC plus a console is the only way to go.

Yes it appears that a Brit has taken up the ever popular “sport” of studing the effect of violent video games on the human mind, and guess what… Nope he didn’t find that violent video games create violent people. Quite the contrary. However as it has been said in the forums associated with this story this study will probably just be “swept under the rug.” However, maybe this is the start of a turn in the thinking of the scientific community towards violent video games.

How many of you have heard of cloud computing? Well before today I hadn’t either. At least not the name. The idea of cloud computing is that everyone has access to the same level of computer resources over a network. You chose the level you want, and then your bank account is billed accordingly. This is a dramatic shift for the traditional way of acquiring computer power, in which if you wanted to upgrade it meant buying new hardware installing it, and as soon as you get everything running again, you are already behind the technological edge. Personally I don’t really like this idea, mainly because it relies on network connections, meaning if you loose connectivity you loose your computer, and denial of service attacks are very common, and very effective.  Plus here in Alaska all it takes is one misplaced shovel and our entire internet backbone is shot.  Also I really don’t like the idea of not being able to touch my computer. At least at the hardware/case level. This solution may work for the computer users who don’t require there computers to work all the time, and believe it or not there are still a few people for which this is true, but there numbers are dwindling. The technology of network connections is just not reliable enough yet to facilitate this change in basic computer use.

It appears that a struggle is occurring between two major computer parts manufactures. Intel and Nvidia are bickering over what is more important the CPU (Intel) Or the GPU (Nvidia). For my money I think a combination of the two are a good way to go, Intel says the same. However Nvidia’s new push is to drop the overall quality of you CPU and put a nicer GPU in you system. They say that this is because today’s modern user uses more graphically intensive applications, and the overall raw processing power of a CPU is wasted. Making the more finite power of a GPU a better choice. (My Interpretation)  I am going to have to disagree with this statement. The modern average user is really not that to dissimilar to users of the past. Most of them use there computers to create various documents to include text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, “research” on the internet, (hint, hint) check there e-mail, etc.. Now perhaps the “research”, and presentation portion could benefit from a more powerful GPU, but overall my money is still on a middle of the road processor respective to when you buy the computer. Now the match-up proposed by Nvidia would probably work good for a mid line gaming system. Why not a top of the line? Because top of the line systems are generally bought by top of the line users, and as such they are going to do more with the system than game. So they will want the raw power provided both a good GPU and CPU.
Just so it is clear I like Nividia cards as a matter of fact my gaming machine at home is currently running Dual GeForce 8800 Ultras in SLI mode. However my processor’s are Twin Dual Core AMD’s running at 2.8 Ghz a piece. So in conclusion I think that Nvidia is trying to be a little elitist with this move. As I stated above you need moderation when it comes to choosing a processor and a GPU.

OK so the EMI music group says that online MP3 file storage is illegal. They have even gone as far as filling a lawsuit against MP3tunes. This is yet another step by corporate interests to limit our digital rights. It is not the fault of MP3Tunes if some users upload illegal MP3′s. I believe that if a person buys a CD (and converts CD to a digital format) or digital file then they have rights to upload this media however they see fit. EMI should go to the source the users who are uploading illegal files. (Not that I agree with the statement that MP3 sharing is illegal) It is much like the current situation with firearms in this country. Those who are against guns want to shutdown the manufactures. NO! Go after the people using the guns in inappropriate ways.

OK I will let you know right now that before last Sunday I was not a big fan of cell phones. Yes in my previous WebCandy’s I read a lot of stories about cell phones. But I really didn’t use one, yes I did own one, but the only time I even turned it on was when I was traveling. However on Sunday I purchased a Motorola Q. It could be said that this phone has too many feature for the average consumer however for a technology professional such as my self it is great. Email, Internet, IM are all included. This is a great phone but if you a considering buying one the price is steep. Just keep that in mind. Also living in Alaska cell coverage is always an issue I went with ACS as a provider and so far I have no complaints. As a matter of fact I am stunned I get coverage in areas where there hasn’t been coverage for years. As an example I live in a valley that could be described as a “hole”, and in the past there has been no coverage, however with this provider I get wireless internet, and very clear phone coverage as well. I am very happy with this purchase.