NFL on your IPOD
 

NEW YORK - Starting next week, football fans will have a new way to listen to games: on their iPods.

The National Football League on Tuesday announced an agreement with Audible Inc., an online distributor of audiobooks and other spoken-word programming, to make recordings of this year's remaining playoff games available for portable audio players, including Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod.

The first recordings of football games for sale under the agreement will be this Sunday's NFL conference championships, which will be available on the Internet the following morning.

Replays of the Super Bowl will also be available under the deal.

Chris Russo, senior vice president of new media and publishing for the NFL, said complete recordings of games, including versions that feature local sportscasters, are expected to cost around $10 each, while highlights of games are expected to cost between 95 cents and $4.95.

I can't imagine buying a football game where I already knew the outcome, but I guess if my team ever won the Super Bowl (hahahahahahahahahahaha) then maybe I'd feel differently. But probably not.

NFL on your IPOD
 

Agreed--I really can't see much of a market for this. Did anyone download the convention speeches (which were free?) About the only thing I could see having some value of this type would be an automatic download of a morning news report that one could listen to on the way to work. (or sportscenter or something, too)

NFL on your IPOD
 

I will admit I downloaded the DNC speeches. I didn't sync them to my iPod, though --- that sucker would have displaced my entire Yo La Tengo collection without increasing my cred with the record store clerks one iota.

Wireless router with cable
 

What's the best router to get if I am going to have a PC and an Ibook?

Wireless router with cable
 

I have a PowerBook and a PC laptop (Dell Inspiron 600m), and use the AirPort Extreme, which I can recommend. Just set up the network on the Mac, and then add the PC. Easy peasy. These days, you could probably do the same setup with an AirPort Express.

There are less expensive wireless routers, but the no muss no fuss aspect of Apple design is sometimes worth it.

Wireless router with cable
 

I have this very setup: a PowerBook (Albook with 54mbps airport extreme card) and a dell with a b/g centrino chip. Works flawlessly.

Wireless router with cable
 

I have an Airport Extreme base station set up independently close to a single Comcast cable hook-up. 1 Powerbook which I used to set up everything else. Everything else is 2 Airport Express peripherals which connect a new Dell and an old HP, respectively.

A few tricks to this.... Get your own Modem instead of renting from Comcast, unless Comcast is giving you the newest Motorola surfboard. Older Comcast modems (RCA???) seem to tend to overheat and stall periodically.

Also, when configuring the Airport Express peripherals, do it from the Apple and do NOT do it while the Express is connected to its intended computer via ethernet or USB. If the intended computer is plugged in while you are trying to configure it, Windows XP will not allow you to configure (at least, the 3 Apple dorks I spoke to on the phone couldn't figure out what the problem was while I spoke to them for hours). So configure the Express peripherals from the Apple, and THEN plug them into their respective computers. Once the connections are in place, Windows XP doesn't seem to have any problems using them.

I would dare say that Apple is THE way to go for a mixed setup, as so many other products are not compatible with the Mac O/S, but Apple products are typically compatible with Windows.

On another note, any recommendations for a stand-alone network printer for a Powerbook, a Dell PC and an HP PC (ugh!)? The old HP sucked and Dell scammed me with a piece of junk that loads vertically (and they even made it sound like it was highly desirable by saying there was a backlog of orders that would delay shipment by 3 weeks). I'm looking for something that is fast, compatible with at least the Dell, loads vertically, and I'm not too concerned with price. If I have to, I'm getting one of the $1500 network printers they got at work that print at 60-120 pages per minute (including image files like PDFs). But any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hello

Wireless router with cable
 

We just got an HP 1300n for a piece of our office. Networked flawlessly, and spits out about 20ppm. They've replaced it with the 1320n, but I assume it's basically teh same (althogh somewhat brickier and uglier). But if all you want is printing and simple networking, this is a pretty good bet.

Wireless router with cable
 

This guy just bought a Brother MFC-8440 and seems happy with it.

Wireless router with cable
 

And he endorses "Super G3".

Wireless router with cable
 

Yet refuses to write a blog on Bush's inaugural speech. I question his priorities and his authority.

New wave in DVDs
 

MX Entertainment, based in San Francisco, specializes in translating musical performances to DVD. One feature of the disc is called "Select A Stone" in which you can using your DVD player's remote control jump between camera views aimed solely at Mick Jagger or Keith Richards or Charlie Watts and watch their portion of the performance.

Another interesting feature was one called "Backstage." If you ever wanted to get a glance of what goes on just off the stage during a Stones show, you get a few fleeting glances here. Again the audio remains consistent throughout while the video shifts briefly to action off-stage.

MX has produced several concert DVDs, the most recent being a performance by the group Incubus at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, for Sony.

The DVD business is about to head into another format shift. A format of disc called the Blu-Ray Disc appears to be the format that most companies--Sony, Philips (nyse: PHG - news - people ), Hitachi (nyse: HIT - news - people ), Dell (nasdaq: DELL - news - people ) and Hewlett-Packard (nyse: HPQ - news - people ) among them--are supporting as the next evolutionary step in home entertainment. Those discs will contain up to 25 gigabytes on a single-layer disc and twice as much on a double-layer disc, which opens up a great deal of potential.

the rest

TV and Tivo
 

I'd appreciate any advice on buying a new TV, Tivo, and DVD. As a reference point, a friend recommended a 46" Samsung DLP that he bought and is very happy with. I think the dimensions of that TV (42" wide, 13" deep) seem about right - hopefully it won't overwhelm a medium sized living room. But I haven't gone to look at it and know nothing about picture quality. As I've written here before, there are few things less appealing to me than walking into a Best Buy.

I'm not interested in plasma because of the burn-in issue, and might prefer LCD over DLP if the difference in cost is worth it in terms of picture quality, slimness, etc. Unfortunately it's not feasible to hang the TV on the wall.

I am also totally uneducated about the HD issue and how that might affect one's choice of Tivo.

The primary purpose of the big TV is for optimal sports viewing. I don't really care to see Donald Trump's hairline in high-def.

Budget is about $2500-3000 for TV, Tivo equipment, and DVD, not including any extra speakers for surround sound, etc.

NFH -- bear in mind that my standards and my budget are not as high as yours, so temper your recommendations accordingly.

TV and Tivo
 

We just bought a Sharp Aquos LCD and we love it. Ours is small (37", I believe) because of space constraints, but it comes in larger models. I nixed the DLP option for the same space constraints reason, so I don't have info on what DLPs are comparable. Excellent picture quality, even during the day watching in a room that faces south (with two story windows). Here's info from the Sharp website - http://www.sharpusa.com/products/Typ...56,s67,00.html We were deciding between this and a Samsung plasma and we are very happy with our choice. Only caveat - Mr Man had to fiddle with the video settings a bit before we got to the excellent picture quality. HD ready, blah, blah, blah. Our small one was a little bit less than $3k.

TV and Tivo
 

I have recommended the Samsung DLP 3 times to people looking for a relatively low priced set with excellent picture quality. The DLPs have excellent brightness and the Samsung has excellent color purity. DLPs are brighter than LCDs and have none of the fast-motion artifacts that you will get on both Plasma or LCD.

You will not regret buying that set. That said, the HDTivo is going to run you close to $1000. But see if you can squeeze that into your budget. You'll want the Tivo and you need the HD. Superbowl!! (However the bastards at FOX have not yet signed a contract with DirecTV so I will not be able to see the Superbowl in HD. Something to do with wanting more $$ greedy bastards.)
I'm not a real fan of the Samsung TV stand. It's pretty and modern and whatnot, but not really functional. There are other stands available for that set. Ask the doofus in the store what other brands they have that will work with that set.
I can't see recommending anything else in that price range as that is clearly the set of choice for most people in that price range.
Samsung has 2 different lines of DLPs which have different functionality. The ones you see in Best Buy will not be the same as the sets you see in an Ultimate/Tweeter/Sound Advice/MagnoliaHT. The cosmetics are nicer in the higher end sets - better framing around the screen. And only about $50-$200 more per set. See if that's worth the extra $$ for you. The screens and the mechnisms are the same internally. The computer chip is better in the more expensive set.

DO IT!!

TV and Tivo
 

How much is the Samsung thingy?

TV and Tivo
 

HL-P4663W will run about $2499
HL-P4674W will run about $3199.
Both are 46" sets, but the upper line set has nicer cosmetics and a better computer chip inside. The better chip will get you a little bit nicer picture during fast movements, less digitization during motion and normal viewing and a little bit better color saturation and black level. In the pictures you can see sort of what I mean about the framing around the screen. You can barely see any border around the picture in the black set. The framing is thicker and more obvious in the silver set. But still. Both are very good TVs. I told you where to go to get one. Now do it.
http://product.samsung.com/images/pr..._m_hlp4674.jpg
HL-P4674W

http://product.samsung.com/images/pr..._m_hlp4663.jpg
HL-P4663W

TV and Tivo
 

My only gripe with DLP's, not necessarily the Samsung, is the limited viewing area--they're nice when you're right in front of it, but when you go to grab a beer you can't see the picture as well when you're not in the optimal viewing area. Since I am a raging alcoholic, this would really bug me.

TV and Tivo
 

I can't vouch for nuthin here, but nextag sometimes shows a price history over time for certain products. I looked up the 4663W and it immediately gives me a range of prices from 1600 to 2500. And it shows a fairly steady decrease in prices over the last year.

Other sources indicate that LCD TV prices are expected to continue dropping for this entire year.

http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buye...sung_HL_P4663W

Hopefully, this link will show the pretty chart. Don't make no waves, don't catch no downward-drifting knives.

TV and Tivo
 

DLP is much better off angle than LCD is.

TV and Tivo
 

Have a mini-fridge installed in the coffee table or an end table. DUH.

Or maybe in an ottoman. And have a clapper installed on the door/lid.

TV and Tivo
 

But not as good as CRT or Plasma. Every technology has its pluses and minuses, just gotta figure out what's important to you. For me, I want to see the picture, no matter where I go. Of course that means I have to have a big ass CRT or a Plasma that doesn't last that long and may be prone to burn in.

TV and Tivo
 

But then how is I supposed to gets my exercise? You trying to kill me?

TV and Tivo
 

Abso-fucking-lutely. I think a monkey-skin rug would look great in the bathroom.

TV and Tivo
 

CRTs are over. Plasma doesn't have the burn as bad as everyone talks about. A lot of people are remembering the "old days." The better Plasmas have a "refresh" that works pretty good. I have not had to use it though.

TV and Tivo
 

Yeah, plasma burn is not a real world concern. Particularly for lawyers with little free time to watch tv. The number of hours you would have to watch is astounding for any sort of burn in problem with the current technology. The only things that kept us away from plasmas were the price and the brightness issue in a very bright room. And the only thing that kept us away from DLPs was size (particularly in light of the huge ass rear projection tv we recently got rid of for space reasons). For those reasons, LCD was perfect for us.

Just figure out what you care about.

TV and Tivo
 

NFH, you ignorant slut. You can have my Sony 36 XBR400, when you pry it from my dead cold prehensile tail. And you should bring a couple of other guys because it's 235 lbs and awkward. It still puts out a great picture.

As for plasmas, I don't even care about burn in--just buy a good one from costco and if it tanks, return it and get another one. Yes, I am the reason the prices are getting higher for 36-packs of TP at Costco, tough.

Electric shavers!
 

Exciting, I know.

The mister has requested that I give him the gift of researching what shaver is optimal to replace his existing Norelco. The latest Consumer Reports review is from '02, so not particularly helpful.

Anyone have strong opinions on particular Norelco models or on the larger topic of rotary vs foil?

Electric shavers!
 

Where exactly will he be shaving? Should this really be folded into the ball-popping thread on the FB?

Electric shavers!
 

They are all inferior. Real men use sabres.

Electric shavers!
 

I think we've had this discussion before, if you want to run a search on it.
A lot depends on 2 factors - skin sensitivity and beard thickness. If he's been happy with Norelco in the past you should look into this Norelco shaver The rechargeability and washableness and closeness of cut without irritation give a 2 thumbs up from 2 guys I know.

I gave my husband the Braun 1 year for Christmas because Consumer Reports gave it a great rating (lying bastards) and he said that it felt like it was pulling the hair out of his face by the roots. So I took it back.

Electric shavers!
 

I used to think CR was always right -- my parents must have brainwashed me -- but have been disappointed by some CR-rating-driven purchases of late. Besides, there's so much free product rating information available on the internet, the subscription cost doesn't seem worthwhile anymore.

Electric shavers!
 

CR is a nice resource for an introductory research project - like who makes what, but never take their "best buy" at face value. Just because something is a "good buy" doesn't mean it's a good product. Something that has too many features for cheap is suspect as far as quality of workmanship.

Electric shavers!
 

Sorry, no. Just the face.

(Waxing works better for other areas, anyway.)

Electric shavers!
 

OF course, much of it is posted by loners more psycho than lawyers talking about sex on an internet chat board. you get what you pay for.

Not that I'll ever buy wine based on a CR rating.

Electric shavers!
 

Ew, the horror ...

Thanks, everyone. Epinions concurs with NFH's recommendation of the Norelco 8894, which is currently the leading contender. Happily, it seems to be available for a lot less than the outrageous MSRP. (For $250, you should get not only a razor but also someone who comes to the house and gives him a shave every day.)

Electric shavers!
 

I must be a moron, but I can't make the search work in a useful way - it just identifies the threads where relevant material is located. (Not so helpful when threads are the size of the one on this board.)

What am I missing?

Electric shavers!
 

Go to "search." Under "search options," check "show results as posts" instead of the default, "show results as threads." You should find results from me asking the same question earlier.

FWIW, I'm still using a blade. And still annoyed at the time and increasing cost associated with it.

Electric shavers!
 

Your husband waxes his balls? Wow.

Electric shavers!
 

Can you shave faster with an electric?

And, what's the cost, maybe $40/year? ($1/blade; 1 blade every 10 days)